North China · 海拔 500–3,000 m
Shanxi
A treasure trove of ancient architecture framed by mountains and rivers that form natural defenses, its three World Heritage Sites — the Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao Ancient City, and Mount Wutai — bear witness to the splendor of Chinese civilization, while its grand Jin merchant courtyard compounds tell the story of their former glory.
ABOUT · Destination Overview
Destination Overview
Shanxi is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, and is home to over 70% of China's surviving above-ground cultural heritage buildings. The Northern Wei stone carving art of the Yungang Grottoes, the thousand-year-old mortise-and-tenon structure of the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, and the breathtaking, nature-defying craftsmanship of the Hanging Temple never fail to amaze visitors.
Pingyao Ancient City is the best-preserved county seat from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Shanxi merchant courtyards (the Qiao Family Compound and Wang Family Compound) bear witness to the glorious history of China's financial industry, which first took root here. Shanxi noodles are renowned across the country, with knife-cut noodles and oat kao lao lao each boasting their own unique flavors.
Quick Facts
Elevation
500–3,000 m
Best Season
April–May / September–November
Culture
Buddhist Cave Art · Jin Merchant Culture · Ancient City Grand Courtyard · Wheat-based Food Culture
Recommended Days
4–6 days
Nearby Regions
Hebei · Henan · Shaanxi · Inner Mongolia
TOURS · Featured Tours
Shanxi Tours
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