4.5Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)(778 reviews) - Impressive cliff-hanging temple Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
The monastery was built on the cliffs of Mt. Hengshan, one of the five most sacred mountains in China. The caves and halls are connected by winding corridors and bridges.See more..
This 9,000 square metre, private residential compound was constructed in the last half of the 18th century. It has 313 room and 25 courtyards of varying sizes. The courtyards include a grand courtyard, five other large, and 19 smaller ones. Its most famous resident was Qiao Zhiyong (1818 to 1907), a famous Chinese financier of the 19th century. The Qing dynasty architecture, wooden carvings, brick and stone carvings, and many other features are spectacular. The compound is sometimes used in movie sets. The movie “Raise the Red Lantern” was filmed here. The property is now used as a folk culture museum of Qixian CountySee more..
Not really much to say, it’s a wall with 9 dragons ceramic on it. The wall is not original, the dragons appear to be. It’s free admission, in a nice little park, there are washrooms and a little gift shop. The Shanhua Monastery down the road has an almost identical wall with 5 dragons on it. Go have a look, get some photos and then 10 minutes later go see something else.See more..
4.0Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda(178 reviews) - The wooden Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
A work of fine craftsmanship and art. In 1056, Emperor Daozong of Liao had the wooden pagoda built at what was his grandmother's home. It is the world's oldest wooden pagoda and has withstood earthquakes and and wars.See more..
This "family" compound was for the ruling clan of the province. The courtyard community consists of 3 large groups of courtyard homes that look like 3 castles on a hillside, connected by bridges across ravines. I've been to many places in China. Wang is definitely a must see.See more..
Confuious practiced his way and educated many. He was born in 551 BC and lived until 479 BC. The temple is a holy space dedicated to his life and teachings. Beautiful facilities and gardens. See more..
Lots to see and do here. There's even daily shows (see photo) re-inacting an old Court Trial. Make sure you arrive early to get to the front for the best views. The Torture museum is also very interesting with, amongst others, a rare original photo showing a male Eunuch after his bits were removed (our Tour-Guide told us about this rare photo when we were in the Forbidden City in Beijing).See more..
4.5Mengshan Mountain Buddha(60 reviews) - Nice spot to visit Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
I used DiDi to visit there. From the southern part of Taiyuan(near Wucheng Residential District), it took 40min and ¥40 to the closest parking lot. From the parking lot, we walked a few minutes to the ticket office. There are some stores on the way to the office, so I recommend to get a bottle of water and some snacks if you like. A ticket was ¥50 to enter the sight, including round trip bus ticket. Through the entrance gate, bus station is very close. We ride the bus for a couple of minutes. After that, all the visitor must walk to the top of the mountain. The staff told me it would take 40-60min, but I thought it took us only 20-30min to the Buddha. The road was clean and easy to walk, there were so many benches, rest rooms and bins on the sidewalk. I saw some cleaning staff were sweeping the street. I went here on spring, so the weather was just perfect. I enjoyed watching trees and creek so I didn’t feel it was a long walk. When you climb up the last stairs to the top, the Buddha is there. Mesmerizing. Lucky for us, very few people were there. And you can walk up a little more to the top, right under the Buddha. I prayed, took some awesome pictures, and meditated. The trip was something like this. The staff here did not speak English, but if you know there process you will not have trouble. See more..
I'm not 100% sure if this is the same place we were at. Hard to tell by the names given to attractions. My attraction ticket is mostly all Chinese.See more..
4.0Datong Drum(54 reviews) - Drum Tower Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Entrance fee is 10 RMB. Its restored and gives you feeling of the Asien time. You can walk up and have a 360 degree view around. Inside are also some old pictures of the city and new drawings of some sightseeing spots around. The location is very central to other spots. In the area around a lot of restore work is ongoing so some renovation spots will be open or other are close due to that work. Thanks for reading my review and I hope it was helpful for your trip. See more..
4.0Gushi Tower(47 reviews) - Nice Photo Op Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
It's basically a well preserved pagoda in the middle of town. Nice place to take a few photos and have a bite to eat since there were some interesting nearby restaurants.See more..
4.0Twin Pagoda Temple (Shuangta si)(37 reviews) - Most interesting thing to do in Taiyuan Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
I spend 2 days in Taiyuan, the most interesting thing is to visit Shuangta Temple, traditional architecture are are amazing... the highlight is climbing the bigger temple and take a photo of the small temple.See more..
4.5Chang Family Compound(36 reviews) - Ought to be better known! Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
The Chang Family Compound, between Taiyuan and Pingyao, is a wonderful place, built by a family who made their fortune by trading tea. It is not an exaggeration to call it magnificent; it is absolutely huge with many different buildings and interesting insights into China's history, and a lovely garden. So few westerners come here that we were a curiosity and all the locals wanted their photos taken with us.See more..
