Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area is divided into a landscape zone and the grottoes. It is one of the three largest grottoes in China. The sculpture combines Chinese and Western art. Here you can experience the artistic charms of Northern Wei Dynasty. Yungang Grottoes not only embodies traditional Chinese art style but also integrates art styles of ethnic groups from ancient India, countries west of China and China's central plains. It is a famous historical site in Datong City.

China · Datong

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2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Jinci Temple Museum

8.7

4.8/5

20.9k reviews

Jinci Temple Museum is located at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain by the banks of the Jin River. It is an ancestral temple built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the State of Jin, and is also one of the earlier surviving royal sacrificial gardens in China. There is a saying that "you have not truly visited Taiyuan until you have visited Jinci." The ancient buildings in the museum are arranged in sequence along the central axis, among which the Xian Hall, the Flying Bridge over the Fish Pond, and the Hall of the Holy Mother are known as the "three treasures," while the Zhou Cypress, the Never-Aging Spring, and the Song dynasty attendant statues are known as the "three wonders"—these are the core highlights of any visit. The "Three Treasures" are located on the central axis and can be visited together. Xian Hall is the place where sacrificial offerings are placed. The hall is surrounded by railings instead of walls, making it well-ventilated and bright, and its beam structure is simple and lightweight. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is on the west side of Xian Hall. It is a cross-shaped ancient bridge built over a square pond, resembling a modern overpass in form, and this type of bridge structure is extremely rare among surviving ancient buildings. The west end of the bridge connects to Shengmu Hall, the oldest surviving building in the museum. Wooden carved dragons coil around the porch columns in front of the hall, making them relatively early surviving examples of wooden coiled dragons. The hall interior was built using the reduced-column method, creating a rather spacious interior. It houses dozens of Song Dynasty colored sculptures, with the main statue of Shengmu seated in the shrine and the remaining attendants arranged on both sides with varied expressions. One attendant statue is half joyful and half sorrowful, vividly lifelike and moving. With Shengmu Hall as the center, you can also seek out the "Three Wonders." The Zhou Cypress is located on the north side of Shengmu Hall. It is said to have been planted in the Western Zhou Dynasty, and its trunk leans south like a reclining dragon, full of ancient majesty. The Never-Aging Spring is located on the south side of Shengmu Hall and is the main source of the Jin River. The museum also houses the Stele of the Inscription and Preface to Jinci, composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, whose running-script calligraphy is vigorous and forceful. In the southern part is the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, said to have originally been the villa of the Tang Dynasty general Yuchi Gong. In the Futu Courtyard, the Sarira ShengSheng Pagoda can be climbed for a distant view. The Jinci temple fair has been passed down to the present day and has been included in the national-level intangible cultural heritage list. The Water Mirror Stage, an ancient theater stage in the museum, is an important venue for activities during the temple fair.

China · Taiyuan

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Shanxi

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

8.6

4.8/5

25.7k reviews

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is centered on the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. This pure wooden pavilion-style pagoda was first built in the second year of Qingning of the Liao Dynasty (1056) and later expanded and completed during the Mingchang period of the Jin Dynasty. It is the oldest surviving wooden pagoda in China. The pagoda has five visible stories, with concealed stories inserted between them, making nine stories in total, and stands about 67 m tall. Apart from the stone platform base on the first story, the main body of the pagoda is built entirely of wood, connected using traditional mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship, and the whole pagoda uses more than 50 types of bracket sets, demonstrating exquisite structural design. For more than nine hundred years, the pagoda has withstood many major earthquakes and modern artillery bombardment and still stands today. Due to the need for cultural relic protection, visitors may only visit the first floor inside the pagoda. There is a door on each of the north and south sides of the first floor. In the center of the inner chamber is a seated statue of Shakyamuni about 10 m tall, with a dignified face and a solemn expression. Looking up, you can see the exquisite coffered ceiling at the top. On the walls of the inner chamber are painted six Buddha images of Tathagata, and on the walls on both sides of the doorway are painted Liao Dynasty-style murals featuring Vajra, disciples, and offering figures, with bright colors and lifelike figures. Multiple plaques from various dynasties hang under the eaves of each story of the wooden pagoda, two of which were written by Ming emperors and are particularly striking. Under the south eaves of the fifth story hangs the plaque "Supreme Divine Craftsmanship," written by Zhu Di, Emperor Chengzu of Ming, when he climbed the pagoda during a northern military campaign in the Yongle era; under the south eaves of the fourth story hangs the plaque "Wonder of the World," written by Zhu Houzhao, Emperor Wuzong of Ming, when he ascended the pagoda to feast and reward his ministers after the Yingzhou victory in the Zhengde era. These plaques are not only calligraphic treasures but also record the intersection of the wooden pagoda with historical figures, together with the architecture itself forming a distinctive cultural view of the attraction.

