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Linfen Voyage Tips and guide

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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.

The city today has a mix of old and new urban areas. While modern development has reshaped much of Linfen, several historic and cultural sites remain scattered throughout the region, including Yao Temple and ancient ruins associated with early settlements.

Understand

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History

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The area around Linfen, in the valley of the Fen River, is regarded as one of the early centers of Chinese civilization, with archaeological finds suggesting Paleolithic and Neolithic activity and early settlements dating back to the Shang period.

In traditional accounts, Linfen is associated with the legendary sage-emperor Yao, who is said to have established his capital in this region.

During the Warring States period, the city was known as Pingyang and served as the capital of the small State of Han. Under the Han dynasty, it became a county, and in 583 CE the name “Linfen” was first adopted for the local county, while the wider region continued to be called Pingyang.

In the Tang dynasty, the area formed part of Jin Prefecture. During the subsequent Five Dynasties period, Linfen’s location made it a site of military importance.

In the Ming and early Qing dynasties, Linfen (Pingyang) functioned as the seat of a superior prefecture. The Ming government constructed city walls of roughly 6 km in circumference, and by early Qing times the settlement had begun to expand beyond them.

In 1695, the region experienced a major earthquake, known as the 1695 Linfen earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.8, which caused widespread destruction and significant casualties.

In the 20th century, the arrival of railways strengthened Linfen’s role as a regional transport and industrial center. The development of coal resources stimulated industrial growth, including power generation, metallurgy, agricultural machinery, and food processing.

Today, Linfen reflects a long and evolving history, transitioning from an early cultural and administrative hub into a modern industrial city, while retaining a number of heritage sites linked to its past.

Orientation

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Linfen is a prefecture-level city in the southwest of Shanxi Province. It borders Changzhi and Jincheng to the east, Yuncheng to the south, Jinzhong and Lüliang to the north, and across the Yellow River to Shaanxi Province in the west. The city lies in the fertile Fen River basin and serves as an agricultural and mineral center in Shanxi. Linfen covers approximately 20,275 km², with its administrative center based in Yaodu District.

People

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The people of Linfen are predominantly Han Chinese, with ethnic minorities making up a very small proportion of the population. According to the 2020 national census, Linfen’s resident population was approximately 3,976,481, of whom around 959,198 live in the urban built-up area of Yaodu District. The city’s population is distributed across both urban and rural areas, with urbanization steadily increasing in recent years.

Demographics

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Linfen’s resident population is about 3.9–4.0 million based on the 2020 census, decreasing slightly to around 3.85 million by 2024–2025. The gender ratio is nearly balanced, and the working-age population (15–59) forms the majority, but the city is gradually aging. Population concentration is highest in Yaodu District, the urban core.

Economy & Society

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Linfen was traditionally an agricultural city before China’s reform era. Since then it has become a coal-mining and heavy-industry center. This resource-based economy supported growth, but also caused environmental degradation. To counter population decline and economic transition, local authorities are promoting green development and cultural tourism to reduce dependency on coal.

Climate

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Linfen City is located in the inland area of the warm temperate zone and has a temperate continental monsoon climate. Its main climatic characteristics are as follows: there is little snow in winter, spring brings gentle breezes and autumn brings rain, summer is hot with intense drought, the extreme maximum temperature is 41℃, the extreme minimum temperature is -23℃, the annual average temperature is 12.6℃, the annual average precipitation is 500-600 millimeters, and the average frost-free period is 190 days.

