Winter Tour in Shanxi: The Yellow River Route

The next stop is the Hongtong Great Pagoda Tree. This is the spiritual homeland of countless descendants of the Chinese nation. In winter, the ancient tree’s branches stand strong and vigorous; though devoid of green leaves or blossoms, its historical weight feels even more profound. Standing beneath it, one can almost hear the age-old refrain, “Ask where our ancestors come from—the great pagoda tree of Hongtong, Shanxi,” a heartfelt call to cultural roots.

行至壶口瀑布，冬日的黄河呈现出截然不同的气势。奔腾的河水在严寒中凝结成壮观的“冰瀑玉壶”，巨大的冰凌层层叠叠，在阳光下闪烁着蓝白色的光芒。瀑布轰鸣声穿透冰层，大地为之震动——这是母亲河在冬季最震撼的乐章。

Arriving at Hukou Waterfall, the Yellow River reveals an entirely different demeanor in winter. The rushing waters freeze in the severe cold, forming the breathtaking spectacle of “ice waterfalls and jade pots.” Massive ice formations layer upon layer, shimmering with blue-white light under the sun. The roar of the waterfall penetrates the icy crust, shaking the very earth—a powerful winter symphony of the Mother River.

继续前行，万荣飞云楼以其奇绝精巧的木构建筑令人叹为观止。这座被誉为“中华第一木楼”的建筑奇迹，在冬日的晴空下轮廓分明，层层斗拱如云朵般舒展，展现了古人“楼阁凌空”的营造智慧。

Continuing onward, the Wanrong Feiyun Tower astounds with its ingeniously intricate wooden architecture. Hailed as the “First Wooden Tower of China,” this architectural marvel stands sharply outlined against the clear winter sky, its layered bracket sets unfolding like clouds, showcasing the ancient builders’ wisdom in creating “towers soaring in the air.”

运城盐湖在冬季则上演着自然的魔法。湖面析出的硝花晶莹剔透，如冰雪珊瑚般铺展，在阳光下熠熠生辉，形成“千古中条一池雪”的奇观。这一自然杰作，是黄河馈赠给这片土地的独特礼物。