Written by Natalia |
Taiyuan, named Jinyang in ancient times, is the capital of Shanxi Province. It is a national historical and cultural city with a history of more than 2,500 years. In the long history, it nurtured many historic celebrities and left behind countless precious ancient sites, such as Jinci Temple.
Meanwhile, Taiyuan is also a livable city with beautiful mountains and waters. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the Fen River, the second largest tributary of the Yellow River, runs through the city from north to south. The largest artificial lake Jinyang Lake is dotted in the city. It perfectly combines the beauty of grandeur and elegance. Then for tourists, what are the things to do in Taiyuan? We list the top 10 things in this passage so that you can plan your own Taiyuan tour.
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- 1. Explore the Ancient Beauty of Jinci Temple
- 2. Discover the Rich History at Shanxi Museum
- 3. Relax at Yingze Park
- 4. Marvel at the Twin Pagodas
- 5. Admire Ancient Art at the Northern Qi Mural Museum
- 6. Enjoy Scenic Views Along the Fenhe River
- 7. Discover the Charm of Zhonglou Street
- 8. Enjoy Delicious Taiyuan Food
- 9. Step Back in Time at the Taiyuan Ancient County
- 10. Experience Folk Performances
- Essential Taiyuan Travel Tips
- Plan a Taiyuan Tour with China Xian Tour
1. Explore the Ancient Beauty of Jinci Temple
- Location: Gutang Road, Jinci Town, Jinyuan District
- Opening Hours: – Oct.: 08:30 – 18:00; Nov. – Mar: 09:00 – 17:00
- Ticket Price:CNY 80
- How to get there: from downtown and Taiyuan Train Station: bus lines 308 and 804; South Train Station: bus line 79; Taiyuan Airport: taxi
As the saying goes, “If you haven’t visited Jinci Temple, you haven’t been to Taiyuan.” So, for every tourist, one of the top things to do in Taiyuan is to tour the Jinci Temple. This 3000-year-old ancient ancestral temple is built to commemorate Yang Shuyu, the founding vassal of the State of Jin. Now, it has been the earliest existing royal sacrificial garden in China.
It is also renowned as a living ancient architecture museum. Why? Three national treasure buildings stand in the temple, which are The Saint Mother’s Hall, The Flying Bridge across the Fish Pond, and The Offerings Hall. They are the pinnacle of ancient craftsmanship. Besides, the Figures of Maidservants, The Zhou Cypress and The Never Aging Spring Pavilion are the three wonders of Jinci. All are must-visit highlights during the tour.
2. Discover the Rich History at Shanxi Museum
- Location: No. 13, North Section of Binhe West Road, Wanbailin District
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00, closed on Mondays, New Year’s Eve and lunar Jan. 1st
- Ticket Price:free
- How to get there: metro line 1
Are you interested in the history of Shanxi? Then, you can not miss the Shanxi Museum. The whole basic exhibition of the museum is themed by “the spirit of Jin”. In total, it includes 7 historical and cultural themes and 5 art themes. The splendid civilization of Shanxi Province is displayed before you.
The museum has four floors. The first floor is usually for temporary exhibitions. The second floor shows the precious cultural relics from the Paleolithic Age to the Xia and Shang Dynasties. The third floor is the essence, where hosts the treasure of the museum – the Bird-shaped zun of Marquis of Jin state. This floor also exhibits the splendid and diverse culture of the Western Zhou Dynasty, the Spring and Autumn Period, and the Northern Dynasties. The fourth floor gathers the art masterpieces, including paintings, ceramics, etc.
Recommended Shanxi Tour
3. Relax at Yingze Park
- Location: No. 208, Yingze Street, Yingze District
- Opening Hours:all day
- Ticket Price:free
- How to get there: metro line 1
Yingze Park is located in the city center, where the locals prefer to spend their leisure time. The Yingze Lake, with nearly 20 hectares, is the soul of the park. Over the lake spans the Seven-Arch Bridge. It divides the lake into the southern and northern parts. You can rent a boat to appreciate the different views of the lake and garden.
The landmark of the park is the Depository of Buddhist Sutras. In fact, this ancient architecture was built in Jin Dynasty and used to be a part of the Dongda Temple in Taigu County. In 1958, it was moved here. Another unmissable highlight is the Jinshang Museum, where you can know about the glorious history of famous Shanxi merchants.
