[2025 Taiyuan Hotels] Travel Guide for Shanxi Hotel (Updated Jul)

⛱City Introduction: Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, boasts a long history and profound cultural heritage as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Blending ancient traditions with modern urban vibes, it’s the perfect destination to explore Jin culture. ⛱Must-Visit Attractions: 🏯Jinci Temple: A landmark of Taiyuan, renowned for its millennia-old history and rich cultural relics. Highlights include the Temple of the Marquis of Jin, the Holy Mother Hall, and the scenic source of Jin River. 🌳 🏮Chunyang Palace: A Taoist temple dedicated to Lü Dongbin, radiating mystical charm. Its exquisite murals and carvings make it a treasure trove for Taoist culture studies. 🎋 🌊Fen River Scenic Area: The "Mother River" of Shanxi, this riverside park offers leisure, music fountains, and themed gardens—a delightful escape for locals and visitors alike. 🚶‍♂ 🏰Taiyuan Ancient County Town: Well-preserved ancient walls and streets exuding timeless charm, standing as a testament to the city’s history. 🏘 🌅Jinyang Lake: Taiyuan’s largest urban lake, with breathtaking sunset views over its vast waters. 🌄 🍜Food Guide: 1⃣Shanxi Daoxiao Noodles: Famous for their hand-shaved texture. Try them at "Lao Doufu Daoxiao Noodles." 🍜 2⃣Taiyuan Lamb Paomo: A local specialty—tender lamb stew with soaked flatbread. 🐏 3⃣Grilled Cold Noodles: A crispy-yet-chewy street snack. Head to "Shuangta Temple Snack Street" for the best. 🥢 🏨Accommodation Tips: ①Shanxi Hotel: Central location, great value. ②Bingzhou Hotel: Near the train station, ideal for rail travelers. ③Taiyuan Wanda Realm Hotel: Luxurious stay in the business district. 💗Extra Tips: 1. Jinci Temple: ¥40/person, 8:00-18:00. Bus routes: No. 2, 804. 2. Chunyang Palace: ¥30/person, 9:00-17:00. Bus routes: No. 27, 865. 3. Fen River Scenic Area: Free, open 24/7. Bus routes: No. 105, 825. 4. Taiyuan Ancient County Town: ¥40/person, 8:30-18:00. Bus routes: No. 55, 838. 5. Jinyang Lake: Free, open 24/7. Bus routes: No. 804, 856.

Came to Taiyuan last minute for the Sandy Lam concert during the Dragon Boat Festival and ended up exploring the city! Honestly, Taiyuan's cost of living is incredibly wallet-friendly!! Meals are cheap, taxis are affordable, and my total spending for 3 days didn’t even hit 1,000 RMB. Here’s my 3-day, 2-night Taiyuan travel guide! 👔 Taiyuan Weather & Outfit Tips: It’s been quite hot in Taiyuan lately. During the day, a T-shirt and shorts with a sun-protective jacket will do. Just in case, pack a pair of long pants too. 📷 Must-Visit Spots: 1⃣️ Jinci Temple: A 30-minute taxi ride from downtown—highly recommended!! One of the filming locations for *Journey to the West*, tickets cost 80 RMB. 2⃣️ Shanxi Museum: They say "3,000 years of history look to Shaanxi, 5,000 years look to Shanxi." A must-visit in Taiyuan—remember to book in advance. 3⃣️ Taiyuan Botanical Garden: A trendy new hotspot with a futuristic vibe, home to the famous "starry sky" elevator. 4⃣️ Shuangta Park: One of the city’s landmarks, featuring the Twin Pagoda Temple. You’ll find plenty of great angles to photograph the pagodas here. 🍲 Taiyuan Local Delicacies: Spicy mixed noodles, cold jelly, boiled tripe, copper hotpot, *tijian* noodles, millet jelly cakes, *youmian kaolao*, Wanda Mountain yogurt, sea buckthorn juice, fried skewers with batter, *chaoqi*, and New Year steamed buns. 🍴 Local Restaurant Picks: 1⃣️ Chinese Cuisine: Tongzehe Hotel (Yijing East Street), Heyuan (great ambiance, fusion cuisine—Taoyuan Road Xinzexiang branch), Baozi King (30+ years old, specializes in steamed buns—Taoyuan Road Xinzexiang branch), Bingzhou Grand Restaurant (Bingzhou North Road branch), Pingyang Courtyard (love their chicken soup with seasonal veggies), Mom’s Favorite Dishes (great *tijian* noodle toppings and cold jelly). 2⃣️ BBQ: Old Liu BBQ (North Avenue branch) 3⃣️ Noodles with Gravy: Guodong Noodles (Caiyuan Street) 4⃣️ Food Street: Right next to Zhonglou Street, two must-tries here—Quanwazi’s Dan Dan Noodles and Snow Mountain Cold Desserts, both open since the 1980s. 📷 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary (customizable based on your schedule): Day 1: Jinci Park → Jinci Museum → Taiyuan Ancient County Town → Taiyuan Botanical Garden Day 2: Wenshu Temple → Puguang Temple → Shanxi Merchant Museum → Changjing Tower → Shanxi Hotel → Shouyi Gate at Wuyi Square → Confucian Temple → Chongshan Temple Day 3: Shuangta Park → Shanxi Museum 🏨 Meihua Hotel (Taiyuan South Station) Probably the best value-for-money hotel in Taiyuan!! 😂 Just over 200 RMB, super convenient location—only a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport and 20 minutes to the concert venue at Shanxi Sports Center. The room comes with a mini-bar setup and a full coffee kit for hand-grinding and brewing—pretty fun! All guests get free tickets to the hot springs downstairs. After a tiring day of citywalking, I’d unwind there in the evenings. The scrub masters are super friendly. Breakfast is also diverse, featuring local specialties like meatball soup and knife-cut noodles. They even offer complimentary airport shuttle service!

