Changzhi: A Summer Resort and a Showcase of Ancient Architecture
Recently, it has been so hot that it makes people doubt their lives. They wish they could spend 24 hours in an air-conditioned room and not want to go anywhere.
In the circle of friends, they are either drying the 40 ℃ high temperature warning, or roast that the life is given by the air conditioner, which makes people upset.
However, just as I was about to be driven crazy by the scorching heat, I came across a video about Changzhi in Shanxi Province, calling it the “cold capital of China”. The average temperature in summer is only 26 ℃, which is simply a paradise on earth!
As a person who is heavily afraid of hot stars, I immediately felt energized and decided to personally experience this legendary ‘natural air conditioner’.
As soon as I said I would leave, I directly booked a high-speed rail ticket on my phone. It took me three hours to arrive in Changzhi from Beijing, which was much more convenient than I had imagined.
As soon as I walked out of the high-speed railway station, a cool breeze with the fragrance of green grass blew towards me, mixed with a hint of soil fragrance, making me feel relaxed and happy.
There’s really no exaggeration, there’s no such thing as the stuffy and humid feeling, the whole person feels much better.
During my days in Changzhi, I fell completely in love with this treasure city.
Not only is the climate cool and pleasant here, but the historical and cultural heritage is profound. The number and exquisite level of ancient buildings even exceed that of Datong, making it an underestimated summer resort!
Let’s talk about the climate first. Changzhi is located in the hinterland of the Taihang Mountains, with a high altitude. Due to the influence of the terrain, the summer temperature is generally lower than the surrounding areas, forming a unique “cold and cool” climate.
It’s really rare in northern cities to even cover oneself with a thin blanket when sleeping at night.
And the air quality here is particularly good, with PM2.5 staying low all year round. It feels like you have your own air purifier, and you can feel what “deep breathing” means every day.
In addition to the pleasant climate, the ancient buildings in Changzhi also amazed me.
This city has a long history and was once the political, economic, and cultural center of the Shangdang area, leaving behind many precious historical relics.
For example, the Bayi Temple, also known as the “Yixia Hall”, was built to commemorate eight loyal and righteous figures in the Yuan Dynasty drama “The Orphan of Zhao”, including Cheng Ying, Gongsun Chujiu, and Han Jue. It has a history of more than 700 years and is a relatively well preserved Yuan Dynasty building in the northern region. Its architectural style is simple and atmospheric, with exquisite details, and is very distinctive.
Also, Chongqing Temple, built in the Tang Dynasty, has a grand scale and magnificent momentum.
There is a Thousand Buddha Pagoda in the temple, which is entirely made of glazed bricks and shines brightly in the sunlight. It is very exquisite. It is said that there are Buddhist scriptures and relics hidden inside the pagoda. Unfortunately, when I went there, I happened to be repairing it and didn’t have the opportunity to see its true appearance. It’s really a pity.
In addition to these temples, there are many well preserved ancient villages in Changzhi, such as Baligou, which is surrounded by mountains and rivers with beautiful scenery. The houses in the villages are all built with stone, which is antique and particularly charming.
Walking on the path paved with bluestone boards, it feels like traveling back to ancient times, feeling the tranquility and simplicity.
During my days in Changzhi, I would visit the old streets every day and experience the local customs and traditions.
The old streets in Changzhi have a lively atmosphere without excessive commercialization. There are some old brand shops on both sides of the street, selling everything. The owners are very enthusiastic and will chat with you about daily life and local customs, which feels very friendly.
Of course, there are also various small vendors selling various specialty snacks at affordable prices.
My favorite is the freshly fried oil cake on the roadside, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and delicious. Every time I pass by, I always buy a few to satisfy my cravings.
When it comes to food, we have to mention the delicious cuisine of Changzhi.
The cuisine in Changzhi is mainly based on noodles, among which the most famous are “Changzhi fried cakes” and “Licheng thrown cakes”.
Changzhi fried pancake is made by slicing thin pancakes and stir frying them with shredded meat, eggs, vegetables, etc. It has a spicy and delicious taste, and is very appetizing.
Licheng pancake is handmade from dough, thin as paper, with a chewy texture that can be rolled with various dishes and is particularly delicious.
In addition to fried cakes and tossed cakes, there are many other special pasta in Changzhi, such as Daoxiao Noodles, Tijian, Hele, etc., each of which has its own characteristics, making people never tire of eating it.
In summary, Changzhi is truly a great place for summer vacation tourism. Not only is the climate cool, but the historical and cultural heritage is profound, and there are also many delicious foods. The key is that there are not many tourists here, so you can savor them slowly. We strongly recommend it to everyone!
By the way, I almost forgot to mention that the transportation in Changzhi is also very convenient, with high-speed rail and airplanes, and the city’s transportation is also very developed. Taking a taxi or bus is very convenient, so you don’t have to worry about travel problems.
This trip to Changzhi has given me a brand new understanding of this city. It is like a pearl hidden in the Taihang Mountains, low-key and beautiful. I look forward to exploring more of its charm next time!
Original address: The temperature in summer is 26 ℃, with built-in air conditioning mode. The ancient architecture surpasses Datong, but it is too hidden to be revealed!
original Author: Travel Official Account: Travel Stories Release time: July 24, 2024 8:30 Published in Shanxi