Temple in Linfen
Linfen
Climate chart (explanation)
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Linfen has a continental monsoon climate with cold, dry winters and warm, wet summers. Precipitation is highly concentrated in July and August.
Imperial conversion
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52
30
 
 
 
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39
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

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By plane

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  • 36.1326111.64121 Linfen Yaodu Airport (临汾尧都机场), Qiaoli Town, Yaodu District. Linfen Yaodu Airport (IATA: LFQ) is about 15 km from the city center. From the airport, you can reach downtown by shuttle bus or taxi. Shuttle bus routes connect to major locations such as the High-Speed Rail West Station, Passenger West Station, and main bus stations. Linfen Qiaoli Airport (Q6553665) on Wikidata Linfen Yaodu Airport on Wikipedia OSM directions

By train

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  • 36.1017111.45892 Linfen West Railway Station (临汾西站), Near Zhoujiazhuang Village, Liucun Town, Yaodu District. Linfen is served by high-speed rail at Linfen West Railway Station, which lies on the Datong–Xi’an line and connects with major cities such as Taiyuan and Xi’an. Linfen West railway station (Q17015198) on Wikidata Linfen West railway station on Wikipedia OSM directions
  • 36.1017111.45893 Linfen Railway Station (临汾站), No. 5, Chezhan Road, Yaodu District (most taxis in the urban area can go directly to the station, and the journey usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on the starting point). Linfen Railway Station is in Yaodu District, and serves as a key railway hub for conventional passenger services. The station provides departure, arrival, and transfer services for multiple train routes connecting Linfen with other cities in Shanxi and neighboring provinces. The surrounding area has convenient transport links, including bus stops and taxi services. Linfen Railway Station (Q24835997) on Wikidata OSM directions

Get around

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Map
Map of Linfen

By bus

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Urban buses in Linfen are operated by the Linfen Public Transport Company, covering the city center and major streets such as Jiefang Road, Gulou Street and Wuyi Road. Most routes run roughly from 06:30 to 20:30, though hours vary by line. The standard fare is ¥1, and buses are self-service without conductors. Bus stops are frequent, making buses convenient for short trips within the urban area.

By taxi

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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. The usual starting fare is ¥6–7 for the first 2 km, with an additional distance-based charge afterward. Most trips within the city are inexpensive. During peak hours or bad weather, taxis may be slightly harder to find.

See

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  • 36.085111.5191 Linfen Ancient City Park (洪栋古城), Xizhong Street, Yaodu District (take the 601 double-decker sightseeing bus). 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. free. OSM directions
  • 36.08111.502262 Tiefo Temple (also called Dayun Temple) (铁佛寺(大云寺)), Haizibian Alley, Yaodu District. Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:30 (closed on non-holiday Mondays). 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. free. Tiefo Temple (Q15951124) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 36.30293111.8087883 Guangsheng Temple (广胜寺), at the foot of Huoshan Mountain (17 km northeast of Hongdong Town). 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-meter 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 strucures 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. OSM directions
  • 36.2111.34 Qianfo Temple (千佛庵,小西天), Hongdong County (taking Bus 301 can get you from Linfen city center to Hongdong Railway Station.). 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. 35¥. OSM directions
  • 36.085111.1575 Linfen Drum Tower (临汾鼓楼), Yaodu District, Gulou East Street (route 601/602 of the Linfen double-decker sightseeing bus will pass through the Gulou area). 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 meters 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. free. (Q67936976) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 36.16111.46 Hongtong Dahuaishu Ancestor Memorial Garden (临汾市洪洞大槐树寻根祭祖园旅游景区). Peak season 07:30-18:30; Off season 09:00-17:00. 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 fifty years and involved 1,230 family names. The descendants of those who moved from here number in the hundreds of millions.
    Peak season adult: 80¥ per ticket, off-season adult: 60¥ per ticket. OSM directions
  • 36.072922111.4769237 Linfen Museum (临汾博物馆), Jiuzhou Plaza, Binhe West Road (take a taxi or bus), . 09:00–17:00. 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. free. 临汾市博物馆 (Q110491893) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 36.062111.5318 Yao Temple (尧庙), Yaomiao-zhen, Yaodu District (public buses to the temple: buses No. 3, 11, 22, 30, 201, 239 or 802 stop at “Yao Temple Park” (Yao Miao Gongyuan) station — from there it’s a short walk to the temple entrance). 08:00–18:00. 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.
    40¥. OSM directions
  • 35.7403111.04049 Yunqiu Mountain (云丘山), Dahe Village & Ban'ershang Village, Guanwangmiao Township (by car: From Linfen city, drive via expressways (e.g. G5 → Dayun Expressway → Houyu Expressway) to “Jishan exit”, then follow signage via S233 and county roads to Yunqiu Mountain; the drive takes 1.5–2 hours (~100–120 km)). 07:00–19:00. Yunqiu Mountain is a major national-level scenic area located at the junction of the Lüliang Mountains and the Fenwei Graben. The scenic zone covers a core area of about 35 km² (the broader region spans up to 210 km²) and its highest peak is Yuhuangding at approximately 1,629 m.
    The area features diverse natural landscapes — karst terrain, forested mountains, ancient villages and a rare large group of natural ice caves. It also preserves rich human heritage: centuries-old cave-dwellings, ancient folk villages, and local tradition such as the “Zhonghe Festival” (a folk matchmaking/temple fair) which, according to tradition, dates back to the Tang Dynasty and remains annually. Yunqiu Mountain is recognized as a national AAAAA-level scenic spot and represents one of the important cultural and natural tourism destinations in southern Shanxi.
    80¥. OSM directions
  • 36.136110.44410 Hukou Waterfall (壶口瀑布), hukou waterfall scenic area, hukou town, jixian county (drive west from central linfen via g5 expressway and local roads to hukou town in jixian county. this journey usually takes about 2–3 hours). 08:00–17:00. hukou waterfall is a major waterfall along the middle reaches of the yellow river and is known as the largest yellow waterfall in the world and the second largest waterfall in 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. OSM directions

