Things to do in Yu County
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Top 10 attractions in Yu County
Cang Mountain Scenic Area
Cang Mountain Scenic Area sits west of Taihang Mountain, Changchi Town, north of Mengxian County of Yangquan City. The area takes its name from hiding ("Cang" means "hide") the orphan of Zhao during the Spring and Autumn period. According to local legend, during the Spring and Autumn period, an imperial court official of the Jin Dynasty named Zhao Shuo was killed by the Emperor. Before Zhao died, he had entrusted his child to a follower Cheng Ying, who sacrificed his own child and took the orphan Zhao Wu to hide in Yu Mountain for many years. That's the renowned story of the Orphan of Zhao. In order to celebrate the heroic deeds of Cheng Ying, Gongsun Chujiu as well as others, the temple was built there for sacrifices by generation after generation.Yu County · 15.7km from downtown
Dachang Ancient Village
The ancient village of Dawei is located in the deep valleys of Liangjiazhai Township, Yu County, Shanxi Province. The whole village has more than 50 small courtyards built on a whole mountain, following the terrain and from bottom to top, forming a unique shape; the village paths also follow the terrain, and stone steps are carved out on the winding mountain, connecting each household, forming an inseparable whole. This small village built on the mountain was rarely visited by outsiders because of the rugged roads. In recent years, Dawei Village was discovered by chance and amazed the world with its unique architectural style. It is called "Potala Palace in the deep mountains" by tourists.Yu County · 35.8km from downtown
Liangjia Village Dapin Hot Spring Resort
Liangjia Village Dapin Hot Spring Resort is on the Hutuo River to the east of the Beizang Mountains in Yangquanyu County, Shanxi Province. It is surrounded by Xibaipo, Wutaishan, Zangshan and other scenic areas. The hot spring resort is divided into six areas, including the vibrant hot spring area, water-styled area and Korean style area. With dozens of unique hot spring pools, it can meet the individual needs any visitor.Yu County · 39.7km from downtown
Shuishen Mountain Scenic Area - Baoguo Temple
Baoguo Temple is located in Yu County, Yangquan, Shanxi Province, and covers a vast area with grand, imposing halls. The temple contains many halls, including Guanyin Hall, the Great Manjushri Hall, and the Dharma Hall. Lush trees surround the temple, creating a beautiful natural environment.Yu County · 4.7km from downtown
Dawang Temple (Shanbei)
Dawang Temple is located in Beiguan Village, Xiushui Town, Yu County, Yangquan City. The existing Sleeping Palace is an original structure from the Jin Dynasty, and the Main Hall is a building from the Ming Dynasty. Dawang Temple faces south. It is 56.48 m long from north to south, 62.63 m wide from east to west, and covers a total area of 3,537 m². Arranged in sequence are the screen wall, Mountain Gate (which also serves as an opera stage), Main Hall, and Sleeping Palace. On both sides of the Mountain Gate are the Bell and Drum Towers, with the stele corridor and ceremonial gate standing on the left and right of the two towers, respectively. Dawang Temple consists of the Main Hall, Rear Hall, opera stage, Mountain Gate, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Bala Hall ceremonial gate, and the ruins of the Bala Hall.Yu County · 23.2km from downtown
Yungang Grottoes
Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area is divided into a landscape zone and the grottoes. It is one of the three largest grottoes in China. The sculpture combines Chinese and Western art. Here you can experience the artistic charms of Northern Wei Dynasty. Yungang Grottoes not only embodies traditional Chinese art style but also integrates art styles of ethnic groups from ancient India, countries west of China and China's central plains. It is a famous historical site in Datong City.China · Datong
Jinci Temple Museum
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jinshui River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It is a shrine built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the State of Jin, and serves as the ancestral temple of Jin. It is known for the saying, "If you have not visitedJinci Temple, it would be a wasted trip to Taiyuan," as the saying goes. After getting off at Jinci, the first place you arrive at isJinci Temple Museum, this is a free park with a nice environment that you can look around at will. Walk for about 10 minutes, and you can reach the main area of Jinci through the park. Inside the Jinci Temple Museum,Jinci Temple"Three treasures" (Jinci Temple Museum - Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, Jinci Temple Museum - Shengmu Hall) and "three wonders" (Jinci Temple Museum - Zhou Cypress, Nanlao Spring, painted clay sculptures) are what every visitor toJinci TempleA view that no one should miss. