People say Shanxi has beautiful scenery, and the most stunning views are in Shanxi

Follow me to start an amazing five-day tour of Shanxi🌄

Dear friends👋, if you want to experience the weight of history and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery, Shanxi is definitely your top choice! I have carefully planned a five-day travel guide to help you easily explore Shanxi. Let’s go!

Preparation📋

● Documents: ID card, student ID (discounts available).

● Clothing: Shanxi has a big temperature difference between day and night, so besides summer clothes, it’s best to bring a light jacket.

● Others: Sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, camera (to capture the beautiful scenery).

Itinerary🚗

Day 1: Taiyuan — Jin Temple — Food Street

● Morning: After arriving in Taiyuan, head straight to Jin Temple. Jin Temple is the oldest existing royal sacrificial garden in China, with dozens of ancient buildings featuring traditional Chinese culture. The Holy Mother Hall and Yuzhao Flying Beam are masterpieces of architecture, and the Zhou cypress and Tang locust trees have thrived for thousands of years🌳.

● Noon: Taste Shanxi’s specialty noodles near Jin Temple, such as knife-cut noodles and kaolao noodles, each bite is super satisfying😋.

● Afternoon: Stroll through Food Street, which gathers various Shanxi delicacies and specialty shops. Try Taigu cakes and Wenxi boiled cakes, sweet but not greasy.

Day 2: Taiyuan — Mount Wutai

● Morning: Depart for Mount Wutai, the foremost of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, known for its many temples with diverse architectural styles. First visit Wuye Temple, one of the most popular temples on Mount Wutai, where many come to make wishes and pray🙏.

● Noon: Have lunch in Taihuai Town, try vegetarian dishes and experience a different food culture.

● Afternoon: Visit Xiantong Temple, the oldest and largest temple on Mount Wutai, with exquisite bronze halls and towers.

Day 3: Mount Wutai — Datong

● Morning: Continue exploring Mount Wutai, go to Dailuo Peak, where you can overlook the entire Mount Wutai panorama, with magnificent mountains and rivers🌅.

● Noon: After lunch near Mount Wutai, head to Datong.

● Evening: Upon arrival in Datong, take a walk along the ancient city wall, enjoy the night view, and feel the charm of the old city.

Day 4: Datong — Yungang Grottoes — Huayan Temple

● Morning: Visit the Yungang Grottoes, a treasure trove of ancient Chinese carving art. The Buddha statues inside the grottoes vary in shape and are lifelike, each seeming to tell a historical story🧐.

● Noon: Eat Datong specialties near the Yungang Grottoes, such as Datong copper hotpot and rabbit head.

● Afternoon: Tour Huayan Temple, whose Mahavira Hall is one of the largest Buddhist halls from the Liao and Jin dynasties in China, with very exquisite murals inside.

Day 5: Datong — Hanging Temple — Return

● Morning: Head to the Hanging Temple, which is suspended on a cliff, ingeniously constructed and still stable after thousands of years, truly a miracle in architectural history👏.

● Noon: Have a simple meal near the Hanging Temple, then conclude your pleasant Shanxi trip and prepare to return.

Food Recommendations🍜

● Noodles: Knife-cut noodles, hand-pulled noodles, cat’s ears noodles, and more, with a rich variety and chewy texture.

● Meat dishes: Pingyao beef, Hunyuan cold noodles with smoked meat, tender meat with rich flavor.

● Snacks: Buckwheat river noodles, pea noodles, and other unique snacks not to be missed.

Accommodation Suggestions🏨

● Taiyuan: Stay in the city center for convenient travel and many nearby food options.

● Mount Wutai: It’s recommended to stay in Taihuai Town, close to the temples.

● Datong: Stay near the ancient city for easy access to attractions.

Friends, pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Shanxi🤗! Let’s create wonderful memories together in Shanxi.