Mr chai Noodle

Many restaurants in Datong are closed in the afternoon. This is something that tourists who travel to Datong must prepare in advance. We originally wanted to go to another shaved noodle restaurant at noon, but when we went there, there were already a lot of people queuing up, and the store also said that there was no need to queue up anymore, because they would rest after serving the current group of guests, so we searched for various shaved noodle restaurants that were not closed in the afternoon, and found this one, which had a good rating, so we drove 🚗 straight here. 🍜 Dishes: Although it was past the lunch rush hour, this restaurant was still crowded. A few of us waited for a while and finally got a vacant seat. Fortunately, we had ordered the meal while waiting, and the dishes were served soon after we sat down. 4 people ordered 3 bowls of traditional pork noodles 🍜, with added old tofu, eggs 🥚, signature small roasted pork and tiger skin peppers as side dishes, and also ordered 1 serving of mutton offal and 1 large serving of cold dishes. The shaved noodles are very wide and solid, and paired with soup and side dishes🥬, you won't feel greasy; the mutton offal is very substantial, accompanied by hot oil, it is very satisfying to chew, and both the noodles and mutton offal are more oily, so you still have to order a cold dish and a drink🥤 to neutralize it. 🍃Environment & Service: The store is not small, but because there are too many customers, it seems crowded. The waiters in the store💁 are very busy, but although there are many people, they are not panicked and very patient👍. All kinds of side dishes and ingredients in the ordering area are placed under a transparent glass cover. Above the ordering counter is a light board of the store's signature dishes. The customers can see it clearly at a glance, which improves the efficiency of ordering. There are graphic introductions of various old-style shaved noodles on the walls around the store, and there are self-service water and noodle soup equipment at the door. Everything is very convenient. 📍Location & Transportation The store is located at the northeast entrance of the intersection of Yongtai South Road and Xiangyang Street, not far from the south gate of the ancient city. It is a lively place. It is convenient to park if you drive 🚗. If you take the bus 🚌, you need to walk 🚶 for a while, which is relatively inconvenient.

Lao Chai Sliced ​​Noodles, a Special Taste Shanxi is the hometown of noodles, with a wide variety of varieties. The "king of noodles" knife-cut noodles is the most famous. It is known as the five major noodles in China together with Beijing broth noodles, Shandong Yifu noodles, Wuhan hot dry noodles, and Sichuan Dandan noodles. In various regions of Shanxi, Datong knife-cut noodles, known as the "king of noodles", have a unique style. Among them, Dongfang, Lao Chai, Erban, and Qizhong Sliced ​​Noodles are all well-known brands. Lao Chai Sliced ​​Noodles, which started on May 8, 1986, is located in Xiangyangli, No. 468, Yongtai South Road, and has a history of more than 30 years. Lao Chai Sliced ​​Noodles are soft and hard, soft and tough, and the soup is clear. Among the beef, mutton offal, pork and other sauces, pork is the most fragrant. In Lao Chai, when eating sliced ​​noodles, the signature small roasted pork, secret meatballs, five-spice dried tofu, five-spice eggs and old vinegar are standard combinations.

🔥Datong 4-Day Crazy Fun Guide in November｜I'm Locking This Post After Seeing It on Ctrip🗿 🍂Datong in November is such a hidden gem! So few tourists you can practically have the grottoes all to yourself. The sunlight warms the Buddha statues, the fallen leaves on the ancient city walls are piled up like carpets, and even the air smells of mutton offal! I personally tested a 4-day itinerary to capture the essence of the place. Book your accommodation and tickets on Ctrip, and just follow this guide—if you encounter any problems, I'll take responsibility! 🗿4 Must-Visit Must-See Attractions (History Lovers' Delight) ✨Yungang Grottoes 💰120 The light is absolutely perfect at 10 am! The Buddha in Cave 5 has a super healing smile; standing below and looking up, you feel a sense of peace. Remember to rent an audio guide (20 yuan), otherwise you can only say "Wow, so tall!" to the rocks. ✨Huayan Temple 💰65 The Grand Hall of the Liao Dynasty is breathtaking! The Buddha statues inside the hall are 11 meters tall even when seated; your neck will ache just looking up! The "Bodhisattva with Hands Clasped and Teeth Showing" in the Bhagavan Hall is incredibly lifelike, with its lips curled up as if it's secretly smiling—no wonder it's called the "Venus of the East." ✨Hangshan Hanging Temple 💰100 (including climbing fee) This temple built on a cliff is both absurd and magical! Swaying up the wooden stairs, with a hundred-meter abyss below, even if your legs are weak, keep going! I recommend going in the morning to avoid the backlight and take better photos. ✨Datong Ancient City Wall 💰30 Rent a bicycle in the evening (40 yuan/3 hours) and ride along the city wall. The setting sun dyes the brick seams golden, and the wind whistles fallen leaves against your helmet. The creaking city gates seem to tell old stories. It's even more amazing when the lights come on at night; warm yellow light climbs the crenellations, like stepping into an ancient drama. 