Do

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  • Jinnan Weifeng Drum and Gongs (晋南威风锣鼓). A traditional folk music of Jinnan area in Shanxi Province. Jinnan Weifeng Drum and Gongs, formerly known as "drum and gongs", commonly called "tools", is a folk percussion art form popular in Jinnan area of Shanxi Province, and is one of the national intangible cultural heritages. The performance of Jinnan Weifeng Drum and Gongs is characterized by thunderous drumbeats, bold and unrestrained; crisp cymbal sounds, stirring and lingering; resounding gong sounds, overwhelming like a mountain torrent. It integrates music, dance and skills, and is rich in ethnic characteristics, embodying the national spirit.
  • Lion Dance on the Tower (天塔狮舞). The Lion Dance on the Tower, also known as the Lion on the Bench, is a traditional dance that originated in Taosi Village, Xiangfen County, Shanxi Province during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It was included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006. The performance features a 9-meter-high tower built with long wooden benches in rural areas. The lion leader leads the big and small lions to complete difficult actions such as climbing and hanging upside down. At the top of the tower, the two lions show their thrilling skills through stunts like "kissing" and "plucking stars from the celestial pool". The lion head props have movable eyes, tongues and tails and can spit out blessing banners. This dance integrates martial arts, acrobatics and the styles of northern and southern lion dances, and is accompanied by traditional gongs and drums.
  • Visit Yunqiu Mountain Scenic Area. Take a day (or two) trip to Yunqiu Mountain, located in Xiangning County under Linfen’s administration. Hike to high peaks, explore ancient villages such as Tarpō Ancient Village (塔尔坡古村), walk across the glass-bridge “Yuanyang Bridge (Mandarin Duck Bridge)”, see natural ice-caves, or try adventure activities like bungee-jumping, zip-lining, gliding or rope-swing over cliffs. Especially in summer it’s a cool retreat, and in autumn the red-leaf forest and mountainous scenery are striking.
  • Experience traditional rural and folk culture at Yunqiu. Visit ancient villages and watch local cultural performances: old-style cave dwellings, folk customs, shadow-puppet theater, traditional music or “matchmaking / temple-fair” (the so-called “Zhonghe Festival”), giving a glimpse of long-standing rural Shanxi heritage.
  • Explore Guangsheng Temple & Feihong Pagoda. A historic Buddhist temple and one of the best-preserved glazed pagodas in China. Great for history, architecture, and religious-art tours. Offers panoramic views from the pagoda and serene mountain-temple atmosphere.
  • Visit ancient sites in Hongtong County. Near Linfen, Hongtong has historic places such as the old prison (former Ming-dynasty prison, known from traditional opera), and memorial gardens related to historical migrations — suitable for travelers interested in Chinese history beyond the usual natural or religious sites.

