2025 Shanyin Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The Guangwu section of the Ming Great Wall is located in Shanyin County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province. Built in the seventh year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1374 AD), it is 10,000m long, 6–8m high, 5m wide at the base, and 3m wide at the top. It is one of the most complete brick-covered sections of the Ming Great Wall still standing in China, and a truly authentic ancient Great Wall. It features the iconic "Moon Gate," the ruins of an enemy tower that has been restored using modern 3D modeling and printing technology.

The short holiday is here! Want to experience the Buddhist vegetarian feast at Mount Wutai and the Shanxi Merchant folk song banquet? Want to follow Monkey King on a journey through Shanxi, watch Shanxi merchant folk song performances, and learn the intangible cultural heritage of folk paper-cutting? Come to Shuozhou and other areas for an unforgettable 7-day in-depth tour! Grab this guide and let's go! -------- 🚩Suggested Itinerary: Seven-Day In-Depth Shanxi Tour D1: 🏯Chongfu Temple -> 🏞Yungang Grottoes On the first day, visit the ancient Chongfu Temple and experience the serene Buddhist atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to the magnificent Yungang Grottoes and admire the millennial Buddhist art. D2: 🕍Hanging Temple -> 🏔Mount Wutai On the second day, visit the Hanging Temple and experience the architectural marvel on the cliff. Then, drive to Mount Wutai, enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian feast, and spend the night in the mountains, embracing the cool air. D3: 🏰Pingyao Ancient City Spend a day exploring Pingyao Ancient City, wandering through the ancient streets and alleys, savoring the culture of Shanxi merchants. In the evening, enjoy a Shanxi merchant folk song performance and immerse yourself in the local melodies. D4: 🛕Small Western Heaven -> 🌊Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area On the fourth day, make a pilgrimage to Small Western Heaven. In the afternoon, head to Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River and witness the spectacular sight of the rushing river, feeling the power of nature. D5: 🏛Wang Family Courtyard Visit the Wang Family Courtyard and experience the exquisite and magnificent Shanxi merchant mansion. In the evening, try your hand at intangible cultural heritage folk paper-cutting and touch traditional art. D6: 🏘Qiao Family Courtyard Spend a day exploring the Qiao Family Courtyard, experiencing the unique charm of another Shanxi merchant courtyard, and learning about the historical stories and family legends behind it. D7: 🛤Shuozhou--🏙Shanghai After the seven-day tour, depart from Shuozhou, filled with memories and gains, and embark on your return journey to the bustling city of Shanghai. -------- Must-See Attractions: 🌟 Yungang Grottoes 🌟🌟 Address: No. 1 Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Opening Hours: Nov 1, 2024–Jun 16, 2025, 8:30am–4:30pm Visit Duration: 3–4 hrs Recommended Reason: This place integrates the artistic characteristics of ancient India, the Western Regions, and various ethnic groups in Central China. The stone carvings are exquisite, and the historical and cultural heritage is profound. 🌃 Pingyao Ancient City 🌟🌟 Address: Kangning Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province Opening Hours: Open all day Visit Duration: 1–2 days Recommended Reason: Rich in Shanxi merchant culture, the antique streets and buildings seem to transport you back to ancient times. The night view is even more enchanting. 💦 Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area 🌟🌟 Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province Opening Hours: Mar 15–Oct 31, 7:30am–5:30pm Visit Duration: 2–3 hrs Recommended Reason: Standing in front of Hukou Waterfall, feel the majestic momentum of the rolling Yellow River. The crashing sound is like thunder, truly awe-inspiring. 🏠 Qiao Family Courtyard 🌟🌟 Address: Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Qixian County, Jinzhong City Opening Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm Visit Duration: 2–3 hrs Recommended Reason: Experience the living style of a large northern family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The exquisite paintings, brick carvings, and plaques are artistic treasures that will dazzle you. 🏯 Hanging Temple 🌟🌟 Address: At the foot of Mount Hengshan, southeast suburb of Hunyuan County, Datong City Opening Hours: Mar 1–Apr 30, 8:00am–5:00pm Visit Duration: 1–2 hrs Recommended Reason: This thousand-year-old temple stands against a steep cliff, with scattered buildings. It is both thrilling and spectacular, leaving visitors in awe. -------- Must-See Travel Tips: - Photo Spots 📸: Don't miss the beautiful scenery of Mount Wutai, bathed in Buddhist light, perfect for taking photos! - Souvenir Prices 💰: Mount Wutai Buddhist beads and Shanxi merchant snacks are reasonably priced, don't be fooled! - Airport Transportation 🚗: Plan your route in advance. There are direct lines from the airport to the scenic areas, making it convenient and fast. - Food Recommendations 🍽️: Mount Wutai Buddhist vegetarian feast, savor the beauty of light vegetarian cuisine; Shanxi Merchant folk song banquet, authentic Shanxi flavor, not to be missed! -------- Shuozhou group tour, travel with ease and enjoy the beautiful scenery! Follow me to unlock more exciting travel guides and make your trip even more enriching!