4.0Yuci Ancient City(29 reviews) - A beautiful ancient city Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
When we arrived in this city we didn't think we had enough time here as it is so beautiful. There is so much history here and so much to do. We visited two temples and the ancient city wall, that is a lovely night life here as well with lots of shops and lots of places to visit in the evening. Two days is not enough. We did have a bad experience when we visited the massage place. One day we had a foot and a pedicure which was amazing and very cheap so we decided to visit the massage place again the following day and have a back massage, although at the time the back massage was invigorating the next day all three of us had huge bruises all on our backs!!! Do not get the back massage!!See more..
3.5China Escort Agency(27 reviews) - Worth a brief visit for the signs alone Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Some of the most amusing English language translations we saw in China. We visited early in the morning when the museum was quiet and we were able to tour quickly. The highlights were the weapons and furniture displays. If you have a half hour, stop in and check it out.See more..
3.5Qingxu Guan(22 reviews) - A neat temple but optional Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
I couldn't make it a must see but if you have time, and if you are interested in wood carving architecture, then you can visit this place. If you have seen other temples in Pingyao like Shuanglin Temple, Zengkuo Temple, and Temple of City God, then this is similar. The wooden carving is key point, highlight of the temple. 30 minutes at most should be sufficient.See more..
4.0Liu Lane South Road(21 reviews) - lively Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
a vivid shopping lane for youngsters and students. Loud music and touting boys and girls along the street.See more..
4.0North First Escort(21 reviews) - Great site Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Part of the combined ticket for all of ancient Pingyao, this complex of buildings and courtyards is well worth a stop as you wander through the narrow, bustling streets.See more..
3.5Shanhua Temple Five-Dragon Screen(21 reviews) - Heavily restaured, still interesting. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
This inner city temple and its 5 dragon wall is situated within the great walls and easy walking distance of the garden hotel and other attractions in Datong. Nicely kept and landscaped. Worth a visit.See more..
4.0Guguan Great Wall(19 reviews) - The Perfect Stone GreatWall Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
The wall was repaired recently by the local citizens and the wall is really nice and it's about 150 years earlier than the great wall in Beijing Few tourists ,empty place i think it worthy to visit but the traffic is really not easy there is no public transportion system there and you have to take taxi and ask tazxi to wait for you and bring you back maybe this is the reason why not many people go there many famous people ( such as Kang xi emperor , etc) visited this area befoe and if you wish to lear more about China Greatwall history ,its a necessary place to visitSee more..
4.0The Grand Mosque(19 reviews) - Nice Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
It is in the middle of the mosque place and even when it is very animated zone, it was a palace before and it keeps the luxury.See more..
4.0Jinci Temple(16 reviews) - Outstanding and serene Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
I visited Jinci temple with a group and we spent several hours there which I recommend because the grounds are huge and beautiful and there are so many interesting very old structures to see and when you look inside there are many treasures to admire. The architecture is fascinating. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. This is a great place for photographers.See more..
3.5Jinzhong Erlang Temple(13 reviews) - Immaculate Little Tao Shrine Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
The thing about Pingyao is that most tourists just wander up and down the main street of town, where all the tourist stalls are concentrated, and then you hear lots of complaints that the old town is just a 'tourist trap'. Yet on the 700 year old city walls you can wander for a kilometre at a stretch without seeing another tourist. Another way to have a more tranquil experience is to do a tour of Pingayo's Buddhist and Taoist shrines. They have some of the most delightful murals, carving and statues in the old town, and unless you are unlucky and your visit coincides with the arrival of a Chinese tour group, it should be a more relaxed, peaceful experience. This particular Taoist temple, with a number of different shrines and altars, is very well-preserved and maintained and makes for an enjoyable leisurely visit. Look out for the Taoist demons!See more..
After climbing the long and steep stairs, you will see a real Taoist temple. If you don’t believe their gods, no need to buy anything from them.See more..
4.5Yanmenguan Pass(9 reviews) - Remote Chinese style Castle Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM Architectural Buildings
Yanmenguan Pass is the location of one of the most important fortresses in the Great Wall of China. Surounded by tall mountans peks and accessible only by an ancient road which works its way between the cliffs, this pass was the logical invasion point for foreigners (especially Mongolians) looking to pour into China. Over a 2000 year period, over 130 major battles took place at this strategically important mountain bottleneck. This sight is usually listed near Wutai Shan, which you already cover. As with the other applications, I'm happy to promptly provide a good description if this is accepted as a new sight by TripAdvisor. Thanks for your kind consideration of all of these requests. Shanxi is one of the most history-laden provinces in China, and I'd like to help you cover it better. ShanxiFan / Heather.See more..
4.5Changping Guandi Temple(9 reviews) - The temple is like a palace Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
This temple is built over a huge compound, and even has its own 'summer palace'. It is worthwhile getting a local guide to explain the stories of Guan Yu. As its cold in Jan, the place is not crowded - which is a plus.See more..
4.5Shengmu Hall(9 reviews) - Must go visit the Sacred Mother Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
As this place has great historical significance, it is a mandatory place to go if you are a tourist. Get a good guide to explain this place to you otherwise it would just be an old temple with faded paint and a slanted tree. This temple turned into one for the Sacred Mother of Tang Shuyu because the Song emperor did not one a great leader to arise from here to defeat his dynasty as happened before. So in the aftermath of an earthquake, he used the excuse to change the temple as well as the surrounding Fengshui. It was a successful undertaking as no more great leader came from this place.See more..
