Changzhi Travel Guide
Population: 3,216,600
Area: 13,896 square kilometers (5,365 square miles)
Nationalities: Han
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Urban District, Suburban District); 10 counties (Changzhi, Xiangyuan, Tunliu, Pingshun, Licheng, Huguan, Zhangzi, Wuxiang, Qinxian, Qinyuan); 1 county-level city (Lucheng)
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0355-2035096
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0355-2085360
Location: Changzhi City stands in the southeast of Shanxi Province, neighboring Hebei and Henan provinces in the east. Jincheng City and Jinzhong City are respectively linked with Changzhi in its south and north ends.
History: Primitive agriculture in this area began extremely long ago. Its old name Shangdang was given during the Warring States Period (476BC-221BC). The name of Chanzhi was gained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) symbolizing long-term peace and stability.
Physical Features: Duo to the Taihang Mountains in the east and the Taiyue Mountains in the west, the terrain of the city slopes downward from the eastern and northern parts to the western and southern. The central area is comparatively flatter scattered with several basins.
Climatic Features: Changzhi is situated in the interior of China belonging to warm temperate zone. Hence it has a typical continental monsoon climate. Temperature difference is distinct in four seasons. Winter is dry and summer has more rainfall. Annual Average temperature maintains between 5C (41F) and 11C (52F).
When to Go: spring and autumn
Special Local product: Shangdang preserved donkey meat, Codonopsis pilosula (panax ginseng)
Scenic Spots:
Grand Taihang Canyon: The scenic area lies in the southeast of Huguan County, boasting the most stunning natural beauty of Changzhi, including imposing peaks, arduous crags, elegant pools and waterfalls, secluded limestone caves and astonishing rocks, accompanied with moving time-honored legends. Meanwhile, this is an excellent tourist destination containing profound cultural accumulations. For instance, the Zhenze Palace built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) is a well preserved complex of Taoist buildings with its historical and artistic value is widely acknowledged.
Shangdang Gate: Shangdang Gate is in the southeast of Changzhi city proper, being the office gate of the ancient Shangdang Shire. The present gate tower was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. In the west and east sides of the gate stand the bell tower and the drum tower. Nowadays, it has been a representative building of the city.
Other Scenic Spots: Faxing Temple, Xiantang Mountain, Lingkong Mountain and Huangya Cave
Tourist Tips:
1. Changzhi Airport is 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) north of downtown Changzhi. Routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Taiyuan have been opened. Taiyuan can be reached in 30 minutes.
2. Changzhi Passenger Transport Center is situated in the Fuhou Xi Jie, from which buses to Taiyuan will depart every 15 to 30 minutes. From Taiyuan Long-Distance Bus Station in the east of the Wuyi Square, Yingze Da Jie, visitors can find buses to Changzhi. The whole journey will cost about three hours.