Things to do in Xinzhou

Xinzhou · 2.1 km from downtown

686 reviews

Xinzhou was called Xiurong in ancient times. It is located between Taiyuan and Mount Wutai. It is the seat of Xinzhou Administrative Office and Prefectural Committee. In the Spring and Autumn Period, Xinzhou belonged to Jin State. In the Warring States Period, it belonged to Zhao State. In the Qin and Han Dynasties, it belonged to Taiyuan County, Yanmen County, and Taiping County. In the Sui Dynasty, it was Xinxingdu and Yanmen. During the Tang, Five Dynasties and Song dynasties, it was called Dingxiang Prefecture of Xinzhou. During the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, it was called Xinzhou, Daizhou and Baodezhou. During the Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation, most of the area belonged to Jinchaji, and the area to the west belonged to Jinsui. In 1949, Xinzhou Prefecture was established. The cultural relics and historical sites in Xinzhou City include: Xinzhou North Gate Tower. Located in Xinzhou City, on the Gongchen Gate of the old north city wall. The North Gate Tower was built in the 24th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty. The tower is located on the 12-meter-high city wall, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. The city wall stands tall and is painted red on the outside. There is a Voucher doorway below, with a very high top and a bottom width of more than 3 meters.

No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shanxi

Yanmenguan

8.1

Dai County · 14.6 km from downtown

8.1k reviews

Yanmenguan, located approx. 30 km northwest of Dai County in Xinzhou, is a pass on the inner Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, andNingwu Pass, together with Pianguan, they are known as the "three outer passes". There is no public transportation from Dai County town to the attraction, so you can only get there by private charter. Inside the attraction, you have to rely entirely on walking.YanmenguanSince ancient times, it has been a crucial pass for the Central Plains dynasties to defend against invasions from northern nomadic tribes. Its earliest history can be traced back to the Warring States period when King Wuling of Zhao fought against the Xiongnu here. Han Dynasty generals Li Guang, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing once led troops to battle the Xiongnu in this area. During the Northern Song Dynasty,YanmenguanIt became the main battlefield between the Song and Liao dynasties, and the prototype of the well-known story of the Yang family generals took place here. A statue of Yang Liulang stands in the attraction. ExistingYanmenguanIt was built in the seventh year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1374) (with multiple reconstructions in recent years). Currently, there are three gates (east gate, west gate, and small north gate). A wild goose tower stands atop the east gate, and the lintel of the small north gate (i.e., the barbican gate) is inscribed with "Yanmenguan"Three large characters flanked by brick-carved couplets: 'Foremost strategic pass in three frontiers, most revered fortress among nine passes,' both inscribed by the great calligrapher Fu Shan of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. You can visit the ruins of Ming and Qing military barracks on the hill north of the fortress. To the right outside the west gate areGuan Yu templeOutside the east gate stands the Jingbian Temple, dedicated to Li Mu, a renowned general of the Zhao state during the Warring States period. If you are a fan of the Great Wall, when you visit Yanmenguan, you can walk along the ancient pass trail here. The ancient pass trail in the attraction is built along the local mountain terrain, winding through the peaks. Climbing this section of the trail may be slightly tiring for those who usually work in offices, but when you ascend a peak along the ancient path and gaze at the vast expanse of withered grass outside the pass, quietly feeling the weight of history, you'll find the physical effort well worth it. There are some farmhouse inns near Yanmenguan that can provide food and stay, but most visitors return to Dai County or go to other counties or cities for accommodation. Walking the ancient pass consumes a lot of energy, so you can bring some dry food and drinking water.