Buy

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  • 36.08111.521 Linfen Wanda Plaza (临汾万达广场), Near Binhe Road, Yaodu District (Take a bus from Linfen city center to the central commercial area of Yaodu District (such as near Binhe Road or Gucheng Park) and walk to your destination. Several bus stops are located at the border between the city center and Yaodu District.). Linfen Wanda Plaza is a major commercial development in Yaodu District, Linfen, Shanxi Province. Developed by Wanda Group in collaboration with local partners, the plaza is designed as a modern mixed-use commercial center featuring retail, dining, cinema, and entertainment facilities. It serves as one of the key retail destinations in central Linfen and plays a role in the city’s efforts to develop integrated urban commercial districts. As part of Linfen’s expanding urban landscape, the plaza contributes to the city’s retail infrastructure and consumer experience. OSM directions
  • 36.1111.522 Linfen Wangfujing Shangcheng Up Town (临汾王府井·尚城), No. 8 Hefen Road, Economic Development Zone, Yaodu District. 10:00–22:00. Linfen Wangfujing Shangcheng Up Town is a new mixed-use commercial complex located at No. 8 Hefen Road in the Economic Development Zone of Yaodu District, Linfen, Shanxi. It is the first “Up Town” lifestyle-oriented shopping center developed by Wangfujing Group in southern Shanxi. The project integrates retail, dining, entertainment, family-oriented services and social spaces under a combined “street + mall” concept, aiming to serve as a modern city landmark. Its location near major roads in Linfen’s development zone provides convenient access for residents and visitors. OSM directions
  • 36.085111.5183 Linfen Baihui Wholesale Market (临汾新百汇商业广场), Near No. 1 Yingbin Avenue, at the intersection of Yingbin Avenue and Binhe South Road, Yaodu District (Take the city bus lines in Linfen, such as routes 8, 10, 16, 17, 108, 202, etc., and get off at a stop near Yingbin Avenue or Binhe South Road, then walk to your destination.). Xinbaihui Commercial Plaza is a comprehensive shopping complex located near the intersection of Yingbin Avenue and Binhe South Road in Yaodu District, Linfen. The plaza combines retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure services, offering a one-stop consumer experience for residents and visitors. Situated close to major traffic routes and surrounding residential districts, the plaza benefits from convenient accessibility and steady foot traffic. OSM directions
  • 36.085111.5174 Linfen Yuehui “Song of Time” Art Shopping Center (临汾悦汇时光颂艺术购物中心), At the intersection of Xiangyang Road and Zhongda Street in Yaodu District (Use local city buses stopping near Xiangyang Road or Zhongda Street in Yaodu District, then walk to the mall.), toll-free: +86-357-3088880. Linfen Yuehui “Song of Time” Art Shopping Center is a mixed-use retail complex located at the intersection of Xiangyang Road and Zhongda Street in Yaodu District, Linfen. It houses various retail shops, restaurants, cafés, and leisure venues, providing a multi-purpose urban shopping environment for locals and visitors. Its central location near main traffic arteries in Linfen makes it easy to access by bus, taxi, or on foot. OSM directions
  • 36.086111.5145 Drum Tower Leisure Square (Linfen) (临汾鼓楼休闲广场), Near the intersection of Gulou West Street and Gulou South Street, Yaodu District (The square is located in the Gulou District, and nearby attractions and shopping streets are mostly within walking distance.). Drum Tower Leisure Square in Yaodu District, Linfen, is a public urban square centered around the historic Drum Tower area. It combines a mix of historical landmarks, pedestrian shopping streets, and dining venues. The surrounding district is a popular spot for locals and visitors to stroll, shop, and sample local snacks, especially in the evening when the nearby night market becomes busier. Located at a major intersection in central Linfen, the area is easily accessible and well-connected to city transportation. OSM directions
  • 36.08453111.51676 Shenglong International Fashion Square (临汾生龙国际时尚广场), Jiefang Road area, Yaodu District (It usually takes 5–15 minutes to drive from the center of Linfen City or Linfen Railway Station. Jiefang Road is one of the main roads in the central area of Linfen and has convenient transportation.). Shenglong International Fashion Plaza in Linfen is a major shopping center located in the central commercial district near Jiefang Road in Yaodu District. Developed by Shanxi Shenglong International Investment & Development Co., Ltd., the plaza is part of a larger mixed-use complex that includes retail stores, dining venues, and entertainment facilities. Adjacent developments also feature hotels and residential buildings. The plaza serves as a commercial hub in Linfen’s urban center, catering to both local residents and visitors. OSM directions