Taiyuan Chunyang Palace stands as a brilliant pearl, carrying the profound weight of Taoist culture and attracting every visitor eager to explore its historical and cultural mysteries. Stepping inside feels like traveling through a thousand years of time, immersing yourself in an era filled with Taoist ambiance and ancient charm. I. Entering Chunyang Palace: Experience Its Unique Charm Taiyuan Chunyang Palace is a five-courtyard complex that combines the solemnity of a temple with the elegance of a garden. Entering the palace gates feels like beginning a mysterious journey into ancient times. Every brick and beam here bears the traces of time, telling stories of the past. The exquisite stone carvings are admirable, with delicate patterns and vivid shapes showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The ancient architectural style is distinctive, with flying eaves, bracket systems, red walls, and blue tiles displaying the unique charm of Taoist architecture. The palace houses a rich collection of treasures, from ancient Taoist classics to exquisite religious artifacts. Each piece carries profound cultural significance, immersing visitors in deep respect for the wisdom and creativity of the ancients. Walking through the courtyards of Chunyang Palace and experiencing the interweaving of history and culture is undoubtedly a feast for both eyes and soul, as well as a profound cultural baptism. II. Nearby Cuisine: Taste Authentic Shanxi Flavors Jin Fu Lou (Chunyang Palace Road Branch): For authentic Shanxi cuisine, Jin Fu Lou is the perfect choice. This century-old restaurant has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its authentic Shanxi flavors and affordable prices. The restaurant's Tijian noodles are uniform in thickness, smooth and chewy, topped with carefully stewed gravy, each bite full of rich Shanxi flavor. The Old Taiyuan sweet and sour meatballs have a bright red color, crispy outside and tender inside, covered in a deliciously tangy sauce that leaves a lasting impression. The average cost per person is about 66 yuan. Located at No. 21 Chunyang Palace Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, it's within walking distance from Chunyang Palace. Shanxi Hotel: As an elegant hotel with a long history, Shanxi Hotel not only provides a comfortable dining environment but also conquers diners' taste buds with authentic Shanxi cuisine. The Huairen lamb offal is perfectly prepared without any gamey taste, paired with rich and delicious broth that warms your heart with every sip. The Walnut Oil Dough Drop Soup with Deep-sea Fish cleverly combines Shanxi's special walnut oil with deep-sea fish—the fish is tender and flavorful, while the unique aroma of walnut oil adds a special flavor to the dish. The hotel is located near Chunyang Palace and is within walking distance. Not only is the food tempting, but the accommodation experience is also excellent. Various room types are available, with fully equipped, warm, and comfortable rooms. Accommodation costs range from 400 to 800 yuan, offering great value for money. III. Nearby Attractions: Enrich Your Journey Shouyi Gate: Located at Wuyi Square, 30 Yingze Street, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shouyi Gate can be reached by walking, bus, or subway to Wuyi Square, then walking to the gate. Shouyi Gate carries the revolutionary historical memory of Taiyuan, with a unique architectural style and a spacious surrounding square, making it a great place to experience the fusion of Taiyuan's historical culture and modern style. Here, you can appreciate both the solemnity of ancient architecture and the vitality and transformation of the city. IV. Accommodation Recommendation: Enjoy a Comfortable Journey Shanxi Hotel, with its superior location, long history, elegant architecture, and attentive service, is an ideal choice for accommodation when visiting Chunyang Palace. The hotel offers a variety of room types, from cozy single rooms to spacious family suites, meeting the needs of different travelers. The rooms are fully equipped, providing comfortable and convenient accommodation. Additionally, the hotel's restaurant offers authentic Shanxi cuisine, allowing guests to taste local specialties without traveling far after a day of sightseeing, starting a culinary journey through Shanxi. V. Travel Tips: Worry-free Tour Opening Hours: When visiting Chunyang Palace, note its opening hours. The palace is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, with summer hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays, except for national holidays) and winter hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Planning your time reasonably will help you better appreciate the charm of Chunyang Palace and avoid missing out on its wonders. Taiyuan Chunyang Palace, this gem of history and culture, awaits visitors to unveil its mysterious veil. Embark on a time-traveling journey of Taoist culture, and gather unforgettable travel memories while tasting delicious food, appreciating ancient relics, and experiencing history.

