Referred to as the “town of beautiful landscapes” for its abundant natural attractions and cultural relics, Taiyuan is a modern city with a rare set of twin pagodas. Explore historical sites, ornate temples and leafy parks, then visit a museum dedicated to China’s coal industry.

Things to do

Visit Jinci Temple, which features a blend of Daoist, Confucian and Buddhist influences in its ancient architecture. Walk through the Saint Mother Hall to admire beautiful frescoes, then relax under the 3,000-year-old cypress tree at its entrance.

Want to learn more about Taiyuan’s history? Visit the Shanxi Museum to see more than 200,000 Shanxi cultural relics. Browse items dating back to the Neolithic Age, watch archaeologists make stone tools or catch one of the live Chinese Shadow Play performances.

The Coal Museum of China highlights historic relics, coal specimens and documents that relate to the country’s coal industry. Browse the Exhibition Hall to see ancient wall paintings of Shanxi province and watch a movie in the 4D cinema, then learn about the newest technology in the “A Tour to the Coal Sea” exhibit.

Surrounded by a colorful peony garden in spring, the Twin Pagoda Temple is considered a must-see attraction with its stunning bird’s-eye view of Taiyan. It’s home to the tallest set of pagodas in China that stand straight like two pens, while the nearby Yongzuo Temple has wooden architecture from the Ming dynasty.

Getting around

The most convenient way to get around Taiyuan is by bus or taxi. Taiyuan Wusu International Airport its 35 kilometers outside the city center, while trains and buses offer long-distance services to cities across China.