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Jinci Temple Museum
2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Jinci Temple Museum

8.7
4.8/5
20.8k reviews
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jinshui River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It is a shrine built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the State of Jin, and serves as the ancestral temple of Jin. It is known for the saying, "If you have not visitedJinci Temple, it would be a wasted trip to Taiyuan," as the saying goes. After getting off at Jinci, the first place you arrive at isJinci Temple Museum, this is a free park with a nice environment that you can look around at will. Walk for about 10 minutes, and you can reach the main area of Jinci through the park. Inside the Jinci Temple Museum,Jinci Temple"Three treasures" (Jinci Temple Museum - Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, Jinci Temple Museum - Shengmu Hall) and "three wonders" (Jinci Temple Museum - Zhou Cypress, Nanlao Spring, painted clay sculptures) are what every visitor toJinci TempleA view that no one should miss. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are linked together and located atJinci TempleOn the central axis, they can be visited together. Jinci Temple Museum - Xian Hall is a place for enshrining sacrificial offerings, with fence-like walls on all four sides that provide ventilation and coolness. What is particularly notable is that no iron nails were used on the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Fish Pond Flying Bridge is located west of Xian Hall, that is, between Xian Hall and the Hall of the Holy Mother, and was built during the Song Dynasty. The overall view resembles a modern overpass and is the only surviving example of its kind among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Jinci Temple Museum - Hall of the Holy Mother, which is one of the earlier main buildings extant in Jinci Temple Museum. The interior of the hall is very spacious, and having beams without pillars is a major highlight. On the 8 corridor pillars in front of the hall are carved 8 wooden coiled dragons poised to fly, which, together with the "Fish Pond Flying Bridge," appear quite imposing. Centered around Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall, the "Three Wonders" are easy to find. The painted clay sculptures are located in Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall. The main statue of the Holy Mother sits upright in a wooden shrine, dignified and gorgeous, with the other 42 attendants arranged on both sides. These sculptures are brightly dressed and have different expressions. Among them is a maid dressed as a huadan, half joyful and half sorrowful, which inevitably leaves viewers with mixed feelings. Master Mei Lanfang once stood for a long time in front of this maid, carefully savoring her movements and inner thoughts, and praised her greatly. Jinci Temple Museum-Zhou Cypress is located on the north side of Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall. It was planted in the Western Zhou Dynasty and has a history of more than 3,000 years. Nanlao Spring is located on the south side of Jinci Temple Museum-Holy Mother Hall, and the source of the Jin water flows out from here. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the "Inscription on the Jinci Temple" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, which is extremely precious. In the southernmost part, there is also the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. South of the shrine, within the Futu Monastery, stands a Sarira Stupa; climbing the stupa and gazing into the distance,Jinci TempleThe panoramic views are vividly etched in my mind.Taiyuan · 94.9 km from Yu County
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Shanxi

