Shanxi travel itineraries to Datong Wutai Mt. Taiyuan Pingyao

If you're planning a trip to Shanxi, a province located in northern China that's known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food, you might want to consider visiting some of its top attractions like the ancient walled city of Pingyao, the Yungang Grottoes that contain over 51,000 Buddhist statues and carvings, the Mount Wutai that is a sacred Buddhist mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hukou Waterfall that is the largest yellow waterfall in the world.

While you are also experiencing its local culture by trying out traditional Shanxi dishes like the famous knife-cut noodles, crispy fried pork, and savory vinegar and garlic chicken, as well as exploring its traditional art forms like paper-cutting, calligraphy, and pottery-making, and perhaps even attending one of its colorful festivals like the Datong Yungang Cultural Tourism Festival or the Pingyao International Photography Festival, all while staying in some of the province's unique and charming accommodations like the courtyard-style hotels known as siheyuan or the cave dwellings called yaodongs.

The best Pingyao itinerary

Day 1: Start your tour by visiting the ancient city wall of Pingyao. The wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the first exchange shop in China and is located in Pingyao. It played a significant role in the development of China's banking industry. Ming and Qing Street, filled with shops and restaurants that offer a glimpse into the ancient commercial culture of Pingyao.  Visit the Confucian Temple to learn more about the traditional Chinese culture and to see the ancient architecture of the temple. Shuanglin Temple, is famous for its more than 2,000 colorful statues of ancient Chinese figures.

Day 2: Zhangbi Ancient Fortress, an ancient fortress is located 50km from Pingyao and is worth a visit to learn more about the history and culture of the region. Wang Family Courtyard, a large traditional Chinese courtyard located in Lingshi County, which is about 35 km from Pingyao. The Wang Family Courtyard is one of the best-preserved examples of Chinese residential architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.  Qiao Family Courtyard, another famous courtyard located in Qi County, which is about 50 km from Pingyao. The Qiao Family Courtyard is an impressive example of northern Chinese architecture from the Qing Dynasty. In the evening, you can watch a Pingyao Opera performance, which is a unique and ancient form of Chinese opera.

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The best Datong itinerary

Day 1:

Visit the Yungang Grottoes: Start your tour with a visit to the Yungang Grottoes, one of the most famous attractions in Datong. Explore the 252 caves and over 51,000 statues and images carved into the side of a mountain, and learn about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit the Nine-Dragon Screen: After exploring the Yungang Grottoes, head to the Nine-Dragon Screen, a beautiful and well-preserved wall made of glazed bricks that features nine intricately carved dragons.

Visit the Huayan Temple: Finish your day by visiting the Huayan Temple, a historic temple built during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD). The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and its collection of Buddhist statues and artifacts.

Day 2:

Visit the Hanging Monastery: Start your day by visiting the Hanging Monastery, one of the most unique and impressive temples in China. The monastery is built into the side of a cliff and features a combination of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements.

Visit the Wooden Pagoda: After visiting the Hanging Monastery, head to the Wooden Pagoda, a stunning tower that was built during the Liao Dynasty. The tower is made entirely of wood and is one of the few surviving wooden pagodas in China.

Visit the Shanhua Temple: Finish your day by visiting the Shanhua Temple, a historic temple built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and its collection of Buddhist statues and artifacts.

Day 3:

Visit the Datong City Walls: Start your day by visiting the Datong City Walls, a well-preserved set of walls and gates that were built during the Ming Dynasty. The walls offer a glimpse into the history and architecture of ancient China.

Visit the Datong Museum: Finish your day by visiting the Datong Museum, which features a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Datong and Shanxi province.

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The best Taiyuan itinerary

Morning: Start your day by visiting the Jinci Temple, located in the western suburbs of Taiyuan. This ancient temple dates back over 1,400 years and is one of the most important historic sites in the region. It features stunning architecture and gardens, including the famous "Hall of Holy Mother" and "Flying Bridge." Next, head to the Shanxi Museum, located in the city center. This museum is considered one of the top museums in China and showcases the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Afternoon: For lunch, head to the nearby Muslim Quarter, located just east of the Drum Tower in the city center. Here, you can find a wide variety of delicious local street food, including grilled lamb skewers, fried noodles, and sweet pastries. After lunch, take a stroll around the historic downtown area, visiting landmarks such as the Twin Pagoda Temple and the Chongshan Monastery. You can also explore the traditional alleys and courtyards of the old city. In the late afternoon, head to the Wang's Family Compound, located in Lingshi County just outside Taiyuan. This massive compound covers an area of over 250,000 square meters and features over 100 courtyards and 1,000 rooms. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Chinese architecture in the region.