Follow me❗This is a journey to visit ancient sites in southeastern Shanxi. It's a 6-day trip through ancient architecture, colorful sculptures, and the filming locations of *Black Myth: Wukong*✨ 📌Full itinerary: 6 days and 5 nights, Taiyuan-Pingyao-Linfen-Changzhi-Gaoping-Taiyuan 🚗Driving is essential! Take my advice! ⚠️Don't count on public transport! 90% of the state-protected ancient buildings are hidden in remote mountain villages (taxis can't get there at all). ⚠️The attractions are so scattered that you'll question your life choices (average 200 km+ driving per day). ⚠️Peak season car rental fees ≈ taxi fees (cheaper than high-speed rail for 4 people). 🌟DAY 1 Detailed Guide (Taiyuan) Wusu Airport → (25 min taxi ride) Shanxi Grand Hotel → (walking distance) Liu Xiang Street → Shanxi Grand Hotel (lunch break) → Jinci Temple → Taiyuan Ancient County Town → Lin Xiang Zhai → (walking distance) Shanxi Grand Hotel 📸Jinci Temple Guide 🎫Tickets: Museum 80 RMB, park free. The park can be skipped. 🦶Must-follow route: Check in at the Three Treasures, Three Wonders, and Three Plaques along the central axis. ✅Three Treasures 1️⃣Hall of Offerings: Original Jin Dynasty structure, a "natural refrigerator" for offerings. 2️⃣Fish Marsh Flying Bridge: The originator of overpasses, praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng. 3️⃣Shrine of the Holy Mother: The only surviving ancient building in China that conforms to the *Yingzao Fashi* hall-style structure. The pillars in front of the hall feature China's earliest wood-carved coiled dragons, including the noticeable "Yeah Dragon" and "Thumbs-up Dragon." ✅Three Wonders 1️⃣Song Dynasty painted sculptures: Inside the Shrine of the Holy Mother, the original Song Dynasty painted sculptures of court ladies are masterpieces in the history of Chinese sculpture. Master Mei Lanfang observed one of the maid statues for three days and commented that her "every frown and smile seems to tell a story of her life." 2️⃣Zhou Cypress and Tang Dynasty Locust Tree: Over a thousand years old, they're almost "spirits." 3️⃣Nanlao Spring: Northern Qi style, the source of the Jin River. ✅Three Plaques 1️⃣Shui Jing Tai: Taken from the *Book of Han*, "Clear water and bright mirrors cannot escape form." 2️⃣Nanlao: Taken from the *Book of Songs*, "May you enjoy enduring longevity." 3️⃣Dui Yue: Taken from the *Book of Songs*, "Facing the heavens, the noble steeds run in the temple." 👉🏻Friendly advice: Hire an official guide! You won't understand anything on your own. 👉🏻Taiyuan Ancient County Town is far from the city center and can be visited after Jinci Temple. It's not worth a special trip. 🍜Taiyuan Must-Eat List (Liu Xiang Street Walking Guide) ✅Ren Yi Li Steamed Dumplings: Intangible cultural heritage cuisine! Thin skin, big filling, juicy and oily, rich but not greasy, delicious. ✅Shun Liu Knife-Shaved Noodles: Locals queue up for this intangible cultural heritage braised pork noodles. Experience the daily noodle-slurping routine of Taiyuan people. ✅Lin Xiang Zhai: A century-old restaurant, sweet and sour meatballs, Guo You Rou (stir-fried pork slices), Taiyuan vinegar fish... all are dishes listed on Taiyuan's intangible cultural heritage list. There are also special dandelion dumplings🥟, the first time I've heard of such a unique filling. 🏰Accommodation Bonus: Shanxi Grand Hotel ‼️Taiyuan's own Peace Hotel ‼️A palace-level hotel converted from the Ming and Qing imperial examination halls ‼️Tagore/Chiang Kai-shek's same style of guest rooms ‼️Carved beams and painted rafters for less than 300 RMB/night (no price increase during Lunar New Year!) 👉🏻Tips: Be sure to get up early to photograph the eaves and brackets in the morning light! 🎁Bonus at the end Stay tuned for DAY 2 Pingyao Ancient City's must-try⚠️guide! (Eat and drink your fill at Pingyao's time-honored brands/stay in the former union club)

Shanxi Travel Guide | Perfect City Walk Route without Detours ||| Skipping Class for Sliced ​​Noodles ✈️Come to Taiyuan, Shanxi Land at Taiyuan Wusu Airport → Hotel ✅Must-visit attractions at night, suitable for checking in and taking photos at night📸 No detour version route:↓ Shouyi Gate-Yingze Bridge-Shanxi Hotel-Food Street/Bell Tower-Taiyuan Botanical Garden Shouyi Gate: It was one of the two south gates built in the early Ming Dynasty to expand Taiyuan City. After the victory of the Xinhai Revolution, Cheng'en Gate was renamed Shouyi Gate. Yingze Bridge: Known as "the first bridge in North China" There are a lot of people on the bridge. My camera is under the bridge. Just walk straight down the bridge and you will see it. Shanxi