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Shanxi Tours, 6 Best Shanxi Tours 2025

Shanxi Tours: Tours into the Museum of Chinese Architecture, the region with the most densely preserved ancient architecture in China.

>> According to statistics, "of the remaining Tang Dynasty Buildings in China, only 4 are left, all in Shanxi; for pre-Song dynasty architecture, only over 100 left, with 70% in Shanxi; Shanxi has over 10,000 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties." Hence, the saying "Look to Shaanxi (Xian) for underground cultural relics, look to Shanxi for aboveground cultural relics."

>> Shanxi is famous for its ancient architecture, frontier resilience, Shanxi merchants, and Buddhist culture. Take a Shanxi Tour from one of our Best Shanxi Tours 2025, to enjoy your Shanxi Tour to Datong, Pingyao, Mount Wutai, Taiyuan... Datong and Pingyao are must-visit cities of Shanxi while Taiyuan is the gateway to Shanxi. You can enter Shanxi from one of these three cities.

>> Datong is the best destination to enjoy ancient Chinese architecture while following Liang Sicheng's footsteps. Pingyao is the best destination to explore famous Shanxi merchants' amazing stories and exquisite courtyards. Wutaishan is a Sacred Buddhist Mountain for a pilgrimage hike and exploration of Buddhist culture. Taiyuan is the hometown of Detective Dee, the legendary Tang Dynasty politician and detective, take your time to unveil Taiyuan, the biggest city in Shanxi, like a detective.

>> Shanxi is located in North China, bordering Hebei province to the east, Shaanxi to the west, and Henan to the south. So it is good to combine your Shanxi Tour with Beijing, Xian and Luoyang. You can choose to travel from north to south, namely Beijing, Datong, Wutaishan, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xian, Luoyang, and vice versa.

>> Contact us for tailor-made tour themes on Shanxi Ancient Architecture Tours, Shanxi Silk Road Tours, and Shanxi Culture Tours to book China Shanxi Tours at a cheap price and the best service.

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Shanxi Datong Tours (2-3 days) - Visit Yungang Grottoes, a World Heritage Site & one of the Four Great Grottoes of China, the only grottoes with 5 Buddhist statues based on emperors' images. Also explore the Hanging Temple, one of the world's 10 most dangerous buildings, admire the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the World's Tallest Wooden Pagoda, bike on 600-year-old Datong Ancient City Wall.
Shanxi Pingyao Tours (2-3 days) - Join us to uncover the Pingyao Ancient City, a World Heritage Site like a living museum & one of the Four Best Preserved Ancient Cities in China, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture, city walls, streets, and markets
Shanxi Wutaishan Tours (2-5 days) - As one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains & a World Heritage Site, Mount Wutai offers serene Han-Tibetan style temples & stunning landscapes. Hike to Pusa Ding (108 steps), and Dailuo Ding (Small Pilgrimage of Wutaishan; 1,080 steps) for the best view and valuable Buddhist relics and art.
Shanxi Taiyuan Tours (1-2 days) - Visit Jinci Temple, a landmark of Taiyuan with beautiful gardens, springs, ancient architectures from more than 6 dynasties, ancient trees of 1,000 to 3,000-year-old, and intricate Song Dynasty colored sculptures. Take your time to unveil Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi, through its streets & museums.
  • 6 Shanxi Tours to Datong, Pingyao, Wutaishan, Taiyuan
  • 7 North China Tours with Shanxi
  • Articles & Planning

6 Shanxi Tours to Datong, Pingyao, Wutaishan, Taiyuan

Take a Shanxi Tour from Best Shanxi Tours to enjoy your tour to the Top Destinations of the Shanxi Province, such as Datong, Pingyao, Wutaishan, Taiyuan, and more. Explore Shanxi Ancient Architecture with our 4 Days Datong Pingyao Tour. For breathtaking natural landscapes, opt for our 4 Days Datong Tour with Mount Wutai. Delve into rich cultural heritage with our 6 Days Shanxi World Heritage Tour to explore the Best of Shanxi. Immerse yourself in the Shanxi Architecture & Yellow River Culture with a trip to Datong, Pingyao, and Taiyuan. Indulge in a natural and cultural feast with the Best Shanxi Tour. Contact us to design your trip to Shanxi in Northern China now.

