【Preface】
I don't know much about Shanxi and Taiyuan. Even though I am a travel enthusiast who has been away all the year round, when it comes to Shanxi and Taiyuan, when I think of the places worth visiting, I don’t have any clues in my mind. Like many people, I only know that Shanxi is rich in coal resources.
With the arrival of summer vacation, travel has become an indispensable way of leisure. However, in the post-epidemic era, it is particularly important to choose a hotel to stay at a travel destination. BTG Home Inns takes you on a trip, stay at a "rest assured hotel" near the scenic spot at the travel destination, have a free summer, explore the possibilities of life in different cities, and unlock different ways to play.
【Traveling in Taiyuan——Jin Temple】
I have been traveling in various places, and I have been to many places that narrate history, including ruins, ancient towns, and Jinci Temple. I have seen a lot of ancient buildings. In fact, I didn't have much interest in these. Most of my previous tours were just looking at the flowers on horseback, and I didn't care about them. But this trip to Jinci Temple was different.
When I first heard of Jinci Temple, I just regarded it as a very ordinary ancestral hall. What I didn't expect was that it was the earliest royal garden in China. Jinci Temple is located on the shore of Jinshui at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 kilometers southwest of Taiyuan City. There is a saying that "if you don't go to Jinci Temple, you will go to Taiyuan in vain". This is the earliest surviving royal garden in China. It is the ancestral hall of the Jin Dynasty. There are dozens of ancient buildings in the temple, which have the characteristics of traditional Chinese culture.
After getting off at Jinci, the first thing you arrive at is Jinci Park. This is a free park with a good environment, so you can take a look at it. Walk for about 10 minutes, and you can reach the main area of Jinci Temple through the park. When you come to the main area, you will find that the architectural layout here has some similarities with the Forbidden City, that is, the symmetrical layout here. Walking into the Jinci Temple, the first feeling you see here is desolation, which is the kind that has been honed over time and belongs to the north alone. Whether it's a thousand-year-old cypress tree or a mottled plaque, it attracts passers-by...
Taiyuan in November has already entered the bleak and desolate winter, and most of the trees in the garden have become bare. Nanlaoquan is located on the south side of the Notre Dame Hall. It is known as "the first spring in Jinyang". It is one of the three wonders of Jinci Temple and the main source of Jinshui. The "Difficult to Old" plaque written by Fu Shan, a famous calligrapher and painter in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, is the most famous. The pen is vigorous and refined, full of charm, known as the "magic pen", and one of the three famous plaques of Jinci Temple.
【Traveling in Taiyuan - Notre Dame Hall】
Jinci's "Three Treasures" (Xiandian, Yumao Feiliang, Notre Dame Hall) and "Three Wonders" (Zhou Bai, Nanlaoquan, Clay Sculpture and Painted Portraits) are must-sees for everyone who comes to Jinci. The "Three Treasures" of Jinci Temple are connected together and are located on the central axis of Jinci Temple. The Xiandian is a place for offering sacrificial offerings. The walls on all sides are fence-like, which is cool and ventilated. The most special thing is that there is not a single nail on the beams and columns in the entire hall.
Uonuma Flying Bridge is located in front of the Xiandian Hall. It was built in the Song Dynasty. The entire landscape is similar to a modern overpass. It is the only example of an existing ancient bridge in China. One end of the "flying beam" is connected to the Notre-Dame Hall, which is the earliest surviving main building of the Jinci Temple. The main hall is very wide, with beams and no pillars is a major attraction. On the 8 pillars in front of the hall, there are 8 woodcarved pan dragons that are about to fly, and together with the "fish marsh flying beams", it looks quite imposing.
With the Notre Dame Hall as the center, it is easy to find the "Three Wonders". The painted clay statues are in the Notre Dame Hall. These statues are gorgeously dressed and have different expressions. Among them is a maid dressed as a Huadan, who is half happy and half sad, which makes people feel mixed emotions after seeing it.
Zhou Bai is located on the north side of the Notre Dame Hall and was planted in the Western Zhou Dynasty with a history of more than 3,000 years. Nanlaoquan is located on the south side of the Notre Dame Hall, and the source of Jinshui flows out from here, which lasts all year round. In addition, there are also the "Jin Temple Inscription" stele written and handwritten by Tang Taizong Li Shimin and the "Hua Yan Jing Stone Carvings" with Wu Zetian's preface in Jin Temple. These are precious treasures of Jin Temple. Exploring the most secrets in Shanxi, it is a pity that such a special Jinci Temple is rarely known. Jinci Temple will surprise you.