China · Ying County

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Shanxi

The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

8.5

4.7/5

22.7k reviews

The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area is located in the Jin-Shaan Grand Canyon in the middle reaches of the Yellow River and is the Shanxi-side section for viewing Hukou Waterfall. As the Yellow River rushes here, its surface suddenly narrows from several hundred meters wide to just a few dozen meters. The water, laden with silt, churns and pours down like water being poured into a giant kettle, which is how the name "Hukou" (Kettle Mouth) came to be. This is a rare yellow waterfall on the Yellow River, with muddy waves surging skyward and a roar like thunder, displaying magnificent momentum. The attraction is located on the east side of the waterfall, where the bank is relatively low, allowing visitors to look up and take in the full panorama of the Yellow River plunging downward. Below the waterfall, mist rises and fills the air, appearing like smoke or clouds from afar and creating the wondrous sight known as "smoke rising from the water"; on clear days, sunlight refracts through the mist to form a rainbow arching across the river, called "rainbow reaching the heavens." Within the attraction, Dragon Cave is a natural stone cave; following the stone steps down leads to a viewing platform close to the waterfall, where you can look up as the river pours down from above—an ideal spot to feel the force of the waterfall up close. Downstream from the waterfall, the Ten-Mile Dragon Trough is a deep channel formed by the river's long-term erosion of the riverbed; in the dry season, the trough floor is wide and flat, and ancients once used this terrain to haul boats along the bank, leaving behind the unique scene known as "sailing on dry land." Further downstream is Mengmen Mountain, where two huge rocks in the river split the Yellow River in two before the streams merge again; carved on the rock face are the four characters "Wo Zhen Kuang Liu" (Resting Here, Quelling the Raging Flow). The view of Hukou Waterfall is distinctive in each of the four seasons. Every year between April and May, peach blossoms bloom and the ice melts, coinciding with the "March peach blossom flood," when the abundant water volume makes the waterfall particularly spectacular. From September to November, the air is crisp in fall, and rainbows often appear in the mist, a phenomenon known as the "Hukou fall wind." Water volume is greater in spring and fall, and the sound of the water striking the rocks is like thunder, making these the best periods to admire the waterfall. The image of Hukou Waterfall once appeared on the CNY 50 banknote of the fourth series of the renminbi, making it a widely recognized classic symbol of Yellow River culture.

China · Ji County

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2026 Asia 100 - Night Attractions

Pingyao Ancient City

8.4

4.6/5

27.3k reviews

Pingyao Ancient City is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China and, along with Lijiang Ancient City, is one of the two ancient cities in China to have successfully been designated as a World Cultural Heritage site in its entirety. Pingyao was once the financial center of China during the late Qing dynasty. Walking into this once-prosperous ancient city, you can feel the atmosphere of Shanxi merchant culture everywhere. The streets, shops, and residences within the ancient city still maintain their traditional layout and appearance. The overall street pattern is in the shape of the Chinese character 'tu', consisting of four main streets, eight small streets, and seventy-two lanes. The ancient city has six city gates in total, and the areas around the south gate and west gate are where visitors are concentrated. When touring, you usually enter the city through the lower west gate and walk along West Street to Rishengchang Exchange Shop, where you can learn about the development history of ancient banking and experience the legend of Shanxi merchants conducting business across the world. South Street, which runs north-south through the city, is the central axis of the ancient city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, South Street gathered more than half of the country's financial institutions and was known as the "Wall Street of China" at the time. Today this street is called the Ming and Qing Ancient Street, and most of the ancient city's attractions are concentrated here. Centered on the landmark Market Tower, attractions such as Xietongqing Exchange Shop, Weitaihou Exchange Shop Museum, and the Chinese Escort Agency Museum are distributed around it, and a large number of shop buildings from the Ming and Qing periods are preserved along the street. At the Pingyao County Government Office in the south of the ancient city, you can see a large number of ancient documents and instruments of torture, and there is a daily performance of the county magistrate holding court; the City God Temple and the Confucian Temple in the east of the city have grand and refined architecture. The ancient city wall is very well preserved, and climbing the wall offers a panoramic view of the ancient city. The gate tower of Yingxun Gate at the south gate is especially exquisite, and watching the sunset from the city wall in the evening is a magnificent sight. In addition to the ancient city itself, the Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple outside the city are also part of the World Cultural Heritage. The Ten Thousand Buddha Hall of Zhenguo Temple is entirely made of wood, assembled with mortise and tenon joints without a single nail; Shuanglin Temple preserves painted sculptures from the Yuan to Ming dynasties, which are exquisite in form and renowned as a "treasure house of Eastern painted sculpture art."

