Journey to Shanxi—The Mausoleum of Emperor Yan in Gaoping

Brief Introduction of the Scenic Spot: The Mausoleum of Emperor Yan in Gaoping, Shanxi, is known as one of the four major mausoleums of Emperor Yan in China, along with those in Yanling County, Hunan Province, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, and Shangqiu City, Henan Province. The area is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, with ravines crisscrossing the east, west, and south, and rolling hills to the north. The green mountains are reflected in the water; to the west, you can see the majestic Yangtou Mountain, and to the south, you can overlook the Dan River Valley, with its clouds and mists. The Xiaodongcang River trickles at your feet. It is said that in ancient times, Emperor Yan, also known as Shennong, was active in the Yangtou Mountain area of Shangdang, where he obtained fine grains, sowed the five grains, made ploughs, tasted a hundred herbs, and created the five-thousand-year-old agricultural and medical civilization of China. In his later years, he died of poisoning after mistakenly eating a 'centipede' while tasting herbs on Yan Emperor Ridge, and was buried here. The Mausoleum of Emperor Yan is commonly known as the 'Imperial Tomb'. The early buildings were grand in scale. After thousands of years of wind and rain, only five of the original buildings remain. The restored buildings are all wooden structures, using traditional sacrificial architectural techniques from southeast Shanxi and Song Dynasty architectural styles, fully demonstrating the majestic and solemn grandeur and simple and dignified historical style of the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan. Every year, compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait come here to participate in the ancestor worship ceremony, seek their roots, ask their ancestors, and pray for the blessings of China. Scenic Spot Qualifications: National 4A Scenic Spot Features of the Scenic Spot: Ancestor worship, historical culture, tombs How to Get There: Take a direct bus from Jincheng East Station to the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan Opening Hours: Summer: 9:00—18:00 Winter: 9:00—17:00 Ticket Price: Free