Explore the Ancient Charm of Shanxi

Shanxi, a land blessed by history, is home to thousands of years of Chinese civilization. This time, I decided to rent a car and drive myself to explore its unique charm.
Car Rental Guide
I easily picked up my reserved car near Taiyuan Wusu Airport. It was a spacious and stable SUV, perfect for both city roads and mountain roads. The car rental company was efficient and the staff kindly recommended some niche attractions and local delicacies.
Pingyao Ancient City
I drove to Pingyao Ancient City, parked my car in the designated parking lot, and stepped into this living history museum. Walking through the ancient streets and alleys of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the towering city walls seemed to tell the story of the glory of the Jin merchants. I visited the Rishengchang Exchange Shop to experience the wisdom of the financial pioneers, and the Pingyao County Government Office to appreciate the majesty of the ancient officialdom. As night fell, the ancient city took on a different charm, with the aroma of street food filling the air. I chose a unique inn to stay overnight and had a dream that took me back thousands of years.
Shuanglin Temple
A short drive from Pingyao took me to Shuanglin Temple. The temple's colored sculptures are a masterpiece, with over 2,000 lifelike sculptures, each embodying the dedication and faith of ancient craftsmen. Their expressions, costumes, and movements vary, from solemn to kind to lively, leaving me in awe of this exquisite art and immersing me in this world of beautiful sculptures, where time seemed to stand still.
Mount Wutai
I headed to Mount Wutai, where the winding mountain roads offered breathtaking views. The temple complex on Mount Wutai is solemn and majestic, with the Wuye Temple bustling with worshippers and the Great White Pagoda of Tayuan Temple shining brightly in the sunlight, a landmark of Mount Wutai. Climbing to the top of Dai Luoding, I overlooked the temple complex surrounded by mountains, feeling the tranquility and peace of this Buddhist holy land, as if my soul had been cleansed.
Hukou Waterfall
I drove all the way to Hukou Waterfall, and even before I got close, I could hear the thunderous roar. The Yellow River surged down with great force, its muddy waves crashing down with a majestic momentum that made my blood boil. Standing on the shore, I felt the great power of the Mother River, and my heart was filled with endless awe and pride.
Shanxi cuisine is rich and diverse, and here are some recommended dishes:
Noodles
- Knife-cut noodles
- Youmian Kaolao
- Ti Jian
Snacks
- Pingyao beef
- Taigu cake
- Bowl cake
- Lamb offal soup