Datong
Trace the steps of Wukong to discover the ancient marvels of Datong in 3 days. Our 3 Days Datong Wukong Tour encompasses renowned film locations such as Yungang Grottoes (World Heritage), Huayan Templ...
Taiyuan - Pingyao
Book your 3 Days Pingyao Tour from Taiyuan today and unlock the secrets of Shanxi's timeless wonders! Begin your journey in Taiyuan, the gateway to Shanxi's ancient wonders, where you'll visit the ico...
Datong - Pingyao
Look to Shaanxi (Xi'an) for underground cultural relics, look to Shanxi (Datong) for aboveground cultural relics! Take our 4 Days Classic Shanxi Tour from Datong Ancient City to Pingyao Ancient City t...
Datong - Wutaishan - Taiyuan
For those who love Buddhist culture and Chinese ancient architecture, embark on our 4 Days Datong Tour with Wutaishan to uncover the spiritual and architectural wonders of Shanxi Province. From Buddhi...
Datong - Wutaishan - Taiyuan - Pingyao
Explore the Splendor of Shanxi's Aboveground Wonders on a 6-Day Tour! With our 6 Days Shanxi Tour, discover 3 World Heritage Sites: Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai, and Pingyao Ancient City. Immerse You...
Pingyao
Why not catch a glimpse of the Old Wall Street of China? Immerse yourself in our 2 Days Pingyao Tour, a treasure trove of Qing Dynasty architecture, as you uncover the ancient Wall Street of China bui...

7 North China Tours with Shanxi

Browse our 7 Best North China Tours with Shanxi and you will not only have a great trip in Northern China, but you will have a rare chance to see other stunning parts in vast China. Each itinerary covers classic destinations, iconic attractions, and the best things to do and you won’t miss any highlights during the tour. Contact us for your Northern China Tour with Shanxi if your interests are not covered here. Our China travel experts will design other North China Tour specially for you while adding top things to do in China within your budget.

Shanxi Tours Planning & Useful Articles

Planning your first Shanxi Tour? Explore our Shanxi Tours Planning & Useful Articles to simplify your journey. Our Shanxi travel experts have handpicked engaging topics, including top attractions, the best times to visit, fascinating facts, locations, maps, transportations, and other travel tips of Shanxi. Connect with us to design your unforgettable trip in Shanxi today!

Shanxi Tours FAQs - Plan Your Shanxi Tours Worry-Free

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    1. How long should I spend in Shanxi?
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    The ideal duration for a Shanxi tour is 3-10 days. This allows you to explore the major attractions at a leisurely pace and immerse yourself in the local culture.
    It depends on what you want to explore:
    2-3 days: Covers Datong highlights (Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda).
    4-6 days: Includes Datong and Mount Wutai.
    6-10 days: Adds Pingyao Ancient City,Taiyuan, Hukou Waterfall, and more.
     
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    2. What is Shanxi known for? What are the must-visit attractions in Shanxi?
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    Shanxi is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Pingyao Ancient City, the Yungang Grottoes, and numerous well-preserved temples and historical sites, making it a treasure trove for history and culture enthusiasts. The top must-visit destinations include:
    Yungang Grottoes: A World Heritage Site famous for its intricate Buddhist sculptures.
    Mount Wutai: A  World Heritage Site & One of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. 
    Pingyao Ancient City: A  World Heritage Site & a well-preserved ancient city with traditional Chinese architecture and a rich history.
    Hengshan Hanging Temple: A stunning cliffside temple integrating Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
    Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: The world’s tallest wooden pagoda.
    Jinci Temple (Taiyuan): A masterpiece of ancient Chinese garden and temple design.
     
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    3. What is the best time to visit Shanxi?
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    The best time is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and the landscapes are stunning. Summers (June-August) can be hot, while winters (November-March) are cold but ideal for fewer crowds, especially in places like Pingyao. Check things to do in Shanxi to plan your Shanxi trip.
     
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    4. What is the food like in Shanxi? Are there vegetarian options?
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    Shanxi is famous for its noodle dishes, such as hand-pulled noodles (lamian) and knife-cut noodles (daoshaomian). Other specialties include vinegar-based dishes, lamb, and steamed buns. For vegetarians, Mount Wutai’s Buddhist temples offer delicious vegetarian meals, and many restaurants can cater to vegetarian preferences.
    Some must-try local specialties/Shanxi cuisine include:
    刀削面 (Dao Xiao Mian): Hand-cut noodles served in a flavorful broth.
    山西老醋 (Shanxi Lao Cu): A unique vinegar used in many local dishes.
    山西羊肉泡馍 (Shanxi Yangrou Pao Mo): A hearty lamb soup served with bread.
     
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    5. Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Shanxi?
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    Yes, Shanxi is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
    Yungang Grottoes (Datong): A masterpiece of Buddhist art.
    Mount Wutai: A sacred Buddhist mountain with ancient temples.
    Pingyao Ancient City: A well-preserved example of a traditional Chinese city during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
     
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    6. Is Shanxi suitable for family travel?
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    Yes, Shanxi is family-friendly, offering cultural and educational experiences. Kids will enjoy exploring the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple, and Pingyao’s ancient streets. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Mount Wutai also provide fascinating insights into history and religion.
     
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    7. How do I get to Shanxi? Possible to combine Shanxi with other destinations?
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    Shanxi is accessible by air, train, and road. The major city, Taiyuan, has an airport with domestic flights. High-speed trains connect Shanxi with other major cities like Beijing and Xi'an, making travel convenient and efficient for visitors.
    Yes, Shanxi pairs well with nearby destinations:
    Beijing (2 hours by high-speed train): Explore the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
    Xi’an (3 hours by high-speed train): Visit the Terracotta Warriors.
    Inner Mongolia: Add a grassland adventure to Hohhot after exploring Datong.
     