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shanxi

Wu Tai Shan

7.8

4.6/5

8.6k reviews

Wu Tai Shan is located in Wutai County, Xinzhou City. It is named for its five peaks, whose summits are flat like platforms and cluster together. As the sacred site of Bodhisattva Manjushri, it is dotted with numerous temples and is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. It is also a well-known summer resort, with a cool and pleasant climate in summer. What makes it unique is the coexistence of Yellow Temples (Tibetan Buddhism) and Blue Temples (Han Buddhism); visitors can see both Han Buddhist monks and Tibetan lamas, and this pattern of Han and Tibetan Buddhism coexisting is quite rare among China's sacred Buddhist mountains. If the five fingers are likened to the towering "Five Terraces," the palm is Taihuai Town—the geographic center of the attraction, where most temples are concentrated and which serves as the main base for visitors. To the northwest of the town lies a cluster of essential temples, which can be explored on foot or by the attraction's eco-friendly shuttle bus. The Great White Stupa of Tayuan Temple is the landmark structure of the attraction; in front of the gate of Luohou Temple stand a pair of ancient stone lions; Xiantong Temple is the largest Qingmiao (Chinese Buddhist) temple on the mountain; and Pusading is a highly representative Yellow Hat (Tibetan Buddhist) monastery. From Taihuai Town, crossing the Qingshui River to the north, you reach Dailuoding. Ascending the Dazhi Road with over a thousand stone steps, you can pay homage to the Five Directional Manjushri statues, known as the "Little Pilgrimage," or take a round-trip cable car. Heading south along the road, Bishan Temple is a Ten Directions Zen Monastery, housing a Burmese jade Buddha and a statue of the future Buddha Maitreya; Shuxiang Temple contains a tall painted clay statue of Manjushri; Nanshan Temple is renowned for its dazzling array of stone carvings and offers distant views of the South, North, and Central Terraces. Zhenhai Temple is serene and secluded, preserving painted murals within, and local folklore tells of legends related to Emperor Shunzhi's renunciation. In addition to the main temples above, there are also Nanchan Temple, Longquan Temple, Baiyun Temple, and others on the mountain, each with its own distinctive features. If you wish to reach the summit of the five terraces—known as the "Great Pilgrimage to the Terraces"—the East Terrace, Wanghai Peak, is a great place to watch the sunrise, with spectacular views of the sea of clouds and the rising sun; the South Terrace is covered with wildflowers in summer; on the West Terrace on an autumn night, the moon hangs like a mirror above the peak; the North Terrace is a high peak in North China and an excellent spot for enjoying snowy scenery, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains after snowfall.

Wutai County · 39.5 km from downtown

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shanxi

Luya Mountain Scenic Area

6.4

4.2/5

993 reviews

Known for its "asparagus" shape, Luya Mountain is a towering peak among high mountains. There are mountains and waterfalls, as well as odd-looking rocks and lush trees. During the sunrise after rain, the green Luya Mountain turns fire red and a colorful chakra-shaped "Luya Buddha's light" is occasionally seen.

Ningwu · 27.1 km from downtown

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Wannian Ice Cave

6

4.3/5

837 reviews

The Wannian Ice Cave National Geopark is located in Chunjingqi Town, not far from Ningwu County, Shanxi. The cave was formed in the quaternary glaciation, three million years ago and thus named the Million-year Ice Cave National Geopark. There is a strong cooling mechanism within the cave, leading to ice reserves that are nearly 100 meters deep. There is a volcano beside the ice cave, and together they form a natural wonder.

Ningwu · 14.3 km from downtown

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Xuankong Village

5.8

4.2/5

213 reviews

There are two suspended villages deep in Guancen Mountain, one is Wanghuagou and the other is Wuhuashan. The two villages are about 2.5 kilometers apart and are both built on cliffs hundreds of meters high. Most of these houses are built with stone and wood. A wooden plank road is the main street of the village. People walking on the plank road feel like they are in mid-air. Looking up from the bottom of the cliff, it looks like a castle in the sky. Most of the people in these mountains have small attics. Standing in the attic, you can see the endless greenery through the window and the sea of clouds through the door. Behind the village are towering mountains and in front of it is a deep ditch. Originally, you could only enter the village along the steep mountain road. In recent years, cement roads have been built for tourism development, and cars can drive to the parking lot under the village.

