Jinzhong Travel Guide

Population: 3,060,000

Area: 16,400 square kilometers (6,332 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 1district (Yuci); 9 counties (Yushe, Zuoquan, Heshun, Xiyang, Shouyang, Taigu, Qixian, Pingyao, Lingshi); 1 county-level city (Jiexiu)

Seat of the city government: No.114, Yanghao Street, Yuci District, Jinzhong City

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0354-2025111-6533
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Jinzhong Branch: No.109, Shuncheng Street (East), Yuci District, Jincheng City

China Post Jinzhong Branch: No.229, Yingbin Road, Yuci District, Jinzhong City

Location: Jincheng City is situated in east-central Shanxi Province, neighboring Taihang Mountains in the east and Hebei Province in the north. It is separated from the capital city Taiyuan by the Fenhe River in the west.

History: The history of Jinzhong can be trace back to thirty thousand years ago. In the late years of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC), cities and towns had taken shape in this area. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), county level administrative unite started to be established in Jinzhong. Since the Eastern Han Dynasty (25AD-220AD), shires and prefectures began to appear. Historically, this region was usually subordinate to Taiyuan, Fenzhou or other prefectures.

Physical Features: Jingzhong lies in the middle section of the Taihang Mountains, eastern Taiyuan (Jinzhong) Basin. The Taihang Mountains, Qinlu Plateau, Taiyue Mountains and Taiyuan Basin stand east-west constituting the basic setup of Jinzhong's terrain. Mountainous region occupies over eighty percent of the city's territory.

Climatic Features: Enjoying a temperate continental monsoon climate, Jinzhong has dry and chilly winter, torrid and wet summer. Its annual average temperature falls around 9 degree centigrade (48.2 degree Fahrenheit). On the whole, its rainfall mainly concentrates on summer. As to the spatial distribution, the rainfall in southeast Jinzhong is more than that in the northwest.

When to Go: Autumn is the most ideal period to visit Jinzhong.

Special Local Products: walnut of Zuoquan County, Huping Jujube, dried beef of Pingyao County, oil cake

Scenic Spots:
Ancient City of Pingyao can be one of the most intact ancient cities in China with a history of more than 1,500 years. It is also known as the 'Turtle City' suggesting longevity and never declining. The 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long brick City Wall is installed with wall towers and turrets which would take effect in wartime and have decorative function on the framework of the wall. The ancient city is made up of four major streets, eight lesser streets and seventy-two lanes. The South Street, also called the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, is the busiest commercial center of Pingyao. Along the street stand stores of Ming and Qing architectural styles.
Qiao's Compound: Located in Qiaojiabao Village 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Qixian County, the compound of the Qiao Family were first built during the regime of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Going through over 250 years of ups and downs, the Qiao's Compound, together with many other compounds of the big families in Shanxi, tells us vivid stories about Shanxi businessmen.
Other Scenic Spots: Mianshan Mountain, Qu's Compound, Shuangling Monastery

Tourist Tips:
It is convenient to visit Jinzhong. Downtown Jinzhong is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Taiyuan and only about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Taiyuan Wusu Airport. Visitors can find long distance bus station in Yutai Road of Yuci District.

For more attractions in Pingyao, please click Pingyao Attractions.