It was a trip to Shuozhou, China 🇨🇳 While most people visit the main Yungang Grottoes in Datong, we explored the Northern Grottoes Group in Shuozhou, which offers a quieter but equally stunning experience 😍 The best time to visit is 8:00–10:00 AM ☀️ when the morning light softly highlights the intricate carvings and massive Buddha statues. We then explored Shuozhou Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in northern China 🙌 The structure’s imposing grey bricks and massive gates are best captured between 10:30–11:30 AM ⛅️ when the sunlight enhances the textures of the walls and the surrounding landscape. The views from the top are fantastic 💯 📍Shuocheng District, Shuozhou, Shanxi, China For breathtaking history and landscape shots 📸 we visited the Guangwu Great Wall, one of the wild, unrestored sections of the Great Wall. The rugged beauty of this section, combined with the 3:00–4:00 PM golden light ✨ made for some truly cinematic shots. It’s a must-visit for history and adventure lovers 😍 📍Guangwu Village, Youyu County, Shuozhou, Shanxi, China We ended our day at Zhenwu Temple, a beautifully preserved Taoist temple with intricate wood 🪵 carvings and golden statues. The 6:30–7:30 PM sunset bathed the temple in warm hues, creating a serene and picturesque scene 💯 #discoverchina #travel #Vacation

Parents, bring your children to Datong, Pingyao Ancient City, and Qiao Family Compound to experience intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting, feel the charm of the ancient city, and enjoy a new family travel option! 🚩Suggested Itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Chongfu Temple—Yungang Grottoes Visit the ancient Chongfu Temple and experience its tranquility and solemnity; in the afternoon, head to the Yungang Grottoes to appreciate the beauty of millennium-old Buddhist art. DAY2️⃣: Hanging Temple—Mount Wutai The Hanging Temple hanging on the cliff is breathtaking. Then, head to Mount Wutai, a sacred place of pilgrimage, to experience the profound Buddhist culture. DAY3️⃣: Pingyao Ancient City Stroll through Pingyao Ancient City, travel through the corridor of time, and feel the weight of the ancient city walls and the vibrancy of daily life. DAY4️⃣: Small Western Heaven—Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River Scenic Area Explore the mystery of Small Western Heaven. In the afternoon, come to Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River to experience the magnificence and beauty of the Yellow River. DAY5️⃣: Wang Family Compound Visit the Wang Family Compound, explore the mansions of Shanxi merchants, and experience the charm of traditional architecture and family culture. DAY6️⃣: Qiao Family Compound Walk into the Qiao Family Compound, learn about the history of the Qiao family, and savor the simplicity and elegance of the Shanxi merchant's courtyard. DAY7️⃣: Shuozhou—Shanghai End your pleasant Shanxi trip, depart from Shuozhou, and return to Shanghai. Looking forward to your next trip! Must-See Attractions: Yungang Grottoes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province - Opening hours: Nov 1, 2024–Jun 16, 2025, 08:30–16:30 - Visit duration: 3–4 hrs - Yungang Grottoes, a treasure of art, integrates the artistic characteristics of many countries. Bring your children to experience the blend of history and art! Pingyao Ancient City ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Kangning Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province - Opening hours: Open all day - Visit duration: 1–2 days - Pingyao Ancient City, a scroll where tradition and modernity intertwine. Under the ancient city walls, explore the profound heritage of Shanxi merchant culture together. Qiao Family Compound ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Qixian County, Jinzhong City - Opening hours: 08:30–17:30 - Visit duration: 2–3 hrs - Qiao Family Compound, a model of ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty residences. Step into history and experience the Qiao family's philosophy of life and business wisdom. Travel Preparations: 🧳 👗 Clothing: The temperature in Datong, Pingyao, and Qiao Family Compound in March is moderate but cooler in the mornings and evenings. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker, a light jacket, and long-sleeved shirts or thin sweaters as inner layers. Pants can be jeans or casual pants, and shoes are recommended to be comfortable sneakers or casual shoes. 🎒 Accessories: Don't forget to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen! At the same time, a portable umbrella is also a good choice in case of need. Datong can be a bit windy, so a windproof jacket and hat are recommended. 💳 Documents: ID card, cash, and bank cards are essential. Don't forget to book tickets and hotels in advance, and keep electronic vouchers safe. 📱 Electronic devices: Mobile phone, charger, power bank, and headphones. Listen to music and enjoy the scenery on the road! 🍞 Food and water: Bring some snacks and water with you, especially during the Datong trip, to replenish energy and stay in a good mood! The charm of Datong, the ancient charm of Pingyao, and the grand Qiao Family Compound. One journey, three experiences. May every step of your journey be filled with the marks of history and happy memories! 👣