China · Pingyao County

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No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Shanxi

Xuankong Temple

8.4

4.7/5

13k reviews

Xuankong Temple is located between the cliffs of Cuiping Peak in Jinlong Gorge, Hengshan. It was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and has a history stretching longer than 1,500 years. It is a well-preserved high-altitude wooden cliff building in China. At the foot of Hengshan, from a distance, you can see the Hanging Temple suspended over the mountainside. The entire temple is hung on the steep cliff, skillfully utilizing and building into the concave and convex portions of the cliff, making it exceptionally staggered and yet rhythmic. Visitors walk along the wooden plank road suspended within the temple to feel the magical architectural charm of the Hanging Temple.

China · Hunyuan

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No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Shanxi

Huayan Temple

8.3

4.8/5

16.6k reviews

Huayan Temple is located in the center of Datong. This temple was built in the 8th year of Liao Qingning Period (AD 1062). In the Daxiong Hall of Huayan Temple, you can see the groundworks of Liao Dynasty and the buildings of Jin Dynasty, as well as the statues of Ming Dynasty and the murals of Qing Dynasty. The Hall of BojiaJiaocang in the temple is the only Liao Dynasty building here. The statues from Liao Dynasty in the Hall are extremely precious. There is a double-storey pavilion-style cabinet behind the Hall of Bojiajiaocang, the upper level is for Buddha statues and Buddhist altars, and the lower layer stores for books.

China · Datong

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Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Shaanxi

Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River

8.3

4.6/5

18.1k reviews

The Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River is located on the riverbed of the Yellow River in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, where the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi face each other across the river. The main stream of the Yellow River, originally hundreds of m wide, suddenly narrows to dozens of m and plunges into a deep trough with a drop of 20–30 m, resembling water being poured from a giant pot—hence the name "Hukou" (Pot Mouth). Due to the large amount of sediment carried by the river, the waterfall presents a rare golden-yellow view: the turbid waves roar down with a sound like distant thunder rolling through the valley, while the rising mist lingers before the cliff, earning the nickname "smoke rising from the water." On sunny days, sunlight casts a rainbow over the waterfall, known as "a rainbow playing in the water." The mist may drench visitors even without wind or rain, creating the wonder called "rainfall under a clear sky." Hukou waterfall is regarded as the symbol of the "soul of the Yellow River" and the spirit of the Chinese nation. In 1938, when poet Guang Weiran crossed the Yellow River, he witnessed the roaring waves of Hukou and the boatmen's chants, which inspired him to create the now-legendary Yellow River Cantata. Liang Heng's essay of the same name was selected for middle school Chinese textbooks, and the back of the fourth series CNY 50 banknote also features this scene. Many first learned about it through textbooks and currency before visiting in person. In the past, cargo ships had to leave the water and bypass the waterfall here, leaving behind the maritime memory of "sailing on dry land." The scenery here varies with the seasons: In early spring, the upstream ice melts and the water level rises sharply, coinciding with the blooming of mountain peach blossoms on both banks, known as the "March peach blossom flood." In midsummer, the rainy season brings abundant water, with muddy waves towering into the sky. After fall begins, the rainy season subsides, and the water becomes high and steady. As the fall breeze sweeps by, rainbows often appear, earning the name "Hukou autumn breeze." In deep winter, layers of ice form along the banks, and overflow freezes into inverted ice peaks, glistening under the sunlight, creating the spectacular "upside-down ice peaks." The viewing platform on the Shaanxi side stretches along the cliff top on the western bank, offering a commanding view of the "thousand-mile Yellow River funneled into one pot" and the ten-mile-long Dragon Trough below the waterfall. During high-water seasons, the mist is heavy, and clothes get soaked quickly, so remember to protect your camera and phone; the boardwalk is slippery, so watch your step while walking and taking photos.

