Huangcheng Xiangfu Must-Visit Guide

Huangcheng Xiangfu 3-Day, 2-Night In-Depth Tour Guide | Enjoy "The First Twin-City Castle in the East" with a 5000 RMB Budget
📍Destination: Huangcheng Xiangfu, Jincheng, Shanxi
⏳Time: 3 days, 2 nights
💰Budget: 5000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, dining, tickets, shopping)
📌Suitable for: History and culture enthusiasts, ancient architecture photography experts, family trips
📅 Day 1: Arrive at Huangcheng Xiangfu, explore the hometown of Emperor Kangxi's tutor
🚗 Transportation (Budget: 1000 RMB)
Departure from major cities like Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou (high-speed rail/flight to Zhengzhou/Taiyuan)
Zhengzhou → Jincheng: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail (ticket price 80 RMB), then take a taxi to Huangcheng Xiangfu (approx. 1 hour, 150 RMB)
Taiyuan → Jincheng: 2 hours by high-speed rail (ticket price 120 RMB), then take a taxi to Huangcheng Xiangfu (approx. 1.5 hours, 200 RMB)
Self-driving: Approx. 3-4 hours from Taiyuan/Zhengzhou, car rental fee approx. 400 RMB/day
🏨 Accommodation (Budget: 800 RMB/night)
Recommended to stay in characteristic guesthouses within or around the Huangcheng Xiangfu scenic area:
Xiangfu Manor Hotel (ancient-style courtyard, scenic views from the window)
Guoyu Ancient City Guesthouse (Ming and Qing dynasty style, high cost-performance ratio)
🎫 Tickets (Budget: 120 RMB)
Huangcheng Xiangfu ticket: 120 RMB/person (includes Xiangfu, Guoyu Ancient City, Jiunv Xianhu Lake)
Morning: Check into the hotel upon arrival, take a short rest
Afternoon:
Huangcheng Xiangfu Core Scenic Area (3-4 hours):
Imperial Library (Emperor Kangxi's imperial inscription "Wuting Mountain Village")
Zhongzai Residence (Chen Tingjing's former residence, a model of Qing Dynasty official residences)
Heshan Tower (ancient military defense building, climb to the top for panoramic views)
Photo ops: City walls, archways, brick carvings ("The Residence of the First Cultural Giant Clan in Northern China")
Evening:
Xiangfu Family Banquet (Budget 150 RMB/person): Must-try Jincheng specialties (Guoyourou, Braised Scallions, Gaoping Top Ten Bowls)
Night tour of Xiangfu (light show/live performance, open seasonally)
📅 Day 2: Surrounding ancient castles + landscape and cultural experience
🚗 Transportation (Budget: 300 RMB)
Chartered car/self-driving to nearby attractions (Guoyu Ancient City, Jiunv Xianhu Lake)
🎫 Tickets (Included in the pass)
Guoyu Ancient City (Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village, free)
Jiunv Xianhu Lake (boat ride 50 RMB/person, optional)
📸 Itinerary
Morning:
Guoyu Ancient City (2 hours): More rustic than Huangcheng Xiangfu, perfect for cultural photography
Yu Tower (Ming Dynasty defense tower, climb to the top for distant views)
Afternoon:
Jiunv Xianhu Lake (2 hours):
Boat ride on the lake (mountains and water reflect each other, legendary bathing place of the Nine Fairies)
Hiking trail (suitable for family leisure)
Evening:
Jincheng Night Market (Budget 100 RMB/person): Try local snacks (Stir-fried Liangfen, Lamb Stewed Noodles)
📅 Day 3: Return + Cultural Souvenir Shopping
🚗 Transportation (Budget: 1000 RMB)
Return to Zhengzhou/Taiyuan (high-speed rail + taxi)
Return flight/high-speed rail from airport/station
🛍️ Shopping (Budget: 500 RMB)
Huangcheng Xiangfu Cultural and Creative Store:
Chengni Inkstone (intangible cultural heritage craft)
Shanxi Aged Vinegar (recommend "Donghu" brand)
Yangcheng Silk Products (scarves, pajamas)
🍜 Lunch (Budget: 100 RMB)
Jincheng Hele Noodle Restaurant: Local specialty noodles
2-person project cost (RMB)
Transportation 2000
Accommodation 1600
Tickets 240
Dining 900
Shopping 500
Other (performances/boat rides) 300
Total 5540 (can be flexibly adjusted)
✅ Best season: April-October (pleasant climate in spring and autumn, summer for avoiding heat)
✅ Outfit suggestion: Hanfu/Republic of China style (perfect for castle photos)
✅ Must-bring items: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes (many stone paths), camera
Wish you a pleasant journey!