I thought Datong was impressive enough, until I set foot in Taiyuan…

Shanxi is undoubtedly a severely underrated tourist province! There’s a saying, "See Shanxi for cultural relics," and Taiyuan, the provincial capital, gave me countless unexpected surprises. I spent a full four days exploring, but still felt like it wasn't enough. Ancient buildings and cultural relics are scattered throughout the city, offering a unique experience for those accustomed to mountains and seas, and it's especially suitable for bringing children to learn about history and culture. I highly recommend planning at least a five-day trip, including the ancient city of Pingyao, which is not far from Taiyuan. I. Transportation Guide - Airport: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, with convenient access to various locations. - Train Stations: Both Taiyuan Railway Station and Taiyuan South Railway Station (high-speed rail) are located in the urban area. However, neither station currently has subway access. - City Transportation: Public buses accept Alipay QR codes, making travel quite convenient. Taiyuan only has one subway line, so buses offer more extensive coverage. II. Accommodation Recommendations The area around Liuxiang is an excellent choice, closely connected to Zhonglou Street and Shipin Street, offering a complete range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. I stayed in a guesthouse for only CNY 50 per person, with a huge projector screen and a clean, comfortable environment. Feel free to message me for details. III. Five-Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Taiyuan → Shipin Street - Zhonglou Street Arrived in Taiyuan in the evening. After a short rest, I walked to Shipin Street, immediately greeted by the aroma of delicious food. Staying nearby, I mostly ate on Shipin Street, and many of the restaurants were quite good: 1. Qu Lihong: Taiyuan's best-known tripe hot pot, with an excellent taste. 2. Hongxiang Honey Twist: Huge, long, durian-filled twists for only CNY 5 each, the taste is simply amazing. 3. Li Lianguo Smoked Meat Pancake: I'd never tried it before, and I was blown away by the first bite. 4. Authentic Old Beijing Qianmen Candied Haws: Much more affordable than the CNY 20 strawberry candied haws in Beijing. 5. God Fried Chicken: Recommended by a local, the huge chicken legs were super delicious. This place is located at the entrance of the alley opposite Shipin Street, and there's always a long queue. Day 2: Jinci Park → Jinci Museum → Taiyuan Ancient County Town Jinci is a must-see attraction in Taiyuan, easily accessible by bus. Jinci Park is free, while the Jinci Museum, located at the innermost part of the park, has an entrance fee of CNY 80. Taiyuan Ancient County Town is free to enter, and the night view is not to be missed; it's absolutely stunning when lit up. Day 3: Shanxi Museum → Taiyuan Botanical Garden The Shanxi Museum has four floors with a rich collection of exhibits, including ten "treasured artifacts." Free guided tours are available at 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. Taiyuan Botanical Garden is a newly popular spot, featuring a giant "stairway to heaven" that looks amazing when lit up. The succulents in the desert plants area are super cute and irresistible. Day 4: Mengshan Giant Buddha → Twin Pagoda Park The Mengshan Giant Buddha, located on Mengshan Mountain in Taiyuan, is the second largest stone Buddha in China. The hike up the mountain offers scenic views and a mystical atmosphere with swirling clouds, accompanied by the theme song from *Journey to the West*, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. In the afternoon, I visited the Twin Pagoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The surrounding park is free, but there's a CNY 30 entrance fee for the temple itself. Day 5: Pingyao Ancient City Unfortunately, I didn't make it to Pingyao Ancient City this time, so I highly recommend that if you have enough time, you should definitely plan a day trip to Pingyao to experience the unique charm of this historic city.