Ningwu · 23.7 km from downtown

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Xinzhou

Foguang Temple

5.8

Wutai County · 19.8 km from downtown

137 reviews

Foguang Temple was rebuilt in the tenth year of Emperor Xuanzong's reign in Tang Dynasty (856). In terms of construction time, it is second only to the main hall of Nanchan Temple in Wutai County, which was built in the third year of Tang Jianzhong (AD 782). The existing wooden structure in the country Second place in the building. The Tang Dynasty buildings, Tang Dynasty sculptures, Tang Dynasty murals, and Tang Dynasty inscriptions in Foguang Temple are of high historical and artistic value, and are called "Four Wonders". The halls of Foguang Temple are tall and stacked on top of each other, and the layout is sparse, with clear priorities. The east hall stands on a high platform, and there are 35 painted sculptures of the Tang Dynasty on the Buddhist altar in the hall. Sakyamuni Buddha sits in the center of the Buddhist altar, Amitabha Buddha is on the right, Maitreya Buddha is on the left, and the two Bodhisattvas are Samantabhadra and Manjusri. This is different from ordinary temples. In general temples, Manjushri is on the left and Samantabhadra is on the right. However, in all the temples in Foguang Temple and Mount Wutai, Manjusri is on the right and Samantabhadra is on the left. The Bodhisattva Servant and the Bodhisattva in the hall are both daughters, and there is a little red dot in the middle of the crooked eyebrows, which looks quite charming. In front of the inner wall surrounding the Buddhist altar, there are 500 Arhats, shaped for the Ming Dynasty, which are "sketches" of the same size. It is worth noting that there is a Tang Dynasty mural on the back of the Buddha seat. This painting is 80 cm long and 30 cm high. It depicts the story of the heavenly king subduing demons and ghosts. In the middle stands a woman wearing a flower crown and looking panic. Although this painting is more than a thousand years old, its color is still fresh. There is also a mural painted in the fourth year of Xuanhe in the Northern Song Dynasty (1122), which is also quite distinctive. There are seven round lights on the painting, and there are 10 Buddha statues in each round light, and the names of the Buddhas are also written in the boxes under the round lights. The title on the left: "Liu Taizhi, a Buddhist disciple of Foguangzhuang... Xuanhe four years in early March..." These murals, together with the Buddha statues, some black traces under the beams and the building of the East Hall, are known as the "Fourth" of Foguang Temple. absolutely".

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Pianguan

Laoniuwan Scenic Area

5.4

4.1/5

239 reviews

Located at the border of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, Laoniuwan Valley is one of China's ten biggest canyons. The scenic area is composed of Baozita Valley, Laoniu Valley, Sizuota Valley and Yangjiachuan Canyon. From Baozita Valley, tourists can look out over the entire area surrounded by the Yellow River, which is known as "China's Colorado."

Pianguan · 23 km from downtown

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Wutai Mountain

Shuxiang Temple

5.2

Wutai County · 42.3 km from downtown

177 reviews

Shuxiang Temple was built in the early years of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It was rebuilt many times in the Ming Dynasty, and it was called the Wutai Mountain "Five Zen Place" together with Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Bodhisattva, and Luohou Temple. Facing the Fanxian Mountain, it is named after the Manjushri Bodhisattva in the temple. The iconic building of Shuxiang Temple is the Manjusri Pavilion, and the existing temple was built by Zen Master Tielinguo in the Ming Dynasty. When visiting Shuxiang Temple, don't forget to visit the "Prajna Spring" at the gate. "Prajna Spring" means "the spring of wisdom" in Sanskrit. It is said that drinking the spring water here can help grow wisdom and get rid of folly. When the emperors of the Qing Dynasty came to Wutai Mountain to worship the Buddha on the mountain, they would also drink the spring water.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xinzhou

Yuwang Cave

5.1

4.2/5

253 reviews

Yu Wang Cave, originally named Fairy Cave, is located in the southeast side of Xinzhou City. It earned its current name from a stone statue resembling Yu Wang in the cave. The depth of the cave is still a mystery to this day. The part of the cave that has been discovered is built into four stories, including three halls with 10 caves such as the Fairy Cave, the Guanyin Cave, the Stone Flower Cave, and so on. There are stone waterfalls, stone towers, stone flowers, and so on, everywhere in the caves. It is a natural tourist destination.

Xinzhou · 14.8 km from downtown

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wutai Mountain

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Encore Mount Wutai

5.5

Wutai County · 39.6 km from downtown

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Wu Tai Shan one-day Chinese group tour from Taiyuan and Xinzhou, Shanxi. Spacious bus for convenient travel!

