Shanxi Off-Season Travel Guide

Shanxi off-season travel is a must-go. Shanxi people are so low-key‼️ They have such a treasure trove of tourist destinations, yet they keep it so well-hidden~ 🔥 Take a trip to Taiyuan, Datong, and Pingyao to explore ancient architectural complexes, exquisite grotto murals, ancient cities and temples, as well as magnificent natural landscapes. 🙋🏻‍♀️ For those planning a trip to Shanxi, here’s a 6-day treasure itinerary for pure sightseeing without detours!! 👉D❶: Gather in Taiyuan 👉D❷: Taiyuan - Wang Family Courtyard - Hukou Waterfall - Stay in Jixian 👉D❸: Jixian - Xiaoxitian in Xixian - Pingyao Ancient City - Stay in Pingyao 👉D❹: Pingyao - Wutai Mountain for an in-depth tour - Stay in Wutai Mountain 👉D❺: Wutai Mountain - Hanging Temple - Yungang Grottoes - Stay in Datong 👉D❻: Datong - Yanmen Pass - Return to Taiyuan 🌈 Must-visit attractions 🚗 Xiaoxitian Location: Linfen, Shanxi 📆 Recommended visit time: 2 hours Xiaoxitian is a unique masterpiece of suspended sculptures, a pinnacle of Eastern aesthetics. The carvings and stone statues inside are exquisitely crafted and lifelike. - 🚗 Hanging Temple Location: Datong, Shanxi 📆 Recommended visit time: 2 hours The Hanging Temple is perched halfway up a cliff, supported by three wooden beams. This ancient temple on the cliffs of Jinlong Gorge and Cuiping Peak is a nail-free mortise-and-tenon architectural marvel. - 🚗 Yungang Grottoes Location: Datong, Shanxi 📆 Recommended visit time: 3.5 hours With over 1,500 years of history, the Yungang Grottoes are a stunning example of grotto art. Built into the mountainside, the 20+ grottoes each have unique features, offering an unparalleled sense of awe. - 🚗 Wutai Mountain Location: Xinzhou, Shanxi 📆 Recommended visit time: 3.5 hours Wutai Mountain is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains. Beyond its spiritual significance, it boasts lush vegetation, making it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. - 🚗 Hukou Waterfall Location: Linfen, Shanxi 📆 Recommended visit time: 2 hours Located in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, the waterfall narrows from a width of over 300 meters upstream to just over 20 meters, creating the spectacular "Yellow River in a pot" phenomenon. - 🚗 Pingyao Ancient City Location: Pingyao, Shanxi 📆 Recommended visit time: Half a day Pingyao is a distinctive ancient city in Shanxi, rich in Jin merchant culture. We’ll stay overnight in a unique local inn to experience the lifestyle of the locals.