Top 50 Best Things to Do in Shanxi
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Shanxi

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Yungang Grottoestop_1
    󰺂8.9
    833.34
    Datong>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
    59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
    󱨠Saved by 847 users󱨠24656 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    ALuizALuiz

    Great site to visit with incredible things to see! Easy site to walkthrough and very organized (even with lots of people). We went using DiDi and it was easy and inexpensive. Really recommended! Must see!

  • Jinci Museumtop_2
    󰺂8.6
    666.67
    Taiyuan.Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple73.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama
    󱨜Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm
    󱨠Saved by 152 users󱨠11331 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    最美的一点最美的一点

    The main building in Jinci is the Notre Dame Palace, located at the end of the central axis, sitting west to east. This temple was built in memory of Jiang Ziya's daughter, Zhou Wu Wang's wife, Zhou Cheng Wang's mother, Jiang Jiang. The temple was built during the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the representative works of Chinese Song Dynasty architecture.

  • The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Areatop_3
    󰺂8.6
    750
    Ji County.Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱓊Spring & fall thunderous waterfall
    󱓊See the Thundering Falls in spring and fall
    󱨠Saved by 157 users󱨠13316 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    过尽千帆。过尽千帆。

    Hukou waterfall is majestic, like a thousand horses running and gushing, the Yellow River here split the canyon, the turbulent water flow down, the earth shaking, the sound like thunder, like thousands of horses in the sand field battle, people's heart tide, sigh the power of nature. Come to Hukou, see the Yellow River water from the sky, rush to the sea never return spectacular scene!

  • Pingyao Ancient City
    4
    󰺂8.5
    1000
    Pingyao.Inside Pingyao Ancient City29.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDiscover the Filming Locations of "The Great Businessmen" in Pingyao Ancient City
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Enjoy stunning sunset views from the city wall in the evening
    󰀆World-class photography exhibition
    󱨠Saved by 500 users󱨠13835 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    ALuizALuiz

    Smooth entry. It is a beautiful and historical city with lot’s to see! Great. Easy city to walkthrough and very organized (even with lots of people). Really recommended for a day! Must see! The wall is also beautiful and you can have a nice stroll on top!

  • Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
    5
    󰺂8.4
    400
    Ying County>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊11-foot Buddha statue inside
    Panoramic views of nature & history
    󱨠Saved by 151 users󱨠15099 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    大元脸葡萄大元脸葡萄

    🌿 August Yingxian Muta Travel Review 🌿 1️⃣ Architectural Miracle, the millennium does not fall in Yingxian Muta, the full name "Buddhist Palace Temple Shijia Tower", built in Liaoqingning two years (1056), is the oldest existing wooden structure pavilion-style building in China. The whole tower is as high as 67.13 meters, equivalent to 20-story high-rise buildings, all of them use wooden structures, do not use an iron nail, but stand for a thousand years, it is a miracle in the history of architecture. 2️⃣ Cultural value, the interior of the deep wooden tower is beautifully decorated, and the first floor is dedicated to the Buddha statue of Sakyamuni up to 11 meters. The Buddha statue is decorated with a dragon play Jinyun, surrounded by dragons, and the number of dragons is as many as 2,000. In addition, there are exquisite murals in the tower, including portraits of supporting people, four-day kings, etc., showing the artistic style of the Liao Dynasty. 3️⃣ Visiting experience, more restrictions are due to the wooden tower is the key national protection cultural relics, in order to protect the building, only tourists are allowed to enter the first floor. Although you can't climb the tower, you can feel the grandeur and exquisiteness of the wooden tower on the first floor, which is still worth seeing. 4️⃣ Convenient transportation, convenient parking, starting from Datong, southbound along G55 Erguang Expressway to Yingxian Exit, about an hour's drive. There are many parking lots around the scenic spot, which is convenient for parking. 5️⃣ The tickets are reasonable, the cost-effective ticket price is 50 yuan/person, including the wooden tower and the Jingtu Temple joint ticket. For historical and cultural lovers, this price is very reasonable. 6️⃣ Surrounding linkage, rich itinerary if time permits, you can visit the nearby Jingtu Temple and feel more Liao Dynasty culture. 🌟 Summarize that Yingxian Muta is one of the three major Qitas in the world, and is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese architectural art. Whether it is a friend interested in history and culture, or people who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city in search of peace of mind, this will be a great choice.

