Things to do in Mizhi
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Top 10 attractions in Mizhi
Palace of Li Zicheng
Li Zicheng Palace is located on Panlong Mountain in the north of Mizhi County, and is now included in the campus of Mizhi No. 1 Middle School. In the sixteenth year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty, after Li Zicheng established the Dashun Kingdom in Xi'an, he ordered people to build a palace and an ancestral tomb here, and the name of the mountain came from this. The palace is exquisitely conceived and unique in shape. The main buildings are Le Lou, Plum Blossom Pavilion, Pengsheng Building, Yuhuang Pavilion, Qingxiang Hall and Beiqing Palace, etc. It is a unique palace garden tourist area in northern Shaanxi. There is also an exhibition of the revolutionary history of Mizhi women in the palace. Panlong Mountain was formerly known as Ma'an Mountain. During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Zhenwu Patriarch Temple was built in the mountains. In the 16th year of Chongzhen (1643), after King Li Zicheng established the Dashun regime in Xi'an, he sent his nephew Li Guo back to Mizhi to sweep the tomb. Li Guo led 30,000 troops to station at the foot of the mountain, and expanded the Zhenwu Patriarch Temple on the mountain into a palace. In November of the same year, Li Zicheng personally led an army back to Mizhi to attend the funeral. He was very happy to see the majestic building of the palace, so he named the mountain Panlong Mountain, the main hall of the palace was Qixiang Hall, and the rear hall was Zhaoqing Palace. After the failure of Li Zicheng's uprising, the local people built a statue of Zhenwu Patriarch to protect the buildings, and the palace was turned into a temple. In recent years, the local government has repaired the palace, restored its original scale and landscape, and established the Li Zicheng Memorial Hall to introduce his life and deeds. In the main hall, there is a FRP statue of Li Zicheng. At present, the Mizhi County Museum is also located in the palace, and the museum displays the Eastern Han Dynasty stone and other historical relics unearthed in Mizhi. From the front building that rises from the sky, you can see the mountains and rivers from afar.Mizhi · 717m from downtown
Mizhi Yaodong Ancient City
The Mizhi Cave Ancient City is located in the southeast of Mizhi County, covering a total area of about 2.4 square kilometers. The ancient city was built in the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty, and was later repaired and expanded by the dynasties. It is a historical and cultural city that has lasted for more than a thousand years. The entire ancient city is surrounded by mountains and water, and overlooked by two mountains, which conforms to the traditional settlement site selection. The ancient city is mainly based on four main streets in the east, south, west and north. Thirteen alleys such as Confucian Alley, Shipo and Sikou Alley are distributed on both sides of the streets, forming an overall pattern of "two mountains surrounded by three waters, and four streets with ancient charm" that looks like a phoenix spreading its wings. Professor Jin Zhilin of the Central Academy of Fine Arts praised the ancient city as "the soul treasure of the Chinese nation." Mizhi Cave Ancient City, a historical and cultural city that integrates the architectural features of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Republic of China, has formed three sets of ancient city patterns, showing rich historical changes and folk customs. The ancient city is about 1.5 hours' drive from Yulin City. Tourists can choose to drive or take public transportation.Mizhi · 564m from downtown
Wanfo Cave
Wanfo Cave is located in Wangshagou Village, Yinzhou Town, Mizhi County, so it is also called Wangshagou Grottoes. The grottoes consist of 27 grottoes of various sizes, including the Hall of Our Lady of Nine Heavens, the Hall of Infinite Life Buddha, and the Hall of Guanyin. It is uncertain when the grottoes were built, but it is generally believed that they were built in the Song to Yuan dynasties. From the escalator to the grotto, it can be seen that there are incomplete stone carvings of one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas in the grotto. What is even more amazing is that there are more than 5,800 statues of Buddha statues on the left and right sides of the hall and the two giant square pillars in the hall, which are exquisite in shape and huge in number. In addition, there are more than 1,200 Buddha statues on the back stone wall, and there are more than 100 small Buddha statues dug in the caisson on the top of the cave. In addition to the remaining 26 Buddha statues in the caves, the total number of Buddha statues in the entire cave exceeds 10,000, so it is called Wanfo Cave.Mizhi · 6.8km from downtown
Jiangshi Manor