Eat

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  • 36.083111.5171 Xue Laowu Beef Ball Noodles (薛老五牛肉面), Near 740 Huancheng South Road, Yaodu District (Take local city buses serving Yaodu District to stops near Huancheng South Road and walk to the restaurant.). Xue Lao Wu Beef Ball Noodles is a popular beef ball noodle restaurant brand with multiple outlets in Linfen, especially in Yaodu District. The restaurant specializes in beef ball noodle dishes, a local noodle specialty of Linfen. Outlets are typically located in commercial areas, serving residents and visitors from morning into the evening. It is a common choice for tasting local Linfen beef ball noodles. 28 ¥/ person. OSM directions
  • 36.28111.682 Shili Xiang Hongtong Cuisine (Longquan Jia菜yuan Branch) (十里香·洪洞菜(龙泉家园店)), Opposite Longquan Jiayuan on Hengfu East Street, Da Huaishu Town, Hongtong County (It takes about 5–15 minutes to reach the core area of Dahuaishu Town, where the store is located, from the county town of Hongtong.). Shili Xiang Hongtong Cuisine (Longquan Jiayuan Branch) is a Chinese restaurant located in Da Huaishu Town, Hongtong County, Linfen. It serves traditional “Hongtong cuisine,” a style of home-style Shanxi dishes typical in southern Shanxi, such as Hongtong fried chicken, tofu-based dishes, and Zhaocheng pork specialties. Situated near the Big Locust Tree scenic area, the restaurant offers convenient dining for both tourists and locals, focusing on regional flavors in a simple and authentic environment OSM directions
  • 36.36110.793 Centuries-Old Village Head’s Earth Pot Chicken (Linyi Branch) (百年老村长地锅鸡(临猗店)), Under the Mingshiyuan Building, Fuxi Street, Linyi County, (Take local inter-city or county buses to Linyi County center, then walk or taxi to Fuxi Street.). 11:00 – 21:00. Centuries-Old Village Head’s Earth Pot Chicken (Linyi Branch) is a local restaurant in Fuxi Street, Linyi County, Linfen. It specializes in “earth pot chicken,” a traditional local dish prepared by slowly stewing free-range chicken with spices and vegetables in a large pot. The restaurant belongs to the “Centuries-Old Village Head” brand series, known locally for using native free-range chickens and a proprietary sauce recipe for its dishes. It is a popular spot for family meals or gatherings and offers an authentic taste of southern Shanxi’s traditional home-style cooking. OSM directions
  • 36.084111.5164 Jin Shi Fang (Wanda Plaza Branch, Linfen) (晋十方(万达店)), 4th Floor, Wanda Plaza, Changxing Middle Street, Yaodu District (Typically a 10–15 minute ride from central Linfen to Wanda Plaza.). Jin Shi Fang (Wanda Plaza Branch) is a restaurant located on the 4th floor of Wanda Plaza in Yaodu District, Linfen. As part of the “Jin Shi Fang” brand, the restaurant serves Shanxi-style and local home-style dishes, including noodles and regional specialties. Conveniently situated within a major commercial complex, it is a common dining option for shoppers, local residents, and visitors exploring the mall and nearby attractions. OSM directions
  • 36.17111.265 Nongjia Fish Manor (农家鱼府), Near G309 National Highway (Jinpu Road), Jixian (Ji County) (A typical shorter ride (about 10–20 min) from Jixian County town or Hukou scenic area.). Nongjia Fish Manor is a rural-style restaurant located along G309 National Highway (Jinpu Road) in Jixian (Ji County), Linfen. It specializes in local freshwater fish dishes often sourced from the Yellow River basin near Hukou. Typical cooking styles include steaming and slow cooking of fish prepared with regional ingredients. The restaurant serves both local residents and tourists visiting nearby attractions like Hukou Waterfall. The atmosphere and menu reflect the traditional countryside dining culture of southern Shanxi. OSM directions

