Yuncheng City in Shanxi Province may not be very familiar to you, but it is actually famous as the birthplace of the Three Kingdoms hero, Guan Yu, who also appears in history textbooks. Temples dedicated to Guan Yu (Guandi Miao, 関帝廟), believed to bring good fortune in business, can be found in Chinatowns throughout Asia. However, the main temple—like the “headquarters,” so to speak—is located in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province.
Yuncheng City is also known for having the largest salt lake in China. On clear days, the sky’s vivid blue is perfectly reflected on the lake’s surface, and at sunset, the entire lake turns a warm orange color. Below are four carefully selected tourist spots in Yuncheng City that showcase these many attractions.
1. Yuncheng Salt Lake (运城盐湖)
Yuncheng Salt Lake, the largest salt lake in China, is a popular tourist attraction in Yuncheng City. Since ancient times, Yuncheng has thrived on salt production, making Yuncheng Salt Lake a great spot to learn about the city’s historical industry.
Because the lake has a high salt concentration, you can see salt formations in various areas of the lake. Their needle-like crystals resemble frozen icicles rising from the lake’s surface.
On a clear day, the lake perfectly mirrors the bright blue sky, creating a stunning contrast with the white salt formations. At sunset, the fading sun sets the entire area aglow in shades of pink and orange. If you visit Yuncheng, you’ll definitely want to capture this vivid pink-orange lake scenery in a photo. The lake shows different faces in the morning and at dusk, so consider visiting multiple times at different hours.
Additionally, the nearby Chishen Miao (池神庙) temple is a recommended hidden spot for enjoying panoramic views of the salt lake.
Name: Yuncheng Salt Lake (运城盐湖 / Xiechi Pool)
Address: No. 044000, Yanhu District, Jiefang South Road, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, China
2. Haizhou Emperor Guan Temple (解州关帝庙)
Guan Yu served under Emperor Liu Bei of Shu. The region of Hedong/Jie County, where Guan Yu was born, corresponds to what is now Yuncheng City in Shanxi Province. The Guandi Miao (关帝庙) in Yuncheng is considered the main temple among the many temples dedicated to Guan Yu, drawing many visitors from both inside and outside China daily.
Because Guan Yu was born near Yuncheng Salt Lake, some people speculate that he was once involved in the illicit salt trade. For this reason, he is revered as a god of business. The temple is famous as a spiritual place to pray for prosperous business, and many tourists come here hoping to improve their fortunes.
Inside Guandi Miao, there is a strong aroma of incense in the air. Though it is an ancient temple, its vibrant paint stands out brilliantly. The area around the temple is bustling with food stalls—a lively scene indeed! Be sure to sample the lamb-based dishes sold by nearby vendors.
Name: Haizhou Emperor Guan Temple (解州关帝庙 / Haizhou Emperor Guan Temple)
Address: No. 044001, Jiezhen Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, China
3. Phoenix Valley Forest Park (凤凰谷森林公园)
Phoenix Valley Forest Park is a nature-filled tourist spot in Yuncheng City. Although the entrance to its expansive grounds is well maintained, you’ll soon find yourself in a dense forest after venturing further in. This popular destination attracts numerous visitors looking to unwind amidst nature.
In the forest, if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of some wildlife. The park is also known as an excellent birdwatching area, with birdsongs echoing throughout.
Additionally, it offers easy hiking trails, appealing to those who prioritize health and wellness. On a bright, sunny day, you can take in a beautiful view from the hilltops. The route is not overly challenging, making it a fun hike for children and older adults alike.
Name: Phoenix Valley Forest Park (凤凰谷森林公园)
Address: No. 044000, Southern Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, China
4. Shundi Ling Temple (舜帝陵庙)
Shundi Ling Temple is a tourist spot conveniently located near central Yuncheng. Spanning 2,700 square meters, it was registered in 2006 as a national treasure, showcasing significant historical value.
Its rainbow monument, bridging the two valleys, is a popular photo spot. Taking a family picture here makes for a memorable Yuncheng vacation keepsake. Near the entrance stands a large statue; its imposing stature commands attention, so be sure to check it out.
Shundi Ling Temple also hosts seasonal events. The parades, with participants dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, are quite a spectacle worth seeing during your visit. The elegant shows put on by the acrobatic troupes provide plenty of thrills, and their distinctive dances with red veils are a must-watch.
Name: Shundi Ling Temple (舜帝陵庙)
Address: No. 044006, Zhang He Village, Beixiang Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, China
◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province
We’ve introduced four recommended tourist spots in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province.
As the birthplace of the famous Chinese general Guan Yu, Yuncheng City in Shanxi Province is a must-visit destination for Three Kingdoms enthusiasts. The Guandi Miao (Emperor Guan Temple) dedicated to Guan Yu is also considered a beneficial spot for prosperity in business, making it appealing for those wanting to boost their luck. Enjoy your trip to Yuncheng City and immerse yourself in both its deep history and stunning natural scenery!