Xiwan Village:

Xiwan Residence is a most attractive spot in Qikou Town. It was built during the Ming Dynasty in fortress style and was home to the wealthy Chen clan. There are more than 30 family courtyards in the village that are connected by five north-south alleys, each with a stone arch at its entrance. As each courtyard in each alley is connected by a secret path, it is possible to make a tour of the village from any one courtyard. This design was not only for communication, but also for defense purposes at times of siege.

Travel Tips:

Folk Customs and Products:

Qikou Town receives guests all year round, but autumn is the best season for traveling there. The Red Date Festival is held in mid-September, and includes folk operas, dramas and dance performances. Wooden rowing boats and speed boats take tourists for tours on the Yellow River or drifting to Datong Qi. The best souvenirs of Qikou are its red dates and Yellow River pebbles.

Transportation:

Qikou Town is situated in the Luliang Prefecture of Shanxi Province, 230 kilometers from Taiyuan, capital city of Shanxi Province, and 48 kilometers from Lishi City, capital of Luliang Prefecture. There are buses leaving Qikou to Taiyuan at 5:35 a.m. every day that come back from Taiyuan at 12:30 p.m. The bus ride takes six hours and tickets are 40 yuan.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.