Live Your Best Lives
Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi Province, also known as Bingzhou, Jinyang in ancient times, and also known as Dragon City. It is an ancient capital with a history of more than 4,700 years and a history of city construction of 2,500 years. It "controls the mountains and rivers and sits on the shoulders of the world" and "is at the strategic point of the four passes and controls the capital of the five originals."
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the Fen River, the second largest tributary of the Yellow River, flowing from north to south, Taiyuan has long been known as the "Splendid City of Taiyuan." Sightseeing in Taiyuan is concentrated around the Jin Temple outside Taiyuan City, the surrounding ruins of Tianlong Mountain, Longshan Mountain, and Mengshan Mountain, temples within the city, and Fenhe Park, Taiyuan's urban landscape.
Taiyuan has a temperate continental climate with hot and rainy summers and cold and dry winters. Therefore, spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
Jin Temple
Originally the Jinwang Temple (Tang Shuyu Temple), it was built to commemorate the Jin (Fen) King and his mother, Queen Yi Jiang. It is China's oldest existing imperial garden and serves as the ancestral hall of the Jin State. The temple complex houses dozens of ancient buildings, showcasing traditional Chinese culture. Nestled between mountains and water, it offers breathtaking scenery. The Nanlao Spring, the Maidservant Statue, and the Virgin Mary Statue are known as the "Three Wonders of the Jin Temple."
Willow Lane
Liuxiang, located in Taiyuan City, is the oldest and most prosperous commercial street in Taiyuan, with a commercial history of more than 300 years. It is the Wangfujing and Nanjing Road of Taiyuan. It carries the memories and dreams of generations of local people and has become an unforgettable plot. It is also a must-visit place for foreign tourists in Taiyuan.
Shanxi Museum
The main exhibition hall of Shanxi Museum looks like a bowl or a tripod, which symbolizes a good harvest and stability. When you enter the exhibition hall, you can get a free tour guide map in the first-floor hall and follow the map to visit. The main exhibition halls in the museum are on the second to fourth floors, introducing Shanxi's history, culture, Buddhism, opera, commerce, crafts and many other contents.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, has a history spanning over 2,500 years. It was an important political, military, and economic center in northern China, known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and role in Chinese history from the Tang to Ming dynasties.
Taiyuan is located in central Shanxi Province. It is accessible by Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, high-speed trains, long-distance buses, and highways. Within the city, taxis, buses, and walking are convenient options to reach attractions.
Major attractions and museums are typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit for pleasant weather.
Ticket prices vary by attraction: Jinci Temple (CNY 70–100), Twin Pagoda Temple (CNY 20–40). Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official websites or trusted travel platforms.
Booking is recommended during weekends, holidays, or peak tourist season. Usually, a few days in advance is sufficient.
2–3 days are recommended to explore Taiyuan’s main attractions and surrounding historical sites.
Guided tours are mostly available in Chinese. Some attractions may offer English-speaking guides on request. Audio guides are rare.
Day 1: Shanxi Museum → Twin Pagoda Temple → Yingze Park. Day 2: Jinci Temple → local markets and ancient streets. Optionally, day trips to nearby historical villages or mountain scenery.
Most historical sites close by evening. City parks and some streets are lit up at night, suitable for strolling. Light shows are not common.
Weekdays are less crowded, especially outside public holidays. Weekends and national holidays see higher visitor numbers at major attractions.
Facilities are generally available at major attractions including toilets, small restaurants, cafes, water points, rest areas, and souvenir shops.
City streets, parks, and museums are mostly accessible. Some temples and historic sites may have steps and uneven terrain, limiting access for visitors with mobility challenges.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
Various local Shanxi noodle shops, traditional Chinese restaurants, and a few cafes are located in the city center and near tourist attractions.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal options are limited but may be found in selected restaurants.
Taiyuan offers a range of accommodations, from budget hotels and guesthouses to mid-range and a few international hotels near the city center.
Souvenirs include Shanxi vinegar, handmade crafts, paper-cuttings, local teas, and postcards.
High-speed trains and long-distance buses connect Taiyuan to Beijing, Xi’an, and other major cities. Taxis and local buses serve nearby destinations and day trips.
