Taiyuan Travel Guide

Explore Taiyuan, China with our guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat and more.


Introduction to Taiyuan

Located in Shanxi Province in North China, Taiyuan is a city that has a rich history and is known for its cultural and natural attractions. With a population of over 4 million people, it is an important transportation hub and it plays a vital role in the economic development of the region.

List of Places to Visit in Taiyuan

Taiyuan offers plenty of places to visit for travelers. It has a diverse range of attractions to suit all types of travelers. Here are some of the must-visit places in Taiyuan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shanxi Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region and is one of the largest museums in China.
  • Jinci Temple: This ancient temple complex dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is considered to be an important cultural relic in China.
  • Twin Pagoda Temple: The temple is known for its unique architecture and houses two pagodas that stand at a height of 53 meters.

Natural Attractions of Taiyuan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wutai Shan: This mountain range is known for its natural beauty and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Qixian Forest Park: The park features an array of stunning natural landscapes and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fenhe Scenic Area: This attraction is famous for its gorge and is an ideal location for hiking and exploring.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taiyuan

Taiyuan has several hiking and biking routes that offer magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Yungang Grottoes Scenic Trail: This six-kilometer hiking trail passes through the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Taiyuan-Shijiazhuang Biking Route: This 175-kilometer biking route passes through beautiful and scenic towns and villages.

Best Things to Do in Taiyuan: Activities and Tours

  • Try local cuisine: Taiyuan is known for its distinctive cuisine, which includes dishes such as sliced noodles and steamed pork with fermented glutinous rice.
  • Visit the Fen River Night Market: It is a bustling market that sells various snacks and souvenirs and is popular among locals and tourists.
  • Take a Taiyuan city tour: It is an excellent way to explore the city and learn more about its history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Taiyuan

Visitors can make the most of their trip to Taiyuan by following this week-long itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Jinci Temple and the Shanxi Museum
Day 2 Explore the Yungang Grottoes Scenic Trail
Day 3 Take a Taiyuan city tour and try local cuisine
Day 4 Visit the Twin Pagoda Temple and Fen River Night Market
Day 5 Go hiking in the Qixian Forest Park
Day 6 Take a day trip to Wutai Shan
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the city at your own pace

Food and Drink Scene of Taiyuan

The food scene in Taiyuan is a highlight for many visitors. Its distinctive cuisine includes dishes such as:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sliced noodles (Dao Xiao Mian): This dish consists of thin and flat noodles that are sliced by hand and served with a savory sauce.
  • Steamed pork with fermented glutinous rice (Mian Jin Rou): The pork is cooked in a pot with fermented glutinous rice and served with rice.

Local Beverages

  • Fenjiu: It is a type of distilled liquor that is made in Shanxi Province.
  • Chrysanthemum tea: This tea is made from dried chrysanthemum flowers and is served hot or cold.

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

Taiyuan offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular options include:

  • Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan: This luxury hotel offers an excellent range of facilities and amenities and is located in the city center.
  • Taiyuan Wanda Vista: This hotel is known for its fantastic service and spacious rooms.
  • Taiyuan JinJiang International Hotel: It is a mid-range hotel that offers excellent value for money and is located near local attractions.

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

Visitors who want to buy souvenirs and local products can consider shopping at:

  • Liuxiang Shopping Centre: It is a large shopping mall that sells a range of products including clothes, electronics, and souvenirs.
  • Jiefang Road Market: It is a local market that sells a range of products including traditional Chinese garments and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Taiyuan

Taiyuan is a city with a rich and unique culture. Visitors should try to respect the traditions and customs of the locals. Some of the important customs include:

  • Respect for elders
  • Appropriate dress in holy sites
  • Take off your shoes when entering a home

Best Time to Visit Taiyuan

The best time to visit Taiyuan is between April and October when the weather is pleasant, and most of the attractions are open. The temperature can be quite hot during the summer, so visitors should pack accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taiyuan

Do:

  • Try local cuisine
  • Learn about the local culture and customs

Don’t:

  • Take photographs without permission
  • Litter or damage the environment

Safety and Health

Safety in Taiyuan

Taiyuan is a safe city, and visitors should not face any significant safety issues when exploring the city. However, visitors should be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Health in Taiyuan

Visitors should take precautions to ensure that they remain healthy during their visit to Taiyuan. Some tips include:

  • Drink bottled water
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Get travel insurance before your trip

Getting to Taiyuan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Taiyuan can be reached by several transportation options:

Airports Near Taiyuan

  • Taiyuan Wusu International Airport: It is the primary airport in the city and is located about 15 kilometers from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Taiyuan

  • Taiyuan Coach Station: It is the primary bus station in the city and offers bus services to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

  • High-Speed Rail: It connects Taiyuan to other major cities in China, including Beijing and Shanghai.

How to Get Around in Taiyuan

Taiyuan is a relatively small city and is easy to navigate. Visitors can get around the city by:

  • Taking a taxi
  • Using the bus system
  • Hiring a bike

Where to Go Next from Taiyuan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Taiyuan is an excellent base to explore other nearby destinations and excursions. Some of the popular options include:

  • Pingyao ancient city: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings and walls.
  • Mount Wutai: It is a sacred mountain that is known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Conclusion

Taiyuan is a city that has much to offer to visitors. Its unique culture, rich history, and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore China beyond the major cities. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a cultural explorer, Taiyuan has something to offer everyone.