  • Xuankong Temple
    6
    󰺂8.4
    241.67
    Hunyuan>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExperience the awe-inspiring heights of Xuankong Temple
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
    󰋄Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
    󱨠Saved by 786 users󱨠7549 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Reliable platform to book. Everything goes as planned. Highly recommended.

  • Little Western Paradise
    7
    󰺂8.2
    291.67
    Xi County>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Check out Black Myth: Wukong
    󰀆Ancient Zen temple from Ming
    󱨠3971 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    _FB***60_FB***60

    The driver was punctual, calling and texting the night before to confirm. Because it was the off-season, I was the only customer today. They all departed on time and didn't solicit passengers on the street or cancel their trips. The route was direct, taking about 2.5 hours. The price was also cheaper than other travel agencies. Highly recommended. Also, Xiaoxitian is definitely worth visiting; the five-hour round trip is well worth it.

  • Yanmenguan
    8
    󰺂8.0
    458.34
    Dai County>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Shanxi
    Highlights:
    󱓊Yang Family's legendary statue
    󰋄Walk ancient Great Wall path
    󱨠5045 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Maryyngyng1Maryyngyng1

    Our visit to Yanmenguan was an absolute highlight. This section of the Great Wall truly amazed us with its raw, majestic beauty and profound sense of history. We were incredibly lucky to experience it under a brilliant blue sky and with comfortable, crisp autumn weather. The climb itself is manageable thanks to proper trails, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. The final panoramic view from the top is simply magnificent, offering a breathtaking glimpse into China's incredible past. An unforgettable experience for any traveler.

  • Wutai Mountain
    9
    󰺂8.0
    391.67
    Wutai.Wuye Temple>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    󱓊Pilgrimage to five unique peaks
    󰀆Panoramic view of Mount Wutai
    󱨠Saved by 134 users󱨠5482 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Nice SWNice SW

    The tour is very nice and I visited many temple which is very peaceful. The guide is also polite and helpful.

  • The Qiao Family Courtyard 
    10
    󰺂7.9
    958.34
    Qi County.Qiao Family Courtyard54.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWinter exclusive at Qiao's Grand Courtyard: Warm sun and ancient charm reveal a stark beauty | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󰋄Exquisite wood & stone carvings
    󱓊200-year-old Jin merchant architecture
    󱨠8943 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Gifted RulerGifted Ruler

    I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Qiao Family Courtyard, and it was a remarkable experience that took me back in time to the Qing Dynasty. The courtyard is an impressive example of traditional Chinese architecture, with intricate wood carvings, beautifully preserved stonework, and a sense of grandeur that reflects the family’s historical wealth and prominence.

Best things to do in Shanxi (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Shanxi? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Shanxi offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Shanxi

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Shanxi experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Yungang Grottoes

• Datong | >100 km from downtown

• : Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves,59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves

Jinci Museum

• Taiyuan.Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | 73.1 km from downtown

• : Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama,Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm

The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

• Ji County.Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown

• : Spring & fall thunderous waterfall,See the Thundering Falls in spring and fall

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Shanxi

If you want to explore attractions just outside Shanxi, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Shanxi, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Shanxi special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Shanxi

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Shanxi

Ready to explore the best of Shanxi? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Shanxi?
These are all Best Things to Do in Shanxi:Yungang Grottoes, Jinci Museum, The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area, Pingyao Ancient City, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shanxi?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shanxi include:Yungang Grottoes:4.8, Jinci Museum:4.8, The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area:4.7, Pingyao Ancient City:4.6, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda:4.8
At what locations in Shanxi can Best Things to Do in Shanxi be found?
The Best Things to Do in Shanxi are mainly located in:Yungang Grottoes:Datong, Jinci Museum:Taiyuan, The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area:Ji County, Pingyao Ancient City:Pingyao, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda:Ying County
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