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Prefecture-level city in Shanxi, People's Republic of China
Photo: Emdx, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Linfen (临汾; Línfén) is a city of Shanxi. Linfen prefecture is home to several notable tourist attractions including the Hukou Waterfall which is the largest waterfall on the Yellow River and the second largest in China. Hukou Waterfall is located 150 km (93 mi) west of Linfen city in Jinshan Gorge.
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洪栋古城
Linfen Ancient City Park recreates the historic appearance of Linfen's old city with lakes, bridges, sculptures, and thematic areas celebrating the city's rich heritage.
铁佛寺（大云寺）
Tiefo Temple (Dayun Temple) in Linfen is a historic Buddhist temple famous for its six-tier glazed pagoda and a colossal iron-cast Sakyamuni Buddha head dating to the Tang dynasty.
广胜寺
Guangsheng Temple was established in the Eastern Han Dynasty in 147. The temple, originally known as the Julushe Temple before being renamed Guangsheng in 769, was damaged in a major earthquake in 1303, during the Yuan Dynasty, and was rebuilt thereafter. The temple experienced many repairs during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), but the structures have kept the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. The highlight of Guangsheng Temple is the spectacular Feihong Pagoda ("Flying Rainbow Pagoda"), the largest and best preserved glazed pagoda in China. Octagonal in shape and nearly 500 years old, this 13-storey pagoda glimmers on sunny days, with the sunlight reflecting off of the many multi-colored glazed tiles which cover the 47-m tall tower. The many eaves of the structure feature glazed Buddha, birds, beasts, dragons, guardians, warriors, other figures, and all sorts of plants, all exquisitely sculpted and still in excellent shape after over four centuries. At the corner of each eave, a wind chime dangles from a ceramic dragon, with 114 such bells in all. While the Feihong Pagoda is the main feature of the Upper Temple, visitors should not neglect the other structures in the temple, which are quite spectacular as well. Guangsheng Temple consists of an Upper Temple and a Lower Temple, and the buildings in this complex contain many exquisite sculptures, mainly from the Ming Dynasty.
千佛庵，小西天
It is a historic Buddhist temple renowned for its ancient architecture and rich Buddhist cultural heritage. The temple houses multiple Buddha statues and ancient murals, making it an important place for studying Chinese Buddhist art.
临汾鼓楼
This impressive drum tower, located at the center of a busy roundabout in central Linfen, is the second tallest drum tower in China. (At 43.75 m tall, it is just a bit shorter than the one in Beijing.) Also known as Dazhonglou, this magnificent square tower was built in the Northern Song Dynasty, approximately 1000 years ago, and has been rebuilt a number of times since then, including in 1984. This drum tower is supported by 12 massive wooden pillars, each one meter in diameter. The building contains no nails and is held together by a series of interlocking wooden pieces. Visitors may climb to the top, and the drum on display is not the original one, but the bell on display is some 800 years old.
仙洞沟风景名胜区
临汾市洪洞大槐树寻根祭祖园旅游景区
The migration associated with the Hongdong Great Pagoda Tree began with the southward relocation of the Song imperial family in the late Northern Song period and reached its peak during the Hongwu and Yongle reigns of the Ming dynasty, continuing until the mid-Qing dynasty. It lasted from the first year of Emperor Huizong's Jianzhong Jingguo era (1101) to the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Jiaqing's reign in the Qing dynasty (1820), spanning more than 700 years. The great migration during the Hongwu and Yongle reigns of the Ming dynasty was the largest, most widespread, and most organized relocation in Chinese history. To consolidate the economic foundation of Ming rule, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang implemented policies of immigrant land reclamation and established systems of civilian, military, and commercial settlements. These measures played an important role in restoring production, increasing population, developing the economy, opening up frontier regions, and promoting cultural exchange. This migration lasted for about 50 years and involved 1,230 family names. The descendants of those who moved from here number in the hundreds of millions.
临汾博物馆
AAAAA Tourist Attractions of China.
