2026 Suide Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

On the second day of the Yulin trip, it indeed started to rain, and quite heavily. So today was mainly spent indoors, with the first stop being the Shaanbei Folk Custom Museum. The museum is located at the northwest corner of the ancient city, very close to the hotel. Yulin is situated in northern Shaanxi, where the folk culture of Shaanbei represents the local laborers' pursuit of existence and continuity of life. It embodies the survival order of the Shaanbei people and is rich in content and meaning, reflected in all aspects of daily life and production, characterized by its ancient, diverse, and original traits. The closed geography, open history, and traditional customs of Shaanbei give its folk culture a distinct Greater China flavor while also showcasing a unique frontier regional charm, vivid and lively. From the foyer into the exhibition halls, themes such as the foundation of survival, the flavor of the homeland, the clothing of the loess plateau, living spaces, the soul of life, craftsmanship, and the spirit of the times gradually unfold. Historically, Shaanbei was a borderland where the vast desert dunes meet the Loess Plateau, where nomadic culture and farming civilization blend, and where the Great Wall and the Yellow River converge. Long-term wars forced the people of Shaanbei on the loess highlands to live under harsh and isolated survival pressures, leading to a lifestyle of “working at sunrise, resting at sunset, drinking from wells, and eating what they farm.” With constant conflicts between north and south and regular exchanges between east and west, Shaanbei’s cuisine gained more variety. The distinctive Shaanbei flavors not only delight the palate but also offer a chance to savor the Chinese stories behind these delicacies. The clothing colors of the Shaanbei Loess Plateau may seem simple but contain extremely rich aesthetic connotations, reflecting the profound influence of regional factors on people’s aesthetic concepts to varying degrees. The solar worship songs, dances, and yangko folk performances for deity worship in Shaanbei embody the wisdom, joys, sorrows, and reverence of the local laborers, carrying the profound respect of the Shaanbei people for their original state and life experiences. The ancient and diverse Shaanbei culture, after thousands of years of integration and development, has nurtured a vast array of intricate crafts with broad themes and rich content. Each craft represents a dedication to the spirit of craftsmanship, and every step in the process is a continuation of cultural and artistic heritage. Inside the museum, a corridor made of Shaanbei dough flowers is truly stunning. This intangible cultural heritage, still called “Zi Tui” in the Huaining River basin, straightforwardly reveals the origin of the Cold Food Festival and the dough flower tradition. Zi Tui refers to Jie Zitui, a loyal minister of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period, who once “cut flesh to offer to his lord” during Duke Chong’er’s exile. After Chong’er regained his throne as Duke Wen of Jin, Jie Zitui retired with his mother to Mount Mian. To force him out, Duke Wen set fire to the mountain, but Jie Zitui died embracing a willow tree. Filled with remorse, Duke Wen decreed a fire ban on the day of Jie Zitui’s death, marking the Cold Food Festival to mourn him—this is the festival’s origin. Every old artifact’s era representation condenses the collective memory of the Shaanbei people, and every traditional craft tells the ordinary lives of Shaanbei residents. Let the city keep its memories, let people remember their nostalgia—the museum’s significance lies precisely in this.

Under the blue sky, Suide Shuangshui Village resembles a painting of northern Shaanxi life, imbued with the hues of time. Stone-built cave dwellings with crumbling walls and broken eaves stand silently on the mountain slopes. Among the rough stones, one can still discern the warmth of the craftsmen's hands from yesteryear, and the mottled wall plaster seems to narrate the struggles of Sun Shaoping and others from "Ordinary World." A few budding trees peek out from the cracks in the stones, their tender green new leaves intertwining with withered brown grass, swaying in the May breeze, embodying the cycle of life. Every piece of loess here is steeped in profound memories: the winding paths on the slopes were once trodden by the footprints of herders; the collapsed chimneys seem to still carry the smoke from farmhouses; and the window frames, eroded by wind and rain, perhaps once reflected the silhouettes of scholars reading by lamplight. Looking up, the sky is clear as if freshly washed, with white clouds, like wisps of cotton, drifting low over the mountain ridges, casting light and shadow upon the weathered stone walls. In the flickering light and shadow, one almost hears the Xintianyou (folk songs) from the plateau traversing time and space, echoing through the ravines. The beauty of Shuangshui Village is its unadorned simplicity, its composure forged by enduring hardships. It slows down time, allowing every speck of dust to carry a story, quietly guarding the spiritual home of a generation within the folds of the Loess Plateau. Address: Guojiagou Village, Mantangchuan Town, Suide County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Remote village, self-driving or taking a taxi from Suide is recommended.

Don't want to be crowded during holidays? Reverse travel straight to the Shaanbei Grand Loop! Personally tested, almost no tourist crowds throughout the trip, no queues for photos, very low prices for food and accommodation, niche and healing 🌿 Yulin, a low-key ancient city hidden in northern Shaanxi Historically a key military town on the nine borders, the Ming Great Wall runs across the entire area Zhenbeitai is known as the First Tower of the Great Wall 🏯 Nomadic and agricultural civilizations blend and collide here, full of profound heritage Not only rich in culture, but the natural scenery is also stunning Deserts, Danxia landforms, lakes, and plateaus all in one trip A loop tour to see thousands of sights in northern Shaanxi, with excellent cost performance! 🚗 Shaanbei Five-Day Grand Loop Route Guide Day 1: Yulin → Hanging Temple Grottoes → Wanfo Cave (Wangshagou Grottoes) → Li Zicheng's Palace → Yaodong Ancient City → Baiyun Mountain Temple → Xianglu Temple → Stay in Jia County Day 2: Jia County → Chang Family Manor → Jiang Family Manor → Yangjia Valley → Shuangshui Village (Suide) → Dang Family Manor → Stay in Suide Day 3: Suide → Zhongshan Grottoes → Wave Valley → Stay in Jingbian Day 4: Jingbian → Tongwan City → Boluo Ancient Castle → Red Stone Gorge → Zhenbeitai → Stay in Yulin Day 5: Yulin Weicheng (Six-Story Riding Street) → Abacus Museum → Shaanbei Folk Customs Museum → Shaanbei Folk Song Museum → Leisurely stroll to fill in any gaps ✅ Travel advice: Self-driving or chartered car preferred, prioritize SUVs for better adaptation to mountain and desert roads 📒 Thoughtful Travel Tips ❶ Lazy route for Yulin Weicheng: Lingxiao Tower → Camel Statue → Zhenyuan Gate → City Wall → Wenchang Pavilion → Wanfo Building → Xingming Building → Bell Tower → Bell Tower Alley, all on the way without detours; ❷ Accommodation is best around Yulin Weicheng, very convenient for sightseeing, eating, and checking in at historical sites;

