Comprehensive 5-Day Tour of Shanxi Province, China: Historical and Cultural Exploration in May 2025

Day 1: Taiyuan Arrival

Taiyuan, China on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shanxi Noodle House

Start your day with traditional Shanxi noodles, famous for their hand-pulled texture and flavorful broths. The eatery opens at 7am, perfect for an early meal.
CNY25, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Shanxi Museum

Explore exhibits showcasing Shanxi's cultural heritage, ancient artifacts, and traditional crafts to gain insight into the province’s history.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at 老陈家饭店 (Lao Chen's Restaurant)

Enjoy authentic Shanxi cuisine including local specialties like Dioscorea (Chinese yam) prepared with seasonal vegetables. Opens 11am.
CNY60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Jinci Temple

Visit this historic temple complex featuring ancient architecture, beautiful gardens, and statues dating back to over 1,400 years ago.
CNY70, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk at Yingze Park

Relax with a serene stroll in this expansive park, enjoying lakeside views and traditional Chinese landscaping.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Jin Fen Restaurant

Sample Shanxi’s iconic vinegar dishes and other local favorites in a casual setting open until 9pm.
CNY80, 1h30m
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Day 2: Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao, China on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a simple buffet breakfast before checking out and heading to Pingyao, about 2.5 hours' drive east.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Pingyao Ancient City Wall tour

Walk or bike atop the well-preserved city walls dating from the Ming Dynasty, offering panoramic views over historic streets.
CNY60, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rishengchang Draft Bank Restaurant

Dine inside the historic former bank building with traditional Shanxi dishes and a quaint atmosphere.
CNY70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Rishengchang Exchange Shop

Visit the world’s first draft bank museum to understand ancient financial history in China.
CNY40, 1h0m

3:30pm

City Museum and Merchant Residences

Wander the traditional merchant homes and museums to experience Qing dynasty life and architecture.
CNY50, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mingqing Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Shanxi cold noodles and other local specialties in a cosy atmosphere open till 9pm.
CNY65, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Temples

Datong, China on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local eatery

Sample Shanxi congee and steamed buns popular with locals before departing to Hengshan Hanging Monastery about 1.5 hours drive.
CNY20, 1h0m

9:00am

Hengshan Hanging Monastery

Explore this unique temple built into a cliffside, an architectural marvel and spiritual site open 8am-5pm.
CNY100, 2h0m

11:30am

Heart Sutra Pavilion

Visit this beautiful Buddhist scripture pavilion nearby showcasing intricate carvings and serene views.
CNY50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local Shanxi farmhouse

Enjoy hearty Shanxi home-cooked dishes with fresh local ingredients.
CNY60, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Datong

Drive to Datong city, approximately 1 hour from Hengshan.
Transport Fee approx. CNY80, 1h0m

3:30pm

Yinhe Square

Relax in this modern public square with fountains, perfect for a late afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Datong Grand Restaurant

Taste hearty northern Shanxi dishes including lamb specialties in a popular local spot open till 9pm.
CNY85, 1h30m
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Day 4: Yungang Grottoes

Datong, China on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before departing early to Yungang Grottoes, about 16 km west of Datong.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Yungang Grottoes

Explore these UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist cave sculptures dating back to the 5th century. The site opens at 8am for early access.
CNY100, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yungang Grottoes Restaurant

Have a light lunch with local dishes and quick options close to the grottoes.
CNY50, 1h0m

1:30pm

Datong Museum

Return to Datong city and visit its museum to see artifacts from the grottoes and region.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Nine Dragon Screen

Visit one of the largest ancient glazed tile screens in China, located near Datong old city walls.
CNY30, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Old City Restaurant

Sample local snacks such as Datong dumplings and medicinal herb soups in a historic setting open till 9pm.
CNY70, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Taiyuan

Taiyuan, China on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Datong before checking out and traveling back to Taiyuan.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Datong to Taiyuan

Drive approx. 4 hours back to Taiyuan city.
Transport Fee approx. CNY150, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taiyuan Renovation District

Stop for lunch at a modern food court offering diverse Chinese cuisine including Shanxi specialties.
CNY60, 1h0m

2:00pm

Coal Museum

Visit this museum focusing on Shanxi’s coal mining history, an essential part of the province’s identity.
CNY30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Free time for shopping or strolling Taiyuan city

Explore local markets or relax in cafes before your departure.
Varies, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Wu Mama Noodles

Conclude your trip with a delicious traditional noodle meal, a perfect final taste of Shanxi cuisine, open until 9pm.
CNY40, 1h0m
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