Hotel: Shanxi Hotel is affiliated to the General Affairs Bureau of Shanxi People's Government. In 1985, after a large-scale expansion, it was renamed "Shanxi Hotel" and was named by Peng Zhen, then Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. For more than 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, it has been an important venue for government receptions in our province. Bell Tower: Actually it is a business district and the food street is inside the Bell Tower street. The only difference is that this clock tower has projection. Taiyuan Botanical Garden: The biggest definition is that few people go there to take pictures of plants, instead they all take pictures of the starry sky elevator. ✅Must-visit attractions during the day, suitable for taking photos and checking in during the day📸 No detour version route:↓ Shanxi Museum-Taiyuan Ancient County-Jin Temple Museum-Taishan Scenic Area-Northern Qi Mural Museum Shanxi Museum (the first batch of national first-class museums, the provincial museum, there are many people even if it is not a holiday, opening hours are 9:00-17:00. There are 4 floors in total, you can stamp but you need to bring your own notebook) Taiyuan Ancient County (a bit remote, it’s really big inside, with many small attractions. But there’s nothing delicious, it’s recommended to go there after dinner, you can go up to the city wall to take pictures for free 💰) Jinci Museum (filming location of Journey to the West 1986 and Black Myth: Wukong) Taishan Scenic Area (need to climb the mountain for about 30 minutes to see the golden Figure 17. There is no cableway throughout the journey) ✅About eating Shanxi specialties Fried pork, sweet and sour meatballs, cat ear fried cake, oat noodle kuoluoluo, sliced ​​noodles 🍜Shanxi Hotel Be sure to make a reservation 1 or 2 days in advance, otherwise you won’t be able to eat in the evening! ! No reservation is required for lunch! 🍜Bingzhou food stalls Only his knife-cut noodles can have 6 flavors in 10💰 🍜Bingzhou Hotel It has received many party and state leaders including Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, and Liu Yunshan, and was listed as a municipal cultural relic protection unit in 2009. You also need to make an appointment 1 or 2 days in advance! See Shanxi through its ancient buildings

🧹Soundproofing/Cleanliness: I read reviews before my stay, and some guests said the soundproofing and cleanliness were bad, but my room was great. I stayed on the first floor, and there was an event in the lobby next to me, but my room was still very quiet. I was also very satisfied with the cleanliness. 🏘️️️Room Type/Layout: This hotel would have been considered a luxury hotel more than ten years ago. I originally booked a standard double room, but I paid an extra 50 yuan to upgrade my room. I don't know what the standard room is like, but the upgraded deluxe room was very luxurious. The ceiling was about 4 meters high, and the room was very spacious, as was the bathroom. 🛌Supplies/Facilities: This is a traditional old-fashioned hotel, and the decor is a bit dated. The bathroom is covered in expensive marble. The shower head is a bit old, but it works fine. The toothbrush and slippers are very good quality. Overall, the room is worth the price, and I was pleasantly surprised! 💰️Average Price: CNY 500–700 💗Other Tips: The hotel looks amazing at night. When the lights are on, the hotel looks like a country girl turned into a rich lady. The hotel is very close to Bell Tower Street in Liuxiang, which has a lot of delicious food.

🌟Taiyuan, a city known as the "Splendid Taiyuan City", is full of historical traces. The years have left deep marks on the eaves, glazed tiles, and green paint of the ancient city, which is shocking. 📸【18 Classic Check-in Spots】 1. Shouyi Gate Night View✨ 2. Shanxi Museum📚 3. Northern Qi Mural Museum🖼️ 4. Yanqiuyuan🍃 5. Gongji Gate Ming City Wall🧱 6. Dou Dafu Temple🏛️ 7. Jin Merchant Museum💰 8. Ancient County City🏯 9. Yangtze Art Museum🎨 10. Yingze Bridge🌉 11. Yongzuosi Twin Towers🗼 12. Taishan Longquan Temple⛰️ 13. Jinci Museum🖌️ 14. Forest of Steles Park🪦 15. Chunyang Palace☯️ 16. Confucius Temple📜 17. Ming and Qing Dynasty Tribute Institute Site (Shanxi Hotel)🏨 18. Engineer Building Site🏢 🚗【Travel Planning Suggestions】 - You can choose a few key check-in points for in-depth visits according to your own interests and time arrangements. - Arrange transportation reasonably, some attractions may need to take public transportation or taxi. 🎉Let's walk into Taiyuan together, use the camera to record the charm of this city, and feel its historical charm!