4. Marvel at the Twin Pagodas
- Location: No. 8, Lane Jia, Shuangta South Lane, Yingze District
- Opening Hours: – Oct.: 08:30 – 17:30; Nov. – Mar.: 09:00 – 17:00
- Ticket Price: – Oct.: CNY 30; Nov. – Mar.: CNY 20
- How to get there: metro line 1
For tourists who love Chinese ancient architecture, list the Twin Pagodas Temple tour in your things to do in Taiyuan. An interesting fact is that the two pagodas were not constructed at the same time. The Wenfeng Pagoda was completed in 1599 and its purpose was to revitalize the local cultural fortune, while The Stupa was built in 1608 – 1612 to enshrine the Buddha’s relics. Both pagodas are octagonal, thirteen-story pavilion-style brick pagodas with a similar height, about 54.7 meters. They are one of the largest and most complete twin pagodas in China.
Besides it, the main buildings inside the scenic are all built with brick, but imitate the wooden beamless hall structure, showing exquisite techniques of ancient craftsmen. The temple also attracts tourists with its precious inscriptions and dozens of Ming Dynasty peonies.
5. Admire Ancient Art at the Northern Qi Mural Museum
- Location: Nan Shifang Street, Yingze District
- Opening Hours:09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays
- Ticket Price:CNY 35
- How to get there: metro line 1
The Northern Qi Mural Museum is the first mural museum in China that is built on the burial site. Tourists will stand on the original site to feel the visual and spiritual shock brought by the murals of Northern Qi Dynasty.
The main exhibitions are gathered in three halls. The first hall shows the prosperous scene and social life of Jinyang during the Northern Qi Dynasty. The second hall is the core exhibition hall, where you will see the original site of Xu Xiuxian’s tomb and the unearthed cultural relics, including the 20-meter-long tomb passage, the mural painting in tomb chamber, epitaphs and various burial figurines. The last exhibition hall displays the mural styles in different regions of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Besides, the museum also employs a variety of technological means to bring the murals to life, making the history touchable. For example, tourists can pluck strings on the interactive projection wall.
6. Enjoy Scenic Views Along the Fenhe River
Fenhe River is the Mother River of Shanxi Province, it flows through the city and forms a beautiful ecological corridor. Over 230 kinds of plants and flowers are planted along the river and plenty of birds are attracted to inhabit here. So the locals consider it an ideal place for leisure and entertainment. An 85-km-long riverside cycle path is also constructed to connect the highlights on both banks.
The most famous scenic view should be the “Crossing on the Fen River in the Evening”. On the viewing platform to the north of Jinyang Bridge, you will admire the breathtaking scene of the setting sun casting a golden color on the river at dusk. It is easy to catch memorable photos for every traveler. Known as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Ancient Jinyang”, it is recommended to include it in your things to do in Taiyuan. Every tourist can enjoy their time to wander or cycle along the river.
See more other long rivers in China.
7. Discover the Charm of Zhonglou Street
- Location: Yingze District
- Opening Hours:all day, the stores here basically open from 10:00 – 22:00
- Ticket Price:free
- How to get there: from downtown and Taiyuan Train Station: bus line 602; South Train Station and Taiyuan Airport: metro line 1
Zhonglou Street is not just a commercial street, but also an open-air museum in Taiyuan. It was built in Song and Yuan Dynasties. Through years of transformation, it has been the core commercial district in Taiyuan. At daytime, tourists can feel its historical and cultural charm through beautiful ancient architecture, such as the restored Bell Tower. You can also step into the Dazhong Market and Kaihua Market to learn about how they transform from ancient temples to prosperous markets. Here also gather numerous time-honored brands.
In the evening, the street is at the most charming time. After the lights are on, the ancient architecture presents dreamy colors. The most stunning must be the light show of the Bell Tower. It is also the best time to experience the bustling atmosphere of the street.
8. Enjoy Delicious Taiyuan Food
If you ask a local what to do in Taiyuan, you will definitely get the answer: taste a bowl of noodles. Among the local food, the noodles are definitely the core and the aged vinegar is the soul. Generally speaking, the local cuisine tastes salty, fragrant and rich. They make good use of vinegar and peppers to enhance the aroma and relieve greasiness, forming a unique sour and spicy flavor. Besides various kinds of noodles, the common food materials include mutton, pork, coarse cereals, soy products, etc.
What and Where to Eat in Taiyuan?
Below are the must-try local dishes.
- Knife-sliced noodles: the signature noodles in Shanxi, which is thick in the middle and thin at the edges, just like the willow leaf. It tastes smooth and chewy.
- Fried boiled pork: the representative of Shanxi cuisine. The meat slices are tender and smooth. The aged vinegar is added before serving, forming a rich and intense vinegar aroma.
- Tounao: a unique breakfast in Taiyuan, it is made by stewing lamb, Chinese yam, lotus root, and yellow rice wine through multiple processes.