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are linked together and located atJinci TempleOn the central axis, they can be visited together. Jinci Temple Museum - Xian Hall is a place for enshrining sacrificial offerings, with fence-like walls on all four sides that provide ventilation and coolness. What is particularly notable is that no iron nails were used on the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Fish Pond Flying Bridge is located west of Xian Hall, that is, between Xian Hall and the Hall of the Holy Mother, and was built during the Song Dynasty. The overall view resembles a modern overpass and is the only surviving example of its kind among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Jinci Temple Museum - Hall of the Holy Mother, which is one of the earlier main buildings extant in Jinci Temple Museum. The interior of the hall is very spacious, and having beams without pillars is a major highlight. On the 8 corridor pillars in front of the hall are carved 8 wooden coiled dragons poised to fly, which, together with the "Fish Pond Flying Bridge," appear quite imposing. Centered around Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall, the "Three Wonders" are easy to find. The painted clay sculptures are located in Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall. The main statue of the Holy Mother sits upright in a wooden shrine, dignified and gorgeous, with the other 42 attendants arranged on both sides. These sculptures are brightly dressed and have different expressions. Among them is a maid dressed as a huadan, half joyful and half sorrowful, which inevitably leaves viewers with mixed feelings. Master Mei Lanfang once stood for a long time in front of this maid, carefully savoring her movements and inner thoughts, and praised her greatly. Jinci Temple Museum-Zhou Cypress is located on the north side of Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall. It was planted in the Western Zhou Dynasty and has a history of more than 3,000 years. Nanlao Spring is located on the south side of Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall, and the source of the Jin water flows out from here. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the "Inscription on the Jinci Temple" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, which is extremely precious. In the southernmost part, there is also the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. South of the shrine, within the Futu Monastery, stands a Sarira Stupa; climbing the stupa and gazing into the distance,Jinci TempleThe panoramic views are vividly etched in my mind.Taiyuan · 94.9km from Yu County
Xinzhou Ancient City
Xinzhou was called Xiurong in ancient times. It is located between Taiyuan and Mount Wutai. It is the seat of Xinzhou Administrative Office and Prefectural Committee. In the Spring and Autumn Period, Xinzhou belonged to Jin State. In the Warring States Period, it belonged to Zhao State. In the Qin and Han Dynasties, it belonged to Taiyuan County, Yanmen County, and Taiping County. In the Sui Dynasty, it was Xinxingdu and Yanmen. During the Tang, Five Dynasties and Song dynasties, it was called Dingxiang Prefecture of Xinzhou. During the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, it was called Xinzhou, Daizhou and Baodezhou. During the Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation, most of the area belonged to Jinchaji, and the area to the west belonged to Jinsui. In 1949, Xinzhou Prefecture was established. The cultural relics and historical sites in Xinzhou City include: Xinzhou North Gate Tower. Located in Xinzhou City, on the Gongchen Gate of the old north city wall. The North Gate Tower was built in the 24th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty. The tower is located on the 12-meter-high city wall, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. The city wall stands tall and is painted red on the outside. There is a Voucher doorway below, with a very high top and a bottom width of more than 3 meters.Xinzhou · 67.8km from Yu County
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Yingxian Wooden PagodaFull name "Fogong Temple Sakyamuni PagodaThe Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is located in the Fogong Temple attraction within the Yingxian County town. Built in the second year of the Liao Dynasty's Qingning era (1056 AD), and expanded in the sixth year of the Jin Dynasty's Mingchang era (1195 AD), it is one of the oldest existing wooden pagoda structures in China. If you are an enthusiast of ancient architecture, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda attraction is a must-visit. This octagonal wooden tower, approximately 60 meters tall, is constructed entirely of wood except for a four-meter-high stone base on the first floor. It was built without a single nail or rivet, employing traditional mortise and tenon joints. The tower has five stories, with hidden levels between them, making it effectively nine stories. Each story is supported by two concentric rings of wooden pillars, with 24 pillars on the outside and 8 on the inside. For over nine hundred years, this wooden tower has withstood storms, earthquakes, and artillery fire, remaining standing. becauseYingxian Wooden PagodaThe pagoda has been tilting every year, and to protect it, visitors can no longer climb it; they can only visit the first floor. However, this doesn't prevent you from appreciating this thousand-year-old pagoda. At the base of the wooden pagoda, there are two doors, one to the north and one to the south. Upon entering the first floor, you'll see an 11-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, with a dignified and serene expression. Looking up, you can see the exquisitely decorated ceiling. The inner walls are painted with six