[Traveling in Taiyuan - Qiao's Courtyard]
Qiao's Courtyard, this is a place that came out of TV. Many people know it through the step-by-step video, and I am the same. Many people came here to see the real appearance of the scenes in those films, but what was shown in those films was only a part of Qiao's compound. Qiao’s Courtyard is located in the middle of Qiaojiabao Village, Qi County, only an hour’s drive from Taiyuan. It is also known as “Zai Zhong Tang”, and it was the residence of Qiao Zhiyong, a famous commercial and financial capitalist in the Qing Dynasty.
"The royal family sees the Forbidden City, and the private houses see Qiao's house." A "Raise the Red Lantern" brought the Qiao's courtyard into people's sight. Whether it is the Qiao Family Courtyard or the ancient city of Pingyao, the first world intangible cultural heritage scenic spot in Shanxi, these places at first were as desolate as other places in Shanxi, and finally turned into the prosperous appearance in front of us. , The business territory spans the Eurasian continent, the first prototype bank institution - Piaohao... The land in Shanxi may be barren, but the people here have built Shanxi to be extraordinarily rich, leaving behind fascinating stories.
Entering the gate of the Qiao Family Courtyard, a straight stone-paved corridor about 80 meters long divides the six courtyards into two rows, north and south. According to the traditional name, the three courtyards in the north of the Qiao family courtyard are called the old courtyard, the northwest courtyard, and the study courtyard from east to west; the three courtyards in the south are called the southeast courtyard, southwest courtyard, and new courtyard in sequence. It shows the architectural sequence of each courtyard. The brick carvings, paintings and plaques in each courtyard are very exquisite.
As a well-known ancient house, the treasure of the town house is naturally indispensable. There are three town house treasures in the Qiao Family Courtyard: Ten Thousand Ball, Rhino Moonwatching Mirror, and Nine Dragon Lantern. Ten Thousand Ball is the earliest monitor. It is a treasure given by Cixi, in the courtyard in the middle of the south. Qiao Family Courtyard, a complex of buildings that live in TV dramas, overlooks the entire Qiao Family Courtyard from the sky. The layout of the buildings is like a "囍" character, and unexpected surprises are even more touching. Entering here, rows of high-hanging red lanterns, high brick walls, exquisite carvings, beautiful brackets and cornices, and deep alleys, this is the Qiao Family Courtyard, and it is a folk museum.
【Taiyuan on the tip of the tongue】
The pasta of the world is in China, and the pasta of China is in Shanxi. Shanxi, the capital of pasta, is worthy of its name. According to statistics, there are more than 280 kinds of pasta here, so the local people joked, "Shanxi people eat noodles all year round, and they can have the same kind of noodles every day." , so it can be seen how rich the noodle culture of Shanxi is. Of course, Shanxi cuisine is not limited to noodles, there are other very special dishes.
When it comes to Shanxi cuisine, noodles are the most representative. According to statistics, there are more than 280 kinds of noodles here, so the local people joked that "Shanxi people eat noodles all year round, and they can be different every day." This shows the noodle culture in Shanxi How rich, so a noodle museum was specially set up for these noodles in Shanxi, also known as Shanxi Guild Hall.
The appearance of the guild hall is very antique, with upturned eaves and corners. In this modern city of reinforced concrete, it looks so unique. Walking into the clubhouse, the first thing that catches the eye is the huge pastries displayed in the hall, including giant noodles, steamed buns of different shapes, and other kinds of Shanxi special pastry snacks. The pasta museum lives up to its reputation. Inside the lobby, you can see some old objects representing the life and history of the people of Shanxi. Both the aisles and private rooms are decorated with elements of old Shanxi. If you are interested, a dedicated waiter will explain the source to you.
I thought it would be very special to be able to eat at the Noodle Museum, but it is far richer than imagined, and there will be wonderful performances here every night for meals. From the stage play of Shanxi historical stories to the interactive performance of special wedding customs, to the folk intangible cultural heritage performance of Shanxi two ghost wrestling, the stage is not big, but the performance is exciting enough. Featured exhibits, delicious dishes, and wonderful performances, this is a museum, a restaurant, and a place for Shanxi people to meet guests.
