▲ Jinci Temple 5A Ancient Architecture + Taiyuan Ancient County Ming-Qing Time Travel + Mengshan Grand Buddha (One of the World's Largest) + Old Town Food Street, covering three core experiences: culture, trending spots, and cuisine.
▲ Off-peak Photography at Jinci Museum + Unveiling of Imperial Inscription (Authentic "Jinci Inscription" by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin) Originally named Jinwang Temple, Jinci Museum was built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of Jin State, and his mother Yi Jiang. It exemplifies the perfect integration of ancestral temple architecture with natural landscapes and stands as a precious heritage in both ancient Chinese culture and the treasury of human architectural art. The Shengmu Hall, Xian Hall, and Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond are hailed as the "Three National Treasure Architectures" of Jinci Museum.
▲ When visiting Taiyuan, Shanxi, the Shanxi Museum is an absolute must-see! This treasure trove of millennia-old Jin culture showcases everything from adorable bronze roosters to masterfully crafted bronze ritual vessels, serene Buddhist statues, and vibrant murals. Each artifact bears the historical imprint of this land, offering visitors an immersive journey through Shanxi's profound heritage. A true cultural gem not to be missed in Taiyuan.
▲ The Mengshan Grand Buddha, also known as the Xishan Giant Buddha, is located on the northern peak of Mengshan Mountain in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Constructed during the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi Dynasty, it boasts a history of approximately 1,500 years and is recognized as the world's earliest large-scale stone-carved Buddha statue. In terms of height, it ranks as the second-largest Buddha statue globally. The Mengshan Grand Buddha is a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the lotus position, standing about 63 meters tall. The exposed chest and neck section measures 17.5 meters in height and 25 meters in width, exuding extraordinary grandeur. The statue's body is made of yellow sandstone with a loose texture, while the head is constructed from cement mortar, weighing over 80 tons. The statue distinctly reflects the Buddhist sculpture style of the Northern Qi Dynasty, featuring broad and flat shoulders, a robust physique, thick chest, and refined yet fluid drapery. Historically, the Mengshan Grand Buddha has undergone multiple damages and restorations. It was buried for 600 years before being rediscovered in 1983, with its head restored in 2008.
▲ Taiyuan Ancient County Town is located in the southwest of Taiyuan city. Built in the eighth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1375), it was constructed on the ruins of the ancient Jinyang City, inheriting the old architectural layout of "a city shaped like a phoenix in flight" from Jinyang, thus continuing the cultural history of the ancient city. The entire layout of this ancient town resembles a phoenix soaring with its head to the north and tail to the south, earning it the nickname "Phoenix City." The town is surrounded by a moat, with gates on all four sides—east, west, south, and north. The town primarily features Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, boasting a wealth of historical buildings, totaling 79 sites, including one national key cultural relic protection unit and two municipal-level cultural relic protection units. The eastern street is home to cultural and historical attractions such as the Confucian Temple and the County Government Office. Strolling through the area feels like stepping back in time, and it also served as a filming location for the movie "Full River Red."
▲ Dive into the culinary battlefield of Taiyuan—chewy knife-cut noodles drenched in rich, savory sauce, fragrant fried boiled pork that pairs perfectly with rice, the warming and unique Tounao medicinal soup (a breakfast dish with intangible cultural heritage status), tangy and spicy lamb offal soup, springy and refreshing bowl noodles, and delicate steamed dumplings from Renyili bursting with flavorful fillings. This feast lets you savor the authentic tastes of Taiyuan in one go, leaving no room for regrets!
▲ This 1-day tour uses a formal and comfortable 9-seat tourist vehicle with a clean, spacious interior, soft seats, and excellent condition. It not only ensures safe round-trip transportation between downtown Taiyuan and Shanxi Museum but also offers flexible travel with stops along the route. Besides visiting exhibitions, you can conveniently check out Taiyuan's iconic landmarks along the way.