“Women from Mizhi, men from Suide,” this folk saying has made Mizhi famous. But the charm of this “thousand-year-old county” goes far beyond that—it is the nation’s only “Cave Dwelling Ancient City,” a model for ecological restoration on the Loess Plateau, and a Shaanbei food town full of everyday life and warmth. 🏜️ Why visit Mizhi? Three irresistible reasons 1. Step into a “living” cave dwelling museum: Mizhi Cave Dwelling Ancient City is the only ancient city in China built entirely in the cave dwelling style. This is not a recreated ancient street; locals still live in Ming and Qing dynasty-style cave courtyard homes, full of authentic daily life. 2. Explore Shaanbei culture and the spirit of Gaoxigou: This is the hometown of Diaochan and the birthplace of the King of the Rebels, as well as a red revolutionary site. Gaoxigou Village has transformed the loess gullies into a “South of the Great Wall” landscape, a place to experience the hardworking spirit of Shaanbei people. 3. For the delicious flavors of the “Millet Hometown”: Mizhi millet is a nationally recognized geographical indication product, with porridge that is golden and translucent and rich in millet oil. Additionally, specialties like donkey intestine and lamb offal stew leave a lasting impression. 🗺️ How to explore? Core attractions and recommended routes Recommended 2 days 1 night or 1-day in-depth tour: Morning (History & Culture Route): · Li Zicheng’s Palace: Built against the mountain, grand in scale, learn about the legendary life of the King of the Rebels. · Mizhi Cave Dwelling Ancient City: Stroll along East Street and North Street, watch traditional blacksmithing and mooncake baking, and touch the traces of time. Afternoon (Ecology or Art Route): · Route A (Ecological Model) Gaoxigou Village: Climb high to overlook terraced fields and forest seas, visit the Millet Museum, and watch a live Yangge opera. · Route B (Artistic Secret) Wanfo Cave / Ge’ao Shop: The Wanfo Cave grottoes are exquisitely stunning; Ge’ao Shop is a sketching base on the Loess Plateau, full of artistic atmosphere. Evening and Accommodation: · Wohu Bay / Xiangfeng Mountain: Hike to watch the sunset and overlook Mizhi’s night view. · Accommodation suggestions: Stay in the county town (such as Jintai or Meihao Yizhi) for convenient transportation, or stay in cave dwelling homestays to experience warmth in winter and coolness in summer. 🍜 What to eat? Food and accommodation guide Must-try foods: For breakfast, millet porridge with lamb offal stew; for lunch, donkey intestine (eat with garlic), mixed three delicacies, and yellow millet steamed buns; for late-night snacks, head to the night market at the intersection of Yinzhou Middle Road to try grilled skewers and spicy lamb hooves. Popular local shops: Changqiang Donkey Meat (famous for donkey meat), Feng Yong Roujiamo, and Xiao Jun Lamb Offal Stew are all old favorites among locals. Accommodation options: For comfort, choose Meihao Yizhi (near Diaochan Park, excellent service) or Jintai Hotel (near the night market, breakfast features specialty pig trotters); for an authentic experience, stay in farmhouse cave dwellings in Gaoxigou. 💡 Essential tips before you go · Best seasons: May (when mountain flowers bloom) and September-October (clear autumn skies, golden grain ears, and ripe apples). · Transportation: Train (take a high-speed train from Xi’an/Yulin to Mizhi Station) or self-driving (navigate to the county town, roads are in good condition). · Clothing and customs: The Loess Plateau is windy and sandy; bring lip balm and a scarf. Do not step on the thresholds when entering cave dwellings, and turn off flash when taking photos to protect cultural relics.

· *📅Best Season:** The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month to the 15th day of the first lunar month.** The festive atmosphere is strongest during this time! Folk activities such as Yangko dance, the Nine-Bend Dance, and the Fire Tower performance are all featured. Temperatures can drop to -10℃ to 5℃, so thick down jackets are essential. · *🚗Transportation Guide** ▪️External: 2.5 hours by high-speed train from Xi'an to Yulin Station, or a direct flight to Yuyang Airport. ▪️Internal: The attractions are scattered, so hiring a car is recommended (approximately 500 RMB/day). For taxis within the city, use the "Tuocheng Travel" mini-program.** 🏮2-Day Itinerary**** Day 1: Immerse yourself in the traditional customs of Yulin Ancient City** Morning: Take photos of the snow-covered Great Wall at Zhenbeitai → Enjoy the icefall spectacle at Hongshixia. Afternoon: Watch Shaanxi paper-cutting/iron flower performance at Yulin Old Street (starts at 6:00 PM). Evening: Enjoy the night view of the "Six-Story Riding Street" at Confucius Temple + a hearty meal of "Three Delicacies" to warm up. · *Day 2: In-depth experience of Suide folk customs** Morning: Suide Han Dynasty Stone Carving Museum → Listen to authentic Xintianyou (a type of folk song) at Sanlipu. Afternoon: Take photos of the snow-covered cave dwellings at Dang Family Manor → Participate in the Nine-Bend Yellow River Array for blessings. Evening: Enjoy roasted yellow steamed buns around a fire pit and watch a spectacular waist drum performance (check performance times in advance). · *📸Optimal Photo Spots** 1️⃣ Zhenbeitai, the highest beacon tower: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the winding Great Wall across the snowy plains. 2️⃣ Hongshixia Cliff Carvings: Use icicles as a foreground to photograph the sunset over the grottoes. 3️⃣ Cave Dwelling Inn Window Decorations: Warm yellow lighting + paper-cut silhouettes create a wonderful atmosphere. · *⚠️Avoidance Tips** ❌ Do not wear light-colored shoes (the yellow soil gets dirty easily) | ✅ Bring a sand-proof face towel + snow chains. ❌ Folk performances require advance reservations | ✅ Contact a local guide to book VIP viewing areas. ❌ The kang (heated brick bed) is quite hard | ✅ Choose a modern cave dwelling hotel such as "Mahuangliang Loess Geological Park B&B". · *💰Per Person Budget (2 days 1 night)** · *Transportation NT$400 + Accommodation NT$300 + Food NT$200 + Entrance Fees & Activities NT$300 ≈ **1200 RMB** · *🏨Preferred Accommodation** ▪️Unique Experience: Stay at a guesthouse in Guojiagou Village, Suide, sleep on a heated kang bed and enjoy a fried cake feast. ▪️Comfortable Choice: Yulin People's Building, with ample underfloor heating and close to the old street. 📌Tips: Some restaurants are closed during the Spring Festival, so it's recommended to stay in a hotel that includes breakfast and bring self-heating food for emergencies.