Since this is a pasta museum, pasta dishes must not be missed. This is also a delicacy that cannot be missed when you come to Shanxi.栲栳栳, a very awkward name, but it is indeed a noodle dish that Shanxi people love most. Every restaurant in Shanxi will have this dish. This is the first time I heard about the dish "栲栳栳", which is a traditional dish in Shanxi. The dish has been made more diverse by Shanxi people, and tomato and egg toppings are added to make the taste of this dish richer.
Wantuo, originally a pasta snack in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, but now you can also taste authentic Pingyao Wantuo in many places in Taiyuan. The bowl holder combines the deliciousness of jelly and sausage in one. It has the refreshing taste of jelly and the strong fragrance of enema. It is full of color and fragrance. Pingyao’s bowl trays can be eaten in two ways: cold-tuned and hot-fried, and different methods have different tastes.
Almost every city has a special food that only circulates among the local population. In Taiyuan, it is "mind". When I first heard the name, I was shocked. Qingheyuan Brain, this is a restaurant that once served in the world of flavors, and countless diners come here to taste the breakfast every day. Putting your brains on the table often confuses outsiders. A large bowl of white paste contains astragalus, stewed noodles, sliced lotus root, yam, and mutton. Rice wine, distiller's grains, and sheep tail oil are also added. Serve with pickled leeks as a meal. The locals will teach you how to drink it correctly: first take a bite of pickled leeks, and then drink the brain.
Mutton siu mai, also known as Shaomai, Shaomai, yumai, etc., is also called "Shaomei" in ancient times because of the folds at the mouth and the shape of plum blossoms. Shaomai can be described as a must in Shanxi pasta, and mutton siu mai is more common in Taiyuan. Its white and crystal-clear outer skin and delicious and delicious filling make this snack very popular in the local area.
[Buy in Taiyuan - Jinnong Native Products Center]
Shanxi's specialties are very rich, and the most famous one is Pingyao beef. Pingyao beef has a long-standing reputation. Fenjiu, a traditional famous liquor of the Han nationality, belongs to the fragrance type liquor. Because it is produced in Xinghua Village, Fenyang City, Shanxi Province, it is also called "Xinghua Village Wine". Du Mu once wrote a poem to describe the fragrance of Fenjiu: "May I ask where the restaurant is, and the shepherd boy points to Xinghua Village". Fen Liquor is exquisitely crafted and has a long history. It is known for its soft mouth, sweet finish, lingering fragrance after drinking, and long aftertaste. As an outstanding representative of Fenjiu, Zhuyeqing was deeply loved by Empress Wu Zetian.
Shanxi Old Mature Vinegar is also a traditional Shanxi product, one of the four famous vinegars in China, and is known as "the best vinegar in the world". Shanxi Mature Vinegar is world-famous for its five characteristics: color, aroma, alcohol, concentration and acidity. Shanxi mature vinegar is rich in amino acids, organic acids, sugars, vitamins and salts. It has unique effects such as softening blood vessels and lowering triglycerides. Shanxi people are well-known both at home and abroad for being jealous. Vinegar is an absolutely indispensable condiment on Shanxi people's dining table, and Shanxi people are therefore called "Shanxi Old Xier".
【Live in Taiyuan】
With the persistence in my heart, I waited calmly. I am looking forward to a kind of happy existence. I have missed thousands of times and looked back thousands of times, but I am just looking for a warm destination for my heart... What is the destination during the journey? It is a rest for body and mind after a day of running around, and it is a unique experience for tourists on the street to enjoy the quiet travel time alone.
It is very necessary to choose a hotel with convenient transportation for a relaxing and pleasant trip to Taiyuan. For example, I stayed in Home Inn Hotel - Taiyuan North Middle Ring Splendid International Decoration City Branch during my trip to Taiyuan. The location of the hotel is extremely superior, adjacent to the Fenhe Bund, Fenhe Scenic Area, Shanxi Provincial Museum, and the transportation is also very convenient. Walking into the hotel lobby, I was immediately attracted: Nordic business-style decoration style, very distinctive design.
The decoration of the room is simple and business-like, with bright colors. It has all the facilities of a business hotel, such as a desk, sofa, and a bathroom with dry and wet separation. Bath products and toiletries are all high-end custom.
What impresses me the most is the series of measures of the "rest assured hotel" here. From check-in to the lobby space, to the room, the various disinfection and epidemic prevention procedures are very rigorous and thoughtful, and the warm and considerate service makes people feel relieved during the journey. All exhaustion.
Free summer, boarding, lodging, traveling and traveling in Taiyuan, if you are excited, you should act now!