images of Buddha, and the walls on either side of the doorways depict Vajrapani and his disciples. The murals are vibrant in color, and the figures are lifelike. Besides the architectural art, the plaques inscribed by famous figures throughout history at the Yingxian Wooden attraction are also well worth seeing. When you stand beneath the pagoda and look up, you'll see these plaques hanging high above...Wooden PagodaUnder the eaves of each floor, two plaques inscribed by emperors particularly attract visitors' attention. One is inscribed by Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) with the words "Junji Shengong" (峻极神工), written when he passed through Yingzhou and climbed the tower after his northern expedition against the Tatars in 1423. The other is inscribed by Emperor Zhengde (Zhu Houzhao) with the words "Tianxia Qiguan" (天下奇观), written when he led his army to defeat the Tatar prince who had invaded the border in Yanghe (present-day Yanggao County) and Yingzhou (present-day Ying County) in 1517 and climbed the wooden tower to host a banquet for the meritorious generals. There is a temple behind the wooden pagoda, but it's not recommended to go there. Some visitors have complained that the incense money there is outrageously expensive.China · Ying County
Shanxi Museum
"Five thousand years of history can be seen in Shanxi." Located on Binhe West Road in Taiyuan, the Shanxi Museum showcases the essence of Shanxi's cultural relics. The museum consists of a main building and four corner annexes, with the main building resembling both a dipper and a ding vessel, serving as the primary venue for travelers to view the collection. The main building has four floors. The first-floor lobby features a general service desk, while the second and third floors host thematic exhibitions on history and culture. The fourth floor showcases art-themed exhibitions, which together form the permanent displays of the Shanxi Museum. After entering the first-floor lobby, proceed to the second floor via the stairs to begin the historical journey themed "Soul of Jin." The cultural and historical thematic exhibition showcases the highlights of Shanxi's five-thousand-year civilization through numerous precious artifacts, ranging from ancient human relics to the rise and fall of Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties over five centuries. During your visit, several exquisite artifacts are not to be missed. The bird zun, a bronze ritual vessel from the Western Zhou period, was used in the ancestral temple sacrifices of the Jin marquis. The bird zun features an exquisitely crafted design with a phoenix as its main form. On the phoenix's back rests a small bird, serving as the handle for the vessel's lid. At the tail of the phoenix, an elephant is depicted, with its long trunk perfectly balancing the phoenix's two legs to form a stable tripod base. This artifact is a representative piece among the bronze collections in the museum. In addition, you can also admire: the Houma covenant texts, which are oath documents from the Spring and Autumn period used by the ministers of the Jin state; the lacquered wooden panel paintings, a painted screen from the Northern Wei dynasty depicting colorful stories from the "Biographies of Exemplary Women"; the white marble sarcophagus, a relic from the Sui dynasty, belonging to a tomb occupant who was a member of the Central Asian Yu people, with intricate carvings both inside and outside the sarcophagus, featuring figures with deep-set eyes, high noses, and black hair, characteristic of the Mediterranean Caucasian race. In the cultural thematic exhibition, you can also learn about the origins and development of Buddhism and traditional opera in Shanxi. The fourth floor of the main hall features an art thematic exhibition area. Among them, the "Timber and earth splendor" - ancient architectural art thematic exhibition showcases Shanxi's status as a province rich in cultural relics and ancient structures. "For above-ground relics, look to Shanxi" - Shanxi is renowned as the "treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture," boasting over half of China's above-ground ancient structures with comprehensive categories, especially in the quantity of religious buildings. If you're a fan of ancient architecture, this is a must-visit. The Shanxi Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions periodically. At the first-floor lobby service desk, services such as hiring on-site guides (Chinese and English) and renting audio guides are available. The main building also houses a restaurant and a tea house for visitors.Taiyuan · 81km from Yu County
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Free things to do in Yu County
Xinzhou Ancient City
Xinzhou · 67.8km from Yu CountyShanxi Museum
Taiyuan · 81km from Yu County
Datong Ancient City
China · Datong
Taiyuan Ancient County
Taiyuan · 90.5km from Yu County
Guangfu Ancient City
China · Handan
Zhengding Ancient City
China · Zhengding
North China Yifeng Ecological Garden
Yu County · 6.3km from downtown
Hebei Museum
Shijiazhuang · 97.3km from Yu County
What travellers say about Yu County
Anonymous user26 July 2026
4.0
Overall, it was good. I came here recently because there was a time-travel event in Shaanxi. Shanxi's tourism industry is quite well-developed, and it truly has a rich history and profound cultural heritage.
