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
    52.31
    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 912 users󱨠25226 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It's truly worth seeing, and the visit was actually quite heartbreaking. So much damage was done before cultural relic protection was prioritized. Therefore, everyone should experience the charm of ancient artifacts as early as possible.

  • Jinci Museumtop_2
    󰺂8.6
    41.85
    Taiyuan.Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple73.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoJinci Temple Museum: A classic filming location from the 1986 version of "The Journey to the West"
    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 162 users󱨠11654 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Ambition皇小甫Ambition皇小甫

    There's really nothing to regret. Even if time could turn back, with the same mindset and experience at the time, many things would still lead to the same choices and the same results. We learn from our failures. Instead of dwelling on the past and regretting it, wipe away your tears and move forward. We often think, "If only I had done this or that; if only I had changed my major; if only I hadn't come to this city; if only I had seen him again." It seems the path we didn't choose is always better, but is that really true? Choosing another path might very well bring new troubles, and those seemingly guaranteed positive outcomes are just wishful thinking. But the most interesting thing about life is that no matter what choice you make, you're always moving forward. So don't dwell on the past or regret it; the path you're on is the best path.

  • The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Areatop_3
    󰺂8.6
    47.08
    Ji County.Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHukou Waterfall's winter icefall and "jade pot" views | Jan 2026-Feb 2026
    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 166 users󱨠13506 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    _We***62_We***62

    Hukou Waterfall is one of the most spectacular sights on the Yellow River! Located at the border of Jixian County in Shanxi Province and Yichuan County in Shaanxi Province, it is the world's largest yellow waterfall and the second largest waterfall in China. Here, the Yellow River suddenly narrows, and the water plunges down a 30-meter-high cliff with a thunderous roar, creating a breathtaking scene.

  • Pingyao Ancient City
    4
    󰺂8.5
    62.78
    Pingyao.Inside Pingyao Ancient City29.2 km from downtown
    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 537 users󱨠14128 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    小溪ོ小溪ོ

    🚪Opening Hours: Open all day, free of charge. 🎫Tickets: Tickets are required for attractions within the ancient city. Free for those 60 years and older. A combined ticket costs ¥120-130 and is valid for 3 days. The "Encounter Pingyao" performance costs ¥238; advance booking two days is recommended. 🚄Public Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Pingyao Ancient City Station, then transfer to bus route 108 or take a taxi (10-minute ride). Take the regular train to Pingyao Station; it's within walking distance. 🚌Scenic Area Electric Cart: ¥10/ride (only valid around the outer edge of the ancient city, not recommended). Electric scooters are also only valid around the outer edge of the ancient city. 🅿️Parking: Private cars are not allowed inside the ancient city; parking outside the city costs ¥10/ride, overnight parking costs ¥20. 🚶‍♀️ Itinerary: One-day tour: South Gate parking lot ~ Pingyao Confucian Temple ~ City God Temple ~ County Government Office (watch the county magistrate's court hearing performance) ~ Rishengchang ~ Dinner on South Street ~ City Tower ~ Xietongqing Money Shop (visit the underground vault) ~ China Escort Agency Museum ~ Exit the city from the South Gate.

  • Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
    5
    󰺂8.4
    24.59
    Ying County>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊11-foot Buddha statue inside
    Panoramic views of nature & history
    󱨠Saved by 163 users󱨠15544 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I stumbled upon this tourist attraction, which I heard is considered one of the world's architectural wonders. It's a bit far from home; it takes quite a while to drive there from Datong. However, the murals and carvings inside are very impressive.

  • Xuankong Temple
    6
    󰺂8.4
    7.85
    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 853 users󱨠7624 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    There was a queue to climb up, so we just looked up at the Hanging Temple from the foot of the mountain. The scenery was beautiful, but the view from afar was pretty much the same as what we saw inside after buying a ticket, haha. The last picture was taken outside the park.

  • Shanxi Museum
    7
    󰺂8.3
    Taiyuan.Shanxi Museum/Taiyuan New Town Wuyue Plaza91.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Ancient culture & iconic architecture
    󱨜Ancient artifacts & unique appearance
    󱨠Saved by 122 users󱨠2024 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    珊 🐳 🐬 💦珊 🐳 🐬 💦

    I was so lucky to have Professor Han's lecture. It was lively and interesting, with a lot of expanded content. He answered all my questions with erudite references and historical examples. I highly recommend it. You should definitely listen to a lecture when you visit a museum.

  • Little Western Paradise
    8
    󰺂8.2
    18.31
    Xi County>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Check out Black Myth: Wukong
    󰀆Ancient Zen temple from Ming
    󱨠4211 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    D14***30D14***30

    We arrived at the scenic area around 8 AM, and there weren't many tourists. The sunlight streamed perfectly into the Mahavira Hall. The suspended sculptures in the Mahavira Hall are definitely worth a visit; it's best to do your research beforehand to understand the details, or hire a guide at the ticket office. We hired a silver-level guide for 160 yuan. We overheard other guides providing more detailed explanations than our silver-level guide, so I wonder if they were gold-level guides.

  • Xinzhou Ancient City
    9
    󰺂8.1
    Xinzhou.Xinzhou Ancient City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Shanxi
    Highlights:
    󰀆Yishan Bookstore's poetry lecture
    󱨜360° view from city wall
    󱨠440 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    折翼中坠落的燕子折翼中坠落的燕子

    Early in the morning, I arrived at the magnificent South Gate, a landmark of Xinzhou Ancient City! The three large characters "Jingxian Gate" on the gate gleamed in the sunlight, evoking a sense of historical vicissitude. Climbing the gate, I was greeted by a panoramic view of the ancient city. The nighttime lights were even more dreamlike, as if I had traveled back in time. For those driving, don't worry about parking; the parking lots are spacious and convenient. Plus, there are plenty of unique photo spots nearby waiting to be discovered! Next, I walked to Xiurong Academy, a true cultural treasure founded in the 40th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign! Climbing the bluestone steps, I felt as if I had stepped into an ancient school, immersed in its rich cultural atmosphere. The Wenchang Temple in the middle courtyard is solemn and dignified, a great spot for taking photos. The upper courtyard offers a wide view; standing here overlooking the ancient city, it felt like I could converse with history. 🎉My day trip to Xinzhou Ancient City has come to an end, but the historical charm and delicious food will linger in my memory. If you also want to experience the allure of this ancient city, why not follow my route? I guarantee you'll have many wonderful memories and satisfying meals! Come and try it! 👣🍽️

  • Yanmenguan
    10
    󰺂8.0
    26.16
    Dai County>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSnowfall at Yanmen Pass Scenic Area: A winter wonderland | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Shanxi
    Highlights:
    󱓊Yang Family's legendary statue
    󰋄Walk ancient Great Wall path
    󱨠5133 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M51***91M51***91

    Yanmen Pass is a strategically important and historically significant pass, flanked by the winding Great Wall. Climbing the pass, one is immediately struck by the weight of history; one can almost imagine the battles fought here, the countless generals who once defended this place and achieved unparalleled feats. It's a worthwhile destination for those interested in frontier history.

Best things to do in Shanxi (2026)

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 are the best things to do in Shanxi?
The best things to do in Shanxi include: Yungang Grottoes|Jinci Museum|The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area|Pingyao Ancient City|Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in Shanxi cost?
Yungang Grottoes:From QAR 52.31|Jinci Museum:From QAR 41.85|The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area:From QAR 47.08|Pingyao Ancient City:From QAR 62.78|Yingxian Wooden Pagoda:From QAR 24.59
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Shanxi?
Most attractions in Shanxi provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
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