The "First Town on the Nine-Bend Yellow River" of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

🚩 Qikou Ancient Town: A Shanxi Merchant Legend in the Depths of Time As the ferry churns whirlpools in the murky waves, the layered cave dwellings on the opposite bank appear like honeycombs growing out of the mountainside. In this moment, Qikou Ancient Town resembles a mysterious time capsule, transporting visitors to bygone eras. This "First Town on the Nine-Bend Yellow River" from the Ming and Qing dynasties silently narrates the former glory of Shanxi merchant camel caravans, even through the rope marks on the hitching posts. 💡 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at your Qikou inn and check in. After a short rest, head to Heilong Temple to listen to the roar of the Yellow River. Then stroll to Xiwan Village, wandering through its maze-like alleys and experiencing the tranquility and mystery of this ancient village. Day 2: In the morning, visit Li Family Mountain and capture its unique scenery with your paintbrush. Afterward, take a boat trip along the Yellow River Gallery, admiring the wondrous water-eroded cliffs. In the afternoon, collect Yellow River stones at Qilin Beach, searching for treasures polished by time. Day 3: Climb Zhaizi Mountain to explore the unique landforms of the earth forest. Then visit the Qikou Folk Customs Museum for an in-depth understanding of local folk culture. As night falls, gaze at the starry sky from the ancient town and feel the vastness of the universe. 📖 Brilliant Pearls of History and Culture Heilong Temple Stage: This Qing Dynasty opera house stands on high ground, overlooking the confluence of the Yellow River and Qiushui River. Standing here, you can almost feel the hustle and bustle of the past. The temple keeper hands you a telescope and says, "Look at Shaanxi on the other side; they don't need loudspeakers for their opera!" Try shouting a phrase in Shanxi dialect, and the echo, like a response from history, resonates deeply in your chest. Li Family Mountain Village: This is the wondrous village depicted by Wu Guanzhong, resembling a "Han Dynasty tomb." Follow the shepherd through 72 bends to reach the Ming Dynasty cave dwellings, arranged in a staggered fashion, as magnificent as pyramids. While sketching under a jujube tree, a hospitable woman offers you freshly picked crisp jujubes, saying, "They're sweet, much more authentic than the ones with additives in your city!" Yellow River Earth Forest: Drift slowly on a sheepskin raft into the Ten Mile Gallery, where the cliffs, eroded by the water, resemble "Bodhidharma Facing the Wall" and "Peacock Spreading its Tail." Boatman Lao Chen suddenly points to a spot: "Look! The iron ring used by the Red Army to moor their boats during the eastward crossing is still there!" 🍜 Mouthwatering Shanxi Cuisine Bowl Tuo with Minced Meat Sauce: At the century-old restaurant "Xiang Yuan Long," the proprietress skillfully swirls buckwheat jelly with an iron sheet, then pours on aged vinegar, chili, and minced lamb sauce. The sour and spicy flavor instantly tantalizes your taste buds. Yellow River Catfish: Freshly caught and cooked Yellow River catfish in an iron pot, the tender fish meat infused with the rich aroma of millet porridge. Paired with golden, crispy fried oil cakes, it's a dish that elicits continuous praise. Red Date Fermented Rice: Made with a secret recipe from an old vendor at the ancient ferry crossing, the fermented aroma of the wine blends with the sweetness of Yellow River beach dates. A sip brings warmth straight to your heart, like putting on a thick down jacket. 📸 Charming Photo Spots with a Film Filter Xiwan Village Archway Alleys: At 4 pm, sunlight streams through the archways, creating unique light and shadow effects, like a magical display. Qilin Beach Sunset: The Yellow River water, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, dyes the pebbles a golden amber color, a breathtaking sight. Ancient Town Lantern Night: When hundreds of paper lanterns are lit simultaneously, the entire ancient town is enveloped in a warm glow, like a dreamland. Earth Forest Sunrise: The earth forest shrouded in mist, as mysterious as an alien landscape, is a perfect time for photography. ❤️ Practical Tips Driving from Taiyuan to Qikou Ancient Town takes about 3 hours. The bluestone paved roads in the ancient town are not suitable for rolling suitcases, so it's advisable to prepare accordingly. During the Jujube Blossom Festival in May, the town is filled with a sweet fragrance; in October, red dates hang heavy on the branches, festive like lanterns. On the banks of the Qiushui River at dusk, an old craftsman is intently hammering a Yellow River stone painting. Amidst the clanging sounds, the naturally formed water patterns on the stone surprisingly coincide with the Ming and Qing trade routes. It turns out that time has never gone far; it has always been hidden in the folds of the cave dwellings, waiting for those with discerning eyes to encounter it.