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 5
C
(41
F)
and 11
C
(52
F).
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.