- Wantuo: a classic street snack made by steaming buckwheat dough. After cooked, slice it into strips and pour garlic, vinegar and chili oil.
- Dried beef: the meat is firm and chewy and features the rich and mellow aroma of the beef itself. There are several flavors available.
What are the top places to eat local food in Taiyuan? The famous restaurants include Laotaiyuan Restaurant, Qingheyuan Restaurant, Shanxi Huiguan Restaurant. Besides, Liuxiang Food Street is the paradise for snacks and street foods, where various kinds of special snacks can be enjoyed.
See more typical food in Northern China and their common features.
9. Step Back in Time at the Taiyuan Ancient County
- Location: No. 19, Fengcheng East Street, Jinyuan District
- Opening Hours:09:00 – 22:00
- Ticket Price:free
- How to get there: from downtown and Taiyuan Train Station: bus lines804 and 856; South Train Station: bus lines 79 and 908; Taiyuan Airport: taxi
Taiyuan Ancient County is not a common county, but a Ming Dynasty ancient city built on the historical site of the thousand-year-old Jinyang Ancient City. This historical and cultural district is undoubtedly worth exploring. Its overall layout is like a phoenix who is spreading its wings and soaring high, thus it is also called “Phoenix City”.
When wandering inside the county, you will find that a large quantity of historical architecture is preserved and restored here, including the Confucius Temple, Taiyuan County Government, City Wall, etc. In the northeast area stands a film and television base, it is the shooting place of a famous movie in China. If you want to taste the delicious food or buy some souvenirs, the Shizi Street is the gathering place.
10. Experience Folk Performances
When planning the things to do in Taiyuan, every tourist is recommended to include the interesting local folk performances. These performances integrate music, dance, opera and acrobatics. They are deeply rooted in the ancient festivals and Shehuo tradition, so they are the best ways to feel the charm of local culture. The performances will be the highlight of your Taiyuan travel.
Top Folk Performances in Taiyuan
- Shehuo Parade: a kind of comprehensive street parade, usually held during temple fairs, including various performances, like dragon dance, lion dance, stilts, etc.
- Shadow Play:with the help of lights, use shadow figures to tell traditional stories.
- Fenghuo Liuxing:a thrilling performance integrating acrobatics and martial arts. The performers wave the ropes with charcoal fires lit at both ends and form splendid fire circles, it is extremely magnificent in the night sky.
- Beitieguan:in fact, it is a kind of aerial dance. The actors lift the dressed child onto a specially-made iron frame and perform the drama story with the beats of drums.
When is the Best Time to See Folk Performances in Taiyuan?
There are two golden periods to appreciate the performances. From Chinese New Year to Lantern Festival is the most lively period, when the folk activities are the most concentrated. Many villages and scenic areas will hold various grand performances, which are staged one after another. Another period is the summer temple fair, such as that in Jinci Temple. During this time, there are both Jin Opera and Shehuo parade.
Essential Taiyuan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Taiyuan
Spring and Autumn are the ideal seasons for the comfortable weather. With more sunny days, it is very suitable for outdoor activities and ancient relics tours. Especially in spring, the flowers in Jinci Temple and Twin Pagodas are in full bloom. Autumn is the season to appreciate the red leaves all over the mountain.
How to Travel around Taiyuan
Metro will be your first choice. Though there are only two metro lines in Taiyuan, the metro system has covered the train stations, airport and most major scenic areas inside the city. The bus network is more dense. Tourists can take a bus to the attractions not covered by metro. Online-hailing service is also available and it is very easy to call a car.
Are there any day trips I can take from Taiyuan?
Of course, Pingyao Ancient City is a very popular destination for a side trip from Taiyuan. Only in 1 – 1.5 hours, tourists can reach here from Taiyuan by train. The ancient city is a world cultural heritage site and is the best-preserved county of Ming and Qing Dynasties. So you will be surrounded by plenty of ancient buildings during the tour.
Another hot scenic spot is the Qiao Family Compound, it is closer to Taiyuan and the tourist bus can take you there directly. It used to be the residence of a famous Shanxi merchant. Now, it is famous for exquisite architectural art and profound Shanxi Merchant culture.
Plan a Taiyuan Tour with China Xian Tour
For foreign tourists, it may be hard to understand the history of ancient architecture and the culture of Shanxi merchants without a local guide. Travelling with China Xian Tour can solve this problem. Our professional local guide will be not only your translator, but also a cultural interpreter. He will tell you the story behind the scenic spot vividly. What’s more, we can customize a trip to cover all the attractions you prefer and meet all your demands about hotels, meals and guide. A perfect Taiyuan tour is waiting for you. Just contact us right now.
