https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/gujiao/best-things-to-do/10073010900000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Gujiao [2025]
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
27980 reviews
8.9
From PHP 952.39
Based on 991 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0352-7992622
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
Saved by 676 users21565 positive reviews
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The scenery in my memory was so strange. I went there again. It was so stunning, even more stunning than the Longmen Grottoes! China's beautiful mountains and rivers are so beautiful. Thousands of years of cultural heritage. Another thing is that there were too many people. The parking lot inside was so crowded that you would be confused.
The caves are indeed very shocking and grand. I admire the wisdom of the ancients. As for traveling with children, it is not recommended unless they are really interested. I took two children under ten years old. They didn't want to go to the No. 6 reservoir because they had to queue up. They played in the stream next to it for an afternoon.
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Hukou Scenic Area
4.7
/5
15909 reviews
8.6
From PHP 714.29
Based on 213 reviews
Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0357-7955000
Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Spring & fall thunderous waterfall
See the Thundering Falls in spring and fall
Saved by 138 users11394 positive reviews
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I've heard the Yellow River Cantata, a tribute to the Mother River, countless times since childhood, but I've never had the chance to experience it myself. This time, I chose to view it from the Linfen, Shanxi, side for a more spectacular vantage point. I was truly blown away by the sheer majesty of China's second-largest waterfall!
🎫 Travel Tips:
1️⃣ Tickets are generally not difficult to buy, unless it's a special national holiday. The 120 yuan ticket includes the scenic shuttle bus. We bought same-day tickets, and buying earlier offers better deals.
2️⃣ You'll usually have to wait in line for the scenic shuttle bus, but once you get off and enter the scenic area, there's actually no line. Just follow the flow and follow the itinerary. The initial plank road, with its relatively calm waters, might make many first-time visitors think, "That's it?!" However, as you walk deeper, the view opens up. As you get deeper into the Hukou area, the river roars and surges, sending mist splashing onto those on the shore. The feeling of bathing in the Yellow River water is truly a unique "baptism"! ;
3️⃣ Near the waterfall, there are many donkeys dressed in Shaanxi costumes. It costs 20 yuan to pose for a photo, or 60 yuan to pose and stroll around. If you're interested, you can adapt to the local customs.
🚗 Transportation: We chartered a car from Taiyuan, passing through Xiaoxitian Temple in Xi County and then to Hukou Waterfall in Linfen. This is a long journey, so driving or chartering a car is recommended for more flexibility and cost-effectiveness. If you're traveling with a small group, you can also join one of the small day tours from Taiyuan, Pingyao, or Linfen.
🍜 Nearby Dining: There are many restaurants and B&Bs within 3-5 kilometers of the scenic area. We chose Yangji Fishing House, a favorite among celebrities. Their signature dishes, such as the Yellow River Carp (two-in-one dish), potato pudding, scrambled eggs with ground cabbage, and Yellow River fried shrimp, are must-try dishes on every table. The owner is also very friendly, which is why we have so many repeat customers.
⚠️ Tips:
1️⃣ The Yellow River bathing experience is quite thrilling. It's recommended not to wear white clothes or you'll get covered in mud.
2️⃣ If you're on a similar itinerary to Xiaoxitian (Little Western Paradise), be sure to avoid the freshly squeezed pear juice sold on the roadside at the entrance. While Xixian County is known for its abundant Yu Lu pears, a glass of pure juice from 3-4 large pears 🍐 is delicious, but it can leave you feeling awful within an hour, especially if you have a weak stomach. Several of us spent the entire trip admiring the Yellow River's water, constantly wary of the "turbulent Yellow River water" in our stomachs. Those who understand naturally understand [facepalm].
The scenery is still spectacular, but it's a bit far. The round trip journey takes at least 4 hours, 2 hours to play, and 45 minutes to eat. Since we are here, we went to the dragon cave below, which costs 20 yuan.
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Pingyao Ancient City
4.5
/5
19624 reviews
8.6
From PHP 976.20
Based on 1,380 reviews
Inside Pingyao Ancient City | 78.2 km from downtown
Phone 0354-5690000
Address: No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Enjoy stunning sunset views from the city wall in the evening
World-class photography exhibition
Saved by 406 users12298 positive reviews
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Generally speaking it's OK, the transportation is relatively convenient, but try not to take the sightseeing bus or chartered bus, as they will rip you off and end up taking you to buy wine and vinegar and rip you off. Although the ticket for the Encore Pingyao performance is a bit expensive, it is very shocking and touching, and definitely worth seeing!
