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Shanxi is famous for its rich historical and cultural sites, including the ancient Pingyao City, the Yungang Grottoes, and the Hanging Monastery. You can also visit the Shanxi Museum in Taiyuan, explore the old merchant houses in Pingyao, and hike through the beautiful Wutai Mountain. For nature lovers, the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River is a must-see.
Ancient Chinese civilization, beautiful scenery of Shanxi
Shanxi, one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation, lies west of the Taihang Mountains. With a long history and rich culture, it is the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization. Known as the "Cradle of Chinese Civilization" and the "Museum of Ancient Chinese Culture," it was coined by Liu Zongyuan as "mountains and rivers within and without." The complex topography, rivers, and mountains create a natural landscape that has spawned numerous historical sites and magnificent tourist attractions.
The best tourist season is from May to October
Pingyao Ancient City
One of the four intact ancient cities in China, it has a history of more than 2,700 years. The architectural layout follows the eight trigrams, and there are four main streets, eight small streets and 72 alleys in the city.
Mount Wutai
Composed of ancient crystalline rock, the northern part features five steep peaks, each flat and terrace-like, hence the name Wutai. The area boasts dramatic cliffs and jagged rocks. Hukou Waterfall, featured on the back of the 50-yuan banknote, is familiar to every Chinese, stirring a diverse range of emotions.
Yanmen Pass
It is an important part of the Great Wall of China, a world cultural heritage. It is the ancient pass with the longest history, the most frequent wars, the highest fame and the widest influence. It is known as the "No. 1 Pass in China" and there is a saying that "Among the nine passes in the world, Yanmen is the first."
Yungang Grottoes
It is one of the ten famous mountains in China, one of the four famous mountains of Chinese Buddhism, one of the five major Buddhist holy sites in the world, a national key scenic spot, and the only Buddhist temple in China where green temples and yellow temples coexist.
Recommended number of days for a visit: 4-7 days
Shanxi is one of the most historically significant provinces in China, often called the "root" of Chinese culture. It is home to several ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Pingyao Ancient City and the Yungang Grottoes. Shanxi played a vital role in China's ancient trade routes, especially during the Tang and Ming dynasties.
Shanxi is located in northern China, bordered by Inner Mongolia to the north, Shaanxi to the west, and Hebei to the east. The capital city, Taiyuan, is the main entry point, with convenient access by train, bus, or flight. Within Shanxi, buses and taxis are commonly used for transportation. Some areas, like Pingyao, are walkable, but other natural sites require taxis or private cars.
Most attractions in Shanxi are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
Ticket prices vary depending on the site. For example, the entrance fee for Pingyao Ancient City is around ¥120, while the Yungang Grottoes charge around ¥60. You can purchase tickets at the sites or online through official tourism platforms in advance to avoid long queues.
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for popular sites like the Hanging Monastery and Pingyao Ancient City, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Booking 1-2 days in advance is usually sufficient.
A visit to Shanxi’s main attractions can be completed in 3-5 days. You can spend one or two days in Pingyao, one day for the Yungang Grottoes, and additional time to explore other sites like the Hanging Monastery and Wutai Mountain.
Guided tours are available at most major attractions, and some sites offer audio guides in English and Chinese. It is recommended to book a guide in advance, especially for places like Pingyao and the Hanging Monastery.
The best photography spots in Shanxi include the scenic views from Wutai Mountain, the Hanging Monastery perched high on cliffs, and the ancient streets and architecture of Pingyao. The Hukou Waterfall is another great spot for dramatic landscape photography.
A recommended route could start with Pingyao Ancient City, followed by a visit to the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery. If time permits, explore Wutai Mountain and finish with a trip to Hukou Waterfall.
Most sites in Shanxi do not offer night visits or light shows. However, Pingyao Ancient City is charming at night with its lit-up ancient architecture. Special tours are available at some locations, particularly at Wutai Mountain during the pilgrimage season.
Shanxi can be crowded during the national holidays (such as Chinese New Year and National Day). The least crowded times are during the off-peak seasons (late autumn and winter), excluding major holidays.
Major tourist attractions in Shanxi have basic facilities, including clean toilets, food stands, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Larger sites like Pingyao Ancient City and Yungang Grottoes also offer more extensive facilities like cafes and restaurants.
While most major attractions are accessible for elderly and children, some areas like the Hanging Monastery may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to steep stairs. It's important to check accessibility details for specific sites beforehand.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted, especially in larger cities like Taiyuan. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to carry some with you.
Shanxi has a variety of restaurants serving local dishes, such as the famous Shanxi noodles. Many eateries are located near tourist attractions, with some offering scenic views, particularly around Pingyao and Wutai Mountain.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most restaurants, but traditional Shanxi cuisine often includes meat. Halal food can be found in major cities like Taiyuan, with a significant Muslim population.
Shanxi offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Popular hotels include Pingyao's traditional courtyards, and modern options like the Taiyuan Sheraton and Hilton.
Shanxi is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as lacquerware, paper cuts, and hand-painted pottery. You can also find local Shanxi vinegar, an essential ingredient in the region's cuisine.
Shanxi has good transportation connections by train and high-speed rail to cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Taiyuan. You can also take buses or hire a car for nearby attractions like the Hanging Monastery or Mount Heng.