Shanxi Hotel is affiliated to the Office Affairs Management Bureau of Shanxi People's Government. Its predecessor was the "Self-Reflection Hall" initiated and funded by Yan Xishan in 1914. Kang Youwei, the leader of the late Qing Dynasty Reform, inscribed a plaque on it. It was the first choice for party and government officials and social elites to stay in Shanxi at that time. Zhou Enlai, Chiang Kai-shek, Soong Mei-ling, Kong Xiangxi, Xu Zhimo, Tagore and other Chinese and foreign celebrities have stayed here. In 1950, it was renamed the "Great Hall of the People" and has successively received the North Korean friendship delegation, Soviet experts, and the first provincial party congress, people's congress, CPPCC, and women's federation. In 1956, the Taiyuan Special Military Tribunal of the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China held a trial here against Kawamoto Daisaku and several other Japanese war criminals. In 1978, it was renamed the Third Guesthouse of the Provincial Government. In 1981, it was renamed Wenying Hotel. In 1985, after a large-scale expansion, it was renamed Shanxi Hotel and was named by Peng Zhen, then Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. For more than 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, it has been an important venue for government receptions in our province. In 2012, the hotel was upgraded and renovated, and the building was renovated in accordance with the architectural regulations and styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The gate building is majestic and the tall gatehouse is quite spectacular. It is a two-story wooden structure with Qing-style colored paintings on the beams. The single-eaved hip roof is covered with yellow-green glazed tiles. Its architectural style is a combination of Chinese and Western styles, with traditional Chinese architecture as the main feature. The roof is a traditional hip-and-gable style, with a single-story four-cornered corner tower built on each corner. There are dragon carvings around it, five-step capitals, and green glazed tiles. There are two-story wooden corridors around the hall, and the hall has a wide space. The tall vermilion-painted gate tower inspires awe when viewed from afar. Appreciate the couplet on the gate: Jin gourmets, Jin wine, Jin food, Jin deliciousness; Jin buildings, Jin pavilions, Jin style and Jin charm. It describes the beauty of Shanxi. The four golden characters on the plaque of Shanxi Hotel written by Peng Zhen are shining and particularly eye-catching. Walking into the courtyard, there are Jinxian Building, Jinfulu Building, Jinyuan Building and Jinyue Building. The words inscribed on each plaque were written by Mr. Fu Shan, a medical scientist and calligrapher in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The Imperial Examination Hall originated in the Tang Dynasty, and the existing sites include the Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall, Beijing Imperial Examination Hall, and Dingzhou Imperial Examination Hall. If we only talk about the former site of Shanxi Imperial Examination Hall during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, I am afraid not many people know about it. When you walk to the edge of the lake and see the magnificent gate buildings of Shanxi Hotel, this is the "Former Site of Shanxi Imperial Examination Hall in Ming and Qing Dynasties." Of course, in ancient times, wherever there were examinations, there were places to entertain examiners. The "Huanghuaguan", which is across the street from the Imperial Examination Hall, is the guesthouse for receiving the chief and deputy examiners. Huanghua Hall is basically intact. During the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, a "Superintendent of Education" (Xuetai) was set up here to oversee the province's education, imperial examinations and other affairs together with the governor-general. For hundreds of years, Huanghua Hall was known as a "holy place of education." When the exam is over and the results are announced, we will move to the choir hall. Taiyuan Chanting Sutra Tower is less than one kilometer away from Gongyuan. This is the place where the candidates' numbers were announced for the imperial examinations since the Ming Dynasty. When the rankings of the candidates are announced, it is probably time to go to the Shanxi Governor's Mansion to receive an audience with the "parent official". The thousand-year-old government office, the Governor's Mansion, has been the administrative center of Shanxi since the Song Dynasty. The combination of the four cultural relics of "Huanghua Hall - Shanxi Imperial Examination Hall - Chanting Sutra Tower - Governor's Mansion" can be regarded as a "route map" for the ancient imperial examinations, which can be regarded as a witness to the long history of the ancient city of Taiyuan. 📍Location: No. 23, Chunyang Palace, Yingze District, Taiyuan City ⌚Opening hours: 12:00-14:00 18:00-21:00

| Shanxi Hotel - The most beautiful night view in Taiyuan that you can't miss! 🌈 Shanxi Hotel is located in the center of Taiyuan, adjacent to Chunyang Palace and Wenyin Park, and close to May 1st Square, Liuxiang and Gulou Street. 🌈 The Shanxi Hotel, which lights up at night, is full of momentum, giving people a high-profile and luxurious feeling, and has become a landscape in Taiyuan. In fact, the hotel's price is very affordable, it is an economical and affordable type, and it is a good choice for traveling to Taiyuan. You can also visit Chunyang Palace for free.

