Day 1 → → → → → Taiyuan all day meeting day
All day
Tourists will check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report your "China-Travel Note + Name" at the front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Shanxi Museum, Bronze Museum, Shanxi Merchants Museum, China Coal Museum, etc. (Please make reservations in advance through the official WeChat accounts of each museum)
Other attractions in the city: Shuangta Temple Park, Chunyang Palace, Governor's Mansion, Donghu Vinegar Garden
Surrounding areas: Jin Temple, Tianlongshan Grottoes, Taiyuan Ancient County (where the New Year atmosphere is absolutely stunning), Mengshan Giant Buddha (it is recommended to take a taxi directly to the surrounding attractions for easier access)
Food recommendations
Taiyuan Liuxiang Bell Tower Street, Old Taiyuan Restaurant, Shanxi Restaurant, Yangji Sausage on Food Street, Hao Ganggang Lamb Offal in Liuxiang, Qingheyuan Restaurant, Laoshuku Yuanxiao, Bofan Old Tavern, Yixiang Pavilion, Qingheyuan's Head, Renyili (Halal cuisine), etc.
Traffic Tips
Taiyuan Wusu Airport and Taiyuan High-speed Railway Station/Railway Station are very close to Taiyuan city center. A taxi ride takes about half an hour and costs around 20-30 yuan. Pick-up service is not included. Please make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Day 2 Taiyuan → Wang Family Courtyard → Hukou Waterfall
All day
After breakfast, we headed to [Wang Family Courtyard] China's Folk Palace Museum
The Wang Family Courtyard is a culmination of Qing Dynasty residential architecture. Known for its emphasis on refinement over grandeur, novelty and elegance over delicate and extravagant, it embodies the "delicate and complex" style of the Qing Dynasty. Following the footsteps of history, we'll wander among the ancient buildings, listen to our guide recount the compound's ups and downs, touch the meticulously crafted historical heritage, and stroll among the flowers and trees in the courtyard, feeling a sense of comfort all our own.
After having fun, we headed to [Hukou Waterfall, Shanxi] Yellow River Waterfall
At this point, the mighty Yellow River, over 500 meters wide, is suddenly bounded by its banks. Wide at the top, it narrows at the bottom, surging and pouring over a 50-meter drop, its momentum resembling the pouring out of an enormous pot, hence the name "Hukou Waterfall." Hukou in Shanxi offers two renowned wonders: "Boat on Land" and "Smoke Rising from the Water," both of which are rare sights. Details of Hukou in Shanxi: From the Shanxi side, you can see the "Yellow River Flowing from Heaven." In spring and autumn, the waters of Hukou are magnificent and majestic, while in midwinter, the clamor is transformed into a tranquil silence. The waters become crystal clear, crystal-clear icicles hang upside down from the banks, and the surging waters in the river, mingled with icicles, create the spectacular "Ice Falls Jade Pot," a rare delight for photography enthusiasts. On a clear day, the mist created by the water creates a rainbow above the falls, a truly unique sight.
At night we will stay next to Hukou Waterfall and listen to the surging Yellow River.
Day 3 Hukou Waterfall → Zhangbi Ancient Fort → Pingyao Ancient City
All day
After breakfast, go to Zhangbi Ancient Castle to explore the underground ancient road
At first glance, Zhangbi Ancient Castle appears to be nothing more than an ordinary, rugged northern village, yet beneath it lies a remarkable network of ancient military tunnels. The 2017 TV series "Where Are We Going, Dad?" catapulted the castle to fame, and it's truly a perfect place for a children's adventure. From the entrance, climb a steep ridge to the Khan Temple, where you can overlook the castle. Then, prepare to explore the tunnels. The tunnel network stretches 10 kilometers, with approximately 1 kilometer currently accessible. The tunnels are dark and narrow, with no exits. Stables, wells, soldier and prisoner kilns are dotted along the sides, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient military defenses.
After having fun, head to Pingyao Ancient City, one of the four relatively well-preserved ancient cities.
Some say Pingyao is a beauty in troubled times, weathering storms yet remaining unfazed by adversity. Upon arrival in Pingyao Ancient City, we'll check into our inn before embarking on our journey through the ancient city. Located in Pingyao County in central Shanxi Province, Pingyao Ancient City boasts over 2,700 years of history and is one of only two ancient county towns in China to have been successfully nominated for World Cultural Heritage status. You can purchase a Pingyao Pass, which includes access to over a dozen attractions, including the County Government Office, Rishengchang, the Escort Agency, and the Ancient City Wall. Experience the culture of Shanxi merchants and the stories of Pingyao, or explore the city at your own leisure.
At night, you can lie on the big kang in the inn, or quietly walk through the streets and alleys of the ancient city, looking for the Pingyao in your heart, and quietly feel the leisure and lazy evening that this ancient city has given us. Everyone can freely form groups to find delicious food in the ancient city and enjoy the beautiful night view of the ancient city in the cool breeze.
Day 4 Pingyao Ancient City → Jin Temple → Taiyuan Wusu Airport → Taiyuan South Railway Station
All day
After breakfast, you can continue your half-day tour of Pingyao.
You can get up early to watch the sunrise, or stroll the streets, admire the Pingyao Ancient City Wall, and get up close to the residential houses in Pingyao Ancient City, which are mainly wooden courtyards with brick walls and tiled roofs. You can feel the prosperity and development of Shanxi merchants, and at the same time experience the comfortable slow pace of life in the small town.
After lunch, go to Jin Temple. The best of Shanxi is all in Jin Temple.
A visit to Shanxi is a must-see for those visiting the Jin Temple. Over 1,500 years old, it's one of China's oldest existing imperial sacrificial gardens. It embodies a blend of grandeur and elegance, a model of ancestral temple architecture integrated with natural landscapes. The Nanlao Spring, the Maidservant Statue, and the Virgin Mary Statue are known as the "Three Wonders of the Jin Temple." Two Zhou Dynasty cypress trees within the temple are said to be over 3,000 years old, reflecting the vicissitudes of Jinyang. A quiet tour of the Jin Temple reveals a thousand-year-old beauty that even Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin cherished.
After a fun day of sightseeing, we concluded our trip and headed to Taiyuan, where we'll first be transferred to Taiyuan Wusu Airport and then to Taiyuan South Railway Station. We're expected to arrive at Taiyuan Wusu Airport around 4:00 PM. Tourists are advised to book flights after 6:00 PM to avoid delays.
The arrival time at Taiyuan South Railway Station is 16:30, and the arrival time at Taiyuan Railway Station is 17:00. Tourists are advised to book flights and trains after 17:30 to avoid delays.
