Mizhi County

Mizhi County is located in the southeastern part of Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, deep in the Loess Plateau. It covers an area of approximately 1,212 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 146,000 (2023 data). Mizhi was historically known as 'Yinzhou' and derives its name from the 'Mizhi River' (a tributary of the Wuding River), whose clear waters produce millet as lustrous as jade. It is renowned as the 'County of Culture, Heroes, and Beauties.' It is the hometown of Li Zicheng, the leader of the late Ming peasant uprising, and the legendary birthplace of Diaochan, boasting rich historical and cultural heritage. Mizhi is the only 'National Historical and Cultural County' in northern Shaanxi, famous for its cave-dwelling ancient city, paper-cutting, yangge dance, and suona folk culture. The county preserves rare Northern Song dynasty city ruins, Li Zicheng's Palace, and spectacular loess plateau gully landscapes, as well as attractions like 'Chuangwang Stockade,' making it an important destination for exploring northern Shaanxi history and folklore.

I. Core Attractions 1. Li Zicheng Palace (Panlong Mountain Ancient Building Complex): Located on Panlong Mountain north of the county seat, about 2 km from the city center. It is the palace site of Li Zicheng, now a national key cultural relic protection unit. The complex includes the Music Tower, Plum Blossom Pavilion, Saint-Supporting Tower, Second Heaven Gate, Jade Emperor Pavilion, Qixiang Hall, and Zhaoqing Palace, built along the mountain with grand scale. Admission: 40 yuan. Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer). Suggested visit duration: 2 hours. Recommended to visit around the 15th day of the first lunar month to enjoy the Lantern Festival. 2. Mizhi Cave-Dwelling Ancient City: Located in the county center, it is one of the most complete and largest ancient cave-dwelling cities in China, including three Ming-Qing ancient streets (East Street, West Street, North Street) and typical cave complexes like Jiang's Manor and Chang's Manor. Free admission, open all day. Suggested to walk or rent a shared bike (about 2 yuan/hour). Jiang's Manor (admission 30 yuan) is about 8 km from the county seat, requiring a chartered car (round trip about 60 yuan). 3. Diaochan Cave: Located in Aihaomao Village, 20 km southeast of the county seat. Legend says it is the birthplace of Diaochan, a beauty from the Three Kingdoms period. Inside is a statue of Diaochan, surrounded by loess canyon scenery. Free admission but inconvenient transportation; self-driving or chartered car recommended (round trip about 100 yuan). Visit duration: 1 hour. 4. Yangjiagou Revolutionary Site: Located in Yangjiagou Village, 15 km east of the county seat. It was an important base for the CPC Central Committee during its northern Shaanxi campaign from 1947-1948, where Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai once stayed. Now a national key cultural relic protection unit. Free admission. Opening hours: 9:00-17:00. Suggested visit duration: 1.5 hours. 5. Loess Plateau Gully Viewing Platform: Located in Gaoxigou Village, 10 km west of the county seat. It is the best spot to overlook typical loess plateau landforms, with terraced fields, gullies, and cave dwellings. Free admission. Best visited at dawn or dusk for optimal light.

II. Food Recommendations 1. Mizhi Millet Porridge: The local specialty 'Mizhi millet' was a royal tribute, golden in color and sweet in taste. Recommended at 'Old Mizhi Restaurant' (Address: 15 Renmin Road, Mizhi County). Average cost: 15 yuan per person. 2. Yangyu Caca: A traditional northern Shaanxi pasta made from shredded potatoes coated with flour and steamed, served with garlic paste and chili oil. Try at 'Northern Shaanxi Flavor' snack shop (Address: 32 North Street, Mizhi County). Average cost: 10 yuan per person. 3. Donkey Intestine: A specialty spiced dish in Mizhi, made from donkey intestines with a chewy texture. Recommended at 'Old Ma's Donkey Meat Restaurant' (Address: 28 South Street, Mizhi County). Average cost: 50 yuan per person. 4. Oil Cake: Fried pastry, crispy outside and soft inside, a staple breakfast food. Available at breakfast stalls throughout the county. About 2 yuan each.

III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: By train to 'Mizhi Station' (3 km north of the county seat). Direct trains from Xi'an to Mizhi (hard seat about 80 yuan, 4.5 hours). Alternatively, take a long-distance bus from Yulin Bus Station to Mizhi (about 1.5 hours, fare 30 yuan). Self-driving: From Yulin city center, take G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway to Mizhi exit, about 1 hour. 2. Internal Transportation: Within the county, walk or take a taxi (starting fare 5 yuan). For attractions, it is recommended to charter a car (full day about 200-300 yuan) or self-drive.