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    8. What is the difference between Shanxi and Shaanxi?
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    The names Shanxi and Shaanxi can be confusing because they are pronounced similarly. Shanxi and Shaanxi are two distinct provinces in China. Shanxi is located to the east of Shaanxi and is known for its coal production and ancient architecture. Shaanxi, to the west, is famous for the Terracotta Army in Xi'an and its historical significance as a former capital of China. The name "Shanxi" means "west of the mountains," while "Shaanxi" means "east of the mountains." The two provinces are named based on their geographical locations relative to the Qinling Mountains.
     
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    9. Is Shanxi a destination for Chinese New Year? Any other festivals in Shanxi?
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    Yes, Shanxi is a notable destination for celebrating Chinese New Year. Shanxi hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Pingyao International Photography Festival, Datong Lantern Festival, and the Taiyuan Lantern Festival.
    The province offers a rich cultural experience during this festive period, featuring:
    Traditional Celebrations: Local customs, such as temple fairs, lion dances, and fireworks, showcase the vibrant traditions associated with Chinese New Year.
    Festive Foods: Shanxi cuisine plays a significant role during the celebrations, with families preparing special dishes like dumplings and noodles to symbolize prosperity and longevity.
    Cultural Events: Cities like Taiyuan and Pingyao host various cultural activities, including performances of traditional music and dance, attracting both locals and tourists.
    Family Reunions: As in many parts of China, the Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, making Shanxi's historical towns and family-run establishments lively with festive spirit.
     

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Latest Shanxi Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Shanxi Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Adolfo M
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What a great experience!!!!
First of all I have to say I've planned this trip for a very long time and I was soooooo lucky to find Asia Odyssey Tours , when I Start to plan this trip i send them a couple of questions and they answered super fast compared to other 2 agencies I was thinking to use, so this make me choose them right away and I have direct communication with Kayla (She is the best!!!l) ... I will enumerate all the things that can make you choose them .....
1. Most important.. Great, immediately and Clear communication. ( a travel agency that Answer all your questions will make your life so much easier )
2. Helpful... Gotta say Kayla (AOT sales representative) save me more than twice when I experienced problems that didn't had anything to do with the trip ( Chinese Visa, emergency travel to another city in China)
3. Organized... Well , This is by far one of the best organized tours I have take ,
Everything on time, food ready where it was programmed , they expected us at the places that were scheduled, I have travel to 55 countries so I know what I'm talking about. SUSAN was the name of our tour guide and she was more than wonderful, complete knowledge of what she was talking about and also a lot of experience in the travel agency business (16 years) , make our life so much easier.
4. What you paid is what you get.. well this is very important, as many times you paid for one thing and you have that feeling that it wasn't worth it, well with Asian Odyssey Travel you get what you pay.
5. Resolving problems/issues... well , this is the real deal , when you have an agency that helps you when unexpected trouble hits you... Kayla solve all our problems because of a problem not related to them or the trip. She and the agency went beyond their duty to help us to solve several issues non related to the group, this is by far the best point why I would choose them again.

About the trip.... well, what else I can add of this magnificent place, I think choosing the correct agency will decide your experience in China.
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Adolfo M
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First of all I have to say I've planned this trip for a very long time and I was soooooo lucky to find Asia Odyssey Tours , when I Start to plan this ...
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Destination(s): Tibet

Date of Experience: Sep 11, 2024

Tour Customized by: Kayla

You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Group Tour with Everest Base Camp

Evans S
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Discovering the heart of Tibet
My guide was excellent. He really took the time to listen to me and understood exactly what was my expectations. I will certainly take my family next time, a piece that f history and lessons to remember…Beautiful and inspiring!
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Evans S
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My guide was excellent. He really took the time to listen to me and understood exactly what was my expectations. I will certainly take my family next ...
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Destination(s): Tibet

Date of Experience: Nov 01, 2024

Tour Customized by: Teresa

You May be Interested in This Tour: 5 Days Classic Lhasa Group Tour with Yamdrok Lake

John W
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Unforgettable journey in Tibet China
It was a very memorable trip and there were many highlights. From visiting the monasteries in Lhasa, overnight in the Mount Everest base camp at 5200m and watching sunrise on Mount Everest peak the next morning, to seeing the Tibet grassland and Namsto lake, the highest salt water lake in the world. The tour guide spoke good English and explained the sights well.

Special mention and thanks need to be made to Mandy at Asia Odyssey. She answered all the questions l had on the tour and payments. She obtained the Tibet travel permit for me and helped me with the apps that I needed for travelling in China and saw to it that l got picked up at the airport as arranged.
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John W
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It was a very memorable trip and there were many highlights. From visiting the monasteries in Lhasa, overnight in the Mount Everest base camp at 5200m...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Tibet

Date of Experience: Oct 10, 2024

Tour Customized by: Mandy

You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Group Tour with Everest Base Camp

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