Shanxi Travel Guide

Explore the best of Shanxi, from culturally significant museums to natural attractions and outdoor adventures. Discover local cuisine, accommodation options, and transportation logistics for an unforgettable trip.


Introduction to Shanxi

Shanxi is a province located in North China, known for its rich history, cultural significance, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. The province has a long history, dating back to the ancient times, with numerous historical sites that attract tourists from all over the world. With its stunning natural landscapes, including majestic mountain ranges and picturesque valleys, the province also offers a range of outdoor activities for hikers and adventurers. Here’s our comprehensive travel guide to Shanxi, China.

List of Places to Visit in Shanxi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Shanxi has a rich history, and it is home to numerous museums and historical sites that are of great cultural significance. The province is famous for its ancient architecture, with many ancient buildings and temples still standing today. Some of the must-visit historical sites include:

  • The Yungang Grottoes: These are a collection of Buddhist cave temples that date back to the 5th century AD, and are a UNESCO Heritage Site.
  • The Hanging Temple: This is a temple built into the side of a cliff, with roots dating back more than 1,500 years.
  • The Pingyao Ancient City: This is an incredibly well-preserved ancient city, which dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
  • The Shanxi Museum: This is one of the largest museums in China, and is home to numerous ancient treasures and artefacts.

Natural Attractions of Shanxi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Shanxi is also home to some beautiful natural attractions, including majestic mountain ranges and scenic valleys. Here are some of the top natural attractions in the province:

  • The Wutai Mountain: This is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and is one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism.
  • The Hukou Waterfall: Located on the Yellow River, this is the largest waterfall in China, with stunning views and an impressive cascade.
  • The Taishan Mountain: This mountain is considered one of the holiest in China and is a UNESCO Heritage Site with stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shanxi

With its beautiful natural scenery, Shanxi offers a range of opportunities for hiking and biking. Here are some of the top routes for adventure seekers:

  • The Wutai Mountain: This mountain offers some beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
  • The Great Wall: Parts of the Great Wall run through Shanxi, and hiking along these sections offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Li River Bike Trail: This is a relatively easy ride that takes you through some stunning scenery and ancient villages.

Best Things to Do in Shanxi: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, Shanxi offers a range of other activities and tours that tourists can enjoy. Some of the top things to do in the province include:

  • Attending a tea ceremony: Shanxi is known for its high-quality tea, and attending a tea ceremony is a must-do for tea lovers.
  • Exploring the ancient architecture: The province boasts some of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in China, and exploring them is a must-do for history buffs.
  • Eating local cuisine: Shanxi offers some delicious local cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, pork buns, and a range of other delicacies.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shanxi

For those looking to spend a week exploring Shanxi, here is a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the ancient architecture of Taiyuan, Shanxi’s capital city.
  • Day 2: Visit the Yungang Grottoes.
  • Day 3: Hike the Wutai Mountain and take in the stunning views.
  • Day 4: Explore the UNESCO Heritage Site of Pingyao.
  • Day 5: Visit the historic village of Qiao Family Compound.
  • Day 6: Experience a tea ceremony and enjoy local cuisine.
  • Day 7: Visit the Shanxi Museum and Taishan Mountain.

Food and Drink Scene of Shanxi

Shanxi is known for its delicious local cuisine, with a range of dishes that are unique to the province. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pingyao Beef: This is a traditional dish made from thin slices of beef that are served with vegetables and rice noodles.
  • Fried Jiaozi: Similar to dumplings, Jiaozi is a popular street food in Shanxi, typically filled with meat or vegetables and enjoyed with chili sauce.
  • Dao Xiao Mian: This is a Shanxi specialty, featuring hand-pulled noodles served with various toppings and sauces.

Local Beverages

  • Fen Jiu: This is a traditional Chinese liquor made from sorghum, and is a popular beverage in Shanxi.
  • Shanxi Black Tea: This high-quality tea is known for its unique flavor and is a must-try for tea lovers.

Where to Stay in Shanxi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shanxi has a range of accommodation options for tourists, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Jing’s Residence: This is a beautiful guesthouse located in the ancient city of Pingyao, offering traditional accommodation with modern amenities.
  • The Yun Gang International Hotel: This hotel is located in Taiyuan, offering luxury accommodation in a central location.
  • The Heaven House: This hostel is located in Wutai Mountain, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

What to Buy in Shanxi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Shanxi has a range of local products and souvenirs that tourists can bring home. Here are some of the top options:

  • Chinese paper-cutting: This is a traditional art form in China and is a popular souvenir in Shanxi.
  • Shanxi vinegar: This is a type of vinegar unique to the province, and is a popular ingredient in local cuisine.
  • Shanxi datong jade: This is a type of jade that is unique to the Datong area, and is a popular souvenir for tourists.

Local Culture and Customs of Shanxi

Shanxi has a rich cultural heritage, and tourists should be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Chinese New Year: This is a major holiday in China, and tourists can experience traditional celebrations in Shanxi.
  • Respect for elders: In Chinese culture, respect for elders is highly valued, and tourists should be mindful of this.
  • Dress code: Modesty is valued in Chinese culture, and tourists should dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Shanxi

The best time to visit Shanxi is in the spring and fall, when the weather is milder and cooler. The summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be extremely cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shanxi

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Shanxi:

Do:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and tea.
  • Carry cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted.

Don’t:

  • Touch the murals and carvings in the ancient buildings and temples.
  • Disrespect cultural or religious sites.
  • Photograph or film people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shanxi

Shanxi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, tourists should take precautions, such as avoiding remote areas and walking alone at night.

Health in Shanxi

Shanxi is generally a healthy destination, and tourists should be aware of the local health risks. Tourists should ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid.

Getting to Shanxi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shanxi

The province has several airports, including Taiyuan Wusu International Airport and Datong Yungang Airport, both of which have domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Shanxi

Shanxi has several long-distance bus stations, making it a convenient travel option for tourists. Buses run to and from destinations across the country.

Other Options

There are also trains that run to and from Shanxi, offering a range of accommodation options for tourists.

How to Get Around in Shanxi

Tourists can get around Shanxi using taxis, buses or renting a car. Taxi drivers in Shanxi may not speak English, so it is recommended to have your destination written down in Chinese.

Where to Go Next from Shanxi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Shanxi is a great starting point for tours of other provinces and nearby destinations. Some popular options include:

  • Beijing: Capital city of China, home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace.
  • Xi’an: Home to the Terracotta Army, Xi’an is a popular tourist destination known for its rich cultural heritage.
  • Zhengzhou: Capital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou offers a range of cultural sites and natural attractions.

Conclusion

Shanxi is a beautiful province, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. With its range of historical sites, outdoor activities, and modern amenities, Shanxi is a must-visit destination for tourists traveling to China.



    Changzhi
    Datong City
    Jinzhong
    Linfen
    Pingyao
    Taiyuan