Originally, I went to visit the ancient city of Xinzhou, which is known as the most honest scenic spot. I also came to Shuozhou to see Chongfu Temple. Many ancient temples in Shanxi are not well-known. Black Wukong brought many ancient buildings. When the locals heard that they were going to see Chongfu Temple, they all laughed and said: We are tired of it. The ticket price is 30 yuan now, but it was free before. However, it is still necessary to charge tickets for the maintenance of ancient buildings. There are not many people in the morning or at noon. Chongfu Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty. The existing Amitabha Hall and Guanyin Hall of the Jin Dynasty are the focus. The Amitabha Hall is the focus, with a large plaque, 9 colorful Buddha statues, and 3 murals, most of which are from the Jin Dynasty. What is more worth seeing are its "Five Wonders": 1⃣ Colored Glaze. The ridge beasts and gargoyles on the roof are original from the Jin Dynasty. 2⃣Plaque. The 4.2-meter-high plaque with a Chinese pattern made in the 24th year of the Jin Dynasty (1184) looks magnificent even from the outside of the palace 3⃣Window lattice The doors and windows retain the original ancient architecture of the Jin Dynasty, with a total of 15 different patterns. 4⃣Backlit colored sculpture. The Buddha statue is backlit, and the colored sculptures are intricate and exquisite 5⃣Murals, most of which are from the Jin Dynasty You can also take a look at the stone tablets in the yard, which have epitaphs, records of reconstruction, and donation details A wave in the long river of history may be the life of an ancient person

Hi! Want to visit Datong, Pingyao Ancient City, and Qiao Family Courtyard? This 7-day travel guide will take you to all three places. Save it now! -- 🎉Itinerary: Day 1: Chongfu Temple -> Yungang Grottoes Visit the ancient Chongfu Temple and feel the tranquility and solemnity. In the afternoon, head to Yungang Grottoes to appreciate the beauty of Buddhist art that has lasted for thousands of years. Day 2: Hanging Temple -> Mount Wutai Challenge the thrill and wonder of the Hanging Temple, then head to Mount Wutai and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this Buddhist holy land. Day 3: Pingyao Ancient City Stroll through Pingyao Ancient City, travel back in time, and experience the charm of the ancient city and its rich history. Day 4: Xiaoxitian -> Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area Visit the mystery and tranquility of Xiaoxitian, then head to Hukou Waterfall to feel the grandeur and magnificence of the Yellow River. Day 5: Wang Family Courtyard Visit Wang Family Courtyard, explore this magnificent residential building, and appreciate the charm of Shanxi merchants' culture. Day 6: Qiao Family Courtyard Visit Qiao Family Courtyard, experience the simplicity and delicacy of the courtyard, and learn about the history and stories of the Qiao family. Day 7: Shuozhou -> Shanghai End your pleasant trip to Shanxi, depart from Shuozhou, and return to bustling Shanghai. 🛫 -- Some tips: - Food: Don't miss the knife-cut noodles and fried cakes in Datong 🍜. Be sure to try the beef and bowl cake in Pingyao 🥩. The Qixian crispy pears in Qiao Family Courtyard are sweet and delicious 🍐. - January weather: Datong and Pingyao are cold in January 🌨️. Remember to bring a thick coat and thermal underwear. The wind is also strong in Qiao Family Courtyard, so it is recommended to wear a windproof coat. - Airport transportation: You can take a bus or taxi from Datong Airport to the city center 🚖. It is recommended to walk or rent a bicycle in Pingyao Ancient City 🚲. You can rent a car in advance to visit Qiao Family Courtyard. - Local customs: You can experience traditional noodle making in Pingyao Ancient City 🍜. There are colorful folk activities during the Spring Festival 🎉. You can experience Shanxi merchants' culture in Qiao Family Courtyard. -- After visiting the ancient charm of Datong, walking through the streets of Pingyao, and exploring the legend of Qiao Family Courtyard, the historical imprints will leave you with endless memories!