Departs from Xinzhou and other locations

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FromUS$51.13

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5D4N • A Journey Through China's Ancient Wonders: Yanmenguan + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Yungang Grottoes + The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

Experience a 100% shopping-free private tour, where a dedicated driver ensures a stress-free, custom-paced journey. | Handpicked 5-diamond hotels mix local culture with top comfort, offering premium relaxation after a day of exploring. | Taste authentic Shanxi! Savor legendary handmade noodles, premium beef, and tender mutton at top local-approved spots.

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Savings USD 206

From USD 789USD 994

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6D5N • Shanxi Taiyuan, Datong, Mount Wutai, Pingyao Ancient City, Yanmenguan, Hukou Waterfall, Ying County Buddhist Temple

Max. 18 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedGroup Tours

548 reviews

Adult packages include the main entrance tickets to all 10 must-see scenic spots. | The designated hotel for your stay in Taiyuan is the 5-diamond InterContinental Hotel. | Single travelers welcome. This fully guided trip includes a dedicated driver. Groups of 12 or more will enjoy an upgraded, spacious coach with three-across seating for a more comfortable journey.

From USD 645

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1-day tour to Wutai Mountain in Xinzhou with English service, including visits to Foguang Temple, Dailuoding, Pusa Ding (Bodhisattva Top), and Guanghua Temple

Duration: 5.6 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromUS$204.49

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1-day tour to Wutai Mountain + Fanxian Mountain + Shuxiang Temple + Pagoda Temple in Xinzhou with English-speaking service

Duration: 5.3 hrs

English

FromUS$204.49

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Yanmen pass great wall + Ying County wooden pagoda + Pure Land Temple + Guangwu ancient town small group 1-day tour | includes one-way expressway fee

5.0/5

· 4 reviews

Duration: 9 hrs

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One-day tour to Wu Tai Shan from Taiyuan: Sacred Buddhist realm · refreshing Wu Tai journey

Duration: 10.4 hrs

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Round-trip private car | One-day tour of Wutai Mountain, Shanxi Province, including entrance tickets + Shuxiang Temple + Xiantong Temple + Dailuo Peak

Duration: 13 hrs

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Departing from Taiyuan or Datong: private car tour to Yanmen Pass and Xinzhou Ancient City

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· 1 review

Duration: 9 hrs

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Departing from DaTong: One-day private car tour to Yanmen Pass and Xinzhou Ancient City

Duration: 6.5 hrs

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[Departure from Datong]Private chartered one-day tour: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Yanmenguan

Duration: 8.5 hrs

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Featured Day tours in Xinzhou

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1-day tour to Wutai Mountain in Shanxi, including Wuye Temple and Shuxiang Temple with mountain access

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· 1 review

Duration: 14 hrs

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FromUS$629.82

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※Datong Yanmen Pass + Xuankong Temple + Ying County wooden pagoda private charter 1-day tour | City transfer including one-way expressway

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 10.2 hrs

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Datong Private Day Tour: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Yanmen Pass by Chartered Car

Duration: 7 hrs

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Round-trip from Taiyuan to Wutai Mountain: A one-day spiritual journey

Duration: 8 hrs

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FromUS$423.46

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Private Tours in Xinzhou

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6D5N • UNESCO Heritage + Yanmenguan + Yungang Grottoes + Xuankong Temple + The Qiao Family Courtyard + Jinci Museum

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelPrivate Tours

Private tour for your group with a dedicated driver throughout. Enjoy flexible travel at your own pace, with an optional English-speaking guide for deeper cultural insights.Including empty run fee · Stay in carefully selected 5-star hotels offering comfort, quality, and great locations, so you can relax each night and enjoy every day of your Shanxi adventure. · Discover Shanxi's UNESCO treasures, sacred temples, the Great Wall, and ancient cities in one unforgettable journey through China's rich history and culture.