Cang Mountain Scenic Area
骑着蜗牛赶绿灯10 August 2026
4.0
Hidden deep in the Taihang Mountains, this ancient village boasts a thousand-year-old pristine environment. Its cave dwellings are nestled against the mountainside, creating a charming atmosphere. With few people and a tranquil atmosphere free from commercialization, it's an ideal off-the-beaten-path destination for a short, relaxing getaway.
Dachang Ancient Village
莓莓耶28 August 2023
5.0
There is free parking, many hot springs, spacious indoors, and many small outdoor pools, which are private and close to nature. The facilities are complete, including bath towels, shower 🚿 toothbrushes 🪥 shower gel 🧴, etc. The service is also good
Liangjia Village Dapin Hot Spring Resort
yjw200024 September 2025
5.0
Baoguo Temple, located in Yu County, Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, near Yangquan North Station, offers convenient transportation. Renovated between 2011 and 2015, it covers an area of 120 mu (approximately 120 mu) and boasts a grand scale.
Originally built to commemorate Princess Chaihua, a loyal and heroic woman of the Later Zhou Dynasty, Baoguo Temple serves as an important site for promoting the spirit of loyalty and righteousness and the culture of the Later Zhou Dynasty.
Shuishen Mountain Scenic Area - Baoguo Temple
Ana Marina29 October 2026
5.0
I visited the Yungang Grottoes today 29.10, and my honest opinion is that it is worth visiting, but only if you enter exactly at 8:30 at the opening time. I arrived at the location today at 11 am, and it was full of people, I was pushed from all sides and I couldn't even enjoy anything. And besides all this, the grottoes from 16-20 were closed (probably renovation), it is best to inform yourself very well before arriving at the location.
Yungang Grottoes
Anonymous user30 October 2026
5.0
Jinci is truly a hidden treasure trove of ancient architecture in Shanxi. Stepping inside is like stepping into a thousand years of time. The ancient cypress trees, palaces, and murals are all so captivating that you can't tear yourself away. It's definitely worth a visit!
Jinci Temple Museum
Anonymous user17 September 2026
5.0
This is the most spectacular iron flower display I've ever seen! The program was diverse and engaging, the host was witty, the audience interaction was lively, the iron flower workers were incredibly skilled, and the iron flowers were dazzling and colorful – the effect was absolutely stunning! Thumbs up! 👍👍👍
Xinzhou Ancient City
river29 October 2026
5.0
"Stunning" doesn't even begin to describe it; "breathtaking" is the only word to describe it. Driving over a thousand kilometers just to catch a glimpse of this thousand-year-old wooden pagoda was absolutely worth it! Sitting quietly on a bench in the scenic area, gazing at it silently, it felt like time stood still.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
M34***4926 October 2026
5.0
This was my first visit to the Shanxi Museum, and I was incredibly lucky to have this elderly male guide! His voice was deep and pleasant, and his storytelling was engaging and never boring. I especially loved his method: he first laid out the historical context, then guided us through the artifacts in detail, a gradual and immersive approach that made it easy to connect with the exhibits. He meticulously explained several of the museum's most prized possessions, bringing the history of Shanxi, a land of mountains and rivers, to life. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire visit. It wasn't just rote memorization of facts; the experience was fantastic. I highly recommend having such a wonderful guide when visiting a museum!
Shanxi Museum
Trip Moments in Yu County