✨【Suide at a Glance】✨ Found a treasure! This cultural secret spot in Northern Shaanxi hides the legend of the "Mizhi Wife and Suide Han"🌄 Stroll through the ancient city as if traveling through a time tunnel, with stone carving art everywhere and the unforgettable lamb noodles~Grab this complete guide now! 🚗【Transportation】🚗 Best options from Xi’an to Suide: ✔️ For the lazy: High-speed train + regular train (3.5h 💰170+) ✔️ Budget option: Direct green train (6h 💰72 hard seat) ✔️ Self-driving: Take the Baoji-Maoming Expressway (5h ⛽ tolls about 200) 💫【Must-Visit Attractions】💫 Photo 1️⃣ top right is the same spot! 🔸 Shushu Mountain Scenic Area (Free!) ✨ Highest point overlooking the city, stunning sunset views 🔸 Yongle Gate 📷 Timeless photo spot at the ancient city gate, wearing Hanfu makes photos pop 🔸 Famous Cliff Inscriptions of the World 🖌️ Calligraphy lovers rejoice! Authentic works by masters through the ages 🍜【Suide Food Highlights】🍜 🔥 Top 3 Intangible Cultural Heritage Lamb Noodles: 1️⃣ Wang Maoyuan at Sishilipu (Old brand) 🍜 Lamb + local pepper leaves = heavenly aroma! 2️⃣ Lei Guohui Lamb Noodles 💯 Perfect with garlic cloves and chili oil drizzle ⚠️ Tip: Avoid buying vacuum-packed to take home! 🏡【Accommodation Tips】🏡 ✔️ Recommended to stay in the city center ✔️ If budget allows, try a cave dwelling homestay ✔️ Off-season rates can be as low as 200+/night for a great stay 📸【Photo Guide】📸 Ancient streets in morning light|Cliff inscriptions at dusk|Yongle Gate by night 👗 Outfit suggestion: Hanfu or vintage style for better photos 💰【Cost Reference】💰 300-500 per person/day (Includes transportation, accommodation + lamb noodles every meal) 🌈【2 Days 1 Night Itinerary】🌈 Day 1: Morning → Climb Shushu Mountain⛰️ Noon → Devour lamb noodles🍜 Afternoon → Learn at the museum🎨 Evening → Night shots at Yongle Gate📸 Day 2: Morning → Treasure hunt at the cliff inscriptions Noon → Youxuan (oil spiral bread) with lamb soup🍲 Afternoon → Stroll along the Wuding Riverbank 💡【Fun Facts】💡 ✓ Li Zicheng is a native of Suide ✓ One of the birthplaces of Northern Shaanxi folk songs ✓ Paper-cutting art is very distinctive

Recommended Attractions · Qiankun Bay Scenic Area: Located on Tuqian Road, the Yellow River forms five "S"-shaped bends here, with Qiankun Bay curving up to 320 degrees, making it especially spectacular. The scenic area also includes Qingshui Bay, Huifeng Fort, the Red Army East Expedition Revolutionary Memorial Hall, and more. Visitors can also experience the Yellow River cableway and canyon rafting. · Wen'an Yi Ancient Town: Built during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing period, it is famous for its cave dwellings. The town houses historical sites such as Wenzhou Academy and the Northern Wei History Museum, along with modern elements like the Zhiqing Wall, all open for free visits. · Guojia Gou Lu Yao Former Residence: Located in Guojia Gou Village, it features exhibitions like the Blossoming Mountain Flowers Hall and Glorious Life Hall. It has also restored the "Shuangshui Village" primary school and village brigade office, allowing visitors to experience the world depicted by Lu Yao. Admission is 30 RMB. · Liangjiahe Village: One of the pilot villages for new rural construction, visitors can tour the village history museum and former residences of educated youth to learn about the era of the educated youth. · Yongping Revolutionary Memorial Scenic Area: Located in Yongping Town, it includes the former site of the Northwest Revolutionary Military Committee and the Yongping Meeting Memorial Hall. The red education base charges a service fee of 30 RMB and offers interactive programs such as the Shaanbei Grand Yangko dance. Recommended Food · Minjie: A mixed flour made from peas and wheat, served with condiments. It is light, tasty, and has a bean fragrance. · Tan Huang'er: Golden yellow in color, sweet and delicious, available in fermented and non-fermented varieties, with optional seasonings according to preference. · Yanchuan Huoshao: Flat and round like a baked cake, stuffed like a dumpling, with a thin crust and abundant filling, crispy outside and soft inside. · Yangyu Caca: Potatoes grated into thin slices, mixed with flour and steamed, then seasoned or stir-fried before eating. Recommended Accommodation · Qiankun Bay Resort: Located near Qiankun Bay, composed of cave dwellings, offering direct views of Qiankun Bay. · Nianpan Homestay: Situated in Nianpan Village within the Qiankun Bay Scenic Area, featuring Shaanbei kang beds inside cave dwellings and an elegant environment. · Wen'an Yi Ancient Town Yilu Hotel: The world's largest cluster of cave dwellings, capable of accommodating 1,000 people for dining and lodging simultaneously. Transportation Guide · External Transportation: You can first arrive in Yan'an, then take the Qiankun Bay shuttle from Yan'an Nanniwan Airport or Yan'an Railway Station; self-driving is also an option, with the Yan-Yan Expressway providing access to all scenic spots. · Internal Transportation: Sightseeing buses are available within Qiankun Bay Scenic Area; for other attractions, taxis or self-driving are recommended. Travel Routes · One-day tour: Liangjiahe — Wen'an Yi Ancient Town — Guojia Gou Lu Yao Former Residence — Qiankun Bay Scenic Area. · Two-day tour: Day 1, Qiankun Bay Scenic Area; Day 2, Lu Yao Former Residence — Wen'an Yi Ancient Town — Liangjiahe Village. · Three-day tour: Day 1, Liangjiahe — Wen'an Yi Ancient Town — Lu Yao Former Residence — Qiankun Bay Scenic Area; Day 2, Qiankun Bay Scenic Area; Day 3, Yongping Revolutionary Memorial Scenic Area.