Evening: Finish your day by enjoying a performance of the Shanxi Opera. This traditional style of opera is known for its distinctive music and costumes and is a unique cultural experience that shouldn't be missed. You can find performances at venues such as the Shanxi Grand Theater or the Shanxi Opera House.

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Taiyuan and Wutai Mountain

Day 1: Taiyuan

Arrive in Taiyuan and check into your hotel. Visit Jinci Temple, a beautiful complex of buildings, pagodas, and pavilions set amidst gardens and ponds. Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some Shanxi-style dishes such as fried noodles or sliced noodles with soybean paste. In the afternoon, head to the Shanxi Museum to learn about the history and culture of the province. In the evening, explore the city's night markets and sample some local street food.

Day 2: Wutai Mountain

Take a bus or hire a car to Wutai Mountain, which is about 3 hours away from Taiyuan. Check into your hotel at the foot of the mountain and have lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the temples and monasteries on the mountain, including the Xiantong Temple, Puhua Temple, and Nanshan Temple. Enjoy the mountain scenery and take a leisurely hike to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views. In the evening, have dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant and relax.

Day 3: Wutai Mountain and back to Taiyuan

Wake up early and watch the sunrise on the mountain. After breakfast, continue your exploration of the mountain temples and monasteries, including the Tayuan Temple, Shuxiang Temple, and Foguang Temple. Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some vegetarian dishes, as many of the mountain temples are vegetarian. In the afternoon, take the bus or hire a car back to Taiyuan and spend some more time exploring the city or shopping for souvenirs before departing.

Best of Shanxi: Taiyuan-Datong-Wutai Mt.-Pingyao

Day 1: Taiyuan

Visit the Nine Dragon Wall, a scenic wall covered with intricate dragon carvings. Explore the Jinci Temple, a beautiful temple with a rich history. Visit the Shanxi Museum, to learn about the history and culture of Shanxi. Try traditional Shanxi hot pot for dinner.

Day 2: Datong

Visit the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of Buddhist sculptures. Explore the Hanging Temple, a unique temple built on a cliff. Visit the Datong Museum, to learn more about the history and culture of Datong.

Day 3: Wutai Mountain

Take a cable car ride to the top of Wutai Mountain. Visit the many temples and monasteries located on the mountain, including the Pusading Temple, the Manjusri Temple, and the Potala Palace Temple. Try local cuisine and enjoy the local culture with a food and culture tour. End the day with a traditional Chinese music and dance performance in one of the temples.

Day 4: Pingyao

Visit the Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved ancient architecture. Explore the Rishengchang Draft Bank Museum, to learn about the history of Chinese finance. Visit the Pingyao Museum, to learn more about the history and culture of Pingyao. End the day with a traditional Shanxi noodle dinner.

Shanxi Panorama

Day 1: Arrival in Taiyuan

Arrive in Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi. Explore the city's historical sites such as the Jinci Temple, the Twin Pagoda Temple, and the Shanxi Museum. For lunch, try the local specialty dish, "Dao Xiao Mian" (knife-cut noodles).

Day 2: Pingyao Ancient City

Take a morning bus to Pingyao Ancient City, a well-preserved ancient city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the ancient city walls, temples, and traditional courtyards. Try local snacks such as "Pingyao Beef" and "Pingyao Fried Dough Twist" while you're there.

Day 3: Yungang Grottoes

Take a day trip to the Yungang Grottoes, a series of 252 caves and 51,000 Buddhist statues carved into the side of a mountain. This is one of China's most important Buddhist sites and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4: Wutai Mountain

Take another day trip to Wutai Mountain, one of China's Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism. The mountain is home to more than 50 temples and monasteries, and is known for its stunning scenery.

Day 5: Datong City

Take a morning train to Datong City, where you can visit the Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si) and the Yungang Grottoes. In the evening, try the local specialty dish, "Datong Roast Duck".

Day 6: Hukou Waterfall

Take a day trip to the Hukou Waterfall, the second largest waterfall in China. The waterfall is located on the Yellow River and is a popular scenic spot.

Day 7: Departure

Depart Shanxi from Taiyuan. If you have time before your flight, you can visit the Jinci Temple again or go shopping for souvenirs at the local markets.

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