Jiang's Manor is located in Qiaohecha Township, 16 kilometers southeast of Mizhi County. It was built during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. Jiang's Manor was designed by the village's richest man, Jiang Yaozu, with experts from Beijing, and it took thirteen years to build it by recruiting skilled craftsmen in the county. Jiang's Manor is ingenious in design, meticulous in construction, compact in layout, and integrated from top to bottom. It is strict with the outside world, and the hospital communicates with each other. It is a rare manor building in northern Shaanxi. The whole manor is divided into 3 parts from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain: the first floor is the lower courtyard, which was built with a stone wall up to 9.5 meters, and the upper part of the building is like a city wall. Along the road on the southwest side of the first floor, go through the door to the second floor, that is, the middle courtyard. In the southwest of the courtyard, there is a wall of about 8 meters high and more than 10 meters long. Walk along the stone steps to the upper courtyard on the third floor. It is the main house of the whole building. It is located in the northeast to the southwest, with a 5-hole stone kiln in the front line. There are symmetrical double courtyards on both sides. Side to the lower academy. There is a Walled City behind the entire courtyard, and there is a Walled Gate that leads to the back mountain.Mizhi · 14.5km from downtown
Yulin Heilong Pond
Yulin · 8.8km from Mizhi
Grottoes of Xuankong Temple
Yulin · 16.3km from Mizhi
Jinci Temple Museum
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jin River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It was built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the Jin State, and served as the ancestral temple of the Jin State. It is often said that "a visit to Taiyuan is incomplete without seeingJinci Templethe saying "a wasted trip to Taiyuan". After getting off at Jinci Temple, the first place you'll reach isJinci MuseumThis is a free park with a pleasant environment, perfect for casual strolling. After about a 10-minute walk through the park, you'll reach the main area of Jinci. Inside Jinci Museum,Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" (Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, and Shengmu Hall) and "Three Wonders" (Zhou-bai, Nanlao Spring Pavilion, and painted clay sculptures) are must-sees for every visitor toJinci Templeview that everyone must see. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are connected and located atJinci Templeon the central axis, allowing for a combined visit. Xian Hall is a place for offering sacrifices, with fence-like walls on all four sides, providing good ventilation and coolness. Notably, not a single iron nail was used in the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is located in front of Xian Hall and was built during the Song Dynasty. The entire view resembles a modern overpass, making it the only existing example among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Shengmu Hall, which is the earliest existing main building in Jinci Museum. The main hall is spacious, and a major highlight is its beam-and-pillar structure without internal columns. Eight wooden carved coiled dragons, appearing ready to fly, are carved on the eight corridor pillars in front of the hall, which, together with the "Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond," present a magnificent sight. Centered around the Hall of the Holy Mother, it's easy to find the "Three Wonders." The painted clay figurines are located inside the Hall of the Holy Mother, with the main statue of the Holy Mother seated majestically in a wooden shrine, dignified and resplendent, while the other 42 attendant statues stand on either side. These figurines are dressed in vibrant colors with varied expressions, including one maidservant dressed as a flower-dan (young female role in Chinese opera), her face half joyful and half sorrowful, evoking complex emotions in viewers. Master Mei Lanfang once stood before this maidservant statue for a long time, carefully studying her posture and inner emotions, and praised it highly. The Zhou Cypress, located north of the Hall of the Holy Mother, was planted during the Western Zhou Dynasty and is over 3,000 years old. The Pavilion of the Never-Aging Spring stands south of the Hall of the Holy Mother, where the source of the Jin River flows continuously year-round. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the extremely precious "Jinci Inscription" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. At the southernmost part, you can find the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, which is said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. In the northern part of the temple complex, the Futu Courtyard houses the Sheli Shengsheng Pagoda. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view.Jinci TempleThe panoramic view is clearly visible.China · Taiyuan