China · Yichuan

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No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Shanxi

Little Western Paradise

8.2

4.8/5

7k reviews

Little Western Paradise is perched atop Phoenix Mountain in Xi County, Linfen, Shanxi Province. This Buddhist temple, originally named the Thousand Buddha Nunnery, was established during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty. It earned its initial name from the thousand Buddha statues enshrined in its Main Hall of the Great Hero. Later, it was renamed due to the inscription "Entering the Western Paradise" above its gate and to distinguish it from another ancient temple, "Great Western Paradise," located south of the city. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing a river in front, the temple is compact yet ingeniously laid out across its upper and lower courtyards. Ascending the stone steps and passing through the secluded "Heavenly Grotto" corridor evokes a sense of gradually entering a Buddhist paradise. The upper courtyard centers around the Main Hall of the Great Hero, flanked by the Manjusri Hall and Samantabhadra Hall. The Main Hall is the temple's crowning jewel: within its modest 100-square-meter space, nearly 2,000 suspended sculptures adorn niches, gables, beams, and rafters, transforming the hall into a museum of suspended sculpture art. Five interconnected niches dominate the rear wall, housing the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Vairocana, and Maitreya seated on lotus thrones, with ten principal disciples standing beside them. The southern wall depicts Buddhist narratives featuring the Four Sages and Four Heavenly Kings, while the northern wall portrays the 33 celestial palaces of Mount Sumeru. Flying apsaras, divine birds, and musician bodhisattvas dance among clouds on the beams, their gilded polychrome surfaces retaining vibrant hues after centuries. This rare collection of late Ming to early Qing suspended sculptures has gained wider recognition since the temple became a filming location for the popular game Black Myth: Wukong, attracting many travelers for dedicated visits. The lower courtyard also rewards exploration: the Immeasurable Hall faces east, where dozens of bronze Buddha statues interplay with wooden celestial palaces in what was once the monks' meditation hall. Opposite stands the Skanda Hall, housing a single nanmu-carved statue of Skanda. The temple also preserves thousands of volumes from the Yongle Northern Canon, a Ming imperial gift. Visitors are advised to spend extra time in the Main Hall—dim lighting requires slow, upward gazes to appreciate the intricate details of the high-placed sculptures. After exploring both courtyards, one can ascend Solitary Paulownia Peak via the "Seemingly No Path" route behind Skanda Hall, where the Cloud-Touching Pavilion offers panoramic views of the rural landscape below.

China · Xi County

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2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Shanxi Museum

