Shanxi Travel Guide

Shanxi Province is located on the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau, bordered by the Yellow River to the south, the Lvliang Mountains to the west, and the Taihang Mountains to the east. During the Spring and Autumn Period, this region was part of the State of Jin, which is why Shanxi is often abbreviated as Jin.

This land in the heart of the Loess Plateau carries three thousand years of memories of Chinese civilization. Here, you can personally touch the faith carved into stone by Northern Wei artisans, quietly listen to the architectural legend of the thousand-year-old, gravity-defying Pagoda of Fogong Temple, truly feel the former splendor of Shanxi merchants through the rows of draft banks in Pingyao Ancient City, and witness the breathtaking natural power of the Hukou Waterfall, where muddy torrents surge skyward.

Pingyao Ancient City

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Shanxi itinerary, please contact us.

2-day or 3-day Shanxi Itinerary

Yungang Grottoes

Shanxi can be broadly divided into three major regions: north, central, and south. The northern region is rich in historical heritage, featuring sites such as the Yungang Grottoes, Datong Ancient City, the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, Mount Wutai, and Xinzhou Ancient City. The central region is renowned for its cultural landscapes, including Pingyao Ancient City, Yongzuo Temple, Jinci Temple, the Qiao Family Compound, and Qikou Ancient Town. The southern region is dotted with natural wonders, such as Hukou Waterfall, Xiaoxitian, the Taihang Mountain gorges, and the Yunqiu Mountain Ice Cave.

If you only have two or three days, you can choose the region that best suits your interests, focusing your trip around four iconic attractions: the Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai, Pingyao Ancient City, and Hukou Waterfall.

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4-day or 5-day Shanxi Itinerary

Mount Wutai

If you have a bit more time, you can explore two regions in one trip and discover even more interesting sights along the way. For example, Mount Heng and the Hanging Temple in Hunyuan County; the Qiao Family Courtyard and Wang Family Courtyard in Jinzhong; Yanmen Pass in Shuozhou; and the Guandi Temple in Yuncheng.

Of course, Pingyao Ancient City and Mount Wutai are also places well worth spending more time in. Datong Ancient City and downtown Taiyuan, too, are great destinations for a more relaxed experience and a taste of local life.

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7-day Shanxi Itinerary

Xuankong Temple

A week is enough time to link together the northern, central, and southern routes, and it also allows for some longer, in-depth activities. For example, you could complete the Grand Pilgrimage circuit on foot at the Mount Wutai, set up camp and go camping in the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, or cycle northward along the Fen River starting from Linfen.

Of course, if you prefer to slow down, you can spend time experiencing local customs in Shanxi's many ancient towns, enjoy the urban scenery in Taiyuan, or immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Taihang Mountains—all of which are excellent options.

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10-day or 14-day Shanxi Itinerary

Xiaoxitian (the New West)

If you have ample time, you can even choose to travel across provinces. Head west to Shaanxi to admire the beauty of the Yellow River and explore Yan'an, the sacred birthplace of China's revolution. Travel south to Henan to visit the thousand-year-old capital of Luoyang and trace the footsteps of Laozi. Go north to Inner Mongolia to experience its unique grassland culture. Or head east to Hebei and journey across the vast and magnificent landscapes of the Taihang Mountains.

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Customize Your Unique Shanxi Tour

If you are interested in one of the Shanxi itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Shanxi Tour, please visit our Shanxi Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Shanxi Trip

The New West, Xi County

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Top destinations: recommanded places to visit in Shanxi
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, religion, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Shanxi
• Top attractions: sightseeing to watch in Shanxi
• Cultural immersions: activities to spotlight your trip
• Unique perspective: top different things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Shanxi
• Luxury hotels: best accommodation to stay in Shanxi
• Shanxi Tours: customized Shanxi tours for your reference