Shanxi Treasure Tour, Complete Guide to the Land of Sanjin
Dear friends! If you’re still undecided about where to go on your next trip, you definitely can’t miss Shanxi, a land full of charm! Here, you’ll find both profound historical culture and stunning natural scenery—truly a treasure trove for travelers. Now, follow me to start this Shanxi journey!
Preparation
● Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), etc.
● Clothing: Shanxi has a large temperature difference between day and night. Except for summer, bring a thick coat for other seasons. If you visit in winter, be sure to wear a down jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves.
● Medicines: Common medicines like cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, etc.
● Others: Charger, camera, water bottle, etc.
Itinerary
Datong Section (2 days)
● Day 1
○ Morning: After arriving in Datong, head straight to the Yungang Grottoes🗿. This is one of China’s four great grottoes, with a history of over 1,500 years. The Buddha statues inside vary in shape and are lifelike, each telling an ancient story. Be sure to hire a guide, or you’ll miss many details and historical anecdotes.
○ Noon: Try Datong knife-cut noodles near the scenic area. The noodles are thin and chewy, paired with delicious broth and side dishes—simply irresistible😋.
○ Afternoon: Visit Huayan Temple, an important temple from the Liao and Jin dynasties with unique architectural style. The Mahavira Hall is one of the largest existing Buddha halls in China. Here, you can feel the solemnity and mystery of Buddhist culture.
○ Evening: Take a walk on the ancient city wall of Datong and enjoy the night view. The wall is brightly lit, and the buildings inside the ancient city have a special charm under the lights. You can also stroll around the nearby snack street and try local specialties like lamb offal noodles and rabbit head.
● Day 2
○ Morning: Head to the Hanging Temple. This temple is built on a cliff and has stood firm for thousands of years—truly amazing👏. Once there, you’ll feel like you’re in a sky pavilion, with a deep abyss beneath your feet—very thrilling.
○ Noon: Have some Hunyuan cold noodles in Hunyuan County. These noodles are smooth and refreshing, served with chili oil, vinegar, and other seasonings for a sour and spicy taste.
○ Afternoon: Return to Datong city and visit Shanhuasi Temple. It is one of the most complete Liao and Jin dynasty temples remaining in China, with simple and elegant architecture, holding great historical and artistic value.
Wutai Mountain Section (2 days)
● Day 3
○ Morning: Depart from Datong to Wutai Mountain. Upon arrival, visit Wuye Temple. Wuye Temple is one of the most spiritually powerful temples on Wutai Mountain, with bustling incense offerings. Many people come here to make wishes🙏.
○ Noon: Taste the vegetarian dishes of Wutai Mountain in Taihuai Town. The dishes are exquisite and delicious.
○ Afternoon: Visit Xiantong Temple, the oldest and largest temple on Wutai Mountain. The temple houses many precious cultural relics and ancient sites, such as the Bronze Hall and Bronze Pagoda.
○ Evening: Stay overnight in Taihuai Town to experience the town’s tranquility and peace.
● Day 4
○ Morning: Go to Dailuo Peak. You can choose to hike or take the cable car. From the top, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Wutai Mountain with a very broad view. Dailuo Peak enshrines the Five Manjushri Bodhisattvas, allowing you to worship all five at once, earning it the nickname “Little Pilgrimage.”
○ Noon: Have a simple snack on the mountain to replenish energy.
○ Afternoon: Pack up and head to Taiyuan.
Taiyuan Section (2 days)
● Day 5
○ Morning: Upon arrival in Taiyuan, visit Jin Temple. Jin Temple is the oldest existing royal sacrificial garden in China, featuring famous buildings like the Holy Mother Hall and Fish Pond Flying Beam, as well as ancient trees like Zhou cypress and Tang locust. Every scene is full of historical charm, as if telling you ancient stories.
○ Noon: Try Taiyuan’s Guoyou Rou (oil-fried pork) at a nearby restaurant. This dish is golden and bright in color, with a salty and slightly vinegary taste.
○ Afternoon: Visit the Shanxi Museum, which has a rich collection of precious cultural relics. Through these relics, you can learn about Shanxi’s historical development and cultural changes from ancient times to the present.
○ Evening: Stroll around Liuxiang, Taiyuan’s busiest commercial street, with many malls, restaurants, and snack stalls. Here you can taste various Shanxi specialties like Tou Nao and Wan Tuo.
● Day 6
○ Morning: Visit Mengshan Giant Buddha. This Buddha was carved during the Northern Qi period and is one of the earliest large stone Buddha statues in the world. Despite the ravages of time, its grandeur is still evident.
○ Noon: Have a farmhouse meal near the scenic area, trying local specialties like farmhouse stews and wild vegetables.
○ Afternoon: Return to Taiyuan city and take a walk in Fenhe Park, enjoying the scenery along both sides of the Fen River. The Fen River is the mother river of Shanxi, and Fenhe Park is a beautiful place for locals to relax and have fun.
Food Recommendations
Besides the foods mentioned above, Shanxi has many other specialties worth trying:
● Pingyao Beef: Tender and delicious, a traditional famous dish of Shanxi.
● Taigu Cake: Sweet but not greasy, crispy but not crumbly, with a great texture.
● Yangquan Oil-fried Pork with Potato Slices: Potato slices fried to golden crispiness, paired with tender and juicy oil-fried pork, creating a unique flavor combination.
Transportation Guide
● External Transportation: Depending on your location, you can choose to fly, take a train, or high-speed rail to Shanxi. Both Datong and Taiyuan have airports and train stations, making transportation convenient.
● Internal Transportation: In cities like Datong and Taiyuan, you can use buses, taxis, or ride-hailing services. For some scenic spots, you can choose to rent a car or join local day tours for convenience.
Accommodation Suggestions
● Datong: Stay near the ancient city for convenient travel and to enjoy the ancient city’s night view.
● Wutai Mountain: Taihuai Town has many hotels and guesthouses to choose from, pick according to your budget and needs.
● Taiyuan: It’s recommended to stay near Liuxiang, the city center, where shopping and dining are very convenient.
Dear friends, Shanxi’s beauty is far beyond this, with many more places waiting for you to explore. Hurry up, pack your bags, and embark on a spontaneous Shanxi adventure🎉! Shanxi Treasure Tour | Complete Guide to the Land of Sanjin