Things to do in Yuanping
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Top 10 attractions in Yuanping
Tianya Mountain Scenic Area
Tianya Mountain Scenic Area northwest foot, there is a wondrous peak, shaped like a lotus, calledLotus Mountain. To the southeast ofLotus Mountainis a unique rock, called the Stone Drum. At the foot ofLotus Mountainlies Shigu Temple, a famous ancient temple in Yuanping City. Shigu Temple faces south, is rectangular in shape, and contains over 20 buildings, all of which are relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties. 100m in front of the cave stands a wooden archway with four pillars and three eaves. In front of the mountain gate are two flagpoles, a pair of stone lions, and bell and drum towers on the left and right. The first courtyard features a passage hall to the north, a stage to the south, and meditation rooms on the left and right. The second courtyard contains the main hall, which has three bays and displays the "Jingzhong Chunxiao" plaque; it is the temple's main structure. Inside the hall are statues of Jie Zitui and his mother. There are four side halls each on the east and west sides. Around Shigu Temple, there are also views such as the Stone Man Waterfall, Hutuo Swallowing, Early Planting and Late Harvesting, and Tianya Snow Sweeping.Yuanping · 8km from downtown
Zhushi Memorial Archway
Yuanping · 12.5km from downtown
Huiji Temple
The existing Wenshu Hall at Huiji Temple is a Ming Dynasty building that retains its early architectural style. It also features nine painted sculptures from the Song and Jin dynasties. The main hall of Huiji Temple, a five-bay, single-eaved hip roof building from the Ming Dynasty, features the reduced-column design common to Jin Dynasty wooden structures, creating a vast interior.Yuanping · 10.6km from downtown
Xinzhou Ancient City
Xinzhou was called Xiurong in ancient times. It is located between Taiyuan and Mount Wutai. It is the seat of Xinzhou Administrative Office and Prefectural Committee. In the Spring and Autumn Period, Xinzhou belonged to Jin State. In the Warring States Period, it belonged to Zhao State. In the Qin and Han Dynasties, it belonged to Taiyuan County, Yanmen County, and Taiping County. In the Sui Dynasty, it was Xinxingdu and Yanmen. During the Tang, Five Dynasties and Song dynasties, it was called Dingxiang Prefecture of Xinzhou. During the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, it was called Xinzhou, Daizhou and Baodezhou. During the Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation, most of the area belonged to Jinchaji, and the area to the west belonged to Jinsui. In 1949, Xinzhou Prefecture was established. The cultural relics and historical sites in Xinzhou City include: Xinzhou North Gate Tower. Located in Xinzhou City, on the Gongchen Gate of the old north city wall. The North Gate Tower was built in the 24th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty. The tower is located on the 12-meter-high city wall, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. The city wall stands tall and is painted red on the outside. There is a Voucher doorway below, with a very high top and a bottom width of more than 3 meters.Xinzhou · 37km from Yuanping
Yanmenguan
Yanmenguan, located approx. 30 km northwest of Dai County in Xinzhou, is a pass on the inner Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, andNingwu Pass, together with Pianguan, they are known as the "three outer passes". There is no public transportation from Dai County town to the attraction, so you can only get there by private charter. Inside the attraction, you have to rely entirely on walking.YanmenguanSince ancient times, it has been a crucial pass for the Central Plains dynasties to defend against invasions from northern nomadic tribes. Its earliest history can be traced back to the Warring States period when King Wuling of Zhao fought against the Xiongnu here. Han Dynasty generals Li Guang, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing once led troops to battle the Xiongnu in this area. During the Northern Song Dynasty,YanmenguanIt became the main battlefield between the Song and Liao dynasties, and the prototype of the well-known story of the Yang family generals took place here. A statue of Yang Liulang stands in the attraction. ExistingYanmenguanIt was built in the seventh year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1374) (with multiple reconstructions in recent years). Currently, there are three gates (east gate, west gate, and small north gate). A wild goose tower stands atop the east gate, and the lintel of the small north gate (i.e., the barbican gate) is inscribed with "Yanmenguan"Three large characters flanked by brick-carved couplets: 'Foremost strategic pass in three frontiers, most revered fortress among nine passes,' both inscribed by the great calligrapher Fu Shan of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. You can visit the ruins of Ming and Qing military barracks on the hill north of the fortress. To the right outside the west gate areGuan Yu templeOutside the east gate stands the Jingbian Temple, dedicated to Li Mu, a renowned general of the Zhao state during the Warring States period. If you are a fan of the Great Wall, when you visit Yanmenguan, you can walk along the ancient pass trail here. The ancient pass trail in the attraction is built along the local mountain terrain, winding through the peaks. Climbing this section of the trail may be slightly tiring for those who usually work in offices, but when you ascend a peak along the ancient path and gaze at the vast expanse of withered grass outside the pass, quietly feeling the weight of history, you'll find the physical effort well worth it. There are some farmhouse inns near Yanmenguan that can provide food and stay, but most visitors return to Dai County or go to other counties or cities for accommodation. Walking the ancient pass consumes a lot of energy, so you can bring some dry food and drinking water.Dai County · 52.2km from Yuanping
