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Shanxi Overview
About Shanxi Province
Shanxi, literally meaning west of the mountains, was named for its location - west of the Taihang Mountains. The crisscrossing rugged ranges of mountains are splendid and imposing. Still underpopulated and poor, Shanxi's economic linchpin today remains coal and one third of China's coal is extracted here.
Unsurprisingly, garnering more historical glory is Shanxi's less isolated and much more touristed neighbor Shaanxi. Shanxi, though, arguably surpasses its neighbor in its archaeological and scenic riches. The main attractions for travelers are the Yungang Caves at Datong, the Pingyao Ancient City with extant Ming dynasty architecture, the astonishing Hanging Monastery, the 11th-century Wooden Pagoda at Yingxian and the holiest Buddhist Mountain of Wutai Shan. Indeed, all things totaled, Shanxi was itself also a cultural centre of China. Besides the great cultural sites, the province also boasts unique folk customs and a variety of cuisines. Their food made of wheat flour is well known both at home and abroad. It will be a unique tour offering an experience beyond your expectations.
Shanxi Attractions
Totally 4 attractions
Yungang Grottoes - Datong
With 252 caves and 51000 statues
Visit Yungang Grottoes in Datong, which have a history of more than 1500 years. The carvings display the clothing, building, musical instrument, dance and decorations of ancient times.
Qiao Family's Compound - Pingyao
Inside Qiao Familly's compound, Pingyao
Visit Qiao Family's Compound, where the famous Chinese film "Raise the Red Lantern" was shot. It was constructed at the turn of Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Nine Dragon Screen - Datong
Part of Nine Dragon Screen
Visit Nine Dragon Screen, which was constructed of glazed tiles and still remains intact today, It is over 350 years older and three times larger than the one in Beijing.
Jinci Temple - Taiyuan
The Paifang of Jinci Temple
Visit Jinci Temple in Taiyuan. There is a statue of the Sacred Mother surrounded by 43 lifesize statues of her ladies in waiting. These statues, the cypresses and the Buolao Spring together are called the "Three unique things" of Jinci.
Recommended Multi-destination China Tours including Taiyuan, Datong and Pingyao
COT-B-020-B 19 nights & 20 days - China Ancient Civilization Tour
COT-B-052 51 nights & 52 days - Super-long China Tour - China Odyssey Special Offer
Shanxi Travelogue
* Recent China trip - by Vincent Delgado
* Travel Throughout China - by Patricia and Marcela Campillay
Rolling Shanxi Travel News
* Shanxi dance performed in Taipei