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
The Hukou Waterfall is a famous waterfall on the Yellow River. The roiling water of the Yellow River roars downward here with great power. The Hukou Waterfall area is divided by the Yellow River. On the west side is Yichuan County, Shaanxi, and on the east side is Ji County, Shanxi. The waterfall is also divided into the Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shaanxi) and the Shanxi Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shanxi). Separate tickets are sold for each area. The Shanxi section of the Hukou Waterfall is located 45 kilometers west of the seat of Ji County in Linfen City, Shanxi.China · Ji County
Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City is approx. 85 km from Taiyuan. The streets, shops, and residences within the ancient city still maintain their traditional layout and appearance, making it one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is also the only ancient county town in China that has successfully been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an entire city. Pingyao was once the financial center of China during the late Qing Dynasty. Walking through this once-prosperous ancient city, you can feel the essence of Shanxi merchant culture everywhere. The ancient city has six gates in total, with the north gate near Pingyao bus station and the west gate nearPingyao train stationThe south gate and west gate are places with many travelers. Entering the ancient town does not require an admission ticket, but if you want to climb the city wall or visit attractions like the ticket number, you need to purchase a pass for the ancient town. The ancient town is not very large, and walking is enough to explore it all. If you prefer not to walk, you can also take electric bikes. The streets of the entire ancient city are laid out in the shape of the Chinese character "土" (earth). When visiting, you usually enter the city from the West Gate and walk along West Street to Rishengchang Draft Bank, known as the "ancestor of modern Chinese banking". Here you can not only learn about the development history of ancient banking, but also have the old manager in a long robe and mandarin jacket write a draft for you using the early draft method, which is particularly historical. Moving forward is the north-south spanningSouth street, it is the central axis of the ancient city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties,South streetControlling over half of the nation's financial institutions, it was hailed as the "Wall Street of China" in its heyday. Today, it remains a bustling area of the ancient city, known as the Ming-Qing Ancient Street. Most attractions in Pingyao Ancient City are concentrated here, centered around the landmark structure, the Ancient City Tower. Surrounding it are attractions like Xie Tong Qing ticket number (China Banking Museum) and Wei Tai Hou (Ticket number museumAttractions such as Baichuantong, China Escort Museum, Tongxinggong Escort, Weishengchang, China Rare Newspaper Exhibition Hall, and Tianjixiang are available, along with restaurants, musical instrument stores, cafes, and bars. After strolling along the street, you can dine here, buy some souvenirs, and then continue south for more sightseeing. At the Pingyao Ancient City's county government office on the south side of the ancient city, you can see a large number of ancient documents and torture instruments, with daily performances of court sessions; near the Shangdong Gate are the Pingyao Ancient City's Chenghuang Temple andConfucian templeIt is quite grand and meticulously built, with thriving incense offerings where you can burn joss sticks. The Pingyao Ancient City wall is also one of the highlights of the ancient city, being not only majestic but also remarkably well-preserved. Climbing the wall offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city. Among the gates, the tower of the south gate (Yingxun Gate of Pingyao Ancient City wall) is exquisitely crafted, and this area is close to residential buildings, allowing visitors to observe the daily life of the locals. If time permits, you can walk around the ancient city along the wall to fully appreciate its charm, which takes about an hour. Watching the sunset from the wall in the evening presents a beautiful scene. Besides the ancient town itself, Pingyao has two other major attractions: Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. Zhenguo Temple was built without a single nail, with all structures joined by interlocking wooden components. Shuanglin Temple houses over 10 halls containing exquisitely crafted painted sculptures dating from the Yuan to Ming dynasties. It is highly recommended to stay overnight in the ancient town to enjoy its night view. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the small alleys and experience the authentic Pingyao, where the local culture and customs or photography make excellent subjects. Especially during the Chinese New Year, Pingyao is full of festive atmosphere. The town features old courtyards converted into inns, which are usually affordable, with clean and tidy accommodations available for just a few dozen yuan. Additionally, Pingyao is renowned for its beef. In the late Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Pingyao and was so fond of the local beef after tasting it that she designated it as a royal tribute. Shops bearing the name "Guanyun beef" can be seen everywhere in the ancient town, making it hard to distinguish authenticity, and prices are generally high. You may consider buying some outside the town to try or give as gifts to friends and relatives.China · Pingyao County
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
The Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River is located on the riverbed of the Yellow River in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, where the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi face each other across the river. The main stream of the Yellow River, originally hundreds of m wide, suddenly narrows to dozens of m and plunges into a deep trough with a drop of 20–30 m, resembling water being poured from a giant pot—hence the name "Hukou" (Pot Mouth). Due to the large amount of sediment carried by the river, the waterfall presents a rare golden-yellow view: the turbid waves roar down with a sound like distant thunder rolling through the valley, while the rising mist lingers before the cliff, earning the nickname "smoke rising from the water." On sunny days, sunlight casts a rainbow over the waterfall, known as "a rainbow playing in the water." The mist may drench visitors even without wind or rain, creating the wonder called "rainfall under a clear sky." Hukou waterfall is regarded as the symbol of the "soul of the Yellow River" and the spirit of the Chinese nation. In 1938, when poet Guang Weiran crossed the Yellow River, he witnessed the roaring waves of Hukou and the boatmen's chants, which inspired him to create the now-legendary Yellow River Cantata. Liang Heng's essay of the same name was selected for middle school Chinese textbooks, and the back of the fourth series CNY 50 banknote also features this scene. Many first learned about it through textbooks and currency before visiting in person. In the past, cargo ships had to leave the water and bypass the waterfall here, leaving behind the maritime memory of "sailing on dry land." The scenery here varies with the seasons: In early spring, the upstream ice melts and the water level rises sharply, coinciding with the blooming of mountain peach blossoms on both banks, known as the "March peach blossom flood." In midsummer, the rainy season brings abundant water, with muddy waves towering into the sky. After fall begins, the rainy season subsides, and the water becomes high and steady. As the fall breeze sweeps by, rainbows often appear, earning the name "Hukou autumn breeze." In deep winter, layers of ice form along the banks, and overflow freezes into inverted ice peaks, glistening under the sunlight, creating the spectacular "upside-down ice peaks." The viewing platform on the Shaanxi side stretches along the cliff top on the western bank, offering a commanding view of the "thousand-mile Yellow River funneled into one pot" and the ten-mile-long Dragon Trough below the waterfall. During high-water seasons, the mist is heavy, and clothes get soaked quickly, so remember to protect your camera and phone; the boardwalk is slippery, so watch your step while walking and taking photos.China · Yichuan
Experiences you can't miss in Mizhi
Featured Travel photography in Mizhi
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Free things to do in Mizhi
Palace of Li Zicheng
Mizhi · 717m from downtownMizhi Yaodong Ancient City
Mizhi · 564m from downtownWanfo Cave
Mizhi · 6.8km from downtownJiangshi Manor
Mizhi · 14.5km from downtownYulin Heilong Pond
Yulin · 8.8km from MizhiGrottoes of Xuankong Temple
Yulin · 16.3km from MizhiJinci Temple Museum
China · TaiyuanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeThe Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
China · Ji CountyBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimePingyao Ancient City
China · Pingyao CountyImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeHukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
China · YichuanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travellers say about Mizhi
M37***455 August 2026
4.0
Li Zicheng's Palace is located on Panlong Mountain, north of Mizhi County. Built against the mountainside with a unique layout, it is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes in Shaanxi Province.
Climbing the palace offers panoramic views of Mizhi, with particularly stunning scenery at sunset.