8.1

4.8/5

3.5k reviews

"Five thousand years of history can be seen in Shanxi." Located on Binhe West Road in Taiyuan, the Shanxi Museum showcases the essence of Shanxi's cultural relics. The museum consists of a main building and four corner annexes, with the main building resembling both a dipper and a ding vessel, serving as the primary venue for travelers to view the collection. The main building has four floors. The first-floor lobby features a general service desk, while the second and third floors host thematic exhibitions on history and culture. The fourth floor showcases art-themed exhibitions, which together form the permanent displays of the Shanxi Museum. After entering the first-floor lobby, proceed to the second floor via the stairs to begin the historical journey themed "Soul of Jin." The cultural and historical thematic exhibition showcases the highlights of Shanxi's five-thousand-year civilization through numerous precious artifacts, ranging from ancient human relics to the rise and fall of Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties over five centuries. During your visit, several exquisite artifacts are not to be missed. The bird zun, a bronze ritual vessel from the Western Zhou period, was used in the ancestral temple sacrifices of the Jin marquis. The bird zun features an exquisitely crafted design with a phoenix as its main form. On the phoenix's back rests a small bird, serving as the handle for the vessel's lid. At the tail of the phoenix, an elephant is depicted, with its long trunk perfectly balancing the phoenix's two legs to form a stable tripod base. This artifact is a representative piece among the bronze collections in the museum. In addition, you can also admire: the Houma covenant texts, which are oath documents from the Spring and Autumn period used by the ministers of the Jin state; the lacquered wooden panel paintings, a painted screen from the Northern Wei dynasty depicting colorful stories from the "Biographies of Exemplary Women"; the white marble sarcophagus, a relic from the Sui dynasty, belonging to a tomb occupant who was a member of the Central Asian Yu people, with intricate carvings both inside and outside the sarcophagus, featuring figures with deep-set eyes, high noses, and black hair, characteristic of the Mediterranean Caucasian race. In the cultural thematic exhibition, you can also learn about the origins and development of Buddhism and traditional opera in Shanxi. The fourth floor of the main hall features an art thematic exhibition area. Among them, the "Timber and earth splendor" - ancient architectural art thematic exhibition showcases Shanxi's status as a province rich in cultural relics and ancient structures. "For above-ground relics, look to Shanxi" - Shanxi is renowned as the "treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture," boasting over half of China's above-ground ancient structures with comprehensive categories, especially in the quantity of religious buildings. If you're a fan of ancient architecture, this is a must-visit. The Shanxi Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions periodically. At the first-floor lobby service desk, services such as hiring on-site guides (Chinese and English) and renting audio guides are available. The main building also houses a restaurant and a tea house for visitors.

China · Taiyuan

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1 review

Max. 25 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedGroup Tours

Upgrade to a 2-and-1 air-conditioned coach with an included tour guide. · Step into the Tang Dynasty at night with a Chinese costume experience and an immersive tour of the city. · The Hukou Sightseeing Bus runs across the whole waterfall scenic zone for easy transfers. Non-slip Huashan Climbing Gloves shield your hands from rough rock rails during mountain climbing.

From INR 29,818

8D7N • Xi'an – exclusive for international travelers: Terracotta Warriors, Mount Hua, Hukou Waterfall, and Ganquan Canyon

Max. 9 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree eSIM cardIncludes transportationMini Group

Book early to stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy carefully selected hotels throughout your itinerary. · Join a premium small-group tour led by a licensed local guide. · Savor authentic Shaanxi delicacies as you explore the region's vibrant local food culture.

From INR 82,597

10D9N • From Kunming: 10-Day Yunnan Tour with Meals & Guide

Max. 8 peopleEnglishNo mandatory shoppingMini Group

Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via the Glacier Grand Cableway · Discover the diversity of Yunnan on a 10-day small-group tour from Kunming · Enjoy a Muslim-friendly tour with halal meals

From INR 141,081

8D7N • 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La Small Group Tour

Max. 20 peopleEnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

Bilingual guides & 24/7 travel concierge, bring to you a warm experi · Delivering consistent standards with our partnership with Wyndham & Resorts · FIT post–landing conversion, Flexible post–arrival tour assembly

From INR 109,361

14D13N • 14-Day Small-Group Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangtze, Chongqing, Shanghai

5/5

3 reviews

EnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From INR 326,798

4D3N • 4-day 3-night small group tour: Xi'an Terracotta Army, either Shaanxi History Museum or Xi'an Museum, Xi'an City Wall, and Grand Tang Mall

Max. 9 peopleEnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMini Group

This tour includes a three-night stay at a downtown hotel with comfortable bedding and diverse breakfast options. · This tour includes main-entrance tickets for all scenic spots and an English-speaking tour guide. · This tour offers a quality-guaranteed small-group experience for up to 9 people, with no shopping stops or forced purchases.

From INR 26,844

Free things to do in Shanxi

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What travellers say about Shanxi

Anonymous user3 November 2026

5.0

The Yungang Grottoes represent the pinnacle of Northern Wei stone carving art. Each Buddha statue possesses a unique expression, the open-air Buddha is solemn and majestic, and the lines of the sculptures are simple yet vivid, remaining captivating despite the passage of time. The grottoes are spread out in a continuous chain, and as you walk through them, you are immersed in a wealth of history. The scenic area has excellent facilities, and hiring a guide is highly recommended to learn about the stories behind the statues. Seeing it in person is far more breathtaking than seeing pictures; its cultural value is immense, and it's a must-see when visiting Datong. Five stars!