🍜5 Must-Try Foods 🍲Dongfang Shaved Noodles Your first meal in Datong must be shaved noodles! The chef shaves the noodles into the pot with a "swish, swish" sound, creating distinct edges. Topped with mutton sauce, tofu, and meatballs, one slurp and you feel completely satisfied. Adding an egg only costs 15 yuan—incredibly good value! 🍢Zini369 Coarse Grain Season Yellow millet jelly is a must-try! Glutinous rice wrapped around millet, dipped in honey and osmanthus sauce, is sweet but not cloying. Hunyuan cold noodles are sour and spicy, very appetizing. The noodles are smooth and slippery; dipped in chili oil and slurped up in one bite, it's so satisfying! You can eat your fill for 50 yuan per person. 🍖Shuaifu Street Rabbit Heads, etc. A long-established shop frequented by locals! The rabbit heads are braised to perfection, incredibly fragrant when broken apart and eaten, with just the right amount of spiciness. Perfect with a bottle of Datong beer! The chicken feet are also stewed until tender, falling off the bone easily. 3 for 10 yuan, a must-have for binge-watching! 🥟Lao Chai Shaved Noodles Besides shaved noodles, you must try their fried cakes! Millet wrapped around red bean paste, fried to a golden brown, hot and sweet with every bite, served with noodle soup, it warms you to the core. 3 yuan each, cheap and delicious! 🍡Fengling Pavilion The Hundred Flower Shaomai from this century-old shop is exquisite! The skin is as thin as paper, filled with different fillings; when you bite into it, the juice bursts out! Pair it with vinegar to cut the richness, and order a bowl of sour soup for a tangy and spicy appetizer. Just be sure to go early, or the queue will be endless! 🏡Accommodation Options: These 3 (Save more by booking through Ctrip) 📍Datong Hotel: An established hotel with modern decor, a 10-minute walk from the ancient city wall. Their fried cakes and mutton offal soup at breakfast are incredibly authentic! Standard rooms are just over 200 RMB, and the rooms are spacious enough to jump around in. 📍Yungang Jianguo Hotel: Close to the Yungang Grottoes, a 20-minute drive. They have family rooms suitable for families with children. At night, you can see the distant mountain shadows; it's very quiet. Booking in advance through Ctrip can save you 30 RMB. 📍Guesthouses in the Ancient City: Staying in a courtyard house is a wonderful experience! I was woken up by pigeon whistles in the morning, and when I opened the window, I saw gray-tiled rooftops. The landlady makes millet porridge for breakfast. It's a bit pricey (300+ RMB), but the experience is top-notch, perfect for those who want an immersive experience. 💡November Travel Tips 1. Dress warmly! The wind in Datong is incredibly strong in November, like tiny knives on your face. Bring a down jacket, scarf, and gloves—otherwise you'll freeze like an icicle at the Hanging Temple! 🧣 2. Wear non-slip shoes! The stone paths at Yungang Grottoes are uneven, and the stairs at the Hanging Temple are steep and narrow. Sneakers are a must. Don't wear Doc Martens; they're bulky and slippery. 3. Buy your tickets in advance on Ctrip! You can save 5-10 RMB on tickets to Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, and you won't have to queue. Just scan your ID card to enter. The money you save can buy you an extra rabbit head! 4. Don't climb the entire Hengshan Mountain! Take the cable car up the mountain (70 yuan), then hike a short distance to the top. Otherwise, the round trip will take 4 hours, leaving you too tired to move the next day. 5. Don't buy local specialties randomly in the ancient city! Astragalus and Datong daylilies are good to take home, but buy them at a supermarket. The packaging in the scenic area is flashy and expensive, offering poor value. November in Datong holds the most genuine romance of northern China. Standing beneath the Buddha statues of the Yungang Grottoes, sunlight filters through the grotto's windows, casting dappled shadows on the stones, as if the artisans of a thousand years ago were carving right beside you. The fallen leaves on the ancient city walls rustle underfoot, and the distant cries of vendors selling shaved noodles mingle with the temple bells, warming your heart. Sitting in a noodle shop in the evening, watching the chef shave noodles and smelling the aroma of mutton broth, you suddenly understand why some say, "The most down-to-earth happiness is hidden in the everyday life of Datong." This warmth, imbued with historical depth, can only be truly understood by experiencing it firsthand. Right now, I just want to bundle up in my down jacket and go see the Buddha at sunset at Yungang Grottoes one more time! #PlacesMyWeChatIsVisiting #FoodFestival #HomestaysThatMakeYouLikeYourDream #LayingDownTheRestAndTakingTheKidsTricks #MyLEGOLandland #DatongTravelGuide #NovemberTravel #CtripGuide #ShanxiTravel #YungangGrottoksCheckIn

