Pujin Ferry Site and Iron Oxen (Puzhou Ancient City)

The Pujin Ferry Site and Iron Oxen are located at the Puzhou ancient city site in Yongji City, Yuncheng, Shanxi province, China, near the great bend of the Yellow River. In the Tang dynasty, Pujin was a major crossing on the route between the capital region and the north, and a pontoon bridge of boats chained together spanned the river. Giant cast-iron oxen, along with iron men and other anchors, held the bridge cables on the banks, and several of these massive figures survive and are displayed at the site. Visitors see the oxen up close, appreciating the scale and casting work, then walk through the remains of the ancient city and nearby museum exhibits explaining the bridge, the ferry economy and the history of Puzhou. The landscape is open and flat, with views toward the river valley, and the best photo angles frame the oxen against the sky in morning or late afternoon light. A visit takes about two hours, and the site pairs naturally with nearby Guanque Tower, which is on the river bank a short drive away. Ticket prices vary, typically CNY 30-60, and the open-air site is accessible during daylight while museum hours vary. Crowds are light most of the year and increase slightly at weekends and holidays. Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather, while summer can be hot and winter windy. From Yuncheng, an intercity bus to Yongji takes about an hour and costs CNY 25-35, followed by a taxi of around 15 minutes. Signage may be mostly in Chinese, so visitors may wish to read about the site beforehand.