Taiyuan - Discovering China

Travelling to Taiyuan

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Taiyuan, a pretty good destination in China (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Taiyuan and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Taiyuan, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through China, here's everything to know about Taiyuan for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Taiyuan

Taiyuan is the capital city of Shanxi province in Northern China. It is a historical city with a population of over 4 million people, and it covers an area of 6954 square kilometers. Taiyuan is a major industrial and transportation hub of China, and it is also known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, including the ancient Jinci Temple and the Shanxi Museum. The city experiences a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Overall, Taiyuan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a fascinating place to visit.

What to visit in Taiyuan

Sure, here are some popular tourist attractions in Taiyuan, China.
1. Jinci Temple - This is a historic temple complex located in the south of Taiyuan city. It was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and has a history of over 1,400 years. The temple is known for its ancient architectural style and beautiful gardens, which are home to many rare trees and plants.
2. Shanxi Museum - This is one of the largest museums in China and showcases the history and culture of the Shanxi province. The museum has over 200,000 exhibits and artifacts, including ancient relics, pottery, jade, and calligraphy.
3. Twin Pagoda Temple - This Buddhist temple is famous for its twin pagodas that were built in the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas are 53 meters high and have intricate carvings and artwork. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagodas to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
4. Mount Wutai - This is a sacred mountain in Chinese Buddhism and is known as the "Residence of the Bodhisattva". It is home to many temples and monasteries and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Visitors can hike in the scenic areas of the mountain and see ancient temples and stunning natural scenery.
5. Chang Family Compound - This is a large complex of courtyards and buildings that was once the home of the Chang family, a wealthy merchant family in the Qing Dynasty. The compound is known for its unique architecture, fine furnishings, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the family and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in China, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Taiyuan.

When to go on holiday to Taiyuan

The best time to visit Taiyuan is during the months of September through November, when the temperature is cool and comfortable. If you prefer warmer weather, then May through August are good times to visit, although it can get quite hot during these months. However, be aware that Taiyuan experiences heavy smog pollution throughout the year, so it is important to check air quality forecasts and take precautions if necessary.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Taiyuan

There are several ways to get to Taiyuan, China. Here are some of the most common options: 1. By plane: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport serves as the main airport for the city. Many airlines operate flights to Taiyuan from major locations around the world, making it a convenient option.
2. By train: Taiyuan is connected to the rest of China's railway network, so traveling by train is also a feasible option. The city has three train stations: Taiyuan Station, Taiyuan South Station, and Taiyuan North Station.
3. By bus: There are several long-distance bus routes that connect Taiyuan to cities throughout China. This can be a cheaper option than flying or taking the train.
4. By car: If you feel comfortable driving in China, renting a car and driving to Taiyuan is also an option. However, it's important to note that traffic in Chinese cities can be very congested and chaotic.
Regardless of how you choose to get to Taiyuan, be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets or rental car in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Taiyuan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Taiyuan

Sure, here are some typical foods of Taiyuan, China with a short description for each of them: 1. Gujiao Roujiamo - This is a type of Chinese-style hamburger made with tender and juicy braised pork belly stuffed in a crispy flatbread.
2. Dao Xiao Mian - This is a famous noodle dish from Taiyuan, where the noodles are hand-pulled into thin strips, boiled and served with vegetables and meat.
3. Hui Mei Gao - These are steamed rice cakes made with sticky rice flour and filled with pork, dried shrimps, and mushrooms, and then topped with fried peanuts and sesame seeds.
4. Yan Cai Noodles - This is a savory noodle soup with a rich and flavorful broth made with pickled cabbage, soy sauce, and other condiments.
5. Pingyao Beef - This is a specialty dish of Taiyuan made with braised beef in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, served with steamed buns or noodles.
6. Fangshan Shi Zi Bing - These are crispy round cakes made with flour, sugar, and sesame seeds, and have a cute lion design on them.
7. Zongzi - These are glutinous rice dumplings filled with various ingredients such as pork, mushrooms, and egg yolk, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and steamed to perfection.
I hope this helps you plan for your trip to Taiyuan!
You can find general info about typical foods in China here.