Palace of Li Zicheng
迪肯孔裴矩30 March 2023
5.0
Mizhi Ancient City is actually Mizhi Old City. Since the establishment of the county in the early Song Dynasty, this has been the seat of Mizhi County. In recent decades, Mizhi has opened up a new urban area, but the old city has not been "abandoned". People still live there, and there is a smell of fireworks everywhere. Walking in it, you can even feel a little crowded and noisy. However, the deeper you go, the more you can understand the cultural heritage behind this thousand-year-old ancient city.
Mizhi Yaodong Ancient City
旅之坐标系24 October 2025
5.0
Taking parents to the Mizhi Thousand Buddha Caves is a great choice.
Here, the caves are carved into the mountainside, and among them, thousand-year-old Buddha statues stand quietly, conveying a profound sense of history. Parents, many of whom have a special affinity for traditional culture, will be captivated by the intricacy and majesty of the Northern Song Dynasty stone carvings. The caves are cool and tranquil, and the walk is gentle, making them easy on the elderly.
Standing by the Wuding River, the view of the mountains, water, and caves complement each other, creating a profound and captivating scene. This blend of human and natural beauty will immerse parents in the scenery, perfect for taking photos or simply strolling.
The overall experience is relaxing and insightful, allowing families to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying a warm and culturally enriched time together. For families who value experiencing traditional culture, this is a worthwhile trip.
Wanfo Cave
xue***an15 July 2020
5.0
But the main reason for visiting Mizhi was to see Jiang's Manor. I checked beforehand and someone said that it was impossible to get there due to road construction, so I decided to give it a try. The transportation was really inconvenient and it was suitable for self-driving tours. Because of the road construction, I could only go from Yangjialing. The minibus only went to Yangjialing, and I had to go to Taozhen and then to the manor by myself. The minibus to Yangjialing was 80 yuan round trip. Later, the owner of a snack bar gave me 200 yuan for a round trip, and we went to Yangjialing and Jiang's Manor. It is very worth going. I won't write about it in detail, there are many online, and I mainly record how to get there.
Jiangshi Manor
DUANGNAPA M.16 October 2026
5.0
Jinci Temple (晉祠) in Taiyuan is a breathtaking blend of ancient history, master-class art, and tranquil classical gardens that leaves a lasting impression.An Unforgettable Encounter with Ancient Art• The Hall of the Holy Mother (Shengmu Hall): Built in 1032 during the Song Dynasty, this majestic structure features iconic carved wooden dragons coiled around its support pillars.Song Dynasty Sculptures: Inside the hall, 42 lifelike clay figurines of court maidens showcase vibrant expressions, realistic clothing, and unmatched craftsmanship from the 11th century.The "Three Wonders": You can marvel at the 3,000-year-old Zhou Dynasty cypress tree tilted at a 45-degree angle, the crystal-clear Nanlao Spring flowing endlessly at 17°C, and the historic painted sculptures.A Vast and Serene Classical Garden• Spacious Layout: Unlike cramped tourist sites, Jinci feels expansive—combining the grand scale of an imperial ancestral temple with the delicate, winding charm of a traditional Chinese.
Jinci Temple Museum
yangliaopan15 October 2026
5.0
We got a combined ticket for Shanxi and Shaanxi, and we went to the Shanxi section first.
We experienced the majesty of the Mother River, there were stage performances,
we had photo opportunities with little donkeys (suitable for children), and
we could drive to the other side of the Shanxi section.
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
Noam Galpaz Angel16 October 2026
4.0
The attractions are close to each other, I think an English sign and explanations will be a bonus. Get a guide if you want to understand more about the old city.
Pingyao Ancient City
哥玛兽16 October 2026
5.0
The shuttle bus I took from Wanglongtai was not crowded, the facilities were fairly complete, the driver departed promptly, and the ride was smooth. They even turned on the air conditioning in the afternoon. The price of 16 yuan was reasonable.
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