There are 22 attractions, many of which are quite similar. It's best to visit 4-5 that you like. We visited Lei Lutai's former residence, the Ma Family Compound, Rishengchangji, the Temple of Confucius, and the city wall. It was pretty good! We spent half the afternoon on the first day, and the next morning, after visiting Shuanglin Temple, we spent an hour strolling along the city wall. It was a bit sunny, but it gave us a bird's-eye view of the ancient city and allowed us to see the ongoing renovations. Overall, it was worth the price. As for the service, I didn't see any. The restrooms were rather dirty, which doesn't make it a 5A scenic spot.
No.
4
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
12285 reviews
8.6
From PHP 634.93
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | 32.1 km from downtown
Phone 4006088608
Address: In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama
Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm
Saved by 126 users9237 positive reviews
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Based on the principle of being here since I was there, I went into the Jin Temple even though it was about to rain. The rain got heavier after I went in, but it did not affect my mood for sightseeing. It is still a place with great cultural heritage and worth a visit.
Jin Temple is a must-visit place when visiting Taiyuan. It really lives up to its reputation. The scenery is great and you can take blockbuster photos everywhere. Jin Temple Museum is even more worth a visit. It not only has ancient temples, but also many ancient trees. The only drawback is that there are too many people, which reduces the experience by half.
No.
5
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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
4.8
/5
13302 reviews
8.4
From PHP 380.96
Based on 181 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0349-5088889
Address: Northwest corner of Yingxian city, Shuozhou city
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
11-foot Buddha statue inside
Panoramic views of nature & history
Saved by 113 users12176 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda has to be top of your Datong travel bucket list!
🏯 World Records:
The world's tallest and oldest existing all-wooden Buddhist pagoda!
Not a single nail is used in the entire pagoda ⚡️
It's supported entirely by mortise and tenon joints for 900 years. 🙌
The pagoda also houses the tooth relic of Sakyamuni!
📸 Architectural Features:
Actually 9 floors (including hidden floors)
Exterior: 5 floors with 6 eaves
Every floor is worth a closer look. 👀
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, so captivating to Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, is a must-see. The tower, devoid of a single nail, has stood for a thousand years. Arriving in the afternoon, the sky was a brilliant blue, illuminating the wooden pagoda, and every angle offered stunning photos.
No.
6
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
8879 reviews
8.4
From PHP 119.05
Based on 789 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0352-8327795
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
Saved by 588 users6573 positive reviews
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The Hanging Temple, a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, is located on the cliffs of Cuiping Peak, west of Jinlong Gorge in Hengshan Mountain, Hunyuan County, Shanxi Province. It's often referred to as "The Hanging Temple, half a sky high, suspended in the air by three horsetails." Built 1,400 years ago in the late Northern Wei Dynasty, it's the only remaining temple in China that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It's also the world's oldest surviving wooden structure built on a cliff face. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a ticket to the temple, so I just looked around.
It is very challenging to build a building on the cliff. The wisdom of the ancients is amazing. It is very challenging to climb up, especially at the third floor, my legs are shaking.
No.
7
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Little Western Paradise
4.8
/5
3005 reviews
8.2
From PHP 277.78
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0357-6733033
Address: Xiaoxitian, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Check out Black Myth: Wukong
Ancient Zen temple from Ming
2787 positive reviews10K views in last month
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It's a shocking place. There are fewer people around 8:30 in the morning compared to other times (tour groups can't arrive that early). After 10:00, there are too many people and it's difficult to park the car later.
It's definitely worth a visit! Amazing! If you drive, park at P2 and walk about 15 minutes to the entrance. The freshly squeezed pear juice is amazing, only 10 yuan a cup, a great price!
No.
8
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Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
4.6
/5
12690 reviews
8.2
From PHP 714.29
Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0911-4838030
Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Yichuan County, Yan'an City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Feel waterfall's power up close
Hukou Waterfall panoramic view
Saved by 206 users8348 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It was a very satisfying trip. Master Li was very considerate and attentive in his service. He patiently explained the various attractions along the way. The one-day trip was very compact and reasonable, allowing us to spend a pleasant and fulfilling day.
The Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River is located in the Yellow River bed of the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon. To the east of the waterfall lies the Linfen area of Shanxi Province, and to the west lies Yichuan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province. The Shaanxi section of Hukou Waterfall is approximately 35 kilometers east of Yichuan County, Yan'an City. Due to the heavy sediment carried by the Yellow River, this waterfall boasts a rare golden color.