Is Taiyuan an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other popular tourist destinations in China, Taiyuan is considered relatively inexpensive. However, the cost of living and accommodation in Taiyuan can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the activities you participate in. On average, you can expect to spend about 200-300 Chinese Yuan per person per day on food, transportation, and sightseeing. Accommodation can range from budget hostels to high-end hotels, so it is important to research and compare prices based on your budget and preferences. Overall, Taiyuan can be an affordable and enjoyable destination for tourists.

Where to find accomodation in Taiyuan

The best areas to find accommodation in Taiyuan, China are in the downtown area, around the Fenhe River or Jinyang Lake, and close to major tourist sites such as the Jinci Temple and Twin Pagoda Temple. Some popular neighborhoods to consider are Yingze District, Xinghualing District, and Wanbailin District. These areas offer convenient access to public transportation, restaurants, and shopping centers.
You can check hotel prices at Taiyuan here:
Booking.com

Is Taiyuan a safe destination for tourists?

Taiyuan is generally a safe place for tourists, though it's always wise to take common-sense precautions as you would in any unfamiliar city. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas, so it's best to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items with you. Also, be vigilant when crossing the street as drivers may not always follow traffic rules. Overall, Taiyuan is a friendly city and locals are usually happy to help visitors with directions or recommendations.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in China here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Taiyuan.

What type of travelers will enjoy Taiyuan the most?

Taiyuan, China can be enjoyed by all types of travelers, but it may appeal more to couples and families than to young people looking for nightlife and entertainment. Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi province and has a rich history and culture, which can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Couples can appreciate the city's beautiful scenery, such as the Twin Pagoda Temple, which has a stunning reflection pool, or the Jinci Temple, with its ancient architecture and scenic gardens. The city also offers a variety of romantic restaurants and cafes that serve local delicacies.
Families can enjoy the many cultural attractions, such as the Shanxi Museum, which displays a vast collection of Chinese artifacts, and the Yingze Park, which has a lake and numerous playgrounds. Taiyuan also has many shopping areas and markets that families can explore and purchase souvenirs.
While the city may not offer a vibrant nightlife scene, young people can still enjoy Taiyuan's street food and night markets, where they can try local cuisine and meet locals. Overall, Taiyuan can appeal to all types of travelers, but it may be more appealing to couples and families seeking a cultural and historical experience.

How to get around Taiyuan

To move around Taiyuan, you can use various forms of transportation including buses, taxis, and metro. There are over 150 bus routes that cover the entire city, making it a convenient and affordable option. Taxis are also readily available and relatively cheap compared to western standards. Additionally, Taiyuan has a metro system with two lines that connect to various districts and tourist attractions.

What to see around Taiyuan

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Taiyuan: 1. Jinci Temple - It is an ancient temple complex with beautiful gardens, sculptures, and artworks from the Tang and Song dynasties.
2. Qiao Family Compound - A well-preserved ancient architectural complex with over 300 years of history.
3. Tianlongshan Grottoes - A series of Buddhist cave temples with over 40 caves and more than 1000 statues from the Tang dynasty.
4. Pingyao Ancient City - A charming and well-preserved ancient city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a rich history and culture.
5. Yungang Grottoes - A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China's four grotto art treasure houses, contains over 51,000 Buddhist statues in 45 caves.
6. Wang Family Compound - A well-preserved mansion representing the architectural style of Shanxi merchants from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
7. Chongshan Temple - A magnificent Taoist temple known for its 1,500-year-old ginkgo tree.
8. Jiexiu - A historic city located about an hour away from Taiyuan with ancient temples, pagodas, and streets.
For every travel information about China you can click here.

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