Top 10 best things to do in Shanxi

Top 1: Visit Yungang Grottoes

If you are interested in ancient Chinese art, the Yungang Grottoes are an unmissable destination, which is one of the photographing locations of the recently popular game Black Myth: Wukong. Known as the "Eastern Art Treasure", it is one of the largest and richest repositories of Buddhist art in the world.

Among the Yungang Grottoes, the most significant are the Tanyao Five Caves (Caves 16-20), the earliest sculptures at the site and some of the most iconic. Cave 20 is particularly famous, with its main Buddha statue towering at 13.7 meters tall, with kind face and flowing clothes, exuding a serene and majestic presence. Standing before this grand figure, the solemn atmosphere arises, as if feeling the power of faith spanning thousands of years.

Further along, Cave 6 features a central pillar adorned with statues of the Seven Buddhas with a variety of bodhisattvas and disciples on surrounding walls, vividly depicting scenes from the Buddha's life. Caves 7 and 8 situate side by side, in which Cave 7 is home to a towering statue of the third Buddhas, while Cave 8 is renowned for its lavish decorations. A passageway between the two is filled with intricate murals and reliefs that leave visitors in awe.

Beyond these highlights, there are many other fascinating sites within Yungang Grottoes, such as the statue of Vimalakirti in Cave 3 and the exquisite Buddha tower model in Cave 10. Every cave has its own unique charm, waiting to be explored and appreciated.

Top 2: Hike in Mount Wutai

Mount Wutai, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the bodhimaṇḍa of Manjushri Bodhisattva. For those hikers, its most significant feature is its unparalleled beauty in northern China, coupled with the traditional reputation of the pilgrimage route. The "Grand Pilgrimage to Mount Wutai" originates from the Buddhist pilgrims of the Mongolian and Tibetan regions, who would visit all the monasteries across the five peaks of Mount Wutai and personally offer prayers to the Buddha, developing into a set route and schedule known as the "Grand Pilgrimage". There is also a "Small Pilgrimage" route, in which hikers climb onto the Dailuo Peak to worship five statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva all at one time.

Initially, the route started from the northern gate of Mount Wutai at Hongmen Rock and followed a clockwise path through the five peaks, forming a loop that covered approximately 78 kilometers in total. Later, to shorten the pilgrimage while still covering the five peaks, a counterclockwise route was developed, reducing the distance by around 20 kilometers compared to the original clockwise route. The stunning scenery along the way makes this a beloved path for outdoor enthusiasts, combining both a physical and spiritual pilgrimage.

Top 3: View Hukou Waterfall

In the heart of China, there is a river revered as the Mother River—the Yellow River. This mighty river flows thousands of miles, nurturing the brilliant civilization of the Chinese people. Among the many breathtaking landscapes along its course, one place stands out in particular: the Hukou Waterfall. Here, the Yellow River narrows abruptly from a width of around 300 meters to less than 50 meters. The immense volume of water, channeled through this narrow gorge, releases in a stunning burst, forming towering water columns that soar dozens of meters into the sky. The deafening roar echoes through the air, as if the entire world is shaking in response.

Mist rises into the air, rainbows shimmer faintly, and sunlight pierces through the clouds, casting a golden hue over this dynamic scene. Standing amidst it all, one can almost feel the boundless power of the Yellow River and the pulse of life that it embodies. Hukou Waterfall is more than just a scenic spot on the Yellow River; it is the soul of the river itself, a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation.

Top 4: Ascend to Yanmen Pass

Yanmen Pass—a name that seems to drift from the verses of ancient poetry, filled with the weight of history and mystery. It is one of China's Four Great Passes, set in a precarious and strategic location, guarding the mountains and protecting the lands within the pass. Ascend to Yanmen Pass, feeling the heavy presence of its long and storied past.

As you step into Yanmen Pass and begin to ascend its winding, twisting stone path, the ancient flagstones seem to tell the stories of bygone eras, guiding you through the war flames of passage. Finally, as you reach the summit of the Great Wall, the field of vision immediately widened. In the distance, the rolling mountains stretch endlessly, and the Great Wall snakes across the towering peaks like a great dragon, appearing and disappearing as it winds its way through the rugged terrain, worthy of the reputation as the "First Pass of China". In the distance, beacon towers stand guard atop a mountain, silently watching over the land.

