When it comes to ancient castles and towns, many people often associate them with medieval Europe. However, several ancient castles and towns with an oriental charm also stand in Shanxi.Take advantage of this May Day holiday to appreciate their natural, unadorned beauty !

1.Shanxi,Jincheng｜Xiangyu Ancient Castle

Xiangyu Ancient Castle is located in Xiangyu Village, Zhengcun Town, Qinshui County. Built along the river, the castle is tightly wrapped by a city wall over a thousand meters long. The arched windows on both the wall and the houses inside resemble honeycombs, hence it is also known as the "Honeycomb Castle" by locals. As a national key protected cultural relic unit, Xiangyu Ancient Castle is a marvel in the history of castle architecture in China. By exploring Xiangyu Ancient Castle, visitors can not only feel the weight of history and the charm of the ancient city, but also understand the cultural wisdom of the Xiangyu people.

2.Shanxi,Jincheng｜Guoyu Ancient Castle

Located 300 meters south of House of the Huangcheng Chancellor,Guoyu Ancient Castle is acclaimed as a "Famous Historical and Cultural Village in China." It's a castle-style village at the foot of the Taihang Mountain. The ancient castle is nestled among mountains and rivers, with magnificent city walls, solemn temples and elegant residences. It is a unique architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties. As a national key cultural relic protection unit, Guoyu Ancient Castle is praised by the giant in ancient architecture studies, Luo Zhewen, as the "Gem of Chinese Residential Architecture." It is also known as the "First Castle in China's Countryside”.

3.Shanxi,Jincheng｜Dayang Ancient Town 

Located at the foot of the Taihang Mountain in Zezhou County, Dayang Ancient Town has a history of over 2600 years and is one of the oldest ancient towns in Shanxi. Enduring thousands of years of wind and frost, the town exudes a quaint atmosphere. Named Yang'e in ancient times, Dayang was established as a county by Emperor Qin Shi Huang during the Qin Dynasty. For over 800 years, it served as the administrative office of a county and a marquisate, highlighting its significance. Dayang is a renowned historical and cultural town in China, boasting a large architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is referred to as the “Living Fossil of Chinese Ancient Towns.”

4.Shanxi,Lvliang｜Qikou Ancient Town

Qikou Ancient Town,located in Lin County, was once an important trading port on the Yellow River, with many historic buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, Qikou is affectionately known as a "living ancient city", where visitors can step back in time and explore its vibrant history through its well-preserved ancient buildings, including escort agencies, pawnshops and warehouses. With its unique historical and cultural charm, Qikou Ancient Town shares a special cultural resonance with the ancient city of San Gimignano in Italy.