Fangcaoyuan Hot Spring
Fangcaoyuan Hot Spring is located 35 kilometers north of Yuanping City. The hot spring area is backed by Hengshan Mountain in the west, Hutuo River in the east, Daizhou Ancient City in the north, and Gangyang Ancient City in the south. It is located in the center and intersection of the three major Attraction of Wutai Mountain, Yanmen Pass, and Luya Mountain. Fangcaoyuan Hot Spring is colorless and transparent, rich in metasilicic acid, strontium, fluorine, lithium, radon, bromine, molybdenum, zinc and other trace elements that are beneficial to the human body. The content of radon and strontium, which are known as the essence of mineral springs, ranks first among hot springs in China.Yuanping · 24.5km from downtown
Yungang Grottoes
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
Qicun Onsen
Qicun onsen is located in Xinzhou, Shanxi province, and is a well-known hot spring wellness destination in the area. It is favored by visitors for its excellent water quality and tranquil environment. The onsen boasts abundant resources, with the spring water containing various minerals beneficial to human health. The water temperature is ideal for bathing all year round, offering a relaxing experience that soothes fatigue. The surrounding scenery of mountains and water, along with the fresh air, creates a peaceful and comfortable leisure atmosphere. In addition to hot spring bathing, the area also offers accommodation, dining, and wellness services, making it suitable for family vacations, trips with friends, and short-term retreats. Qicun onsen combines natural resources with leisure and wellness, making it an ideal place to experience hot spring culture and enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle.Xinzhou · 22.9km from Yuanping
Jinci Temple Museum
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jin River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It was built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the Jin State, and served as the ancestral temple of the Jin State. It is often said that "a visit to Taiyuan is incomplete without seeingJinci Templethe saying "a wasted trip to Taiyuan". After getting off at Jinci Temple, the first place you'll reach isJinci MuseumThis is a free park with a pleasant environment, perfect for casual strolling. After about a 10-minute walk through the park, you'll reach the main area of Jinci. Inside Jinci Museum,Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" (Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, and Shengmu Hall) and "Three Wonders" (Zhou-bai, Nanlao Spring Pavilion, and painted clay sculptures) are must-sees for every visitor toJinci Templeview that everyone must see. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are connected and located atJinci Templeon the central axis, allowing for a combined visit. Xian Hall is a place for offering sacrifices, with fence-like walls on all four sides, providing good ventilation and coolness. Notably, not a single iron nail was used in the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is located in front of Xian Hall and was built during the Song Dynasty. The entire view resembles a modern overpass, making it the only existing example among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Shengmu Hall, which is the earliest existing main building in Jinci Museum. The main hall is spacious, and a major highlight is its beam-and-pillar structure without internal columns. Eight wooden carved coiled dragons, appearing ready to fly, are carved on the eight corridor pillars in front of the hall, which, together with the "Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond," present a magnificent sight. Centered around the Hall of the Holy Mother, it's easy to find the "Three Wonders." The painted clay figurines are located inside the Hall of the Holy Mother, with the main statue of the Holy Mother seated majestically in a wooden shrine, dignified and resplendent, while the other 42 attendant statues stand on either side. These figurines are dressed in vibrant colors with varied expressions, including one maidservant dressed as a flower-dan (young female role in Chinese opera), her face half joyful and half sorrowful, evoking complex emotions in viewers. Master Mei Lanfang once stood before this maidservant statue for a long time, carefully studying her posture and inner emotions, and praised it highly. The Zhou Cypress, located north of the Hall of the Holy Mother, was planted during the Western Zhou Dynasty and is over 3,000 years old. The Pavilion of the Never-Aging Spring stands south of the Hall of the Holy Mother, where the source of the Jin River flows continuously year-round. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the extremely precious "Jinci Inscription" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. At the southernmost part, you can find the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, which is said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. In the northern part of the temple complex, the Futu Courtyard houses the Sheli Shengsheng Pagoda. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view.Jinci TempleThe panoramic view is clearly visible.China · Taiyuan
