An old Chinese saying notes that Huangshan Mountain, known as China's loveliest mountain, is famous for its unique landscape, and Yunqiu Mountain for its wonderful sightseeing. It is in Xingning county, near the city of Linfen and is equal in popularity with Wudang Mountain, China's best known Taoist site. Thousands of people visit Yunqiu Mountain annually for its temple fair and the Zhonghe Festival, set aside for bringing unmarried men and women together. The men hold a sort of whip, while the women carry baskets of flowers to look for the right person. The festival has been a national heritage event since 2011.

Best time to visit: spring and autumn Hours: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm

Tickets: 80 yuan

Getting there: There is a shuttle bus from the Xiangning county bus station to the scenic spot; the Tongpu, Houxi, and Houyue railway lines pass through Linfen and there are trains from Beijing, Xi'an, Taiyuan, Shijiazhuang and Tianjin to Linfen.

Tips: Linfen has a temperate, monsoonal climate with four distinct seasons. It is dry in winter and cold and, rainy and hot in summer, so dress accordingly for either sunny, rainy, or cold weather.