First Time in Changzhi: What You Need to Know.
Changzhi, a dazzling pearl nestled at the foot of the Taihang Mountains, unfolds like a scroll of landscape painting, where every scene tells a thousand-year story and every inch of land exudes unique charm 🌄. As a travel enthusiast, I can't wait to share this carefully prepared 3-day Changzhi travel guide for May, taking you to experience the unique charm of this city.
Trip Overview
- Theme: Encounter nature and history, experience Changzhi's unique charm
- Budget: 800 - 1,500 yuan per person (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, dining, etc., specific costs may vary depending on personal spending habits)
- Note: In May, Changzhi's temperature ranges from 15 - 25℃, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and bring sun protection items and rain gear.
Travel Routes
- Day 1: Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, explore natural wonders
- Morning: After arriving in Changzhi, take the tourist shuttle from Changzhi East Station to Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon (about 1 hour). Upon arrival, visit Hongdou Gorge, which features "China's longest stone slide" (50 yuan/person). While enjoying the thrill, you can also explore the thousand-year-old yew tree forest. Wander through the canyon, breathe the fresh air, and experience nature's magnificent craftsmanship.
- Noon: Enjoy a rainbow trout feast at a canyon farmhouse restaurant. Recommended is the freshly grilled rainbow trout (about 68 yuan each), with tender meat grilled to golden perfection and aromatic flavor, paired with local wild vegetables for a unique taste.
- Afternoon: Hike through Qinglong Gorge to admire the Danxia landforms. You can experience the zip line (30 yuan/person) for a bird's-eye view of the entire canyon, feeling the wind whistling past your ears while taking in the beautiful scenery. Stay overnight at the Aolai Mountain Villa in the scenic area (400 yuan/night, breakfast included). At night, you can stargaze and enjoy the peaceful mountain time.
- Day 2: Follow the red revolutionary trail, inherit the revolutionary spirit
- Morning: Take the direct shuttle bus (1.5 hours) to the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall. Visit the giant bronze sculpture "Taihang Monument" in the entrance hall. The war relics exhibition is free but requires advance reservation. Here, through precious artifacts and historical materials, you can deeply understand the heroic deeds of the Eighth Route Army during the war and feel that magnificent history.
- Noon: Dine at a restaurant next to the Eighth Route Army Cultural Park in Wuxiang County. Must-try dishes include Wuxiang date cake (15 yuan/serving) and yellow rice cold cake, which are sweet, soft, and rich in flavor.
- Afternoon: Visit the former site of the Huangya Cave Munitions Factory and walk the "One Line Sky" plank road, which witnessed the wisdom and tenacity of the Eighth Route Army's military industry. Return to the city in the evening and check into the Thank You Inn (200 yuan/night, next to the high-speed rail east station), which offers convenient transportation for the next day's travel.
- Day 3: Taste the charm of the ancient city, enjoy leisurely time
- Morning: Walk to Luan Prefecture City God Temple to admire the Ming Dynasty glazed screen wall and Yuan Dynasty stage (10 yuan admission). Then visit Guanyin Hall to closely observe more than 500 Ming Dynasty colored suspended sculptures (30 yuan admission, advance reservation required). These suspended sculptures are exquisitely crafted and lifelike, truly amazing.
- Noon: Sample donkey meat flatbread (10 yuan/set) and Changzhi lamb soup (15 yuan/bowl) at the City God Temple food street. The crispy outside and tender inside flatbread paired with delicious lamb soup is unforgettable.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Changzhi Ancient City, visit Shangdang Gate and the Bell and Drum Tower to feel the historical charm of the ancient city. You can buy Qinzhou yellow millet (10 yuan/jin) as a souvenir for friends and family. Then take a 1 yuan bus directly to Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park, rent a bicycle (20 yuan/hour) to ride around the lake greenway, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, watch birds, take photos, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Photo Spots
- Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon: At the starting point of the stone slide in Hongdou Gorge, strike an energetic pose with the lush canyon as your backdrop for dynamic photos; on the zip line in Qinglong Gorge, capture brave and confident moments with the magnificent canyon scenery as background for stunning photos.
- Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall: Stand in front of the giant bronze sculpture "Taihang Monument" with a solemn expression for a meaningful photo to remember history and honor the martyrs.
- Luan Prefecture City God Temple: In front of the glazed screen wall, wear traditional costume and hold a folding fan for ancient-style photos, as if traveling back in time; sit on the steps of the Yuan Dynasty stage with the stage as background for artistic vintage photos.
- Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park: By the lakeside reed marshes, wear a fresh dress and face the breeze for natural portrait photos; capture moments while cycling on the lake greenway to show vitality and freedom.
Important Notes
- Transportation: Book high-speed train tickets or flights in advance. After arriving in Changzhi, you can choose to rent a car, take tourist shuttles, or public buses. Some roads in scenic areas are narrow, so drive carefully.
- Tickets: Some attractions require advance ticket reservations, such as the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall and Guanyin Hall, to avoid delays. Scenic areas like Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon may offer package tickets, which can be more economical depending on your itinerary.
- Dining: When trying local food, pay attention to food hygiene to avoid digestive issues. If you have special dietary requirements, inform restaurant staff in advance.
- Safety: Paths in scenic areas like Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon may be slippery; elderly visitors and children should be accompanied by guardians. When experiencing recreational activities like zip lines, be sure to follow staff instructions and take safety precautions.
🌅The meaning of travel lies in encountering different landscapes and experiencing different cultures. Changzhi is a city with both natural wonders and profound historical and cultural heritage. This 3-day journey will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and embark on this Changzhi journey to explore and discover the beauty of this city.