Shanxi truly deserves the title of "Look at Shanxi for above-ground cultural relics." This place is simply a paradise for ancient architecture, and this was also my first wonderful journey focused on exploring ancient buildings. Day1⃣️: Guangzhou➡️Taiyuan➡️Datong➡️Hotel➡️Datong Ancient City➡️Oriental Noodles➡️Hotel When I arrived in Datong, it was already 2-3 PM. Originally, I had meticulously planned a full itinerary of attractions to visit, but due to time constraints, I only managed to visit three spots: Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and Datong Ancient City Wall. Even with just these three places, I was deeply impressed and felt the unique charm of Shanxi's ancient architecture. In Huayan Temple, the high-up chiwen (a mythical creature), with its exquisite design, seemed ready to soar into the sky; the murals inside the temple were breathtaking, with delicate brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and vivid images, as if telling ancient and mysterious stories. The statues of the Four Heavenly Kings in Shanhua Temple were imposing and awe-inspiring, while the Twenty-Four Heavenly Deities had varied postures and expressions, each seemingly possessing its own soul and thoughts. Leaving Shanhua Temple and stepping onto the Datong Ancient City Wall, this ancient wall felt like an old man who had seen much of life, quietly telling me about its past glory and splendor. The sunset cast a golden hue on the wall, adding to its historical weight. Day2⃣️: Hotel➡️Tour Group (Hengshan - Hanging Temple - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda)➡️Datong Ancient City Wall➡️Kaige Restaurant➡️Hotel Given that today's attractions were quite scattered, I chose to join a tour group for convenience and to save time. The first stop was Hengshan. The scenery of Hengshan was magnificent and enchanting. Here, you can choose to take a shuttle bus to one-third of the mountain or take a cable car directly to the halfway point. However, the overall height of Hengshan is manageable for tourists with some physical strength, and climbing it is not difficult. Moreover, the one-way fare for the shuttle bus is only 13 yuan, while the cable car costs 70 yuan, making the shuttle bus a more cost-effective option. The second stop was the famous Hanging Temple. Seeing it with my own eyes, I was amazed by its unique architectural style and perilous location. This temple, embedded in the cliff, is like a dazzling pearl, leaving people in awe. Unfortunately, there were too many visitors queuing to ascend the temple that day, and to avoid delaying the subsequent itinerary, I could only admire this magical temple from the foot of the mountain. Even so, its spectacular sight was enough to leave a lasting impression. The third stop was the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, one of the most anticipated attractions of this trip. When it appeared before me, the excitement was indescribable. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the tallest and oldest existing pure wooden structure in the world. Its intricate structure and long history made me deeply admire the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient artisans. However, it is regrettable that some main structures were dismantled early on, causing the pagoda to tilt. Seeing this, I couldn't help but feel worried and regretful, sincerely hoping that effective methods can be found soon to save this precious historical treasure. After a day of rich itinerary, we returned to the Datong Ancient City Wall. Since I didn't go up the wall the previous day due to time constraints, I made up for it today. When I climbed the wall and overlooked the scenery inside and outside the city, I was filled with emotions. But to be honest, the view from the wall was relatively ordinary, without many stunning sights. So, if you plan to go up and take a look, the inside is filled with juicy meat fillings, and taking a bite, the juice bursts out, leaving a lingering taste in your mouth. That wonderful taste still makes me reminisce, and I highly recommend it to every food lover. After enjoying breakfast, I eagerly went to the Yungang Grottoes. This grotto was initially excavated by the Northern Wei royal family and has undergone repairs and additions over various dynasties. Its grand scale, exquisite Buddha statues, and splendid murals make it feel like an art palace. Each Buddha statue is lifelike, with a compassionate smile, seemingly comforting people's hearts; each mural is colorful, vividly depicting the social life and religious beliefs of the time. Here, I deeply felt the endless charm of ancient art and was filled with respect for the exquisite skills and selfless dedication of ancient artisans. After leaving the Yungang Grottoes, I visited the Datong Museum. There, I further understood the historical changes and cultural heritage of Datong. The precious relics and detailed introductions gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of this city. After finishing the Datong itinerary, I embarked on a journey to Pingyao. Day4⃣️: Hotel➡️Pingyao Ancient City➡️Taiyuan➡️May Day Square➡️Shanxi Hotel➡️Hotel In Pingyao Ancient City, I spent half a day slowly wandering through the streets and alleys of the ancient city. Every street and courtyard here exudes a strong historical atmosphere, as if time has stood still. The ancient city walls, quaint shops, and traditional courtyard houses all tell of the city's past prosperity and glory. In the evening, I arrived in Taiyuan. Under the night, Taiyuan was brightly lit and bustling. I went to May Day Square, where people were coming and going, full of life. Then, I was attracted by a building, the Shanxi Hotel, which was magnificently decorated and had an antique style. Its exquisite architectural style and unique decorations made me feel like I had traveled back in time. Day5⃣️: Hotel➡️Shanxi Museum➡️Guangzhou On the last day in Shanxi, I chose to visit the Shanxi Museum. This place is like a huge historical treasure trove, housing many exquisite bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and other artifacts. Each artifact carries a piece of history and tells a story. Here, I also saw detailed introductions about the ancient buildings I visited in the past few days, giving me a deeper understanding and appreciation of them. This trip to Shanxi was very rewarding. Before setting off to Shanxi, I watched many related documentaries. When I stood in front of the buildings and artifacts that appeared in the documentaries, the excitement and thrill in my heart were indescribable. I recommend the documentary "Humanistic Tsinghua" on Bilibili, which provided me with a wealth of knowledge and background information for my trip, allowing me to better appreciate and understand the history and culture of Shanxi.