This SURSEA guesthouse perched atop Tianshui Mountain truly amazed me! From the floating bed in the room, you get an unobstructed 180° sea view, paired with a smart remote-controlled starry sky ceiling, so you can watch the Milky Way while lying in bed at night. The washbasin facing the floor-to-ceiling window is a brilliant design, allowing you to enjoy the Jing Shahei reef coastline while brushing your teeth. ▪️ Floating Sea View Room The dreamy floating bed that’s been hyped all over the internet! The steel structure suspension design feels very secure, and the bed faces the entire floor-to-ceiling window, opening your eyes to the sea with wind turbines. The "Shu Hai" room type we stayed in also has a private viewing terrace, and watching the sun rise from the sea horizon in the early morning is simply breathtaking. ▪️ Excellent Location Number 24, Tianshui Village, this mountaintop spot is a real treasure! It’s just a 15-minute walk to the popular Jing Shahei reef photo spot, and it’s super convenient to go to Changjiang’ao windmill fields to watch the sunset in the evening. The best part is how truly quiet it is—you can only hear the sound of the waves. ▪️ Pet-Friendly Experience The guesthouse pet, Mulan, is super cute! The golden retriever will actively lead you to the beach and accompany you to watch the sunrise in the morning. When you bring pets, they prepare exclusive food bowls and toys, and there’s a dedicated dog-walking lawn behind the guesthouse. 【Thoughtful Services】 ✅ Butler sends travel guides one week in advance ✅ Free luggage transfer up the mountain (the mountain road climb is indeed tiring) ✅ Daily seafood breakfast and afternoon tea with no repeats ✅ Rooms equipped with Dyson hairdryers and smart toilets

#chinaadventures This is a Shang Jade Horse figurine. It dates back to the Late Shang dynasty, specifically during the reign of King Wu Ding. The artifact was found in the tomb of Fu Hao, a military general and queen, located in Yinxu, Anyang, Henan, China. The tomb contained thousands of valuable objects, including bronze vessels, jade articles, and bone objects.

#chinaadventures Bonze gong (ritual wine vessel) with the inscription "Hou Mu Xin", dating to the late Shang dynasty (c. 1250–1046 BCE), currently housed at the National Museum of China. The vessel is shaped like an animal, possibly a boar or a tapir, and was used for holding or serving wine during ritual ceremonies. It was found in the tomb of Fu Hao, a powerful military leader and consort of King Wu Ding. The inscription "Hou Mu Xin" refers to Fu Hao's temple name, indicating the vessel was dedicated to her memory.