Having returned from Datong for some time, the city's Northern Wei Dynasty heritage and modern coal-mining landscape remain vivid in my memory. If you ask me for my opinion of Datong, I would say: it's a "living fossil" of northern Chinese history; a single visit will leave you longing to return! I've put a lot of effort into compiling a 3-day in-depth travel guide, from must-see historical sites to local delicacies, and a precisely planned itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your time in Datong. 【Must-See Historical Sites】 • Yungang Grottoes: Admission 120 RMB. One of China's four major grottoes, an artistic treasure of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The 53 caves contain over 2,000 statues with diverse expressions. The open-air Buddha in Cave 20 is particularly magnificent; standing beneath it, you can almost feel the pulse of religion and art from a thousand years ago. • Huayan Temple: Admission 50 yuan. A Buddhist architectural complex from the Liao and Jin dynasties. The main hall houses statues of the Five Buddhas and exquisite murals. The "Heavenly Palace Pavilion" in the Bojia Teaching Hall is a marvel of Liao Dynasty architecture, a pilgrimage site for ancient architecture enthusiasts. • Hanging Temple: Admission 15 yuan (climbing fee 100 yuan). Built on the cliffs of Hengshan Mountain, it has a history of over 1500 years. Its architectural layout is thrilling and unique. Li Bai once inscribed the words "Magnificent," a perfect combination of mechanics and aesthetics. • Datong Ancient City Wall: Admission free (climbing fee 30 yuan). A relatively well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall, with a circumference of 7.2 kilometers. Climbing the wall offers panoramic views of the ancient city. At night, when the lights are on, it feels like stepping back into a border town from the Ming and Qing dynasties. 【Food Recommendations】 • Knife-cut noodles: Approximately 15 yuan per bowl. The most representative noodle dish of Datong, the noodles are shaved with a knife, resulting in distinct edges. Served with bone broth, beef sauce, or mutton sauce, topped with dried tofu and cilantro, it has a chewy texture and rich aroma. • Hunyuan cold noodles: Approximately 10 yuan per bowl. Made from potato starch, these noodles are translucent and served with chili oil, aged vinegar, cilantro, and cucumber shreds. They have a smooth texture, a tangy and spicy flavor, and are a refreshing summer treat. • Oat noodles (莜面栲栳栳): Approximately 25 yuan per serving. Oat noodles are rolled into rolls and steamed, then dipped in mutton sauce or tomato sauce. The aroma of the oat noodles blends perfectly with the rich flavor of the sauce, making it a specialty staple food of northern Shanxi. • Yellow rice cake: Approximately 8 yuan per serving. Made from millet, it is steamed and then dipped in meat and vegetables. It has a sticky and glutinous texture, is very filling, and is a traditional local delicacy of Datong. • Lamb Offal Rice Noodles: Approximately 20 yuan per bowl. The lamb offal is cleaned thoroughly without any gamey smell, paired with rice noodles. The broth is rich and flavorful, sprinkled with scallions and chili peppers. A heartwarming and comforting meal for winter. 【Recommended Restaurants】 • Fengling Pavilion (Gulou Branch): Recommended dish is "Hundred Flower Shaomai" (around 80 yuan per person). The shaomai are shaped like flowers with a variety of fillings. Other local specialties include braised pork and sweet and sour meatballs. The ambiance is antique and elegant, showcasing the culture of Shanxi merchants. • Lao Chai Knife-Cut Noodles (Caochangcheng Branch): Knife-cut noodles are their signature dish. Recommended are beef and lamb knife-cut noodles. A satisfying meal for around 20 yuan per person, this is a popular noodle shop among locals. • Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season (Huayan Temple Branch): Specializing in Shanxi coarse grain dishes, must-try items include oat noodles and yellow millet cake. Around 60 yuan per person, you can experience authentic northern Shanxi farmhouse flavors. 