SavingsUSD 27

From USD 737

USD 764

3D2N • Taiyuan + Datong + Pingyao County + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Yanmenguan

MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availableExcellent accommodationPrivate Tours

Ample sightseeing time, no shopping, no compulsory meals, no paid optional tours. · Flexible and free itinerary, which can be customized according to your needs. · Selected high-quality hotels, comfortable and tidy, with convenient location for worry-free travel.

SavingsUSD 14

From USD 317

USD 331

5D4N • Buddhist Heritage & Culture Tour: Yungang Grottoes Datong & Mount Wutai

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedExcellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

This private tour ensures a stress-free journey with dedicated airport transfers and private transport, maximizing your time for the scenery. · Visit the Yungang Grottoes, one of China's earliest imperial cave art sites and a real-life location featured in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong. · Your dedicated guide acts as a personal historian, offering deep, uninterrupted insights into China's finest ancient art and architecture.

From USD 944

6D5N • Explore Shanxi's highlights: Ancient passes + Sacred Mt. Wutai + Yungang Grottoes + Xuankong Temple + Pingyao + Xiaoxitian and the Yellow River

EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availableExcellent accommodationPrivate Tours

Private tour with your own vehicle,one vehicle throughout, flexible pace and no shared groups, offering more comfort and freedom for families and friends. Including empty run fee · Chauffeur-only service with no guide or shopping stops, ensuring a quiet, authentic travel experience focused on scenery and culture, including deadhead fee. One vehicle throughout. · Tickets to all attractions are included, with stays in 4-star hotels, reducing extra expenses and ensuring a more worry - free, comfortable, and high-quality journey.

SavingsUSD 16

From USD 656

USD 672

6D5N • UNESCO Heritage + Yanmenguan + Yungang Grottoes + Xuankong Temple + The Qiao Family Courtyard + Jinci Museum

EnglishGuaranteed departureNonstop flightChoose your hotelOptional transferPrivate Tours

Private tour for your group with a dedicated driver throughout. Enjoy flexible travel at your own pace, with an optional English-speaking guide for deeper cultural insights. · Stay in carefully selected 5-star hotels offering comfort, quality, and great locations, so you can relax each night and enjoy every day of your Shanxi adventure. · Discover Shanxi's UNESCO treasures, sacred temples, the Great Wall, and ancient cities in one unforgettable journey through China's rich history and culture.

SavingsUSD 8

From USD 764

USD 772

3D2N • Ancient Shanxi Heritage: Yanmenguan + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Xuankong Temple + Yungang Grottoes

EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelPrivate Tours

Enjoy a 100% private tour with a dedicated driver. Experience no forced shopping or rushed timelines. Explore Shanxi's wonders completely at your own comfortable pace. Including empty run fee · Retreat to handpicked 5-Diamond luxury hotels. Enjoy premium western comfort, international amenities, and a peaceful sanctuary after a day of discovery. · Witness mind-boggling marvels. Explore the gravity-defying Hanging Temple, UNESCO Yungang Grottoes, and a crowd-free, authentic Great Wall experience at Yanmen Pass.

SavingsUSD 17

From USD 224

USD 241

5D4N • A Journey Through China's Ancient Wonders: Yanmenguan + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Yungang Grottoes + The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area

EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Experience a 100% shopping-free private tour, where a dedicated driver ensures a stress-free, custom-paced journey. · Handpicked 5-diamond hotels mix local culture with top comfort, offering premium relaxation after a day of exploring. · Taste authentic Shanxi! Savor legendary handmade noodles, premium beef, and tender mutton at top local-approved spots.

SavingsUSD 206

From USD 713

USD 919

7D6N • Following Wukong's Footsteps: Yanmenguan + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Xuankong Temple + Yungang Grottoes + Little Western Paradise

EnglishGuaranteed departureNonstop flightExcellent accommodationOptional transferPrivate Tours

Enjoy a private tour with a dedicated driver for ultimate flexibility and safety, with all empty run fees fully included. · Stay in 5-diamond hotels blending authentic local charm with modern luxury. · Uncover UNESCO-listed heritage sites, iconic locations from the Wukong legend, and the powerful Yellow River.

SavingsUSD 214

From USD 945

USD 1,159

Group Tours in Xinzhou

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Free things to do in Xinzhou

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8.1

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4.5

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