Drink

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  • 36.084111.5161 CHUCHAT (初茶), near wanda plaza, changxing middle street, yaodu district (take city buses to “wanda plaza stop” or nearby stops). 10:00–22:00. chuchat is a tea-drink chain founded in guangzhou in 2016, known for sea-salt iced tea and other flavored beverages. it has expanded to many cities across the country through franchise stores. this example branch is placed in a central commercial area of yaodu district, serving local residents and shoppers. it offers sea-salt teas, milk teas, and fruit teas, making it a convenient stop during shopping or casual strolling. OSM directions
  • 36.084111.5152 zhang auntie milk tea (张阿姨奶茶), 8th floor, shenglong international yougou tiandi, 197 jiefang road, yaodu district (usually 5–15 minutes from downtown to the jiefang road area). zhang auntie milk tea (jiefang road branch) is a beverage shop located near jiefang road, a key commercial street in yaodu district, linfen. the shop is part of a local chain serving milk tea and light drinks. situated near shopping centers and office areas, it is a convenient stop for shoppers and visitors to rest. the menu typically includes classic milk tea, fruit tea, and special drinks tailored for local tastes. OSM directions

Sleep

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  • 36.097647111.5032591 Atour Hotel (亚朵酒店), No. 310, Xiangyang West Road, Yaodu District (尧都区向阳西路310号), +86 3573992222. Check-out: 12:00. twin room:300 ¥/night. OSM directions
  • 36.096046111.5164752 James Joyce Coffetel (喆啡酒店), No. 49, Yingchun South Street, Yao Du District. twin room: ¥200/night. OSM directions
  • 36.092505111.5272733 Jinjiang Inn Style Jiefang Road (锦江之星), Sanzhong Alley, Jiefang Xi Road (解放西路三中巷). ¥130. OSM directions
  • Hukou Farm Villa (壶口农家山庄), 309 National Highway, North of the Government Office in Huitou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, 160 meters east of the government office(壶口镇309国道镇政府北), +86 0357-56666668. twin room: 100¥/night.

Stay safe

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Emergency services follow China’s national system:

  • Police: 110
  • Fire: 119
  • Ambulance: 120

Connect

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Internet & communication

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Mobile data coverage in Linfen is generally reliable, with 4G/5G services provided by China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. Free Wi-Fi is available in large hotels, cafés and shopping malls, though connection quality may vary in smaller towns or rural attractions.

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, railway stations or carrier stores, but all require real-name (passport) registration.

Foreign social media platforms and many Google services are blocked in mainland China, and travellers commonly use WeChat for messaging and payments. If you rely on specific foreign services, you may need to prepare alternative access solutions before arrival.

Useful numbers

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Linfen’s tourist complaint hotline is 0357-2039172, useful for addressing tourism-related issues.

Local travel-data & connectivity tips

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Mobile reception may weaken in remote scenic areas—particularly around Hukou Waterfall or rural townships—so travellers needing stable data should plan accordingly.

Ride-hailing apps are widely used in the city; ensure your app is updated and payment methods (WeChat/Alipay) are activated.

English signage is limited in local buses and smaller stations, so having offline translation tools or basic Mandarin phrases can be useful.

Go next

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  • Hu kou pu bu — China's greatest waterfall. A day trip from Linfen, on the border with Shaanxi province.


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