First of all, it is very large with many rooms. We stayed in the building opposite the front desk, which is the South Building. The South Building is relatively new. The breakfast room is on the 12th floor of the main building, so if you stay in the South Building, you need to walk to the main building for breakfast. 🏨Hotel Room You can see that the overall decoration is very traditional because it is a large state-owned enterprise. The bedding is quite comfortable overall. The hotel's night view is really amazing, not worse than the scenic spots, really beautiful! Location The location is extremely convenient, surrounded by the hotel, with a large parking lot in the middle. There are many snacks at the entrance, and there is an ancient city wall not far away. A few hundred meters walk is Chunyang Palace. There is a Wenying Park next to it, and walking through the park leads to Liuxiang. Basically, with Shanxi Hotel as the center, you can walk to all the popular places around. Breakfast The breakfast buffet has hot yellow wine and Fenjiu, which really surprised me. Do Taiyuan people start drinking early in the morning? I think the overall price of hotels in Taiyuan is quite reasonable, and Shanxi Hotel is not expensive either. 🍃Address: No. 21, Chunyang Palace, Yingze Street

Walk into Taiyuan Liuxiang, encounter the city's fireworks. In Taiyuan, Shanxi, there is a place full of charm and vitality—Liuxiang. This is a place where prosperity and fireworks blend, waiting for you to explore. As night falls, the lights of Liuxiang light up like brilliant stars, illuminating this bustling area. Two rows of 'small trains' shuttle on both sides of the street, and the aroma of food wafts from the carriages, making one's mouth water. The fresh aroma of teppanyaki squid, the sweet and glutinous osmanthus rice cake, and the unique pan-fried stinky tofu all become temptations that attract passersby to stop and taste. Liuxiang is located in the Liuxiang business district of Yingze District, Taiyuan City. It is open all day without an entrance fee, and the transportation is very convenient. You can reach it by walking 870 meters from Exit C of Fuxi Street Station on Metro Line 2. Along the carefully planned strolling route, you can experience more excitement. Starting from May Day Square, feel the bustling atmosphere of the city. At Taiyuan Film City, take a photo of the naked-eye 3D 'Taiyuan' characters, leaving a unique memory. The Taiyuan Mansion ground sculpture at Shouyi Gate showcases the profound heritage of this city. The magnificent gate of Shanxi Hotel exudes nobility and grandeur. Walk through Haizibian Street to Qiaotou Street, check in at the naked-eye 3D screen, and feel the perfect combination of modern technology and the city. Arrive at the entrance of Zhonglou Street in Taiyuan Liuxiang, and immerse yourself in the charming night view of Zhonglou Street. Finally, head to Food Street, and at the end, you can admire the beautiful night view of the Governor's Mansion. In Liuxiang, you can taste various delicacies and appreciate unique cultural landscapes. Every inch of land here is full of stories, and every corner exudes charm. Whether you are walking with friends or spending quality time with family, Taiyuan Liuxiang is your best choice. Come on, let's encounter the most authentic fireworks of this city together in Liuxiang.

