Taiyuan Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Shanxi region in China, Taiyuan is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern developments. As the capital of Shanxi province, this vibrant metropolis offers a unique glimpse into China's rich history and cultural heritage.

Taiyuan boasts a plethora of historical sites and landmarks that will captivate any history enthusiast. One such attraction is the Jinci Temple, a sprawling complex that dates back over 1,400 years. This architectural marvel is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings and serene gardens, making it the perfect place for a peaceful stroll.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Taiyuan's history, the Shanxi Museum is a must-visit destination. This state-of-the-art museum showcases a wide array of artifacts and exhibits, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's cultural heritage. From ancient pottery to exquisite bronzes, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history of this ancient city.

Taiyuan is also a paradise for nature lovers, with its stunning landscapes and scenic spots. The Twin Pagoda Temple, located on the banks of the Fen River, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterways. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagodas and marvel at the panoramic vistas, creating unforgettable memories.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the culinary delights that Taiyuan has to offer. The city is famous for its Shanxi cuisine, which is characterized by its bold flavors and unique cooking techniques. From savory noodle dishes to mouthwatering dumplings, the local cuisine is a true delight for the taste buds.

In addition to its rich history and delectable cuisine, Taiyuan is also a shopper's paradise. The city is home to numerous bustling markets and shopping districts, where visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion. The Liuxiang Pedestrian Street is particularly popular, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of shops and boutiques.

Local name: 太原市 Population: 3.43 mil.Area: 2685.72 mi²Maximum elevation: 8760 ftMinimal elevation: 2493 ftCoordinates: 37°51'36"N, 112°33'43"E

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ShanxiChina

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Taiyuan Top Attractions

Taiyuan Attractions - What to See and Explore

Taiyuan offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Shanxi Museum, Yingze Park, Taiyuan Ancient Mosque, Mengshan Giant Buddha. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
Shanxi Museum
The Shanxi Museum is the largest museum and cultural building in the province of Shanxi, China. The museum, located in Shanxi's provincial capital Taiyuan, is home to about 400,000 cultural relics and 110,000 old books.
Park
Yingze Park
Yingze Park is located in downtown Taiyuan, Shanxi, China. It was opened to the public on June 1, 1957 and covers 63.28 hectares including its lake. It has over 390,000 ornamental plants in more than 10 gardens. Near the east gate is the Jin Merchant Museum, in the style of an ancient guild hall.
Mosque
Taiyuan Ancient Mosque
The Taiyuan Ancient Mosque is a mosque in Xinghualing District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China.

Monuments and statues • Buddhist architecture
Mengshan Giant Buddha
The Mengshan Giant Buddha is a stone statue located in the city of Taiyuan, Shanxi and was built during the Northern Qi dynasty. Initially discovered in a 1980 census, the statue was found to have its head missing. From 2006 to 2008, people constructed a 12-meter tall head for the statue. The site opened to the public in October 2008.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Twin Pagoda Temple
The Twin Pagoda Temple, officially known as Yongzuo Temple, of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, is a temple containing two pagodas dating from the Ming dynasty.
Church
Christ's Church
Christ's Church, Jinyuan is a Protestant church located in Jinyuan District, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
Temple
Chongshan Temple
Chongshan Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Yingze District of Taiyuan, Shanxi. It is the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of Shanxi.
37°53'2"N • 112°33'22"E
Xinghualing District
Xinghualing District is one of six districts of the prefecture-level city of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, North China. It is located in the urban core of Taiyuan.
37°51'31"N • 112°30'32"E
Wanbailin District
Wanbailin District is one of six districts of the prefecture-level city of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, North China.
37°51'46"N • 112°33'25"E
Yingze District
Yingze District is one of six districts of the prefecture-level city of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, North China.
Universities and schools
Yanshan University
Yanshan University is a university in Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China under the provincial government. It has a student population of 39,000 and a staff population of 3,200. It is a national key school and runs state key labs on its campus.
Universities and schools
North University of China
North University of China is a university based in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, China. It was formerly known as North China Institute of Technology from 1993 to 2004.
37°53'7"N • 112°30'58"E
Xinghua Subdistrict
Xinghua Subdistrict is a subdistrict of Wanbailin District, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. As of 2011, it has ten residential communities under its administration.
37°51'54"N • 112°34'26"E
Tai yuan fu wen miao
Taiyuan Provincial Temple is located at the east end of Shangguan Lane, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China. It was first built in the Jin Dynasty, then destroyed in a flood in the seventh year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, and...
Universities and schools
Taiyuan University of Technology
Taiyuan University of Technology is a university in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, China, under the authority of the provincial government. In 2012 it celebrated its 110th anniversary.

Day trips

Taiyuan – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Taiyuan, it's worth seeing attractions such as: City God Temple of Pingyao (Pingyao), Pingyao, Qiao Family Compound.

50 milesSW
Temple
City God Temple of Pingyao, Pingyao
The Temple of the City God of Pingyao is a well-preserved Taoist temple located in Pingyao County, Shanxi Province, China. The temple consists of three separate temples on a complex, covering over 7,300 square meters.
50 milesSW
37°12'15"N • 112°10'59"E
Pingyao
Steeped in history and retaining the allure of ancient China, Pingyao County stands as a remarkable testament to Chinese cultural and architectural preservation. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this traditional Han Chinese city is located in central Shanxi...
32 milesS
Museum
Qiao Family Compound
The Qiao Family Compound, originally the Zaizhong Hall and officially Qiao's Grand Courtyard, is a courtyard house located in Qi County, Jinzhong Prefecture, Shanxi Province, China, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Pingyao.
43 milesS
Temple,
Zhenguo Temple
Zhenguo Temple is a Buddhist temple located 10 km from Pingyao in the village of Hadongcun, in Shanxi Province, China. The temple's oldest hall, the Wanfo Hall, was built in 963 during the Northern Han dynasty, and is notable for featuring very large brackets that hold up the roof and flying eaves.
13 milesSW
Temple
Tianlongshan Grottoes
The Tianlongshan Grottoes are caves located in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, that are notable for the Buddhist temples located within them. The temple complex spans two mountains: there are eight grottoes on the eastern mountain and 13 on the western mountain.