Things to do in Youyu County

The majestic pass of Shaohukou allows you to feel the momentum of going out of the pass to kill the enemy in ancient times. This fortress at the junction of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia has had a great influence on the inland Central Plains since the Ming Dynasty.

A trip to northern Shanxi is incomplete without visiting the Yungang Grottoes, one of China's four major grottoes and a treasure trove of stone carving art created by the Northern Wei Dynasty with its immense national resources. Located on the southern slope of Wuzhou Mountain, over 50,000 Buddha statues stand silently on a kilometer-long cliff face, their spirit undiminished by millennia of wind and sand. The Five Caves of Tan Yao are a must-see. The five colossal Buddhas are magnificent, their faces embodying the robust and rugged spirit of the early Northern Wei Dynasty, representing the essence of the entire grotto. Further along the path, the style of the statues gradually evolves, with increasingly delicate details. The flying apsaras and musicians are vividly depicted, clearly showing the fusion of Chinese and foreign art. It is highly recommended to hire a guide to understand the story behind each Buddha statue, preventing a superficial visit. The lighting inside the caves is dim; flash photography is prohibited.

Youwei Ancient City is a military stronghold of successive dynasties, 10 kilometers north of Shaohukou. In Chinese history, Zhou attacked Xianyun, Qin attacked Gunnu, Tang conquered Turks and Khitans, Song fought Liao and Jin, and Ming resisted Tatars.

Majestic wooden pagoda with the breathtaking painting inside.

The tour guide's explanations were meticulous and thorough, demonstrating a solid foundation in history and professional competence. Many easily overlooked historical details were covered, and the entire trip was very rewarding. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the trip!

The sad and moving song "Going West" sings out the bitterness of countless migrant workers, and also sings out the countless customs of this place. The customs and scenery of Shaohukou are charming and have a profound cultural heritage.

Jinci Temple truly deserves its reputation as the pinnacle of ancient architecture in Shanxi and the oldest existing royal garden in China. The three treasures and three wonders of Jinci are full of highlights: the majestic dragon pillars of the Holy Mother Hall, the unique cross-shaped ancient bridge over the Fish Pond, and the lifelike Song Dynasty female attendant statues inside the hall, each with a distinct expression. The thousand-year-old Zhou Cypress trees remain lush and verdant despite the ravages of time, and the Nanlao Spring flows ceaselessly. Nestled amidst mountains and water, the ancient temple possesses both the grandeur of northern architecture and the delicate beauty brought by the water system. Without a guide, it's easy to miss the details; hiring a guide or renting an audio guide is highly recommended. A leisurely half-day is just right to experience the historical depth that spans a millennium.

It's definitely worth a visit. Huayan Temple in Datong Ancient City was built during the Liao, Jin, and Northern Wei dynasties. The architecture is magnificent and simple, and it's remarkably well-preserved. The Buddha statues inside are solemn and dignified, with vivid depictions. The murals, though hundreds of years old, remain remarkably vibrant. We are grateful to the people of Datong for protecting them so well.

The autumn scenery of Youyu Thirty-two Great Walls is very beautiful. It is a niche place, and there are not many people even during the National Day. The road leading to the Thirty-two Villages is a mountain road. Although it is not difficult, it is narrow. In some places, you have to give way in advance if you meet other cars. Be careful if you drive there by yourself.