临汾博物馆
Linfen Museum is a large free city museum in Linfen's Fenhe Ecological Cultural Zone, showcasing the region's ancient history from Neolithic cultures to its development through the Jin and Qing dynasties.
尧庙
Yao Temple was built during the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD), and later underwent renovations in the Tang, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The temple occupies an area of about 5.33 hectares, containing more than 100 halls and rooms.
It is dedicated to the legendary ancient ruler Emperor Yao, a widely respected sage-king in Chinese tradition. The main structures include the "Five Phoenix Palace" (五凤楼) and "Guangyun Hall" (广运殿), inside which stands a 2.8-meter-tall multicolored statue of Emperor Yao.
壶口瀑布
This major waterfall along the middle reaches of the Yellow River is known as the largest yellow waterfall in the world and the second largest waterfall in China. AAAAA Tourist Attractions of China. The river narrows sharply at this point, causing the water to pour down in a way that resembles liquid flowing from the mouth of a kettle, which is the origin of its name. Although the vertical drop is not extremely high, the concentrated water flow creates powerful sound, mist, and swirling currents. The scenic area is managed from two sides, and visitors can view the waterfall at close range, observing the forceful yellow water and seasonal changes in flow volume. Spring and autumn generally provide better viewing conditions with varied natural appearances of the waterfall.
庙会与民俗表演
Temple fairs during Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival or the Zhonghe Festival are a highlight of southern Shanxi culture. Visitors can watch major folk performances such as Jinnan Weifeng Drum and Gongs (晋南威风锣鼓), known for its powerful percussion, and the Tower Lion Dance (天塔狮舞) from Taosi Village, featuring acrobatic moves on a 9-mbench tower. Markets, traditional snacks, lion dances, gongs and drums, and rural folk customs create a lively festive atmosphere.
云丘山民俗与户外体验
AAAAA Tourist Attractions of China. Yunqiu Mountain is a national scenic area south of Linfen, located where the Lüliang Mountains meet the Fenwei Graben. The area features forested mountains, karst landscapes, ancient villages and a group of natural ice caves, with Yuhuangding (about 1,629 m) as the highest peak. Visitors can explore traditional villages such as Tarpō, known for cave dwellings and local folk customs, and experience temple-fair activities like the annual Zhonghe Festival. Outdoor attractions include the glass Mandarin Duck Bridge, ice caves, zip-lining, bungee jumping and paragliding. The mountain is especially popular in summer for its cooler weather and in autumn for red-leaf scenery.
大禹渡红叶谷
In October and early November, the mountains around Duyu Ferry turn bright red and orange. Short trails offer good photo spots and views of the Fen River valley.
晋南窑洞
Southern Shanxi features traditional yaodong cave dwellings carved into loess hillsides. Some villages allow visitors to walk around, meet local families or stay in renovated cave-style guesthouses.
汾河公园骑行
A long riverside park with cycling paths, wetlands and green areas. Bike rental vendors occasionally operate near the park entrance. A relaxing way to explore the city.
尧庙夜间漫步
The pedestrian streets around Yao Temple often host small performances, food stalls, lantern decorations and night markets. A pleasant area for an evening walk.
丁村
World Heritage Tentative list (UNESCO)
羊杂割
A classic Linfen dish made from lamb tripe, liver and other offal simmered in a savory broth. Hearty, fragrant and commonly found in small eateries and street stalls.
牛肉丸子面
A regional specialty featuring handmade beef meatballs, spiced broth and firm noodles. Widely available and affordable throughout the city.
吴家熏肉
Pork marinated with local spices and smoked over a wood fire, creating a rich and slightly sweet aroma. Often served sliced as part of home-style meals.
黄米蒸饭
A festive sweet dish made of yellow millet, red beans and jujubes. Soft, subtly sweet, and commonly enjoyed during holidays.
浮山烧麦
A local variation of shaomai with a crispy bottom and tender top, filled with pork and vegetables. Popular as a snack or light meal.
隰县梨
A well-known pear variety from Xi County, valued for its thin skin, juicy flesh and delicate sweetness. Best enjoyed in the autumn harvest season.