🔥 Opening Bombshell: Why Yulin is Worth Giving Up Xi'an? As a travel blogger who's explored the whole country, I thought all the romance in Shaanxi lay in Xi'an's city walls and lights—until I ventured into Yulin! Here you'll find the vastness of the desert, the vibrant atmosphere of an ancient Ming and Qing dynasty city, a less-traveled Danxia landform even more stunning than Zhangye, and the unforgettable Shaanbei carbohydrates… The key is: fewer crowds! Wild scenery! Low prices! A 3-day, 2-night trip offering a top-tier experience of "traveling through a thousand years + having the desert all to myself"—I'm definitely going for this reverse travel adventure! 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary (No Backtracking!) 🌅 Day 1: Ancient City Vibes & Touching the Slow Pace of Shaanbei Morning: Stroll through Yulin Ancient City Free! No need to squeeze into tourist attractions! Bluestone paths, Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards, the aroma of tea wafting from old teahouses… Standing atop Zhenyuan Tower, overlooking the entire city, the red walls and gray tiles against the distant loess slopes instantly transport you back to an ancient frontier town. Highly recommend checking out Xingming Tower and Kaige Tower; the fried dough twists sold by the old ladies on the roadside (5 yuan each) are so delicious you'll want to stomp your feet! Afternoon: Zhenbeitai – Witness the desert and the Great Wall side-by-side China's "First Tower of the Great Wall"! More desolate than Shanhaiguan, less well-known than Jiayuguan. From the summit, gaze out over the Great Wall winding across the Loess Plateau, ending at the sand dunes of the Mu Us Desert; every snapshot is a "frontier epic." Tips: Go around 4 pm for the stunning sunset light and shadow! Evening: Enjoy delicious food at the Ancient City Night Market Must-try "Lamb Offal Soup" (20 RMB/bowl): Lamb intestines and tripe in a hot and sour broth, perfect with a flatbread; "Wan Tuo" (8 RMB/serving): Smooth buckwheat noodles topped with garlic sauce and chili oil, a tangy and spicy appetizer; and a bowl of "Three Delicacies Platter," a warm and comforting combination of meat and vegetables. 🏜️ Day 2: Desert and Danxia - Unlocking the Wild Aesthetics of Northern Shaanxi Morning: Wave Valley - Stepping on the "Fingerprints of the Earth" More understated than Zhangye Danxia, ​​yet hiding a breathtaking red sandstone canyon! The ripples sculpted by rainwater shine bright red in the sunlight, making walking through the valley feel like stepping into an alien landscape. Recommended spots: "Area A: Flaming Danxia" and "Area B: Earth Core Danxia". Wear light-colored clothing for amazing photos (avoid the midday sun!). Afternoon: Hongjiannao - "Blue Tears" in the Desert China's largest desert lake! Sand dunes surround the azure water. You can ride camels (50 RMB/lap) and take a speedboat ride. Relict gulls can be seen soaring in the distance (visible from March to October). Lie on the beach and watch the "desert sunset"—no city noise, only the sound of the wind and birdsong. Evening: Stay in a desert guesthouse Recommended guesthouses near Hongjiannao. Desert views from the window, and the Milky Way at night! The owner cooks Shaanxi-style rice noodles, served with pickled vegetables and chili oil—a carb-filled treat! 🌿 Day 3: Secret Village - Experience the Warmth of Northern Shaanxi Culture Morning: Guojiagou - Step into "Ordinary World" Filming location for a TV series! The cave dwellings on the Loess Plateau, with their earthen-yellow caves scattered in a charming, orderly fashion, along with the old locust trees, millstones, and dirt roads at the village entrance… all exude the authentic charm of northern Shaanxi. You can visit a villager's home for a bowl of jujube tea and experience the genuine hospitality of the people of northern Shaanxi (free admission, please respect the villagers' way of life). Afternoon: Gaojiabao Ancient City – A Lesser-Known Film and Television Base Free! The filming location for "Ordinary World" and "The Lost Tomb," this ancient city hasn't been commercialized. Empty streets, a retro supply and marketing cooperative, and an old stage—time seems to stand still. Buy some local jujubes (10 yuan/jin) and millet (15 yuan/jin) as souvenirs—great value for money! 🍜 Food List: The Carbohydrate Soul of Northern Shaanxi—You've wasted your trip if you don't try it! Lamb Offal Soup + Fried Dough Twists: "Lao Yulin Lamb Offal Soup" in the ancient city, a local favorite. Wan Tuo + Min Jie: Just pick a stall at the night market; freshly made is the most authentic. Pin San Xian (Three Delicacies Platter): A hearty dish from a Shaanxi banquet, with meat, vegetables, and soup—warming and comforting. Yellow Millet Buns: Sweet and soft, dipped in honey—a perfect way to cut through the richness. Red Date Stewed Lamb: The lamb isn't gamey, and the red dates are sweet and fragrant—a must-eat in autumn and winter! 🚗 Transportation & Accommodation Tips (Save Money and Avoid Pitfalls!) Transportation: Yulin has an airport (Yuyang Airport). Renting a car in the city is the most convenient option (around 150 RMB per day). The drive between attractions takes 1-2 hours, and the road conditions are excellent. Accommodation: Day 1: Stay near the ancient city (good value for money, convenient for sightseeing and dining); Day 2: Stay in a guesthouse near Hongjiannao Lake (a fantastic experience). Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: ① Don't wear high heels to Wave Valley, the paths are slippery; ② It's windy by Hongjiannao Lake, bring a light jacket; ③ There's a large temperature difference between day and night in northern Shaanxi. Wear a windproof jacket in spring and autumn, and bring sunscreen and a light jacket in summer. 💌 Blogger's Ramblings: Yulin isn't a "trendy city," and there aren't crowds, but it has the purest northern Shaanxi charm—the grandeur of the Great Wall, the vastness of the desert, the lively atmosphere of the ancient city, and the delicious food… If you're tired of the same old tourist spots and are looking for a destination where you can slow down and experience nature and culture, Yulin won't disappoint! 👉 Tell me in the comments: Would you most like to visit Yulin's desert or its ancient city? We'll randomly select 3 lucky winners to receive a gift box of Shaanxi red dates!

Departing from Lijiashan Village, it is more than 70 kilometers and a one hour and forty minute drive to Suide Dang Family Manor. The scenery along the Shanxi Yanhuang Highway is quite nice. Passing through Wubu County, a small town built on a narrow strip of land between the Yellow River bank and the mountains behind. Wubu County has the Wubu Stone City, a defensive fortress built against the mountain on the Yellow River bank. It was originally planned to visit, but after reading the introduction and comparing it to the Fugu Fuzhou City and Jia County Ancient City previously visited, it is similar in nature but much smaller in scale, so the decision was made to skip it. Interested friends can go take a look. Crossing the Yellow River from Wubu County and taking National Highway 307, this self-driving tour of the Yellow River Jinshan-Shaanxi Gorge ends here. Dang Family Manor is just a small mountain village, a cave dwelling complex built gradually over nearly a hundred years by six generations of the Dang family, now more than 200 years old. The terraced cave houses built along the mountain are arranged in an orderly manner; the courtyard of the upper household is likely the roof of the cave house below, somewhat similar to the recently visited Lijiashan Village. This is a nationally protected cultural heritage site, with villagers still living there, maintaining its original state. There are very few tourists, and visitors are welcome; the villagers are very friendly and polite. Suide has no famous scenic spots. The "First Tower Under Heaven" is a stone archway, and along with the Stone Lion Square, both showcase the pride of Suide stone carving. The Suide Revolutionary Memorial Hall, located across the Wuding River opposite Stone Lion Square, is a red education base worth visiting. Erlang Temple is situated on a hilltop within Suide city and is very conspicuous but not an ancient site. The Confucian Temple is an ancient site, with only one hall remaining. What is worth seeing is the area called "Mingzhou Ancient City," which can be found on maps, located just behind the hotel where we stayed, only a few hundred meters away on foot, but locals do not seem to know about it. Perhaps asking at the Suide Museum or Fusu’s Tomb might help. The scenic area also includes an old city gate called "Yongle Gate" and the former headquarters of the 359th Brigade. This, opposite Erlang Temple, is another high point in Suide city, offering panoramic views of the city. Suide was formerly known as Mingzhou, once the seat of the prefecture governing several surrounding counties, and is now a county under Yulin City. The local Shaanbei saying "Mizhi women and Suide men" is heard often, though its origin is unclear; it may be represented by Prince Fusu, Qin general Meng Tian, and Southern Song general Han Shizhong. The next stop is Mizhi, to seek the other half of the answer. Suide · Yulin

