About
Shanxi is a province in northern China, and it is best known for its ancient temples, its traditional courtyard architecture and its long association with coal mining. For a visitor, it offers a quieter view of Chinese history than the country's larger cities, with much of the interest lying in old buildings and the towns that hold them.
What to see
- Ancient temples spread across the province, reflecting the region's religious and cultural past.
- Buddhist cave temples, which are among the province's most important cultural sites.
- Traditional courtyard houses, whose layouts show how families once lived and organised their homes.
Cities to visit
The historic cities of Taiyuan and Datong are the main places to base a trip. Taiyuan serves as the provincial capital and a practical starting point for exploring the wider region. Datong, further north, is the gateway to many of the province's cave temples and older quarters, and it suits visitors who want to spend time on heritage sites.
Because the province is large and its attractions are spread out, plan your route in advance and allow time for travel between cities and sites. Visits to temples and courtyard houses tend to reward a slower pace, with time to look closely at carved details and the way each space is arranged.
Shanxi's coal industry is part of its character and can be seen in the economy and landscape of the region. Together with its temples and historic towns, it gives the province a distinct identity within northern China.