洪洞莲藕
A crisp and mildly sweet lotus root grown traditionally in Hongtong County. Used in soups, stir-fries or cold dishes.
永和条枣
Long, thick-fleshed jujubes with small seeds and natural sweetness. Consumed fresh or dried and widely sold in the region.
古县核桃
Walnuts from Guxian County are prized for their clean shells, rich flavor and large, easy-to-crack kernels. Often eaten as snacks or used in desserts.
晋十方（万达店）
A modern restaurant offering Shanxi-style and local home-style dishes inside the city's main shopping mall. Convenient for visitors shopping or staying nearby.
十里香·洪洞菜（龙泉家园店）
Serves Hongtong-style home cooking, including local chicken, tofu dishes and pork specialties. Close to the Big Locust Tree scenic area, suitable for travellers wanting to try regional southern Shanxi flavours.
百年老村长地锅鸡（临猗店）
A restaurant known for "earth pot chicken", a traditional slow-stewed chicken dish prepared with regional spices. A popular choice for family-style meals.
杨家味道
A popular local restaurant serving southern Shanxi home-style dishes, including stews, stir-fried specialties and regional cold plates. Suitable for small groups and travellers wanting to try everyday Linfen cuisine.
尧都小馆
A mid-range restaurant offering traditional dishes from the Linfen and southern Shanxi region. Known for hearty flavours and spacious dining rooms, often used for family-style meals.
薛老五牛肉面
A popular local chain specializing in beef ball noodle soup, one of Linfen's common everyday dishes. Simple, inexpensive and widely available.
农家鱼府
A rural-style fish restaurant serving freshwater fish from the Yellow River basin. Affordable and convenient for travellers visiting Hukou Waterfall.
三晋老田饸饹面（中大街店）
A budget-friendly noodle shop specializing in traditional Shanxi "hele" noodles. Simple, quick and popular with locals for inexpensive everyday meals.
天福茗茶（中大街店）
A budget-friendly tea shop offering a range of Chinese teas. A convenient stop while exploring Zhongdajie.
八马茶业茶庄（圣会店）
A mid-range tea house serving premium teas from Fujian and other regions. Quiet atmosphere and suitable for longer tea sessions.
花海Livehouse
A youth-oriented livehouse hosting concerts and DJ events. One of the livelier evening venues in central Linfen.
胭脂江湖
A casual bar serving mixed drinks and snacks. Popular with young people for late-night gatherings.
亚朵酒店
A modern mid-range hotel with clean rooms and standard business facilities.
喆啡酒店
A mid-range hotel with café-style design elements. Suitable for short stays in the city center.
天鹅国际酒店
A large business hotel along Fenhe Road, featuring spacious rooms and standard full-service amenities. Suitable for business travellers and visitors seeking mid-range comfort.
锦江之星
A reliable budget hotel chain with clean, basic rooms. A practical option for cost-conscious travelers.
壶口农家山庄
Simple rural guesthouse near Hukou Waterfall. Basic facilities but convenient for early-morning visits to the scenic area.
临汾万达悦华酒店
A high-end hotel adjacent to Wanda Plaza, offering modern rooms, full facilities and international-standard service. Convenient for travellers seeking comfort in the city centre.
云丘山诺富特酒店
A resort-style hotel operated under the Novotel brand inside the Yunqiu Mountain Scenic Area. Offers modern rooms and quiet surroundings suitable for leisure stays.
临汾万达广场
临汾王府井·尚城
临汾新百汇商业广场
临汾悦汇时光颂艺术购物中心
临汾鼓楼休闲广场
A public square centered around the historic Drum Tower area. It combines a mix of historical landmarks, pedestrian shopping streets, and dining venues.
临汾生龙国际时尚广场
By public bicycle
Linfen operates a public bicycle system that offers the first hour for free, with small fees for longer usage.
By taxi
Taxis in Linfen are widely available in the urban area. You can hail one on the street or use local ride-hailing apps such as Didi Chuxing.
Transport hubs
These hubs are the ones most commonly used by travelers; other depots mainly serve as local operational facilities.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Linfen (Yaodu) · Regional · LFQ
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