Yellow River No.1 Tourist Highway: A Spring Journey Through Mountains and Rivers

山西黄河一号旅游公路宛如一条金色丝带，北起忻州老牛湾，南至运城垣曲，蜿蜒八百余里，串起黄河沿岸最动人的春光。这条风景长廊将壮阔的黄河水与深厚的文化积淀完美融合，春日驾车漫游，沿途三个景点最是令人难忘。

Stretching from Laoniuwan in Xinzhou to Yuanqu in Yuncheng, the Yellow River No.1 Tourist Highway in Shanxi winds along the majestic Yellow River, connecting breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. Driving along this scenic route in spring, three destinations stand out as must-visit highlights.

宁武·芦芽山——绿野牧歌

Ningwu County · Luya Mountain – A Green Wonderland

驶入芦芽山景区，松柏夹道相迎，空气中弥漫着草木清香。翻过葱郁的林海，眼前豁然开朗——马仑草原如绿色绒毯铺展天际，成群的牛羊悠闲漫步。夜幕降临后，2700米的高原成为观星圣地，银河低垂，仿佛触手可及。这里的春天来得含蓄却热烈，五月初仍能看到山顶残雪与山脚野花共舞的奇景。

Entering Luya Mountain, the road is flanked by towering pines and cypresses, leading to the expansive Malun Grassland. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely under vast blue skies, while at night, the high-altitude grassland offers an unparalleled view of the Milky Way. In early May, the lingering snow on mountain peaks contrasts beautifully with blooming wildflowers at lower elevations, creating a scene of untouched natural beauty.

临县·碛口古镇——黄河记忆

Linxian County · Qikou Ancient Town – Echoes of the Yellow River

这座“九曲黄河第一镇”完整保留着明清风貌。漫步五里长街，斑驳的票号匾额、古朴的黑龙庙戏台，都在诉说着当年晋商驼队的辉煌。春日的碛口格外宁静，黄河涛声与对岸陕西飘来的信天游交织成韵。傍晚时分，落日为古渡口镀上金辉，木船的剪影勾勒出最生动的历史画卷。

Known as the “First Town Along the Nine-Bend Yellow River”, Qikou Ancient Town preserves its Ming and Qing dynasty charm. Walking along its cobbled streets, visitors can admire weathered merchant houses and the ancient Black Dragon Temple stage, relics of the prosperous Jin merchant era. In spring, the town is especially tranquil, with the murmuring Yellow River harmonizing with folk songs drifting from the opposite bank. At dusk, the setting sun bathes the old ferry port in golden light, casting poetic silhouettes of wooden boats.

永和·乾坤湾——天然太极