Day 1: Our journey began with a destination set at Lingchuan County, situated at the border of Shanxi and Henan provinces, specifically the scenic Wujiawan Area.π The route took us through Jiaozuo, revealing breathtaking landscapes along the way. We encountered numerous motorcyclists and campers, experiencing a unique sense of adventure. Unexpectedly, we encountered traffic lights on the mountainous road, and after navigating numerous hairpin turns and encountering numerous skilled drivers, we realized the necessity of such safety measures.
Following our visit to Wujiawan, we navigated to our next destination, Situ Town in Jincheng, Shanxi.π Our primary objective was to witness the evening’s iron flower performance, so we leisurely explored the town, eventually concluding that it was indeed quite small and the ticket price seemed slightly unwarranted. However, our perception changed entirely when we stumbled upon various non-heritage performances, leaving us thoroughly impressed. The iron flower performance, commencing at 7:30, was particularly noteworthy. To our surprise, we discovered that the tickets included a complimentary outfit inspired by the attire of a Shanxi merchant’s daughter-in-law! We hurriedly sought out the costumes, but were informed that the dressing-up session would end at 7:00. Nonetheless, we quickly changed into our outfits, captured a few photos, and indulged in mutual jests. The iron flower performance was nothing short of magnificent and thrilling, despite the slight discomfort of inhaling coal dust and the chill of the evening air.
For the night, we settled in a hotel in downtown Jincheng. Our four-person group opted for a family room, equipped with two single beds and a double bed, providing us with a sense of security and comfort.
Day 2: Our journey continued with a visit to the Jincheng Museum, where we had the fortune of encountering a veteran narrator, well into his 70s. His vivid narratives transformed a place that we might have otherwise skimmed through in five minutes into an hour-long immersive experience. The ancient architecture on display truly showcased the wisdom of our ancestors, leaving us in awe.
Inspired by our narrator’s insights, we made our way to the Huangcheng Xiangfu area, which included the developing Guoyu Fortress and the nearby Xiangyu Fortress. Although we did not purchase tickets to enter these sites, standing outside was enough to appreciate their grandeur and majesty.
Our final destination was home. Before returning to Xinzheng, we made a detour to Xinmi for a night market meal. The familiarity and comfort of home-style cuisine were truly satisfying. This itinerary, while packed with activities, was neither exhausting nor stressful, but rather enriching and enjoyable. The simple joy of being away from home filled our hearts with delight. #ShanxiJincheng #SituTown #JinchengMuseum
