A memorable Trip to Northern China

Route of our 30 days trip to northern China  (15th Oct to 14th November 2012) :-
Beijing - Taiyuan - Jinzhou - Wutaishan - Hunyuan - Datong - Yingxian - Daixian - Ningwu - Dongzhai - Pianguan - Laoniuwan - Datong - Taiyuan - Pingyao - Jiexiu - Hongdong -  Linfen - Hukou - Yuncheng -  Yongji - Xian - Beijing

Local Chinese always says that the 1000 years history of China was in Beijing and the 3000 years history was in Xian but if any history longer than that, they advise you to go for Shanxi.. We visited this northern state of China in  autumn after its long national holidays in 2012.  We took a domestic flight from Beijing to its Capital Taiyuan, made use of the long distance bus service from towns to towns and hired private cars in rural areas, to  witness and admire  its enchanting natural scenery,  its inspired loess plateau and mountainous landscape, its abundant historical sites and its splendid Buddhist heritage.   Although we were not in a group, we faced  no problem to travel from one place to another, as connecting roads in China are now much improved and highways have also been very well developed.  It was indeed a memorable and wonderful trip.

The Province of Shanxi  situated on the Loess Plateau in the middle reach of Yellow River in Northern China, borders Inner Mongolia to its north and Henan to its south,  neighbors with  Shaanxi at west and Hebei at  east.   In short,  it was known as Jin as during Spring and Autumn period (770 - 476 BC), it was under the jurisdiction of Jin State.  Shanxi was one of the most important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, a home ground for China's  banking , Chinese ancient architecture, Chinese operas,  folk songs and dances.  Being  recognized  as the ancestral home of Chinese nation and the roots of many celebrities,  it is the place where many of the Chinese surnames originated. Shanxi is inhabited with 33 millions people making up from 35 ethnic groups.  The 156,300 sq. kilometer of land are mostly diverse landforms with mountains, plateau and basins,  boasting of  magnificent and scenic sights,  abounding in wildlife and mineral resources particularly the coal..

To understand the early civilization of China and to experience a different landforms of China, go Shanxi! I have done my trip, when would be yours?

Pictures captured at interesting sites in Shanxi are in my blog, log in and enjoy!

Exploring A Legendary Vista - Laoniu-wan

Laoniu-wan literally means An Old Ox Bay, is among the ten most beautiful canyons in China. It lies at the border of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. Its three water bays and valley are nourished by Yellow River. Laoniu-wan is the starting point where the canyon began to extend to the other three neighboring states and the flow of water began to turn into the Province of Shanxi. It is a meeting venue for Yellow River to intersect with inner and external Great Wall that built in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).



A magnificent geological sanctuary that features various geological structures of different kinds.



The geological structures that include The Great Canyon, Sapphire-blue Huanghe and yellow loess plateau created one of the most extraordinary valleys in China!



Facing the vast exposure of the great China's Yellow Loess Plateau and awesome Laoniu-wan Canyon along with the Great Yellow River, wandering alone by myself under the sky, I was lost in thought and step!



Unbelievable, Yellow River at Laoniu-wan is no more yellow in color, no more roaring in anger, but stays serene, elegant, calm and smooth like a long blue silky belt twisting within the ragged terrain that jutted into water.



A tranquil landscaped nature !









Awesome!






Picturesque charm of Old Ox Bay at Inner Mongolia!









The unique layering rock formation are every where at site!






Immensely immersed in the exceptionally peaceful and scenic environment, I was free in mind and body, totally forgot who am I!



The hollow brick watching tower built in 14th century, still remained staying at the cliff, silently staring at Yellow River. In year 1467 during Ming Dynasty, Laoniu-wan was set up as a military garrison for the purpose of defensing the attack from northern nomadic tribes.



The hidden charm of Huanghe at this 8km flow of water at Laoniu-wan, the water color changes as it runs down from north towards south. It appears bright turquoise blue at south, followed by soothing grassy green and attractive emerald at north. Gorgeous!



The inherent natural beauty of Laoniu-wan !






Song-Ershuang was the host of our two days home-stay in Laoniuwan. He is a local native and never left the place since he was borne.



The charm of nature.



Inner Mongolia lies at the opposite bank of Yellow River.



The former fortress that dated 5-600 years ago had now turned into a village inhabited by local people.






The point where Yellow River starts to turn into the State of Shanxi was marked on a rock.









Magnificent scenery