#SeptemberGoodPlaces2025 Haojia Bridge spans the upper reaches of the Wuding River. Constructed of bluestone, its arched arch forms a perfect circle reflected in the water. Walking along, the sound of the river lapping against the shore blends with the mountain breeze, like the murmur of an ancient melody. Ancient trees tower over the bridgehead, casting a dense green canopy. Time has quietly settled between the mottled bark and the cracks in the stone. Smoke curls from the villages along the riverbank, and the occasional children run among them, their laughter echoing, adding a touch of vitality to the quaint scene. As the setting sun casts a faint golden glow across the stone bridge, warming the heart and inviting reflection on the enduring human bonds and memories of this land.

🚗In fact, before passing by Suide, I didn’t know that the stone lions here were so famous. 🦁After visiting the Shihun Square in Suide, I learned that Suide is a famous "hometown of stone carving" in China. The stone carving technique has a history of more than 2,000 years, dating back to the Qin and Han Dynasties. The stonemasons of Suide are famous for their exquisite carving skills, especially the carving of stone lions, which has become one of the most representative art forms in the area. The stone lions in Suide are not only numerous, but also of various shapes. There are both giant stone lions and small stone lions on the kang head, showing the diversity and profound heritage of stone carving art. 🦁The most famous thing about Shihun Square is the pair of giant stone lions in the center, which are 19.5 meters high and are known as "the best stone lions in the world" or "the best lions in Asia". These two stone lions are mainly in the Tang and Song styles, while also incorporating elements from the Ming and Qing dynasties. They are made up of 1,194 pieces of stone. Inside such a large stone lion, there is actually a stone lion museum, which displays more than 300 stone lion exhibits of different styles since the Han and Tang dynasties. The base of the stone lion is the auspicious beast Bishi (symbolizing longevity and good fortune), which implies the heroism of the people of Suide. There is actually a Buddha statue placed inside the stone lions. 🦁At the entrance of the square, there are 34 6.6-meter-high stone lions with stone bases, arranged in rows with a rigorous formation and staggered layout, showing the long history and exquisite craftsmanship of Suide stone carving skills. 🦁All the stone lions have different shapes. I thought the stone lions were the embodiment of majesty and might, but some of their shapes are very cute, while others are very abstract. 🚗If you have the opportunity to come to Suide, don't miss it.

Travel Notes on Shuangshui Village in Suide, Northern Shaanxi From Yulin to Guojiagou, the shooting location of Shuangshui Village, you need to pass through a national highway. It was a stretch of national highway with many more large cars than small cars. As I was approaching in the afternoon, I witnessed the congestion. A long queue of red coal and oil trucks looks like a train running on the road. The experienced drivers from Shaanxi and K shuttled between the large vehicles with ease, just like the electric vehicles that were inserted into every crack in the motorway in the city. I was the only one who hid in a gas station nearby to take pictures and record the journey to Shuangshui Village. Familiar scenes come to mind one after another: the Donla River and the bridge at the entrance of the village The cave dwellings are particularly conspicuous in the mountains, and the sorghum plants are growing happily. Jujube trees can be seen everywhere and red jujube stones have fallen all over the ground. A pair of elderly people also lived at the filming location of the Ge Festival Commune. The place where Tian Futang and Sun Yuting met still maintains the decorations in the play. The uncle skillfully attracts tourists to come and visit. He also sells Xintianyou in Northern Shaanxi for 20 yuan a piece or cosmetics for farmers and engineers in northern Shaanxi ranging from 5 to 10 yuan each. They even help you guide the action and provide shooting services. Sun Yuhou’s house and Sun Yuting’s house are very dilapidated, not only in the book but also here. Only one cave in Sun Yuhou's house has water seeping inside. The courtyard of the hotel where Sun Shaoan and He Xiulian got married belong to other families. Naturally, no one lives in these two families anymore, which is in sharp contrast to the Tian Futang family. This family still has people living in the cave dwelling. The floor is new and the floor has been repaired. The hostess is also relatively young, and she is about to go to Shuangshui Village Elementary School. Hearing a group of young people singing Sheep La Belly Handkerchief Three Blues The sound of the song resounds throughout the Loess Plateau and takes you directly to the ordinary world. The stable where Shaoan and Xiulian lived was very close to the elementary school and also to the stage of the denunciation rally. There was an old woman in Lanhuahua's house who lived alone and couldn't understand Mandarin. I couldn't understand her speech either. Back at the entrance of the village. Shaoan and Xiulian’s new cave dwellings are now converted into a bed and breakfast, which is particularly eye-catching at the entrance of the village. I chose another cave dwelling to live in and slept on the kang without a fire. I ate yellow steamed buns made from cornmeal with dates and sorghum porridge in it. In addition to eating, the landlord's aunt also worked part-time as a tour guide. In fact, she took you to 8 filming locations and told you some scenes from the TV series. In this village, which is basically full of left-behind elderly people, they can be regarded as having an income and someone to talk to, just like the elderly people in Shigejie Commune.