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

8.6
4.8/5
25.5k reviews
Ying County wooden pagoda, full name "Yingxian Wooden Pagoda", located in the Fogong Temple within the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in the northwest of Ying County. The wooden pagoda was built in the second year of the Qingning era of the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD) and was completed with additions in the sixth year of the Mingchang era of the Jin Dynasty (1195 AD). It is one of the older existing wooden pagoda-style structures in China. If you are a "fanatic of ancient architecture," then the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is a place you must visit. This octagonal wooden pagoda, approx. 60 m tall, is built entirely of wood except for a 4 m high stone platform on the first level. Not a single iron nail or rivet is used; instead, it is constructed entirely with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery. The pagoda has five visible levels, with concealed levels between them, making nine levels in total. Each level is supported by inner and outer rings of wooden columns: 24 outer columns and 8 inner columns per level. For over nine hundred years, this wooden pagoda has withstood fierce storms, major earthquakes, and artillery bombardment, yet it still stands firm. BecauseYing County wooden pagodaThe tower has been tilting every year. To protect the ancient pagoda, visitors can no longer climb it and can only tour the first floor, but this does not prevent you from admiring this thousand-year-old pagoda. On the ground floor of the wooden pagoda's body, there are two doors, one to the south and one to the north. When you enter the first floor of the wooden pagoda, you can see an 11 m tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, with a dignified face and a serene expression. Looking up, you can see the exquisite and ornate coffered ceiling at the top. On the walls of the inner chamber, there are also six paintings of Tathagata Buddhas, and on both side walls of the door openings, Vajras, disciples, and others are painted as well. The murals are vivid in color, and the figures are lifelike. In addition to the architectural art here, the plaques hung by celebrities from various dynasties at Yingxian Wooden Pagoda are also well worth seeing. When you stand beneath the wooden pagoda and look up, each plaque hangs high onWooden pagodaUnder the eaves of each tier. Among them, two plaques inscribed by emperors particularly catch visitors' eyes. One is "Peerless Divine Craftsmanship" inscribed by Zhu Di, Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, written when Zhu Di passed through Yingzhou and ascended the pagoda in the 21st year of Yongle (1423) after his northern expedition against the Tatars; the other is "Wonder of the World" inscribed by Zhu Houzhao, Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty, written in the 12th year of Zhengde (1517) when Zhu Houzhao, after commanding the army to defeat the Tatar Little Prince who had invaded the border in the Yanghe (present-day Yanggao County) and Yingzhou (present-day Ying County) area, ascended the wooden pagoda and feasted the meritorious officers. There is a temple behind the wooden pagoda, but it is recommended not to go there. Some visitors have reported that the incense and donation fees there are outrageously expensive.China · Ying County
Shanxi Museum
2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Shanxi Museum

8.1
4.8/5
3.5k reviews
"Five thousand years of history can be seen in Shanxi." Located on Binhe West Road in Taiyuan, the Shanxi Museum showcases the essence of Shanxi's cultural relics. The museum consists of a main building and four corner annexes, with the main building resembling both a dipper and a ding vessel, serving as the primary venue for travelers to view the collection. The main building has four floors. The first-floor lobby features a general service desk, while the second and third floors host thematic exhibitions on history and culture. The fourth floor showcases art-themed exhibitions, which together form the permanent displays of the Shanxi Museum. After entering the first-floor lobby, proceed to the second floor via the stairs to begin the historical journey themed "Soul of Jin." The cultural and historical thematic exhibition showcases the highlights of Shanxi's five-thousand-year civilization through numerous precious artifacts, ranging from ancient human relics to the rise and fall of Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties over five centuries. During your visit, several exquisite artifacts are not to be missed. The bird zun, a bronze ritual vessel from the Western Zhou period, was used in the ancestral temple sacrifices of the Jin marquis. The bird zun features an exquisitely crafted design with a phoenix as its main form. On the phoenix's back rests a small bird, serving as the handle for the vessel's lid. At the tail of the phoenix, an elephant is depicted, with its long trunk perfectly balancing the phoenix's two legs to form a stable tripod base. This artifact is a representative piece among the bronze collections in the museum. In addition, you can also admire: the Houma covenant texts, which are oath documents from the Spring and Autumn period used by the ministers of the Jin state; the lacquered wooden panel paintings, a painted screen from the Northern Wei dynasty depicting colorful stories from the "Biographies of Exemplary Women"; the white marble sarcophagus, a relic from the Sui dynasty, belonging to a tomb occupant who was a member of the Central Asian Yu people, with intricate carvings both inside and outside the sarcophagus, featuring figures with deep-set eyes, high noses, and black hair, characteristic of the Mediterranean Caucasian race. In the cultural thematic exhibition, you can also learn about the origins and development of Buddhism and traditional opera in Shanxi. The fourth floor of the main hall features an art thematic exhibition area. Among them, the "Timber and earth splendor" - ancient architectural art thematic exhibition showcases Shanxi's status as a province rich in cultural relics and ancient structures. "For above-ground relics, look to Shanxi" - Shanxi is renowned as the "treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture," boasting over half of China's above-ground ancient structures with comprehensive categories, especially in the quantity of religious buildings. If you're a fan of ancient architecture, this is a must-visit. The Shanxi Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions periodically. At the first-floor lobby service desk, services such as hiring on-site guides (Chinese and English) and renting audio guides are available. The main building also houses a restaurant and a tea house for visitors.Taiyuan · 81 km from Yu County

