Top 10 Things to Do in Shanxi Province: The “Cradle of Chinese Civilization”

Written by Veronica | Updated July 15,2025

Shanxi Province is an inland province in northern China. As a region bearing 5,000 years of history, it is called the “cradle of Chinese civilization.” Because of its history, Shanxi is also known as the “Museum of Ancient China,” with significant historical sites in cities such as Pingyao, Datong, and Taiyuan.

In Shanxi, you’ll discover amazing Buddhist culture and art at temples, pagodas, and grottoes, ingenious architecture of residences and ancient buildings, and breathtaking natural scenery in some of China’s greatest mountains. Here are the top 10 things to do in your Shanxi Tour.

1. Unearth the Secrets of Datong Yungang Grottoes 

The worldwide famous Yungang Grottoes is only 17 km (10.6 miles) away from Datong City of Shanxi. It is a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 1 km with 252 caves and niches, it has over 51,000 statues from the 5th and 6th centuries during Northern Wei Dynasty. Among them, the largest statue is up to nearly 17 meters (56 feet) high.

Yungang Grottoes demonstrates ancient Chinese sculptors’ outstanding craftsmanship, as well as China’s deep-rooted Buddhist culture. It is a must-visit site to explore when you travel to Datong.

2. Defy Gravity at the Hanging Temple near Datong

The Hanging Temple near Datong is a unique architectural wonder that seems to defy gravity. It sits on a cliff about 75 meters (246 feet) above the ground. This awe-inspiring structure was built in Northern Wei Dynasty over 1,500 years ago. The temple is supported by wooden beams embedded in the cliff, giving the impression that it is suspended in the air.

The Hanging Temple has 40 halls and pavilions, connected by bridges and corridors. This is a rare occasion where you’ll find influences of three religions, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. As you explore its narrow corridors, you’ll see statues of Buddha, Confucius, and Laozi. Visiting the Hanging Temple is definitely one of the best things to do in Shanxi.

3. Conquer Mount Hengshan in Datong

Mount Hengshan in Shanxi has more than 100 peaks and is ranked as one of the Five Greatest Mountains in China. Its highest peak has an altitude of more than 2,100 meters (6,900 feet). It is a famously challenging as well as worthwhile site for hikers with steep cliffs, soaring peaks, and breathtaking views. The Heavenly Ladder especially, has attracted many challengers.

Mount Hengshan is also known for its importance in Chinese Daoism. It is regarded as one sacred mountain and has been a pilgrimage site for spiritual seekers since Zhou Dynasty (about 1045-256 BC). You’ll find many historical relics, including temples, pagodas, and water wells.

4. Admire Buddhist Art at Datong Huayan Temple

Another one of the most popular things to do in Datong, Shanxi is visiting Huayan Temple, China’s largest and best-preserved temple of the Liao and Jin Dynasty. First built in 1038, Huayan Temple covers an impressive area of 66,000 square meters (710,418 square feet) with more than 30 buildings.

The architecture of Huayan Temple, interior and exterior, exhibits some of the most exquisite craftsmanship in ancient Chinese history. Huayan Pagoda has an underground palace made completely of copper, housing a large number of Buddhist sculptures.

Recommended Best Datong Tours in Shanxi:

• One Day Tour of Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery
• 3 Days Datong Culture Discovery Tour
• 4 Days Datong and Pingyao Tour

5. Step Back in Time in Pingyao Ancient City

If you’re wondering what to do in Shanxi, take a leisurely day exploring Pingyao Ancient City. It was once an important city for China’s economy and finance during Ming and Qing dynasties.

Walk along the cobbled streets of Pingyao, feel the old city wall, and visit traditional courtyard homes and ancient temples. On your Pingyao tour, don’t miss the Rishengchang Exchange, the first bank in Chinese history, and the Pingyao Ancient Government Office.

6. Marvel at the Artistry of Shuanglin Temple

It would be a real shame to miss Shuanglin Temple when you travel to Pingyao. It is one of the best-preserved ancient Buddhist temples in China, with a history of over 1,450 years. Shuanglin Temple has the reputation of being the “Oriental Treasure House of Painted Sculptures.”

It is most renowned for housing over 2,000 colorful painted sculptures from Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing Dynasties. They are beautifully sculpted and colored, each with unique expressions, gestures, and stories behind them, reflecting Chinese Buddhist culture. The sheer number of them and their details will leave you amazed.

7. Delve into Local History at Wang Family Compound

Wang Family Compound, near Pingyao Ancient City, is a massive residential complex with an area of over 150,000 square meters (1,614,587 square feet), consisting of five courtyards, more than 300 rooms, and many gardens and pavilions. It was built by the wealthy Wang family during Qing Dynasty. It is a great demonstration of the extravagant lifestyle of rich merchants during that time.

You’ll see intricate wood carvings, color murals, and historical relics in Wang Family Compound. And you’ll have the chance to witness the traditional performances and taste local cuisine. Visiting the compound is one of the most popular things to do. In Shanxi.

Recommended Best Pingyao Tours in Shanxi:

• 2 Days Shanxi Highlights Tour of Datong and Pingyao
• 3 Days Pingyao Discovery Tour
• 8 Days China Culture Tour of Beijing, Pingyao, Xian

8. Embrace Spirituality at Wutai Mountain

Visiting Wutai Mountain is certainly among the best things to do in Shanxi. It is a national key scenic spot integrating natural scenery and Buddhist culture. “Wutai” literally means five terraces, refers to its five peaks which are tall but flat. They symbolize the five wisdoms of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

Wutai Mountain is ranked top of the four most famous Buddhist mountains in China. Its rich history, religious significance, and gorgeous natural scenery have earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might want to hike up one of the terraces, visit its ancient temples, or enjoy the sunset at Wutai Mountain.

9. See the Breathtaking Hukou Waterfall of Yellow River near Linfen

Hukou Waterfall is definitely on the list of what to see in Shanxi. As the second largest waterfall in China, it lies on the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi Province.

In this area, the Yellow River that is originally 300 meters wide (984 feet) is narrowed to 20-30 meters (66-98 feet). As the water plunges from a 20-meter-tall (66 feet) cliff into a gorge, it gains significant velocity. Hukou Waterfall will guarantee you an unforgettable experience on your China tour.

10. Stand Tall on Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda has stood firm for over 1,000 years inside the Fogong Temple in Yingxian County. Built in 1056 of Liao Dynasty, at 67 meters in height (220 feet), it is the tallest and the oldest existing all-wood pagoda in China, a sight you must see when you travel to Shanxi.

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is an ingenious masterpiece in that it is built without using any nails or metal fasteners, completely relying on wooden components and complex interlocking design. Each floor of this nine-story pagoda has a unique style with 80,000 pieces of colorful glazed tiles.

Related reading: Top Things to Do in Taiyuan