Known as China’s “Museum of Ancient Culture”, Shanxi is a province dotted with ancient sites, preserved old towns and ornate temples. Explore artifact-filled museums, walk down UNESCO-listed streets and immerse yourself in the outdoors at the sacred Mount Wutai.
Things to do in Shanxi
Start your exploration of Shanxi in the Old Town of Pingyao. Walk through the well-preserved ancient town and learn about its 2,700-year-old history and UNESCO World Heritage status, then marvel at its ancient city walls or visit Shuanglin Temple to see its colorful sculptures.
For a real adventure, head to Datong to see its famous Yungang Grottoes, a collection of shallow caves with over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas dating back 1,000 years. Next, head into town to see historic landmarks, such as the Nine Dragon Wall and the Hanging Temple, which is built into a cliffside.
Home to one of China’s most impressive natural wonders, Linfen features Hukou Waterfall, the second largest waterfall in China and the largest on the Yellow River. Afterward, visit the Feihong Pagoda, also known as “Flying Rainbow Pagoda” to see one of the best-preserved glazed pagodas in the country.
To admire the first of only four sacred mountains in China, sign up for a day trip to Mount Wutai in Wutaishan. Learn about how it’s the only mountain in China mentioned in Buddhist scriptures and explore some of the 47 Buddhist temples at its base, including the Xiantong Temple, Pusading Temple, and Nanchan Temple.
Getting around Shanxi
Taiyuan Wusu International Airport and Datong Yungang Airport are the main aviation hubs in Shanxi, while trains and buses connect to cities across the province. The best way to get around Shanxi’s major cities is by taxi.