# Laoniuwan on the Yellow River, Pianguan (偏关黄河老牛湾)

Datong, Shanxi Province · North China, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/laoniuwan-on-the-yellow-river-pianguan
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥96
- **Time needed:** 3–4 hours
- **Getting there:** To reach the Laoniuwan area, first go to Shuozhou (朔州). From Datong, take a train, which takes about two hours to reach Shuozhou. From Shuozhou Long-Distance Bus Station, there are buses to Pianguan, though not many. Villagers at Laoniuwan can provide simple meals. Pianguan is known for its donkey meat and buckwheat noodles (liangmian), and its suanfan (sour rice) is distinctive. It may not suit everyone’s taste, but it is worth a try.
- **Good for:** History & Culture, Old Towns & Villages, Photography

## About Laoniuwan on the Yellow River, Pianguan

The Yellow River enters Shanxi here, the Great Wall converges here, and the Shanxi-Shaanxi-Inner Mongolia Grand Canyon begins here, showcasing the rugged landscape of the Loess Plateau. This is where the Great Wall and the Yellow River meet, and it is one of China’s ten most beautiful canyons. The Laoniuwan scenic area consists of three bends and one valley: Baozi Tower Bend, Laoniuwan, Sizuo Tower Bend, and the small Yangjiachuan Gorge. On the cliff beside the Laoniuwan Fortress, right by the Yellow River, stands a hollow brick enemy tower that remains in excellent condition. Perched on the cliff and overlooking the river, it is one of Pianguan’s most celebrated scenic spots.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1849. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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