Experiences you can't miss in Yu County

Featured Culture & history in Yu County

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Taiyuan Van Gogh starry sky art museum (technology-empowered Van Gogh classics + mirror maze + flower field tour)
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
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One-day private chartered car tour to Jinci Temple Museum, Qiao Family Compound and Pingyao Ancient City in Taiyuan, Shanxi
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Duration: 3.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromNZD 281.31
Private tour | 1-day tour of Taiyuan (Jinci Temple Museum + Pingyao Ancient City) with independent private car door-to-door pickup
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FromNZD 136.19
Wutai Mountain Gold Medal  English Tour Guide  Commentary
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Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromNZD 133.26
Yu County Today's weatherClear 0-17℃
Yu County weather for the next 2 days10/31: 1-10℃, 11/1: -1-12℃

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What travellers say about Yu County

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Anonymous userJuly 26, 2026
4.0
Overall, it was good. I came here recently because there was a time-travel event in Shaanxi. Shanxi's tourism industry is quite well-developed, and it truly has a rich history and profound cultural heritage.

Cang Mountain Scenic Area

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骑着蜗牛赶绿灯August 10, 2026
4.0
Hidden deep in the Taihang Mountains, this ancient village boasts a thousand-year-old pristine environment. Its cave dwellings are nestled against the mountainside, creating a charming atmosphere. With few people and a tranquil atmosphere free from commercialization, it's an ideal off-the-beaten-path destination for a short, relaxing getaway.

Dachang Ancient Village

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莓莓耶August 28, 2023
5.0
There is free parking, many hot springs, spacious indoors, and many small outdoor pools, which are private and close to nature. The facilities are complete, including bath towels, shower 🚿 toothbrushes 🪥 shower gel 🧴, etc. The service is also good

Liangjia Village Dapin Hot Spring Resort

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yjw2000September 24, 2025
5.0
Baoguo Temple, located in Yu County, Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, near Yangquan North Station, offers convenient transportation. Renovated between 2011 and 2015, it covers an area of ​​120 mu (approximately 120 mu) and boasts a grand scale. Originally built to commemorate Princess Chaihua, a loyal and heroic woman of the Later Zhou Dynasty, Baoguo Temple serves as an important site for promoting the spirit of loyalty and righteousness and the culture of the Later Zhou Dynasty.

Shuishen Mountain Scenic Area - Baoguo Temple

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_TI***b7October 30, 2026
5.0
An impressive works of art. Must visit when you are in Datong.

Yungang Grottoes

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Anonymous userOctober 30, 2026
5.0
Jinci is truly a hidden treasure trove of ancient architecture in Shanxi. Stepping inside is like stepping into a thousand years of time. The ancient cypress trees, palaces, and murals are all so captivating that you can't tear yourself away. It's definitely worth a visit!

Jinci Temple Museum

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Anonymous userSeptember 17, 2026
5.0
This is the most spectacular iron flower display I've ever seen! The program was diverse and engaging, the host was witty, the audience interaction was lively, the iron flower workers were incredibly skilled, and the iron flowers were dazzling and colorful – the effect was absolutely stunning! Thumbs up! 👍👍👍

Xinzhou Ancient City

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Anonymous userOctober 30, 2026
5.0
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda has a long history, and one can feel the weight of history at a glance. The two-layer foundation makes the wooden pagoda stable, and 24 thick wooden pillars have guarded the pagoda for thousands of years. One cannot help but admire the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients.

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

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M34***49October 26, 2026
5.0
This was my first visit to the Shanxi Museum, and I was incredibly lucky to have this elderly male guide! His voice was deep and pleasant, and his storytelling was engaging and never boring. I especially loved his method: he first laid out the historical context, then guided us through the artifacts in detail, a gradual and immersive approach that made it easy to connect with the exhibits. He meticulously explained several of the museum's most prized possessions, bringing the history of Shanxi, a land of mountains and rivers, to life. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire visit. It wasn't just rote memorization of facts; the experience was fantastic. I highly recommend having such a wonderful guide when visiting a museum!

Shanxi Museum

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Frequently asked questions

As of October 30, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Yu County is around NZD 90.86 – NZD 454.27. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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