A stunning stone carving visual feast is hidden in Suide County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, where the world's first lion is located—Stone Soul Square. Here, every stone tells a thousand-year-old story. The original site of Stone Soul Square was named 'Shiren Canal,' which once had a 3-meter-high stone man that was later destroyed. It was then planned as the main entrance of the 'Loess Culture Style Park' and named Stone Soul Square. The giant stone lion in the center of the square stands 19.5 meters high, and the stone lion museums built inside the bellies of the giant lions on both sides (not yet open) are also quite distinctive. The stone lion, as a kind of mascot in Suide folklore, is deeply loved by people. Suide is a famous hometown of stone carving in Shaanxi, with a long history and rich cultural heritage in stone carving art. Suide's stone lions are not only widely spread locally but also sold domestically and internationally, hence Suide is known as the 'Kingdom of Stone Lions' and the 'Hometown of Stone Lions.' 📍Address: No. 2 Chaoyang Road, Suide County, Yulin City 📆Opening Hours: Open all day ⏳Tour Time: 1 hour 🎫Ticket: Free

🗓Itinerary: Self-driving from Xi'an to Erlianhot to Suide 🚉Transportation Guide: Xi'an to Huangdi Mausoleum to Suide From Huangdi Mausoleum to Suide, about 330 kilometers, 4 hours. 📝Tips: There are many large vehicles when exiting the highway, the roads in the county are narrow, be careful of oncoming traffic. ❤Recommended Reason: Suide, meaning 'to pacify the people with virtue'. Suide County is one of the sub-center cities of Yulin City, established in 1226 AD, and is an old revolutionary area in northern Shaanxi. 👍Most Recommended: Two 'mosts': The world's first stone lion bridge, Qianshi Bridge, with 1008 stone lions in various postures, more than the stone lions on Lugou Bridge in Beijing. The world's first stone lion, Shihun Square, the stone lions are quite amusing and funny. ✅Must Experience: Qianshi Bridge: Located on the Wuding River, built in 1987, the bridge is 310.77 meters long and 14 meters wide, a 12-hole stone arch bridge. 🌟Highlight Features: Shihun Square: Chinese Stone Lion Culture Exhibition Park, completed at the end of 2016, the eye-catching giant lion statue is carried by the legendary dragon's son Bixi, 19.5 meters high, known as the world's largest stone lion (the world's first lion), symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The 21-meter-high stone lion totem pole, the lion column path composed of 34 lion columns, the five-drum 'Gu' harvest, the lion cliff, the dragon column, the stone city tower, the 'stone soul' screen wall, the mountain wall, and the northern Shaanxi cave dwellings. 🍽Food Recommendations: Oil swirl with pig head meat, lamb offal . The sandwich is a bit salty, the lamb offal is delicious .

| Entering 'Ordinary World'.💖 This village, made famous by Lu Yao's 'Ordinary World', vividly portrays the 'brilliant scenery, melodious folk songs, simple folk customs, tragic love, vicissitudes of the past, ruthlessness of time, and the warmth and coldness of the world' as depicted in the book, exuding the rich and intoxicating charm of northern Shaanxi. ✨Shuangshui Charm: Shuangshui Village is a vibrant scroll of northern Shaanxi characteristics. The people on this yellow land sweat and inherit the ancient culture of northern Shaanxi. Northern Shaanxi folk songs and yangge dances are the joys you can encounter everywhere. Walking into the village, rows of cave dwellings are neatly arranged on the hillside. The elderly sit in front of the caves, telling past stories, instantly transporting you back to those hard yet hopeful old times. 🎬Shuangshui Village and 'Ordinary World': In Lu Yao's writing, the struggles of the brothers Sun Shaoan and Sun Shaoping are touching. In Shuangshui Village, familiar scenes from the book can be found everywhere. The cave dwelling of Sun Shaoan's family, the place where the brothers grew up, carries dreams and hopes. Shuangshui Village has also witnessed their joys and sorrows. Every inch of land here bears the marks of hard work; every wisp of smoke tells the trivial and warm details of life. In spring, the swaying wheat seedlings in the breeze are like the poems of the earth; in summer, the cicadas and frogs create a symphony of life; in autumn, the golden waves of wheat are the songs of harvest; in winter, the white snow makes the village peaceful and serene. 📍Tourist Address: Shuangshui Village is located in Mantangchuan Town, Suide County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province. 🍜Food Recommendations: 1. Suide Oil Spin: Golden and tempting in color, crispy and flaky, a bite leaves a lingering fragrance. 2. Black Noodles: Sour, spicy, smooth, and delicate, it is an excellent choice for summer heat relief. 3. Suide Lamb Offal: Rich in ingredients, with a thick and rich flavor. 🚩Travel Itinerary: Day 1 Morning: Arrive at Suide Shuangshui Village, check into a local characteristic cave dwelling homestay, and immerse yourself in the unique living style of northern Shaanxi. Noon: Taste Suide delicacies, such as crispy oil spin and refreshing black noodles. Afternoon: Visit Sun Shaoan's cave dwelling, the old well in the village, and other attractions related to 'Ordinary World', deeply feeling the charm of the book. Evening: Participate in a lively bonfire party, enjoy authentic northern Shaanxi folk songs and joyful yangge dance performances. Day 2 Morning: Get up early to climb the mountain and watch the sunrise, taking in the magnificent scenery of northern Shaanxi. Noon: Enjoy delicious Suide lamb offal and other specialty foods. Afternoon: Experience paper-cutting, embroidery, and other northern Shaanxi folk arts in the village's handicraft workshops, feeling the beauty of tradition. Evening: Taste local snacks in the courtyard, chat with villagers, and gain a deeper understanding of northern Shaanxi culture. Day 3 Morning: Pack your luggage and prepare to embark on your return journey. 💕In Shuangshui Village, you can slow down and feel the warmth and strength of this land with your heart. Come on, friends, let's enter Shuangshui Village together and explore the extraordinary in the ordinary world!