As the Yellow River roars through the Qin-Jin Gorge, its width abruptly narrows from over 400 meters to 50 meters, pouring into a 30-meter stone trough. Its shape, resembling a teapot pouring water, earns it the name Hukou Waterfall. Here, the Yellow River is gathered by the canyon, converging into a single stream, roaring down and plunging into a deep pool, creating a magnificent spectacle. Observing from the riverside, one cannot help but be struck by the awe. This spot is hailed as the "national spirit," the "Soul of the Yellow River," and a symbol of the Chinese nation's courageous spirit.
No.
9
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Huayan Monastery
4.8
/5
8820 reviews
8.1
From PHP 396.83
Based on 146 reviews
Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0352-2042001
Address: No. 459 Xia Sipo Street, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Saved by 130 users7064 positive reviews
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Climbing the stairs, I found the Great Hall, where stacked brackets resembled clouds, and the eaves soared as if ready to ride the wind. Wearing restored Hanfu, I found a strange harmony with this Liao and Jin dynasty structure. A tourist raised his camera, and the light flashed. I didn't duck, but felt perfectly situated for the moment.
The hall was dim, the air thick with the scent of aged wood and incense. Looking up, the Buddha statue cast down its eyes, a look of compassion and aloofness. My wide sleeves shimmered in the dim light, and the sash fluttered in the breeze, seeming to catch the incense smoke rising from the Buddha's presence. At this moment, my clothes were no longer just clothes, but rather a conductor connecting the past and the present. An electric current surged from my feet, giving me a slight shudder.
Huayan Temple sits west and faces east, following the Khitan people's original belief in sun worship, belief in ghosts, and the primacy of the east. This breaks with the traditional north-south orientation of Han Buddhist temples. The temple is divided into the Upper and Lower Huayan Temples, with the Upper Huayan Temple centered around the Main Hall and the Lower Huayan Temple centered around the Bhagavan Hall. Each temple has an axially symmetrical layout. During the summer months, the pagoda was particularly crowded, and the line was long, so we didn't enter. However, the main hall is well worth a visit.
No.
10
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Wutai Mountain
4.6
/5
8007 reviews
8.1
From PHP 396.83
Based on 439 reviews
Wuye Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone 18634384269
Address: 205 Provincial Rd, Wutai Xian, Xinzhou Shi, Shanxi Sheng, China, 035515
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Highlights:
Pilgrimage to five unique peaks
Panoramic view of Mount Wutai
Saved by 116 users5423 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
If you have faith, go to Mount Wutai. If you like taking photos, go to Mount Wutai. If you hike, you must climb to the Big Snail Peak. Climb the 1,008 steps to see all the other mountains. The mountain is in the clouds, the temple is in the mountain, and you are in the temple.
🌿 August Zhangzhou Wutai Mountain Travel Review 🌿 1️⃣ The climate is pleasant, the summer resort Wutai Mountain has a high altitude, and the average temperature in August is between 10℃-20℃, and the maximum temperature rarely exceeds 25℃. It is a great choice for summer summer in North China. 2️⃣ The Buddhist culture is deep as the head of China's four famous Buddhist mountains, and Wutai Mountain has a rich Buddhist cultural heritage. Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Bodhisattva Ding and other temples have a long history and magnificent architecture, which is a good place to feel Buddhist culture. 3️⃣ Wutai Mountain is composed of a series of mountains and peaks. The top of the five platforms has a wide view and spectacular scenery. Dongtai Wanghaifeng can watch the sunrise and clouds. Beitai Yedoufeng is the highest peak in North China, and it has snow all year round. 4️⃣ Convenient transportation from Taiyuan Wusu Airport by bus to Wutai Mountain Scenic Area, about 3 hours by car; from Beijing Liuliqiao by long-distance bus, about 5 hours by car, convenient transportation. 5️⃣ Rich activities - Tour to Taiwan: You can choose to walk five Taiwans, the whole journey is about 50 kilometers, it takes 2-3 days to experience a deep pilgrimage. - Zen beauty hotel: The top of the mountain temple can hang orders to stay and experience the temple life; there are many Zen homestays to choose from at the foot of the mountain. 6️⃣ Practical Tips - Tickets: 135 yuan in peak season, 118 yuan in off-season, half price for students and the elderly. - Accommodation: It is recommended to book in advance, especially in peak season. - Food: The price of food and beverages in the scenic area is high, it is recommended to bring some dry food and water. 🌟 In summary, Wutai Mountain is a place that integrates natural scenery and Buddhist culture. Whether it is summer vacation, pilgrimage or hiking, it can meet your needs.
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