Yungang Grottoes

Anonymous user3 November 2026

5.0

Jinci Temple boasts a rich cultural heritage, truly a gem of Shanxi culture. The ancient cypress trees stand strong and vigorous, the Nanlao Spring flows gently, the Song Dynasty painted sculptures of maidens in the Holy Mother Hall are lifelike, and the Fish Pond Flying Bridge is exquisitely unique. Ancient architecture and gardens blend seamlessly, creating a tranquil environment. A guided tour is highly recommended to allow for a leisurely exploration and immersion in history. A must-see in Taiyuan, five-star recommendation!

Jinci Temple Museum

Anonymous user4 November 2026

5.0

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is truly breathtaking! Constructed entirely of wood using mortise and tenon joints without a single nail, it has stood for a thousand years. The craftsmanship of the ancients is incredible; it's definitely worth a special trip to see! 👍

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

120***125 November 2026

5.0

Near the Hukou Waterfall on the Shanxi side of the Yellow River, the cave dwellings are quite unique, and staying there was a great experience—better than I expected. Breakfast was homemade steamed buns, which were delicious!

The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

Anonymous user4 November 2026

4.0

Pingyao Ancient City is a 5A scenic area. Some residents still live within the area, giving it a lively, lived-in feel, which is different from the commercial atmosphere of other ancient cities. The old buildings and city walls within the ancient city are well worth seeing.

Pingyao Ancient City

Anonymous user3 November 2026

5.0

The Hanging Temple is ingeniously built into the cliff face, nestled against the mountainside, and has stood for over a thousand years, a testament to the architectural wisdom of the ancients. The temple grounds are small, with narrow and steep steps, so proceed with caution. From afar, it appears rugged and unique; up close, its structure is exquisite, with Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist halls coexisting in a distinctive way. Combining scenic beauty with historical significance, it's a photographer's paradise. It's recommended to visit early to avoid crowds; a must-see spectacle in Datong, it's definitely worth a visit.

Xuankong Temple

_We***674 November 2026

5.0

Huayan Temple in Datong is truly worth a visit! This ancient temple, dating back to the Liao and Jin dynasties, boasts a magnificent Mahavira Hall, while the Bodhisattva statues with clasped hands and showing their teeth in the Bhagavan Hall are graceful and ethereal. The celestial pavilions are exquisitely crafted. Climbing the Huayan Pagoda offers a panoramic view of the ancient city. The temple is tranquil and serene, with surprises at every turn in its ancient buildings and painted sculptures. Every step reveals a new vista, immersing you in a rich historical atmosphere. A must-see when visiting Datong.

Huayan Temple

M33***7731 October 2026

5.0

📍 Shanxi Side (Ji County, Linfen City) – For a breathtaking and immersive experience. Terrain: Low-lying, the viewing platform is almost touching the water's surface, allowing for a level or even upward view of the waterfall, providing a close-up perspective. Best time: Go in the morning; you can see a rainbow when the sun is out. 🌈 Key attractions: A powerful sense of awe and the spray of water. Special experience: Dragon Cave (approximately 20 RMB/person, children over 1.2m pay the same price as adults). Descend to the bottom of the waterfall and look up to experience the ultimate awe-inspiring feeling of "the Yellow River flowing from the sky." 📍 Shaanxi side (Yichuan County, Yan'an City) – For panoramic views and grandeur Terrain: Located diagonally above the waterfall, the high elevation offers an extremely wide view, perfect for taking stunning landscape photos. Best time: Go at noon; you can see a rainbow when the sun is out. 🌈 Note: You may get splashed by the spray on this side. Key attractions: Overlooking the entire Yellow River, witnessing the spectacular sight of the river suddenly narrowing from its wide surface and plunging into the ten-mile-long Dragon Gorge, creating a grand composition.

Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River

M60***165 November 2026

5.0

📍Xiaoxitian, Xixian County: A Glimpse into a Lifetime! The pinnacle of Chinese maximalist aesthetics. Before Xiaoxitian, there were no walls covered in suspended sculptures; after Xiaoxitian, there are no walls covered in suspended sculptures! Stunning, a masterpiece of suspended sculpture!!! Highlights in a single sentence: The pinnacle of Ming Dynasty suspended sculptures, a famous filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong," hailed as the "swan song of suspended sculpture," and a museum of Chinese suspended sculpture art!