Put the itinerary here first Day 1️⃣ Guangzhou-Taiyuan. Either flight or high-speed rail is fine. The flight ticket was cancelled on the day, so I immediately changed to high-speed rail. There is no direct connection, so I chose to transfer in Guangzhou-Zhengzhou-Taiyuan. 🍽️Shanxi Hotel: The night view is beautiful, but there are many people queuing Day2️⃣Taiyuan-Datong 🔸Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: 💰48 🔸Hanging Temple: Entrance fee 💰15, Climbing fee 💰100 High-speed rail Taiyuan South - Yingxian, take a taxi to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda for more than ten minutes In the afternoon, charter a car to go to the Hanging Temple and buy the boarding ticket in advance🎫 It's such a pity to miss this day's trip because of the flight cancellation 😭 Day3️⃣Datong 🔸Yungang Grottoes: Ticket 🎫 + sightseeing bus 💰135 The cultural creations of Yungang Grottoes are all very nice, and Caves 16-20 are all good for making films. 🔸Huayan Temple: Ticket price 🎫💰50 The murals are in Pu Guangming Hall, remember to check in 🍽️Long Juxiang Shaomai Restaurant (Gulou Branch) Yellow rice jelly, mutton offal noodles, and secret chicken are all suitable for the taste of Cantonese people Day4️⃣Datong-Inner Mongolia 🔸Ulan Hada Volcano Geological Park Volcano No. 8 - Volcano No. 6 - Volcano No. 3 ✔️Volcano No. 8🌋There are many agates to pick up, and the children are so happy to pick them up! ✔️Volcano No. 6🌋You can rent space suits and take photos as if you are on Mars ✔️Volcano No. 3🌋You can walk up the plank road to the volcano and see the crater and volcano eye. It is recommended to arrive at sunset! 🚗Rent a car and drive yourself, the road conditions are very good Day5️⃣Inner Mongolia-Datong-Taiyuan Sleep until you wake up naturally, drive back to Datong, and then take the high-speed rail back to Taiyuan. If the time is tight, you can also arrange a visit to the Datong Museum. Both days, we got off the highway in Jining to eat. The lamb at both restaurants is delicious and cost-effective. You can also take a break while driving at noon 🍽️ Yingshan Hotel Khan Palace 🍽️ Tianjiao Gongxun Ice-boiled Lamb Hotpot (Jining New District Store) Day6️⃣Taiyuan 🔸Jin Temple: 💰80 only go to the park 🆓, you have to pay to enter the Jin Temple Museum. There are three treasures, three wonders, and three Lu in Jin Temple. ✔️Three treasures: Holy Mother Hall, Fishpond Flying Bridge, Offering Hall ✔️Three wonders: Zhou cypress and Tang locust trees, Song Dynasty colored sculptures, and Nanlao Spring ✔️Three plaques: Nan Lao, Dui Yue, Shui Jing Tai 🔸Taiyuan Botanical Garden: 💰50 meters long elevator starry sky top photo check-in point, now lights on at 7:30 Day7️⃣Taiyuan 🔸Shanxi Museum: 🆓, but you need to make an appointment 3 days in advance. If you can't make an appointment, you can buy a special exhibition ticket and enter from the south gate. There are fewer people and you can enter the museum at 9 o'clock. At this time, go to the cultural and creative store to stamp first. There are fewer people at this time and you don't have to queue. Then you can take the stamp book to find the collection! Be sure to make an appointment for a tour guide, otherwise it would be a waste to just rush through the tour! 🔸Shanxi Geological Museum: 🆓 Next to the Shanxi Museum, walk down from the fourth floor, all kinds of mineral resources, dinosaurs are very popular with children 🔸Drum Tower Street, Food Street, various snacks to eat while walking Day8️⃣Taiyuan-Guangzhou flight was cancelled again, buy a direct high-speed train from Taiyuan South to Guangzhou South - 🏨Accommodation Taiyuan: Wuzhou Holidays Datong: Atour Inner Mongolia: Mountain Houses

This is the last day of the trip to Taiyuan, so take a leisurely walk. After exiting the back door of Shanxi Hotel, enter Wenyin Lake Park, cross Zhuangyuan Bridge, pass through the bustling Liuxiang, turn into the newly built Zhonglou pedestrian street, where the magnificent Zhonglou and some buildings imitating the Qing Dynasty and Ming Dynasty have been rebuilt, gathering many internet-famous stores and time-honored brands, then drill into Mao'er Lane to the chanting building on Gulou Street, this group of Ming Dynasty buildings is the legacy of the imperial examination culture, bypass the chanting building, opposite Fuxi Street is the governor's mansion built by Yan Xishan, the old system is restored and new buildings are added, it is brand new, exit the governor's mansion and go south along Jiefang Road and then turn into Yangshi Street, you will arrive at Daguan Temple, which is also a group of Ming Dynasty buildings, not big, but somewhat solemn, then return to the "Rat's Nest" on Zhonglou Street from Yangshi Street, spend 18 yuan to eat a few desserts (honey balls/sesame balls/yuanxiao/egg flower laozao), and then return to the hotel contentedly. (Travel notes on 12/26)