Hey guys! Here's a 6-day itinerary for exploring the wonders of Xinzhou, Datong, and Shuozhou! This is all you need to know to explore these three places! -- 🏃Itinerary: Day 1: Chengdu—Linfen—Pingyao Depart from Chengdu, arrive in Linfen, and then head to Pingyao. On the first day, you'll travel across three provinces and experience the customs of different regions. Enjoy free time in the evening in Pingyao Ancient City and experience the nightlife of the ancient city. Day 2: Mount Wutai Spend the whole day visiting Mount Wutai, visiting temples, experiencing Buddhist culture, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains, and feeling the cleansing of your soul. Day 3: Yungang Grottoes Head to the Yungang Grottoes to explore the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures, appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient craftsmen, and feel the weight of history and the inheritance of culture. Day 4: Guangwu Great Wall Climb the Guangwu Great Wall, enjoy the scenery of the frontier, feel the grandeur of the Great Wall and the vicissitudes of history, and experience a different kind of Great Wall tour. Day 5: Wang Family Courtyard Visit the Wang Family Courtyard, learn about Shanxi merchant culture, appreciate the exquisite architecture and ingenious layout of the courtyard, and feel the charm of traditional family culture. Day 6: Linfen—Chengdu Depart from Linfen, return to Chengdu, and end your pleasant trip to Shanxi. Return home with a wealth of memories. -- Tips: - Food: Shuozhou lamb offal and Datong knife-cut noodles are authentic Shanxi flavors you won't want to miss! 🍜 - Local customs: Experience Buddhist art at the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and enjoy paper cutting and temple fairs in Xinzhou. 🎉 - Souvenir prices: Datong coal carvings are unique souvenirs, and Xinzhou Shenchi mooncakes are sweet and delicious. Both are reasonably priced, so take some home! 🎁 - Airport transportation: Datong Airport is convenient, so plan your route in advance for a more worry-free trip. 🚗 -- We left our footprints under the ancient city walls of Datong; our laughter echoed in the beautiful mountains and rivers of Xinzhou; and the customs of Shuozhou warmed our journey. 🎉 Although the journey is over, the beautiful memories will last forever! 🎉

Shanxi Datong old town ancient city lots of visitors here surrounded by ancient building sommore got church and mosque. Lots of shop around too eatary

|The unique "Moon Gate". The Guangwu Ming Great Wall winds along the mountain ridge, rising and falling with the twists and turns of the mountain, like a dragon with no visible head or tail. It is entirely made of brick and stone, with 16 enemy towers, 5 of which are still well preserved. It also has a waist gate and other buildings that are easy to defend and attack. It is located east of Yanmenguan, west of Ningwu Old City, south of Wutai Scenic Area, and north of Yungang Grottoes. It is a representative of the Ming Great Wall in Shanxi Province and a treasure among the Great Walls in China. The Guangwu Ming Great Wall has a beautiful relic called the "Moon Gate". It was originally an enemy tower. After hundreds of years of wind and rain, only an arch-shaped wall remains. Its shape is like a half moon, so it is called the "Moon Gate". The "Moon Gate" is a landmark of the Guangwu Ming Great Wall and attracts many tourists to check in. It not only shows the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient buildings, but also witnesses the vicissitudes of history. Free admission, but you need to take a "shuttle bus" to get there. Private cars are not allowed.

Newbie skiers, listen up: Guangwu in Shanxi is the best value for money ski resort Can beginners become pros in no time? Let's reveal the secrets of Guangwu Ski Resort in Shuozhou, Shanxi, the king of cost performance, and help you easily get rid of the "push slope princess" label! Don't miss this super cost-effective ski paradise! The double room package with ski equipment is only 700+, and the luxury accommodation is directly connected to the ski resort, which is spacious and comfortable. Girls' welfare is here, free ski tickets every Tuesday! On other days, the working class is also under no pressure. Convenient transportation, choose from Taiyuan, Xinzhou, and Shuozhou airports, especially recommended for transfer in Changsha, plan a ski trip while enjoying tea. The airfare is half cheaper than popular ski resorts! What's even better is that there are few people here and the ski trails are wide. There is no need to queue for the cable car. The three super-wide ski trails converge, especially the Golden Beach, which is over 100 meters wide. It is simply the best practice field for advanced blade replacement! The transformation from a beginner to a master is in Guangwu Ski Resort! Come and experience this cost-effective and experiential ski feast! Remember to share your advanced story, we are waiting for you in the comment area! Thank you for watching, see you next time!