4.0Taiyuan Chunyang Hall(9 reviews) - The old Shanxi Museum Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Honestly, the architecture and the collection are marvellous. It really worths 30 yuan entry fee to hang about for more than 2 hours as there are bronze ware, ceramics, wall painting, status, you name it. However, with the new museum well designed without entry fee, this Taoist temple is like a relic hidden in a busy city. There is only simple illustration to a beautiful ware dating back to Tang dynasty and there is no official guide or souvaniour at all. It is really sad to see heritages left as this.See more..
One of the mandatory places to visit in Pingyao is one of the Escort Agencies. This is a necessary service in the old days when law and order does not cover the whole country and outlaws lie awaiting outside the city walls. The Performance "Youjian Pingyao" is based on the story of an escort agency, a chinese version of "Saving Private Ryan".See more..
3.5Guanque Tower(7 reviews) - 没必要执着于是否古建，尽情享受登楼乐趣即可 Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
3.5Dayun Temple(6 reviews) - Testimony of longtime budhism presence Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Very quiet .building tell that it was rixhly sponsored few 100yrs ago .solid beautiful pagoda in the temple . Inside pagoda is a very very huge Budhist head sculpture ...very unusual..See more..
4.5Xinjiang Ancient City(5 reviews) - Within a completely different China Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
This region , in the extreme North West of China , constitutes a unique experience ,with its wild landscapes , a population of Kazakhs , Russians , Arabs , Mongols and all possible cross-breeds , populated by a Muslim minority named Uigur . The ancient city of Kashgar is wonderful , with its old buildings made of mud and bricks , its narrow steep streets , houses built such in a way to look like they are airconditioned in the hottest weather , a Sunday market attracting hundreds of thousands visitors . The desert , the nomadic people , the mountains , everything gives the visitor the feeling of being in a different China .See more..
4.5Yanmen Pass(5 reviews) - Very famous pass in border fighting and commercial trading purpose. Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
Yanmen pass is part of early stage of great wall. A pass to Mongolian. It is a famous pass since thousand years ago since Han dynasty. Tour guide Bruce Zhang explains site history well in detail which made our trip lot more interesting.See more..
5.0Eight Springs Gap(4 reviews) - Awesome, even on a drizzly day Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
The sightly are beautiful. I did not know that China has such a fantastic Grand Canyon with beautiful springs, waterways, and gorges surrounded by spectacular mountains.See more..
5.0Yong'an Temple(4 reviews) - Must See Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Inside this finest temple you'll come across the images you would not be able to take your eyes off.. The frescos depicting the Yuan Dynasty are so rich and so engaging, and captivating in the thousands of stories they tell you. The mastery of colour and technique with which they are delivered is unque. I wish I could describe, but there are simply no words. It is bound to make your day if you happen to be in the northern Mt. Hengshan.See more..
3.0Yuci Chenghuang Temple(4 reviews) - Seriously? Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Badly set up / manage and full of tourists scam. Totally not worth to pay for the entrance ticket. A guy who look like tourist keep following me and want to help to explain... While want to take money from me. What a jerk. Not recommend at all!See more..
5 Stars because it is part of Jinci. This is the flying bridge, the first such bridge in China. This bridge has been reconstructed so it is actually new and not 1500 years old. it is beautiful and unique, with a fish pond below it. it is at the entrance of the Sacred Mother Temple. A must see.See more..
3.5Yellow River Grand Iron Bull Statue(3 reviews) - Engineering marvel Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues
These bulls, I thought they were bronze, are fantastic. They anchored the ropes of the ferry that crossed at this point. If you go to the museum, you can go below the bulls and see how the footings are angled to counteract the force of the rope, ferry and river. The human characters accompanying each bull are from the different regions of China at that time, 700 -750 AD. True, it is far from tourist areas, but well worth the stop. I am glad we visited in 2013.See more..
I've gone twice and both our tours were in Mandarin, luckily we had a friend who translated for us both times. That being said the alcohol factory is interesting even without any explanation. They have a "drunk room" (which makes you feel drunk), a place you can see the "mother liquor", and a tasting room.See more..
5.0Tiantai Temple(2 reviews) Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
4.0Heng Mountain Reservoir(2 reviews) - Beautiful in the early Spring Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
My fiends complaint when they visited there last summer. But apparently I got totally different opinion when paying the visit in the early Spring!See more..
3.5Yuhuang Temple(2 reviews) Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites See more..
4.5Guo Village Taishan Temple(2 reviews) - 让人回忆的地方 Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings 环境优美，保持了自然的环境状态，基本都是原生态环境，大殿的古建筑风格毒独特，让人联想和想象一些美好的东西，不错的地方发，See more..
4.5Three-Dragon Screen(2 reviews) - One of three Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings This is one of three screens you can visit in Datong, beautifully glazed tiles and I would recommend a visit to all the screens if you can as they are all a little different and all super.See more..
