Taiyuan, how many more surprises do you have in store for me?

Taiyuan Botanical Garden – The "Time Elevator" Takes You on an Interstellar Journey to a Future Oasis

"Is this really a botanical garden? Are we sure it's not a sci-fi movie set?!" The "Time Elevator" at Taiyuan Botanical Garden has become an internet-famous landmark with its surreal, futuristic vibe. When night falls, the lights cascade like a galaxy, and the 62-meter escalator resembles a tunnel to the cosmos, while the dome greenhouse glows like an "alien dewdrop," radiant and dazzling.

Shanxi Grand Hotel – A Glittering "Imperial Examination Hall" from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Offering Royal Feasts at Affordable Prices
The Shanxi Grand Hotel, adorned with intricate carvings and resplendent lights, went viral after a food vlog, with netizens exclaiming, "Shanxi locals kept this gem a secret for so long!" Built on the site of the historic Shanxi Imperial Examination Hall, it now serves as a "budget-friendly palace," where you can savor authentic Shanxi dishes like hand-shaved noodles and sweet-and-sour meatballs for just a few dozen yuan per person. The golden pavilions at night are also a photographer’s paradise.

Jinci Temple – The Iconic Filming Location of the 1986 Classic "Journey to the West," a Pioneer of Micro-tourism
"Just captured a few demons, subdued a few monsters..." Jinci Temple isn’t just a millennia-old architectural wonder—it’s also where the 1986 "Journey to the West" was filmed! Today, young visitors recreate scenes from the show, meticulously matching Sun Wukong’s transformations at the "Earth God Temple." The temple’s bracket sets, upturned eaves, and colorful sculptures have all become photo templates, sparking over 3,000 social media posts.

Taiyuan – An Underrated "Treasure City"
From the sci-fi-inspired botanical garden to the opulent Shanxi Grand Hotel, and the "Journey to the West" filming site at Jinci Temple, Taiyuan proves itself with pride: "Here, ancient architecture meets cutting-edge technology, and history blends seamlessly with modern trends!"

Post by KYLIE HENDERSON | Jul 30, 2025