The Guangwu Ming Great Wall stretches over ten thousand meters in length, with a height of six meters, a base width of five meters, and a top width of three meters. It meanders along the mountain ridges, rising and falling with the undulations of the terrain. The entire structure is made of bricks and stones, with watchtowers on top, some of which are still well-preserved. Additionally, the wall features strategically advantageous structures such as waist gates. It is bordered by Yanmen Pass to the east, overlooks the old city of Ningwu to the west, connects to the scenic area of Wutai to the south, and reaches the Yungang Grottoes to the north, making it a precious part of the Great Wall in China. There is a Moon Gate on the wall, located above the enemy tower of the third section of the Guangwu Great Wall. It is named for its unique arch shape and the marvelous sight of moonlight passing through it. It was built by Li Jingyuan, the Inspector-General, in the thirty-third year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty.

The Old Guangwu City, hidden in the long river of history, carries countless vicissitudes and secrets of the past years. Stepping into this ancient city feels like crossing the barrier of time, where certain distant historical scenes gradually overlap with reality and become clearer. Sunlight shines on the rammed earth walls of the ancient city. The city, which has witnessed over 2000 years of wind and rain, quietly tells its past through the marks of time. The tofu shop we passed by is a popular spot in the city, with its small storefront crowded with my companions. Every item in the shop carries a unique story. Climbing up along the main road in the city, one can take in the full view of Old Guangwu City. The planning of the ancient city is meticulous, with walls, streets, and buildings arranged in an orderly manner. From a distance, one can see the Moon Gate of the Xueming No. 10 Watchtower, one of the most beautiful remnants of the Guangwu Ming Great Wall. Here, the crisscrossing alleys, villagers returning from farming, and the intersecting carriages and motorcycles... make time slow down and the scenes more vivid and lively. The Old Guangwu City, where ancient and modern intertwine, is a heavy history book waiting for every passing traveler to touch, read, and comprehend. Name: Old Guangwu Ancient City Address: Jiuguangwu Village, Zhangjiazhuang Township, 40 kilometers south of the county seat of Shanyin County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province Opening Hours: Open all day Ticket Price: Free Best Season to Visit: Suitable for all seasons Recommended Visit Duration: 2-4 hours Features: Dominates the pass, looks south to the Inner Great Wall Recommended Activities: Hiking, photography, appreciating historical relics and monuments.

Ming Guangwu Great Wall, less than a ten-minute drive from Yanmen Pass, features the famous Moon Gate and is a sacred spot for many outdoor enthusiasts. To get to Ming Guangwu Great Wall from Dai County, one must pass through the renowned Yanmen Pass Eighteen Bends, a route with magnificent scenery that is even better than that of Yanmen Pass. The road conditions are not difficult, but there are many large vehicles, and caution is needed when merging, especially in winter. I set out early in the morning, and when I reached the mountain, fog had set in, making for a heart-stopping drive. Later, I followed behind a large truck, placing myself under its 'protection'. Ming Guangwu Great Wall does not charge an entrance fee, but it feels like it won't be long before they do. In winter, the road up the mountain is covered with thick snow, and cars can only go as far as the parking lot. Beyond that, it's impossible to drive. It takes about fifteen minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Moon Gate, which is a scenic area road. From the Moon Gate, you can walk on the authentic Great Wall all the way to Baicaokou, about ten kilometers, which is quite challenging. It is not recommended to go alone, as there is no signal. If anything happens, you are truly in the vast wilderness. The Moon Gate is beautiful, even though it is a replica. The original one collapsed a few years ago due to erosion. Despite being a replica, it doesn't feel out of place at all. From the Moon Gate, you can see the huge statue of Emperor Wu of Han at the foot of the mountain, with Wei Qing and Huo Qubing beside him, and behind the statues is a group of Han tombs, burying the border soldiers from a thousand years ago. There are many enemy towers and beacon towers here, and some enemy towers can still be entered, especially the one at Baicaokou Village, also known as Changsheng Fort. Its history is even older than Yanmen Pass. Standing on the enemy tower and looking at the ancient beacon towers intersecting with the modern highway creates a unique atmosphere. Compared to Yanmen Pass, I personally prefer this place, the Great Wall that is even more fascinating than Yanmen Pass.