Firstly, it must be emphasized that dining within the scenic area is an absolute no-no. Even instant noodles would be a preferable choice compared to the meals offered there. The surrounding restaurants serve dishes that are not only unpalatable but also exorbitantly priced. The knife-shaved noodles, for instance, had a texture akin to rubber, and every dish we ordered lacked any semblance of flavor. The following morning, we ventured out for breakfast and encountered roadside vending machines selling frozen buns. At a cost of 20 yuan per cage, we purchased three cages, yet ultimately discarded the last one entirely, as they resembled paper-like buns from an unsanitary workshop. The tea eggs were equally disappointing, with their shells peeling off to reveal only the yolk. What was most unacceptable was the price tag; spending 69 yuan on breakfast that ended up being discarded was a bitter pill to swallow.
Secondly, anticipating the crowds, we made the wise decision to park several kilometers away. However, navigating the ancient city on foot was quite taxing, to the extent that my newly-worn socks developed holes after a day’s worth of walking. This was indeed a surprise.
Thirdly, purchasing a pass to visit all the attractions without a guide would leave you feeling like you’d missed out on something. The guides, however, charge separately for their services, ranging from 30 to 50 yuan. Later, we discovered that it was possible to eavesdrop on other groups’ tours, but for a more immersive experience, it’s advisable to visit during the low season and take your time exploring.
Fourthly, while the costuming services we engaged for our photoshoot were relatively affordable (138 yuan for a full set of makeup and clothing, plus 30 yuan for a cape), the quality varied. For optimal photography results, it’s best to shoot after 10 pm, when the crowds are thinner and the lighting is more flattering. A supplementary lighting source is also recommended. During daylight hours, the crowds are simply too overwhelming for any meaningful photography.
Fifthly, while the Shanxi merchants are renowned for their excellence, our experience with half of the merchants in this trip left a sour taste. On the brighter side, we encountered many friendly local villagers who were eager to assist with directions and other inquiries.
Lastly, the toilets! They were appalling, particularly those outside the scenic area. Within the attractions, they were at least marginally cleaner due to some level of maintenance, but the ones on the streets were truly horrendous. Overall, after spending two nights and days here, my sentiment is that I am not eager to return anytime soon.
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