Little Western Paradise

小甜筒的大大5 November 2026

5.0

Guide Xiao Zhang from Renwoyou (a travel website) highly recommends this tour! Today's guided tour at the Shanxi Museum was outstanding. His solid historical and cultural background made the stories of national treasures like the Bird-shaped Zun and the Houma Covenant Texts vivid and easy to understand, clearly outlining the historical context of Shanxi. The pace was comfortable, engaging, and not boring. He was also incredibly patient with the children, offering helpful reminders and patiently answering questions throughout. What was originally a rushed visit became rich and interesting, leaving us with a wealth of knowledge. A truly commendable experience!

Shanxi Museum

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Trip Moments in Shanxi

An In-Depth Guide to Ningwu’s 3-Million-Year-Old Ice Cave: A Surreal Journey Through Pastel-Lit Glacial Tunnels

“If you're seeking China's most breathtaking, unique, and grand geological masterpiece this winter, look no further than the "Ningwu Wannian Ice Cave" (Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Cave) in Shanxi Province.”

@Benrii · wannianicecave · 29 days ago

8 Must-Visit Winter Destinations in Shanxi 2026 | Explore Pingyao Ancient City and Hukou Ice Waterfall

“Shanxi in winter offers a world of grey-tiled ancient cities, thousand-year-old grottoes, frozen Yellow River waterfalls, and snowy mountain temples ❄️ If you want to avoid the heat and slowly appreciate ancient architecture and history, these 8 spots are worth saving!”

@世界旅遊日記 · 山西自由行 · 5 days ago

Pingyao: China's Most Iconic Ancient City.

“Step back over 2,700 years in time and experience the timeless charm of Pingyao in Shanxi Province.”

@เจ๊นางพาเล๊าะ · pingyao · 21 days ago

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Shanxi?

Don't miss these attractions in Shanxi: Yungang Grottoes, Jinci Temple Museum, and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. If you like Day tours, try Yungang Grottoes + Hanging Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Excluding tickets day tour. If you enjoy Culture & history, try Shanxi Datong Hanging Temple+Yungang Grottoes+Wooden Pagoda 1-Day Transfer Service [Private Car].

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Shanxi?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Yungang Grottoes + Hanging Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Excluding tickets day tour, ※1-day private charter tour to Xuankong Temple + Yungang Grottoes in Datong [Hotel pickup included], and ※1-day private charter tour to Xuankong Temple + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Yungang Grottoes | Door-to-door pickup in Datong city. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Shanxi?

As of 5 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Shanxi is around INR 3,222.36 – INR 5,478.01. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

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Pure play 1-day tour to Yardang, Yang Pass and Yumen Pass with cultural creative gift and sunset starry sky viewing Dunhuang highlights one-day private chartered tour Dunhuang Western Thousand Buddha Caves + Yang Guan + Yumen Pass + Yadan National Geological Park private group day tour One-Day Tour to Dunhuang's Western Thousands Buddha Grottoes, Yumen Pass, and Yardang National Geopark One-day tour to Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Yang Guan, Yumen Pass and Yardang National Geological Park in Dunhuang Dunhuang Day Trip | Sunset viewing at Yangguan Pass + Yumenguan Pass + Yadan Geological Park | pick up&drop off service + Enjoy Sunset + Available for Booking by 1 Person Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service | Dunhuang day trip | Sunset viewing at Yangguan Pass + Yumenguan Pass + Yadan Geological Park 1-day tour to Dunhuang Xuanquanzhi and Yangguan ancient road 1-day tour to Yumen Pass and Yardang Geological Park One-day tour to Yulin Grottoes, Suoyang City and the Giant Baby in Dunhuang - millennium-old murals hidden in Yulin River Valley Dunhuang 1-day tour ● Mural Tombs of the Western Jin Dynasty + Suoyang City + Yulin Grottoes + Giant Baby ● private charter private tour Must-Visit in Dunhuang: Private Day Tour to Yumen Pass, Yadan National Geological Park, and Yang Guan Dunhuang private tour: Cultural heritage city, Yangguan and Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Dunhuang Day Tour: Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Yangguan Pass and Yadan Geological Park Dunhuang Day Tour: The Western Thousands Buddha Grottoes, Yumen Pass & Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Shanxi SIM Card Shanxi Activities Shanxi Group Tours Shanxi Connectivity Solutions Shanxi Travel Services Car rentals in Hong Kong Car rentals in Shanghai Car rentals in Beijing Car rentals in Taipei

