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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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.

3 Days Datong Tour - Follow Black Myth Wukong to Shanxi Ancient Architecture

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...

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3 Days Pingyao Tour from Taiyuan - Jinci Temple & Pingyao Ancient City

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...

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4 Days Classic Shanxi Tour from Datong Ancient City to Pingyao Ancient City

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...

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4 Days Datong Tour with Wutaishan: From Buddhism Cave to Buddhism Mountain

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...

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6 Days Shanxi World Heritage Tour - Yungang Grottoes, Wutaishan & Pingyao Ancient City

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...

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2 Days Pingyao Tour - Trace Shanxi Merchants & Their Wall Street of China

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...

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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 FAQs - Plan Your Shanxi Tours Worry-Free

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1. How long should I spend in Shanxi?

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.

2. What is Shanxi known for? What are the must-visit attractions in Shanxi?

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.

3. What is the best time to visit Shanxi?

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.

4. What is the food like in Shanxi? Are there vegetarian options?

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.

5. Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Shanxi?

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.

6. Is Shanxi suitable for family travel?

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.

7. How do I get to Shanxi? Possible to combine Shanxi with other destinations?

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.

8. What is the difference between Shanxi and Shaanxi?

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.

9. Is Shanxi a destination for Chinese New Year? Any other festivals in Shanxi?

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.

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 >>

Sarah

Smooth Sailing and Great Service

Booking through Asia Odyssey Travel made everything so easy! The entire trip on the Century Voyage was seamless and stress-free. The all-inclusive pricing was a huge plus—no surprise charges, just pure relaxation. The ship itself is stunning, with luxurious interiors and spacious cabins that felt like a high-end hotel room. The staff was super friendly and spoke great English, which made everything more comfortable.

Destination(s): YangtzeRiver

Date of Experience: Jan 20, 2023

Tour Customized by: Rex

You May be Interested in This Tour: 3 Days Harbin Ice Festival Tour 2025 & Schedule

Lisa_Lou77

Superb tour guide, excellent scenic spots

First time in Harbin for my wife and 5-year-old son, and we had an amazing tour with Catherine. Catherine really knows Harbin inside and out, sharing lots of interesting history and making the tour super informative.
Catherine were incredibly patient and always kept the car warm for us, which was a lifesaver in the freezing weather! The tour itself was so convenient, and Catherine was very helpful and patient, always catering to our needs.
The main attractions we visited were the Ice and Snow Festival, the Snow Fair, and the Siberian Tiger Park—all incredible experiences. I’d highly recommend this private tour to anyone visiting Harbin, especially if you don’t speak the language. It’ll save you so much time and effort. Even if you do speak Chinese, taking this private tour will make your trip truly worthwhile and memorable!

Destination(s): Harbin

Date of Experience: Jan 20, 2023

Tour Customized by: Rex

You May be Interested in This Tour: 3 Days Harbin Ice Festival Tour 2025 & Schedule

Esov

Yangtze Explorer Cruise (Yichang - Chongqing)

As part of the larger China tour we boarded the Yangtze Explorer at Yichang for a 4 night cruise to Chongqing. Note: it is a ca. 2 hour journey from Yichang airport to the port and the reverse cruise journey is 3 nights.

The service was excellent. I’m almost not exaggerating that if you dropped your napkin they would catch it before it hits the floor. A special mention for our waiter, Alan in this regard.

Wine is plentiful at meals so unless you’re planning a late night I wouldn’t bother with a drinks package.

Overall a lovely journey and a very well run ship. Credit to ship manager Teddy for that who was always on hand to mix with guests.