【3-Day Itinerary】 Day 1: Yungang Grottoes + Datong Ancient City Wall • In the morning, visit the Yungang Grottoes and spend 3-4 hours appreciating the artistic charm of the grotto statues. It is recommended to hire a guide or rent an audio guide to learn more about the story behind each statue. • Lunch at a restaurant near the grottoes, enjoying local farm-style cuisine. • In the afternoon, return to the city and visit the Datong Ancient City Wall. Stroll along the wall, observing the layout of the ancient city's streets and alleys. Enjoy the sunset view from the wall in the evening. • In the evening, dine at Fengling Pavilion in the ancient city, savoring the "Hundred Flowers Shaomai" (a type of steamed dumpling). After dinner, stroll through the ancient city at night, experiencing the charm of this frontier city. Day 2: Huayan Temple + Hanging Temple + Hengshan Mountain • In the early morning, visit Huayan Temple to experience the solemnity and exquisite beauty of Liao and Jin Buddhist architecture. A highlight is the small wooden structures in the Bojiajiaozang Hall. • Lunch in the city, trying some knife-cut noodles. • In the afternoon, visit the Hanging Temple and climb to its summit to experience the breathtaking architecture. Afterwards, you can head to Hengshan Mountain (if time permits) to appreciate its majestic grandeur. • In the evening, return to the city and enjoy a bowl of authentic knife-cut noodles at Lao Chai Noodles. Day 3: Datong Museum + Slow Stroll Through the Ancient City Streets + Return Trip Preparations • In the morning, visit the Datong Museum to learn about Datong's historical evolution from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The museum boasts a rich collection, especially its artifacts from the Northern Wei period. • For lunch, dine at Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season and sample coarse grain delicacies such as oat noodles. • In the afternoon, stroll through the streets and alleys of the ancient city, including places like the Four Archways and Chunyang Palace, to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the old town. If time permits, you can visit the East Small Town. Afterwards, pack your luggage and conclude your trip. 【Important Notes】 • Transportation: The distances between attractions in Datong are not too far. Taxis or public buses are readily available within the city. For the Hanging Temple and Hengshan Mountain, it is recommended to hire a car or join a tour (local car hire costs approximately 300-400 RMB/day). • Clothing: Datong experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, especially in spring and autumn; a thick coat is necessary. Summer sunshine is strong, so take precautions against sunburn. Winters are cold, so dress warmly. • Photography: Please refrain from using flash photography at historical sites such as the Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple to respect cultural relics. When climbing the Hanging Temple, please be careful and maintain a firm footing when taking photos. • Avoid Peak Seasons: The Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple are very crowded during peak seasons (May Day, National Day, and summer vacation). It is recommended to visit on weekdays or plan your visit in advance. The beauty of Datong lies in its millennia-old history and the fusion of northern charm and Central Plains culture. Three days, though short, were enough to leave a lasting impression. May this guide help you have a memorable trip to Datong, capturing the ancient and modern beauty of northern China in your memories. #DatongShanxi #YungangGrottoes #HangingTemple #DatongTravel #HistoricalRelics

Listen to my advice! Don't go to Jinci Temple in Shanxi in November 😭 The golden leaves and ancient architecture are so enticing you won't want to leave! Who understands?! Jinci Temple in November is the epitome of autumn romance! 500-year-old ginkgo trees pave a golden road, red walls reflect flying eaves, and the air is filled with the aroma of mutton soup and wheat cakes. You'll be walking until your legs are sore but you still won't want to leave. This trip is truly worth crying over! 🌍【Transportation Guide｜Direct Route Guide】 As someone who's terrible with directions, I can attest to this: getting to Jinci Temple is a breeze! - Public Transportation: Take bus 804 or sightseeing bus 1 from the city center directly to the terminal station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs only 1.5 yuan. You can also enjoy the street scenes of Taiyuan along the way. If you're starting from Taiyuan South Station, take bus 79 directly to the entrance of the scenic area—super convenient. - Taxi Drivers: A taxi from the city center costs about 40 yuan. Sharing a ride is even cheaper, taking only 20 minutes. Perfect for those who want to get there early for photo opportunities. - Avoid these scams: Don't take unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers on the street. Claims of "getting free admission through the back door" are all scams. Stick to official transportation for the safest option. 🎫【Tickets + Timing | Off-Peak Travel for the Best Experience】 - Tickets: November is off-season, tickets are 65 RMB per person, 15 RMB cheaper than peak season! Be sure to buy tickets in advance on the Ctrip app. You can enter by scanning your ID card, avoiding on-site ticket exchanges and saving you a lot of time. - Best Time: Arrive before 9 AM! Tour groups usually start arriving after 10 AM, so going early allows you to enjoy peace and quiet, with softer sunlight for better photos. - Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours is sufficient. Take your time to explore, take photos, and rest. