[2025 Yuncheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Statue of Emperor Guan (Updated Jul)

Yuncheng, Shanxi, with 100+ national protected sites, each a treasure. Although the main attractions are in the counties below, the urban area also has some nice places. The urban area of Yuncheng is called Yanhu District. Here are a few spots I have checked in at: 📎 Yanhu Lake: One of the world's three major salt lakes, with a history of about 50 million years. In summer, different algae in the lake multiply massively due to rising temperatures, increasing salinity and uneven density, showing different colors. You can check in at pink, purple, and green lakes. Popular photo spot on the highway, location: [Miaodongzhuang D Group Service Station] 📎 Chishen Temple: Three large halls arranged in a row, quite rare, each dedicated to a different deity. The halls are all three bays wide and three bays deep with double-eaved Xieshan-style roofs, surrounded by corridors. Climb to the top to overlook Yanhu Lake. 📎 Changping Guan Di Family Temple: The hometown of Guan Yu, said to be the earliest Guan Di temple in China, founded in the Sui Dynasty and flourishing in the Jin Dynasty, but repeatedly damaged and rebuilt. It has the mountain gate, ceremonial gate, offering hall, Chongning Hall, Niangniang Hall, Shengzu Hall, and a thousand-year-old ancient tree. The octagonal seven-story brick pagoda inside the temple commemorates Guan Yu’s parents. 📎 Guan Di Statue Scenic Area: The statue is 61 meters tall, representing Guan Gong’s age. It is currently the tallest and largest bronze statue of Guan Di in the world, made with 500 tons of copper and 2,000 tons of iron, costing 200 million yuan and taking two years to complete. 📎 Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda: A round single-story pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty. It tapers slightly from bottom to top, with patterns like diamonds, lotus flowers, and treasure covers on the top. The round body is divided into eight sections by square brick pillars, each with different carvings, and a wooden door on the south side. 📎 Shun Emperor Mausoleum: A statue of Emperor Shun, with two cypress trees over 4,000 years old behind it, said to have been planted by Emperor Shun himself. Each ancient cypress embraces a dead cypress. At the end is the Yu Emperor Shun Mausoleum, where Emperor Shun was buried after his death. The layout of the tomb in front and temple behind is unique in China. The tomb is said to have been built by Emperor Yao. 📎 Jiexian Guan Di Temple: The second floor of the Chunqiu Tower has two chrysanthemum-patterned caisson ceilings, with layers of dougong brackets hanging down, and the Bagua caisson ceiling inside the Imperial Calligraphy Tower is also exquisite. There are also the divine bravery plaque appointed by Emperor Qianlong, the "Eternal Human Grade" handwritten by Emperor Xianfeng, and the "Righteousness Illuminates the Universe" calligraphy by Emperor Kangxi. Countless archways and stone pillars. The architecture is very beautiful. ps 1. Besides these, you can also check in at Yuncheng Museum (to get a complete understanding of the attractions in Yuncheng’s counties) and Donghu Morning Market (a collection of delicacies from various counties in Yuncheng). 2. If you stay in Yuncheng for a longer time, it is recommended to buy the Yuncheng Cultural Tourism Card, which includes all the attractions mentioned above and is very cost-effective. (p3) 3. Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda and Shun Emperor Mausoleum are a bit far from the urban area. You can visit them together along the way and connect with attractions in Wanrong County like Feiyun Tower for a day trip. 4. Jiexian Guan Di Temple is also far from the urban area. You can combine it with attractions in Ruicheng like Yongle Palace or in Yongji like Guanque Tower for a day trip.