Top 5: Watch See Pingyao Again

See Pingyao Again is the first large-scale indoor immersive experience drama in northern China. In terms of artistic expression, See Pingyao Again breaks the mold of traditional indoor performances: there is no conventional stage or seating, and the audience watches the show while walking, creating a pioneering "walking-interactive" mode of viewing.

See Pingyao Again revolves around Zhao Yishuo, a banker in Pingyao, who sacrifices all his wealth to bring back the sole bloodline of shopkeeper Wang, from Tsarist Russia, with all 232 guards from Tongxing Escort Agency. Seven years later, Zhao and all the guards perish in a foreign land, but the Wang family bloodline is preserved. This story reflects the humanity of Pingyao, the loyalty of the Shanxi people, and the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation. The perfect combination of form and content offers audiences a new aesthetic experience, fresh sensory stimulation, and a powerful emotional impact.

Top 6: Cycle in Taiyuan

Cycling along scenic bike paths has become increasingly popular, and it is really enjoyable as though they are gliding through a beautiful painting. The Taiyuan Riverside Cycling Greenway is one such path, stretching along both the eastern and western sides of the Fen River for a total length of 75 kilometers. Along the way, you'll find yourself immersed in a natural wetland environment that feels like a fresh-air oasis, with waterbirds soaring gracefully through the sky. What makes this greenway even more special is that it connects many of Taiyuan's famous landmarks and museums, which document the city's historical transformations. As you ride along, you can not only enjoy the stunning natural landscapes but also delve into the rich historical heritage and charm of the ancient city of Taiyuan.

Top 7: Camp in Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon

Strolling through the lush Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, the towering peaks rise and fall around you, while the crystal-clear stream at the foot of the mountain glistens beneath the cool shade. Here the rugged majesty of northern landscapes and the gentle charm reminiscent of southern water towns can be experienced. With attractions like Baquan Gorge, Hongdou Gorge, and Qinglong Gorge waiting to be explored.

Set up camp at one of the nearby camping sites and enjoy a peaceful night embraced by nature. Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon offers several well-equipped camping bases with plenty of activities and amenities, making the camping experience both simple and comfortable. At night, look up at the stars, listen to the sounds of the wilderness, and breathe in the fresh, cool air of the valley, fully immersing yourself in the joy that comes with camping in the heart of nature.

Top 8: Drift in Baquan Gorge

The high-altitude glass rafting experience at Taihang Mountain's Baquan Gorge Grand Canyon descends from the mountain peak to the base with a vertical drop of 66 meters. This innovative activity breaks away from traditional rafting experiences with its "brand-new glass river design" and "creative immersive scenarios", introducing the exciting concept of "glass + canyon", overcoming the usual shortcomings of high speed and low experience of glass drifting. From a distance, the translucent glass slide looks like a majestic dragon coiled among the peaks in the heart of the scenic area. It winds through towering mountains, dense forests, and over canyon stone forests, delivering a thrilling and unparalleled adventure. The experience is a magical and exhilarating ride on glass, unlike any other rafting adventure.

Top 9: Rock Climb at Qinglong Gorge

In the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Scenic Area, towering cliffs of Qinglong Gorge rise steeply, with sheer, overhanging, and plunging walls stretching for miles, hailed by climbing experts as some of the "best rock wall resources" in China. This area has even served as the venue for international climbing competitions, attracting countless rock climbing enthusiasts every year. If you're a fan of rock climbing, this is a destination you absolutely need to visit. For climbers, this place is akin to paradise. However, beginners should choose appropriate climbing spots, avoid overconfidence, and select challenges within their capabilities.

In addition to climbing, the Qinglong Gorge area is a natural wonderland, offering stunning green mountains, clear waters, deep valleys, caves, peaks, pools, and waterfalls. Even those who don't climb will be captivated by the majestic cliffs and breathtaking scenery.

Top 10: Participate in Chinese Knotting Class

Chinese Knotting is a type of national arts with long history and profound cultural meanings. Chinese knots were used for practical purposes before used for decoration in the period of Tang and Song dynasty, and reached its height during Ming and Qing dynasty, used to represent wishes for good fortune. Intricate knot works and vibrant colour combinations, Chinese knot has now become a kind of sophisticated and vibrant craft, rather than its original practical use. Chinese knots follow the fundamental principles of Chinese philosophy of balance, unity and interconnection. In Chinese knotting class at Datong, the instructor will step by step introduce you to different kinds of knots and colour combinations, helping you discover both relaxation and artistic satisfaction.

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