China Shanhe Lu
Shanxi Travel Routes
North China

Shanxi Travel Routes

Pingyao · Wutai Mountain · Yungang Grottoes · Hukou Waterfall

Shanxi is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture: Taiyuan 1 day, Pingyao 2 days, Wutai Mountain 2 days, Datong Yungang 2 days, 6–8 days in total.

Provincial Routes and Cities

Shanxi preserves more than 70% of the country's pre-Yuan Dynasty wooden structures: the East Hall of Foguang Temple on Wutai Mountain, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Datong Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao's Ming and Qing city walls and draft banks. This site organizes Shanxi into a 5-day Jinzhong route and a 7-day Jinbei ancient architecture route.

How to Plan Routes in Shanxi

We divide Shanxi into 5 ready-made routes, covering short, medium, and long durations. Routes within the same province can be freely combined: if time is tight, take the shortest one; if you want to explore more, connect two routes together.

Cities and Attractions on This Route

  • Taiyuan/Pingyao/Datong/Wutai Mountain:

Pre-Travel Reminders

  • Popular scenic spots (the Forbidden City, Mogao Caves, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, etc.) have real-name ticket limits. It is recommended to book 15-30 days in advance.
  • High-speed train tickets go on sale 15 days before departure. During peak seasons, they sell out on the first day, so set a reminder.
  • Plateau routes (Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan) require a health certificate. It is recommended to take Rhodiola 7 days in advance.
  • For seniors over 60 and children under 1.2 meters, please indicate at the time of booking, as ticket prices and beds are arranged separately.
  • All itineraries can be adjusted according to month, duration, and fellow travelers. For details, see "Itinerary Customization."

Shanxi Travel Routes (5)

How to choose

RouteDaysPriceIntensityBest monthsCities
Jinchong 5th · Pingyao and Taiyuan5 days / 4 nights¥440 from / personRelaxedApril–June / September–NovemberTaiyuan / Pingyao
7 Days in Northern Shanxi Ancient Architecture · Yungang and Wutai7 days / 6 nights¥660 from / personModerateMay to OctoberTaiyuan / Wutai Mountain / Datong
Ancient Buildings of Northern Jin 4 Days · Taiyuan Wutai Mountain Pingyao4 days / 3 nights¥580 from / personMediumApril to OctoberTaiyuan / Wutai Mountain / Pingyao
Jin Merchants Ancient Buildings 6 Days · Including Fo Guang Temple and Hongdong Great Pagoda Tree6 days / 5 nights¥870 from / personMediumApril to OctoberTaiyuan / Wutai Mountain / Pingyao / Hongtong
8-Day In-Depth Tour of Ancient Shanxi Merchants' Architecture · Including Linfen and Guangsheng Temple8 days / 7 nights¥1,150 from / personMediumApril to OctoberTaiyuan / Wutai Mountain / Pingyao / Hongtong / Linfen