Here, there is not only the light of faith from Mount Wutai but also the cold moon of the border and the fireworks of the ancient city

【3 days 2 nights, about 4900 RMB per person! Xinzhou Guide: The Buddhist Kingdom of Northern Shanxi, a cool secret realm through a thousand years】

Day 1: Arrive at **Xinzhou West Station** by high-speed train (about 2.5 hours from Beijing to Xinzhou), then charter a car to Taihuai Town in the core area of Mount Wutai. Stay at a Zen-style guesthouse or the 【Golden Lotus Hotel】 (including breakfast, 1600 RMB/night × 2 = 3200 RMB). In the afternoon, visit the 【Mount Wutai Scenic Area】 with an entrance fee of 135 RMB, check in at 【Xiantong Temple】—the foremost Qing Temple, see the Copper Hall and Glazed Pagoda; climb the 【Great White Pagoda】, turn the prayer wheels below, and feel the chanting of Buddhist scriptures.

Day 2: Early morning pilgrimage to 【Bodhisattva Peak】 (small ticket 10 RMB)—the Royal Yellow Temple, climb to the top for a panoramic view of Taihuai. Hike or take the shuttle to visit 【Dailuo Peak】 (ticket 5 RMB + cable car 85 RMB), step up to the “Little Chaotai.” In the afternoon, visit 【Shuxiang Temple】 to see the largest Manjushri statue, or explore 【Nanshan Temple】 to admire exquisite stone carvings. In the evening, stroll along Ming and Qing Street, taste vegetarian dumplings and tofu stew with Tai mushrooms.

Day 3: Optional climb to 【East Terrace Sea Viewing Peak】 (by car + walking, about 2 hours) to watch the sea of clouds at sunrise, or stop by 【Xinzhou Ancient City】 on the way back (free)—walk along South Street, visit Xiurong Academy, and try Dingxiang steamed meat, scar cake, and oat noodles. On the way, check in at 【Yanmen Pass】 (ticket 90 RMB, 1.5 hours by car from Xinzhou)—“Among the nine passes under heaven, Yanmen is the foremost,” climb the pass tower to gaze at the vast borderland.

💰Budget details:
High-speed train round trip 800 + charter and transportation 800 + accommodation 3200 + meals 600 + tickets and shuttle about 300 + other reserves 200 ≈ **4900 RMB**

📌Tips:
- Mount Wutai is at high altitude with large temperature differences between day and night, bring a windproof jacket;
- Weekends are crowded with pilgrims, it is recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid peak times;
- Tai mushrooms are wild delicacies, beware of counterfeits.

⚠️Warnings:
❌ Do not easily trust “blessings” or fortune-telling inside the scenic area;
❌ The mountain roads at Yanmen Pass are steep, drive carefully.

Three days and two nights, step into Xinzhou. Here, there is not only the light of faith from Mount Wutai but also the cold moon of the border and the fireworks of the ancient city. Come here, calm your mind with morning bells and evening drums, and gaze across the alpine meadows—the land of northern Shanxi hides the deepest China.

Post by sophia EEE | Oct 21, 2025