The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs recently released a list of 55 high-quality rural tour routes and 176 recommended villages, with five villages in or near Yunqiu Mountain in Xiangning county, Shanxi province, included on the list.  

Here are the five recommended administrative villages in the county.

Dahe village in Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province [Photo/shanxi.gov.cn] 

Dahe village

Dahe village is located at an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters and boasts a rare geological wonder – a rare group of super-large ice caves. It is also home to the ancient Taerpo village.

Taerpo village has taken steps to highlight its unique folk culture, with villagers showcasing traditional handicrafts for tourists, including grinding tofu, embroidery and tie-dyeing. Locals also perform traditional wedding customs, shadow plays and folk songs, and sell local handicrafts.

Address: Dahe village, Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province

Tel: 0357-6034567

Banershang village at the foot of Yunqiu Mountain has beautiful landscapes, a superior natural environment and profound historical and cultural heritage. [Photo/shanxi.gov.cn]

Banershang village

Banershang village is located at the foot of Yunqiu Mountain and has beautiful landscapes, a superior natural environment and profound historical and cultural heritage.

The village has complete infrastructure and is home to a national intangible cultural heritage item – the Zhonghe Festival (a traditional Chinese festival for unmarried men and women to go on blind dates). Locals are known for making traditional handicrafts such as decorated steamed buns and ironware.

Address: Banershang village, Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province

A featured inn in Kangjiaping village, Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province [Photo/shanxi.gov.cn]

Kangjiaping village

Kangjiaping village has lush vegetation and a quiet environment. The village buildings are mostly stone cave dwellings with stone domes and date to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

In 2018, the village underwent renovations to create characteristic homestays. The homestays are secluded in the mountains and forests and make use of traditional cave dwellings decked out with handmade wooden furniture.

At present, Suitu Courtyard, Fangni Building, Kanghe Courtyard, Guangming Courtyard and Yushun Courtyard, are open to the public. They are equipped with supporting facilities and services such as book bars, bars, hot springs, coffee shops and specialty restaurants.

Address: Kangjiaping village, Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province

Xiachuan village

Xiachuan village boasts unique natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage and is a vital location for military strategists. It has also been an important site for business travelers since ancient times.

There are many historical buildings in the village that reflect the folk culture and regional characteristics of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties. Thus, the village has high historical, artistic, scientific and cultural values.

Address: Xianchuan village, Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province

Donggou village

Donggou village is famous for Anfen ancient village, a historic settlement under Donggou's administration. The 250-hectare ancient village on the north side of Yunqiu Mountain has numerous relics, including the city gates, rammed earth walls and residential courtyards from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Anfen ancient village offers visitors opportunities to view relics of the Tang Dynasty and experience local folk customs and homestays.

Address: Donggou village, Guanwangmiao township, Xiangning county, Linfen city, Shanxi province