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The full name of Yingxian Wooden Tower is Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. It is in the Fogong Temple in the northwest of Yingxian County. The octagonal wooden pagoda has five stories. Except for the high-end stone foundation of the first floor, the rest of the pagoda is made of wood using the traditional craftsmanship of Sunmao. Each layer of the wooden tower is equipped with wind chimes for a pleasant sound when the wind blows.China · Ying County
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Free things to do in Yuanping
Tianya Mountain Scenic Area
Yuanping · 8km from downtownHuiji Temple
Yuanping · 10.6km from downtownXinzhou Ancient City
Xinzhou · 37km from Yuanping
Shanxi Museum
Taiyuan · 97.6km from Yuanping
Datong Ancient City
China · Datong
Guangfu Ancient City
China · Handan
Yunzhong River Hot Spring Tourist Resort
Xinzhou · 27.2km from Yuanping
Taiyuan Ancient County
China · Taiyuan
Zhengding Ancient City
China · Zhengding
Donghu Vinegar Garden
Taiyuan · 95.4km from Yuanping
What travellers say about Yuanping
一颗柠檬白巧2 September 2025
5.0
This is my beautiful hometown, not far from the highway exit and a little distance from the city center. Here are my beautiful memories, Lotus Mountain, Bread Mountain, and Wind-blown Stone Drum. When I was a child, it was not as easy to travel as it is now. Tianya Mountain is the tourist destination in our hearts. It can be reached in half an hour by bike from the city. It takes half a day to climb the mountain. After going down the mountain, we can go to Tianya Mountain Hotel to have fried noodles with fried pork or river fish for a night. It is simply delicious.
Tianya Mountain Scenic Area
Fjfv11 October 2024
5.0
Huiji Temple was founded in the Tang Dynasty. It has been repaired and expanded in the Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. It has a profound historical heritage. With the filming of the game "Black Myth: Wukong", the popularity of Huiji Temple has been further enhanced. It also has its unique historical culture, architectural art and cultural relics.
In particular, the flesh-and-blood statue of "Aunt Cao" enshrined in the temple adds a mysterious color and unique cultural connotation to Huiji Temple.
It is said that Aunt Cao was kind since childhood. She was overworked to draw water for the construction of the temple and sat down. The monks in the temple built a flesh-and-blood statue for her and worshipped it day and night. This legend reflects people's admiration and gratitude for Aunt Cao, which is actually one of the important factors that attracted me.
Huiji Temple
Anonymous user17 September 2026
5.0
This is the most spectacular iron flower display I've ever seen! The program was diverse and engaging, the host was witty, the audience interaction was lively, the iron flower workers were incredibly skilled, and the iron flowers were dazzling and colorful – the effect was absolutely stunning! Thumbs up! 👍👍👍
Xinzhou Ancient City
Luks_us22 October 2026
5.0
The Yanmenguan Pass is an absolute masterpiece of ancient defensive architecture and one of those places that leaves a colossal impression in person. Standing on the walls wedged between the rugged, steep slopes of the Hengshan Mountains, you immediately feel the immense weight of history. For centuries, this was the strategic and incredibly bloody border between imperial China and the nomadic tribes from the north.What captivates about Yanmenguan is the incredible combination of raw nature and monumental architecture. The fortifications, massive gates, and watchtowers look as if they literally grew right out of the rocks. Hiking along these sections of the Great Wall delivers a huge rush of adrenaline—the climbs can be steep, but the view of the wild, empty mountain ranges completely makes up for it. It lacks the heavy crowds and commercialism found near Beijing, allowing you to absorb the raw, almost cinematic atmosphere in peace.
Yanmenguan
滇国剑客18 August 2021
5.0
Grass is something that makes people feel good. It is a very creative name for hot spring pools, because the ideal spring water is popular among people.
Fangcaoyuan Hot Spring
_TI***1421 October 2026
4.0
The grottoes are one of the main reasons to visit Datong. These stunning statues in the cave walls are absolutely mind-blowing and worth seeing. Although the intenrnet often says it takes 3 hours to see it all, you can actually view and appreciate them all in under 1,5 hour if there are no queues ( I went around opening time). I would highly recommend them, I think for quieter times go int he morning g, but for better lighting for pictures go int he afternoon!
Yungang Grottoes
Anonymous user21 October 2026
5.0
Jinci Temple is highly recommended. It's best to have a guided tour. It's quite large, and you might not understand everything on your own, but with a guide like Doubao, you can hear a lot about the historical traces. It's very good, highly recommended.
Jinci Temple Museum
Anonymous user21 October 2026
5.0
Buying on the go is very convenient.
I'd been wanting to see the wooden pagoda for a long time, and this visit was truly breathtaking. The entire scenic area revolves around the wooden pagoda; you can enter from the first floor, and even then, it took almost two hours to see it.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