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as there's a lot of walking within the scenic area. 📸【Photo Spots｜Autumn Photography Tips】 Jinci Temple in November is a natural photo studio. These spots are a must-visit: - Wang Qiong Temple Ginkgo: The 500-year-old ginkgo tree is absolutely stunning! Golden leaves carpet the ground, framed against the red walls and flying eaves of the halls. Stand under the tree and shoot upwards; the sunlight filtering through the branches creates an incredibly atmospheric scene. - Yuzhao Flying Bridge: The "ancestor of overpasses" from the Northern Song Dynasty, this cross-shaped ancient bridge is incredibly unique! Stand in the center of the bridge for a panoramic view of the Holy Mother Hall. A masterpiece praised by Liang Sicheng, every shot feels like stepping back in time. - Under the Zhou Cypress Tree: The 2600-year-old Zhou Cypress tree, though fallen, is still vibrant, nestled alongside the Tang Dynasty locust tree. Wear simple clothing and stand beside the tree for a side-view shot for an instant classical-style masterpiece. - Photography Tips: Use leaves as a foreground to blur the background, or capture the dappled light and shadow on the red walls. A trick to avoid crowds is to crouch down and shoot close-up details with the sky for an instantly sophisticated look. 👗【Outfit Suggestions｜Slimming and Photogenic】 In November, Taiyuan's temperature is around 5-15℃, with cool mornings and evenings. Your outfit should balance warmth and style: - Solid colors are the best choice: off-white coats, oatmeal-colored sweaters, and khaki trench coats go perfectly with the golden ginkgo leaves and red walls of ancient buildings, without being overly photogenic. - For a traditional Chinese style: Bring a light Hanfu or a modified cheongsam, paired with a shawl for warmth. Take photos at places like the Fish Pond Flying Bridge and the Holy Mother Temple, and you'll feel like you've traveled back to the Northern Song Dynasty. - Accessories to Enhance Your Look: Berets, scarves, and small handbags not only keep you warm but also add depth to your photos. Choose light colors or burgundy to match the autumn atmosphere. 😋【Jinci Surrounding Food | So Delicious You'll Want to Lick the Plate】 After visiting Jinci, be sure to try these local delicacies, each embodying the flavors of Jin: - Prince's Meat Soup: Tender and flavorful mutton cubes, the broth is simmered for 4 hours, rich yet refreshing. Sprinkled with cilantro, each bite warms you to the core. It's said to have been a dish served to Tang Shuyu. - King Jin's Wheat Cake: Palm-sized wheat cakes, imprinted with the character "Jin" on the surface. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet with a hint of salt, the aroma of sesame and jujube paste is incredibly rich. Buy a couple as a snack, perfect for a tiring walk. - Jinci Rice: Rice irrigated with the Jin River, the grains are long and plump, with a soft and sticky texture. Served with local side dishes, it's simple yet incredibly fragrant. After eating refined rice, the natural aroma of this rice is so comforting. - Lao Chai's Knife-Cut Noodles: An old shop not far from the scenic area. The hand-cut noodles are chewy and smooth, served with a beef broth and a braised egg. Locals love it, and it's great value for money. ⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls | Sincere Sharing】 - The scenic area has free parks and paid museums. Don't waste too much time in the free parks; the core attractions are in the paid areas. Head straight to the museums to make the most of your time. - Don't hire the unlicensed guides at the entrance! They charge 50 yuan and their explanations are often incoherent. It's better to watch "A Thousand-Year-Old Garden: Jinci" on Bilibili beforehand and explore on your own. - Stamp collectors take note: The entrance shop sells "Passport" (15 yuan) which allows you to collect 10+ Jinci-themed stamps, adding a sense of ceremony. However, don't buy the expensive souvenirs; they're not worth the price. - Nanlao Spring is now artificially replenished. Although it's not the original spring, the pavilions and caissons are incredibly ornate, and the plaque inscribed by Fu Shan is worth seeing. No need to specifically look for the "real spring." Jinci in November offers a blend of ancient architectural grandeur, gentle autumn romance, and unforgettable cuisine, making it a truly captivating city. Without the peak season crowds, it boasts just the right amount of tranquility and beauty – autumn should be enjoyed like this! 🍂 Save this guide and quickly gather your friends for a trip! Those who have been there are welcome to leave comments sharing your hidden gems; those who haven't been can ask questions, and I'll answer to the best of my knowledge! #ShanxiTourism #ShanxiTravelGuide #PlacesYourWeChatFriendsAreAskedAbout #OffTheBeatenPathsDiscovery #CityCultureNotes