Things to do in Shanxi

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Shanxi

Yungang Grottoes

Jinci Temple Museum

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

Pingyao Ancient City

Xuankong Temple

Huayan Temple

Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River

Little Western Paradise

Shanxi Museum

Traveller favourites curated for you

Xinzhou Ancient City

※※Private chartered tour: 1-day tour to Datong Xuankong Temple + Yungang Grottoes + Yong'an Temple with private charter [city pickup]

5D4N • Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum & Mount Hua

2D1N • Xi'an + Terracotta Army + Mount Hua + Huaqing Palace + Grand Tang Mall

Experiences you can't miss in Shanxi

Featured Day tours in Shanxi

Featured Culture & history in Shanxi

More things to do

Private Tours in Shanxi

12D11N • Shanghai + Yichang + Chongqing + Xi'an + Beijing

5D4N • Xi'an · Terracotta Warriors+Big Wild Goose Pagoda+Xi'an City Wall · 4-star brand hotel downtown · Free calligraphy&Terracotta DIY · Premium guide with exclusive commentary

6D5N • Xi'an·Terracotta Warriors + Mount Hua·Local life and ICH cultural experience·5-star brand hotel downtown·Free Terracotta DIY and hanfu makeup, top guide private narration

2D1N • China + Shanxi + Datong + Xuankong Temple + Yungang Grottoes + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Jinhuagong National Mine Park

2D1N • 2-Day Xi'an Sightseeing All-Inclusive Private Custom-Made Combo Tour

2D1N • 2-Day Xian Private Tour of Terracotta Warriors and City Highlights

4D3N • Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum + Xi'an Muslim Quarter + Xi'an City Wall: Mini Terracotta Warrior Handcraft Experience in a Traditional Cave Dwelling

3D2N • Xi'an Private Day Tour from Beijing with Deluxe Soft Sleeper Train Experience

Group Tours in Shanxi

5D4N • Tour Henan's four great ancient capitals and unveil the cliff-hanging road of Wanxian and the Yuntai waterscape.

5D4N • Assistance with train ticket bookings | Must-see Terracotta Army in Xi'an + Hukou Waterfall + Priority stay at the PULLMAN hotel in Xi'an + Designated Novotel hotel at Mount Hua + Gold-rated tour guide + Mount Hua + City Wall

6D5N • Xi'an + Terracotta Army + Hukou Waterfalls + Grand Tang Mall: No shopping, guide & free transfer

8D7N • Xi'an – exclusive for international travelers: Terracotta Warriors, Mount Hua, Hukou Waterfall, and Ganquan Canyon

10D9N • From Kunming: 10-Day Yunnan Tour with Meals & Guide

8D7N • 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La Small Group Tour

14D13N • 14-Day Small-Group Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangtze, Chongqing, Shanghai

4D3N • 4-day 3-night small group tour: Xi'an Terracotta Army, either Shaanxi History Museum or Xi'an Museum, Xi'an City Wall, and Grand Tang Mall

Free things to do in Shanxi

Shanxi Museum

Xinzhou Ancient City

Datong Ancient City

Taiyuan Ancient County

Donghu Vinegar Garden

Datong Ancient City Wall

Datong Museum

What travellers say about Shanxi

Yungang Grottoes

Jinci Temple Museum

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

Pingyao Ancient City

Xuankong Temple

Huayan Temple

Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River

Little Western Paradise

Shanxi Museum

Trip Moments in Shanxi

An In-Depth Guide to Ningwu’s 3-Million-Year-Old Ice Cave: A Surreal Journey Through Pastel-Lit Glacial Tunnels

8 Must-Visit Winter Destinations in Shanxi 2026 | Explore Pingyao Ancient City and Hukou Ice Waterfall

Pingyao: China's Most Iconic Ancient City.

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Shanxi?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Shanxi?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Shanxi?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?

Trip.com picks

Popular cities in China

Popular Shanxi Tours

Best Shanxi Experiences

Recommended Car Rentals in China