Donghu Vinegar Garden (东湖醋园), located in Taiyuan, spans over 20,000 square meters and is renowned as a unique museum that showcases both the traditional and modern processes of producing Shanxi’s famous aged vinegar, known as “Lao Chen Cu (老陈醋).” This vinegar is celebrated throughout China for its rich flavor and health benefits, and Donghu Vinegar Garden is the first facility in Shanxi Province to dynamically exhibit the production techniques and cultural history associated with this treasured condiment.
The garden features two main attractions: the Exhibition Hall and the Vinegar Therapy Garden. The Exhibition Hall houses a collection of vinegar-making tools and farming equipment dating back to the Western Han Dynasty, along with over 700 medicinal recipes that utilize vinegar. Through displays of ancient and modern utensils, excerpts from historical texts, photographs, and actual products, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural heritage of Shanxi’s aged vinegar.
As you approach the traditional-style architecture of Mei He Ju Vinegar Workshop, the distinct aroma of aged vinegar fills the air, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Stepping inside, you are transported back 500 years to an ancient vinegar workshop. The rich, fragrant scent of aged vinegar pervades the space, offering a glimpse into the past and an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Within the workshop, the complete process of making aged vinegar – steaming, fermenting, smoking, leaching, and sunning – is on full display. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these traditional methods and even participate in parts of the production process. The experience of tasting the vinegar, characterized by its unique combination of mellow, sour, fragrant, sweet, and fresh flavors, is both delightful and memorable.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 (1st November – 31st March) 8.00 – 18.00 (1st April – 31st October) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0351-4424648 0086-0351-5626445 |
Location and Transportation
Donghu Vinegar Garden is located at 26 Madaopo, situated between the Dongshan Expressway and Beilu Road in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. To get there, you can take bus 830 or 861 and get off at Zhaohu Stop (招呼站).
