No matter how hot it gets above ground through the seasons, the Wannian Ice Cave in Ningwu County, Shuozhou, remains frozen all year round.
It formed about three million years ago during the Quaternary glacial period. Thanks to unique climatic and geological conditions, along with thick layers of limestone and volcanic rock, it has been preserved as a natural wonder until today.
The cave maintains a constant temperature of around –4°C, so we came prepared with heavy sweaters and down jackets. After descending more than a hundred steps to the cave floor, the journey down felt somewhat underwhelming, with little to see along the way.
However, the return trip revealed a completely different world. Instead of ordinary stalactites, the cave presents a stunning landscape of ice formations—towering ice columns, hanging ice curtains, delicate ice flowers, and cascading ice waterfalls. Illuminated by cool-toned lights, everything sparkles like a fairytale kingdom.
Our next stop – hanging village. This small settlement, with around twenty households, is built halfway up the mountainside. A short walk uphill from the parking area brings you to a series of graceful waterfalls, small yet refreshing.
Continuing upward, we reached the village. Wooden planks form the walkways, extending out from the mountain and supported by vertical wooden pillars. The houses are also constructed from timber, creating a rustic and harmonious atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
With mountains, water, and forests, this is indeed an ideal place for retreat and quiet living. Curious about why people settled here, we learned from local records that during the late Ming Dynasty, as rebel forces led by Li Zicheng approached, the Chongzhen Emperor dispersed his children. The fourth prince fled to Ningwu, became a monk, and his followers settled on the mountainside, forming this unique village.
The Fen River, known as the “Mother River of Shanxi,” flows from north to south across the province and eventually joins the Yellow River. The famous Chinese liquor Fenjiu is produced in the Fen River basin, particularly in Xinghuacun, Fenyang.
Today, we visited its source. Following a staff recommendation, we stopped at Fenyuan Pavilion to taste the clear and refreshing spring water. According to staff, the water here never freezes throughout the year.
Our final stop was Chongfu Temple Shuozhou. Originally built in 665 during the Tang Dynasty and later rebuilt in 984 during the Liao Dynasty, its main structures—especially the Mahavira Hall—date from the Liao period.
The temple preserves colorful murals and wooden Buddha statues from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, and even after more than a thousand years, the glazed roof tiles still shine brilliantly.
We had planned to visit the Mayi Museum, but unfortunately found it closed for renovation upon arrival.
For dinner, we chose the newly opened Kunlun Banquet. The restaurant features grand decor and excellent dishes, and we were pleasantly surprised to receive a 20% opening discount at checkout 😀
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