A guide to an amazing three-day, two-night independent trip to Yuncheng, Shanxi 🌟Trip Highlights: Guan Gong Culture, Salt Lake Wonders, Yellow River Scenery, Intangible Cultural Heritage Cuisine 🌸Recommended Seasons: Spring and autumn are best (April-May for the pink salt lake, September-October for pleasant weather) Day 1: Deep Dive into Guan Gong Culture 📍Morning: Jiezhou Guandi Ancestral Temple (Must-see🌟): The largest existing Guandi Temple in China. Experience the spirit of "loyalty and righteousness through the ages" and admire the ancient architecture and stone inscriptions. Changping Guandi Family Temple: Guan Yu's place of birth. Explore the family history and ancient architecture. 🍜Lunch: Wang Jian Mutton Paomo in Jiezhou Town (a local time-honored brand, with delicious soup and tender meat). 📍Afternoon: Wulongyu River: A combination of nature and Guandi culture, perfect for strolling and taking photos. Zhongyi Street: Experience the commercial atmosphere of Guan Gong culture on this ancient street (optional, not recommended, quite desolate). 🌙Evening: Yunxi Guli Homestay: An ancient-style homestay for a peaceful night. Day 2: Salt Lake Wonders and Pool Salt Culture 📍Morning: Yuncheng Salt Lake (Core Attraction🌟): Experience floating in the salt water, black mud baths (open in summer), and capture the unique landscape of the "Dead Sea of China." Climb the "Salt Lake No. 006 Lighthouse" for a panoramic view and stroll through the wetland park. 🍜Lunch: Jin Yun Huzi Big Plate Chicken in the city (the sauce mixed with noodles is exceptional). 📍Afternoon: Hedong Pool Salt Culture Expo Park: Learn about the history of salt transportation in Yuncheng and visit the Pool God Temple and Zhongjinmen Square. Fenghuang Valley Scenic Area: Climb high for an overlooking view of the salt lake and a distant view of the Zhongtiao Mountains. 🌙Evening: Lanshan Gen · Yuncheng Impression: A one-stop shop for snacks from 13 counties (such as Wenxi Scallion Pancakes and Jishan Fried Dough Twists). Taste may vary. Day 3: Yellow River Charm and Ancient Architecture Exploration 📍Morning: Yongle Palace (Must-visit🌟): The Yuan Dynasty murals, "Chaoyuan Tu," are breathtaking. Experience the pinnacle of Taoist art. Stork Tower: Climb the tower to enjoy the scenery of the Yellow River. Reciting the poem "Ascending Stork Tower" grants free admission. 🍜Lunch: Yongji Pulled Noodles in Yongji City (beef sauce with chewy noodles). 📍Afternoon: Pujiu Temple: The birthplace of the story of "Romance of the Western Chamber." Explore the Yingying Pagoda and the pear blossom courtyard. Before returning: You can visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Shun or the Houtu Temple (if time permits). 🍜Food Recommendations 1. Must-try snacks: · Mutton Paomo (Wang Jian in Jiezhou) · Yuncheng Big Plate Chicken (Jin Yun Huzi) · Ruicheng Bubble Oil Cake (crispy, sweet, and fragrant) · Wenxi Scallion Pancakes (crispy on the outside, soft on the inside) 2. Recommended meals: · Wanrong Cold Noodles (Xue's Cold Noodles, sour, spicy, and refreshing) · Fenglingdu Yellow River Fish (tender and delicious) · Futong Hui Southern-style Delicacies (intangible cultural heritage snacks, perfect as souvenirs) 🚗Practical Tips · Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car is recommended (attractions are scattered). Car rental prices are approximately CNY 200/day. · Tickets: Guandi Temple CNY 44.8, Yongle Palace CNY 45, Stork Tower CNY 40. Book one day in advance. · Accommodation: Choose Jinxin Hotel in the city (cost-effective), or Lanshan Gen Homestay for a rural experience. · Clothing: Waterproof shoes are recommended for the salt lake. Sun protection in summer (hat + sunglasses), and a jacket in spring and autumn. · Avoid: Weak signal in the salt lake area, download offline maps in advance; be cautious when buying "Guan Gong Dao" souvenirs outside the scenic area.

Shanxi Guan Yu's hometown spent 200 million yuan to build the Guandi icon. Guan Gong is 80 meters high but no tourists Shanxi is Guan Yu's home. Accurately speaking, Guan Yu is a resident of Changping Village in Shanxi Yuncheng. There is a Guandi Temple in Yuncheng District of Shanxi Province, which is the ancestral temple of Guandi Temple in the world. Changping Village is only 10 kilometers away from Yuncheng District, but almost no one knows. In Guanping's hometown, Changping Village, there is a Guandi iconatic scenic spot. Naturally, there are no tourists here, almost empty. Guan Gong's iconic scenic spot, also known as Guan Gong Film and Television City, is an antique village built on the background of Guan Gong culture. In 2000, in order to film the TV series "Wu Sheng Guan Gong", this film and television city was built. It consists of the scenes of Seoul, Guandi, Qinglongtan and Shijigou. It also photographed "Wushan Guangong". TV dramas such as "Guan Gong was born", but there has been no fire. The buildings in the scenic area have been somewhat run-down, even growing grass and no commercial facilities. However, there is a Guan Gong icon in the scenic spot that is still very attractive. Walk along the film and television city, the Guan Gong icon is on the mountain, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the top of the mountain along the steps. The mountain overlooks the entire film and television city. This statue is 80 meters high, consisting of a 61-meter bronze statue and a 19-meter base. The 61-meter symbolizes Guan Yus 61-year-old, and the 19-meter symbolizes Guan Yus 19-year-old family, which is currently the tallest in the world. Guan Gongxiang. The construction of this Guan Gong, using 500 tons of copper and 2,000 tons of iron, and this scenic spot cost 200 million yuan to build the Guan Gong culture. 2016, the event to commemorate the 1856 anniversary of the birth of Guan Gong was also held in the film city. There is also a Guandi Temple in Changping Village. Although it is not the same size as the Yuncheng District, it is also a historic cultural relic.