"The world's number one lion" is built on the Stone Soul Square of the Loess Culture Park in Suide County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province. The two giant lion sculptures, male and female, are 19.5 meters high. Inside the giant lion is a stone lion museum, which is the first of its kind in China and abroad. The two giant lions are modeled after the stone lions of the Tang and Song dynasties, incorporating the characteristics of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The base of the giant lion is designed as a mythical beast, symbolizing longevity and good luck. Inside the two stone lion sculptures, a stone lion museum is being built, which will display various forms of stone lions, showing Suide's "lion" culture and stone carving art. The project leader introduced that after completion, the mouth of the "world's first stone lion" can accommodate more than ten people, the mouth of the lion is more than 2 meters high, and more than 3 meters wide. Suide in Yulin, Shaanxi is a nationally renowned town of stone carving, and the most skilled of the folk stone carvers is carving stone lions. In July 2013, the county built two giant stone lions - "the world's first stone lion". Female lion The female lion is 19.5 meters high and is carved from 1117 pieces of stone. The female lion is located to the west of the square, with the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva in its mouth and two playful lion cubs at its feet. The female lion on the west side of the square Male lion The male lion is 19.95 meters high, carved from 1119 pieces of stone, and is the largest stone lion in China to date. The male lion is located to the east of the square, with the wisdom-representing Manjushri Bodhisattva in its mouth. The carrier of the stone lion is a mythical beast, it is said that both the lion and the beast are the sons of the dragon, and the beast "has infinite strength and can carry the three mountains and five mountains". Male lion The base is a mythical beast There are 44 bun-shaped curls on the lion's head, like clouds flying around, as if recording the texture of time. The base is carved with traditional patterns symbolizing good luck, such as group longevity, bats, and ten thousand characters. Pattern on the male lion's head Stone Lion Museum Inside the giant lion is a stone lion museum, which is the first of its kind in China and abroad. The main exhibition area is in the hall on the first floor of the giant lion's belly. The hall is supported by three stone pillars, each of which is divided into four layers, each with stone lions from different periods as the main carving content. Cross-section of the stone lion structure Inside the giant lion is a stone lion museum that combines nature, culture, folklore, architecture, and stone lions. The museum is a pair of male and female lions, divided into A and B halls, each with four exhibition areas, rescuing, collecting, restoring, and reappearing the stone lion masterpieces scattered among the people, exhibiting more than 300 pieces of stone lion exhibits of different styles since the Han and Tang dynasties. The fourth exhibition area is located in the mouth of the giant lion, which is a religious culture exhibition area. The two halls are carved with Guanyin Bodhisattva and Manjushri Bodhisattva respectively. Museum inside the lion The hall is supported by three stone pillars, and the pillars are carved with classic stone lion patterns from different periods. Stone pillars in the museum The walls of the museum are carved with small niches in the shape of cave dwellings, displaying stone lions from different periods and cultural backgrounds. Some stone lions inside the Stone Lion Museum The lintel in front of the hall of the Stone Lion Museum has a unique "Suide Wuxiang" stone carving. Suide has the reputation of "Yangko, folk song, suona, paper cutting, stone carving" five folk cultures. In the middle of the stone carving, two dancers are holding a Boshan stove, one with a drum around his waist and the other with a suona; the left one is a female with scissors in her hand, cutting paper; the left two is a male with a hammer around his waist, holding a stone lion; the right one is a female singing a folk song, with a bird on her foot as if singing; the right two is a male dancing with an umbrella. "Suide Wuxiang" stone carving

Who can resist the Shaanbei cave dwelling🔥Come and experience the rural life in Shaanbei|| Shaanbei cave dwelling, the shooting location of 'A Plain World' in Shuangshui Village, an ancient village The cave dwelling in the mountain gully, after experiencing vicissitudes The tranquility isolated from the world, intoxicating The ancient stone street, strolling in it As if traveling through time and space, back to China🇨🇳 during the Cultural Revolution Ordinary and beautiful, as if in another world ✅Suide County Mantangchuan Township Guojiagou Village Is the Shuangshui Village in the TV series 'A Plain World' The most attractive thing about entering the village is the ancient cave dwelling Climbing up the steps, layer upon layer, connecting the courtyard and the courtyard is a stone path, and the courtyard is a cave dwelling of different specifications Guojiagou Village represents the ancient rural form of Shaanbei The cave dwellings are densely distributed and relatively well preserved It is almost the real scene described in the novel 'A Plain World' 👣Walking on this stone street You can appreciate the Shaanbei style in Lu Xun's pen See the former residence of the novel 'A Plain World' by Lu Yao You can also feel the simplicity and enthusiasm of the local people 📍Scenic spot address: ▫️Shaanxi Province Yulin City Suide Mantangchuan Township Guojiagou Village (Shuangshui Village in the TV series) ▫️Former Xixian First Middle School: Shaanxi Yulin City Hengshan County Dianshi Town Shajiawan Village, located in a village in Heimutou Creek of Hengshan County. The Shajiawan Primary School was transformed into Sun Shaoping's 'Former Xixian First Middle School', and the portraits/quotes of Chairman Mao in the campus and the 'revolutionary atmosphere' of the window bulletins are all true to that era. (ps: The Shuangshui Village in the novel is in the Shigetie Commune of Yuanxi County in the Huangyuan area of Shaanxi Province) 📅Travel days: 2 days 🍽️Recommended food: rolled noodles, yellow steamed buns, bowl holders, hutaizi, suyoumo... 🚗Recommended transportation: self-driving/chartered (chartered is quite expensive) 🏠Recommended accommodation: local farmhouses, eating local farmhouse dishes, living in a cave dwelling 'kang', rural toilets are dry toilets. If you are not used to it, it is recommended to go to the town where the environment will be much better. ✅Day 1: Set off in the morning, drive to Shuangshui Village. After arriving, go to the local farmhouse to taste the local food, and then visit the scenic spot. The Shaanbei cave dwelling is the shooting location of 'A Plain World', and stay at the local farmhouse at night to experience the rural life. ✅Day 2: Get up early to watch the sunrise, then hike through the Loess Plateau and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Return to the farmhouse at noon to eat local food, and then return to the city to end this wonderful Shaanbei trip.

The cave dwelling is an ancient form of residence for the inhabitants of the Loess Plateau in northwestern China. The history of this "burrowing" dwelling can be traced back more than 4,000 years ago. In the past, the farmers in northern Shaanxi were hardworking for a lifetime, and the most basic wish was to build a few holes in the cave. It is the pride of every household to have a kiln cave when it is a kiln. With the improvement of living standards, the farmers in northern Shaanxi no longer live in earthen caves. They lived in the newly-built cement caves and lived a new life!