https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/yuanping/best-things-to-do/10073014900000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yuanping [2025]
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
30615 reviews
8.9
From KRW 24097
Based on 996 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603527992666
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 792 users23791 positive reviews
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The scenic area is very large, with huge murals and grottoes that are very exquisite and shocking. There are so many of them that you can spend a whole day exploring them carefully. It is definitely ranked first among all the grottoes and is highly recommended.
It is worth mentioning that there are dozens of 5A-level attractions, earlier than the Longmen Grottoes, royal temples, foreigners majoring in it, good scenery, many guides at the door, 50 yuan per person
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
13988 reviews
8.6
From KRW 16065
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864006088608
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 140 users10849 positive reviews
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It is said that if you don't visit Jin Temple, you will be in vain in Taiyuan. It is well-deserved and worth a visit. The pavilions, towers, bridges and flowing water are the place where dragons rise. It has a long history and ancient buildings. Every step is a beautiful view. It is a rare and good place to visit.
Jin Temple: A Living Museum of Shanxi Culture
Jin Temple, located at the foot of Xuanwen Mountain in southwest Taiyuan City, is China's oldest extant imperial sacrificial garden. Built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, a founding prince of the State of Jin, its history dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty. Renovated over a millennium, it incorporates the architectural essence of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, earning it the reputation of a "Cultural Treasure of Shanxi."
I. Practical Information: Tickets and Admission
- Ticket Price: 80 yuan/person during peak season (April-October), 65 yuan/person during off-season (November-March). Discounts are available for students and seniors.
- Convenience of Admission: Tickets purchased online can be entered by swiping your ID card, and purchasing tickets at the venue is also very convenient. The scenic area includes the free Jin Temple Park and the ticketed Jin Temple Museum Core Area. We recommend visiting the core area directly.
II. Core Treasures: Three Treasures, Three Wonders, and Three Plaques
The essence of the Jin Temple is concentrated in the museum area, and its "Three Treasures," "Three Wonders," and "Three Plaques" are must-see cultural highlights:
1. Three Treasures: These are three national treasure-level buildings. The Holy Mother Hall is a prime example of Northern Song Dynasty timber construction, with the eight carved dragon-shaped columns in front of the hall being the earliest surviving in China; the Yunuma Flying Bridge is the world's oldest cross-shaped bridge; and the Offering Hall is an exquisite masterpiece of Jin Dynasty architecture.
2. Three Wonders: Song Dynasty painted maidservant statues (43 of which, each with a different expression, are housed in the Holy Mother Hall); the Zhou cypress (nearly 3,000 years old, a living witness to the long history of the Jin Temple); and the Nanlao Spring (the source of the Jin River, boasting clear and ever-flowing water).
3. Three Plaques: the "Nanlao" plaque (inscribed by Fu Shan and hung in the Nanlao Spring Pavilion); the "Duiyue" plaque (inscribed by Gao Yingyuan, meaning to repay the merits of ancestors); and the "Shuijingtai" plaque (inscribed by Yang Eryou, a plaque on an ancient stage).
III. Historical Origins and Value
The Jin Temple was first built in the Western Zhou Dynasty to commemorate Tang Shuyu, who was granted the title of "Union of Brothers with Paulownia Leaves." Expanded through successive generations, it has become a cultural complex integrating sacrificial offerings, gardens, architecture, and sculpture. Its value lies not only in the preciousness of its individual buildings, but also in its complete preservation of the sacrificial ritual sequence and architectural evolution from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It serves as a "living fossil" for studying ancient Chinese politics, religion, and art.
IV. Visiting Recommendations
- Time: It is recommended to allow 3-4 hours to explore along the central axis (Water Mirror Terrace → Golden Man Terrace → Offering Hall → Holy Mother Hall), and then visit the Zhou Cypress and Nanlao Spring.
- Best Time: Early morning or evening, when the light is softer and fewer visitors are, is ideal for a quiet experience.
- Parenting: Children can gain a direct understanding of history and nature through activities such as discovering physical objects of the "Three Treasures" and observing the growth rings of the Zhou Cypress.
Summary: The Jin Temple is not only a complex of ancient buildings, but also a tangible historical text. Its profound cultural heritage and exquisite artistic value are worthy of every visitor's careful appreciation.
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Pingyao Ancient City
4.6
/5
21150 reviews
8.5
From KRW 24699
Based on 1,382 reviews
Inside Pingyao Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603545690000
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 466 users13395 positive reviews
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The ancient city is very large and beautiful. Most of it was built in the Ming Dynasty. It has high city walls, spacious county government offices, money houses, and escort agencies... It is worth spending two or three days to savor and stroll around.
Pingyao Ancient City is a living "museum on earth." Taking children on a stroll through it is like taking a vivid, hands-on lesson on Ming and Qing dynasty history. Its core value lies in the intact ancient city ecosystem—the city walls, streets, government offices, temples, and shops all coexisting harmoniously, ensuring that history remains ever present.
Highlights of the child-friendly tour are as follows:
1. Ancient City Wall: Climb the city wall for a lesson on ancient military defense, where children can intuitively understand the defensive logic of the urn, battlements, and crenellations. From a high vantage point, overlooking the "Turtle City," the wisdom of ancient city planning becomes clear.
2. South Street/West Street: A lesson on Ming and Qing Dynasty commerce and finance: Stroll along "China's Ancient Wall Street." Rishengchang Bank offers a perfect opportunity to learn about the origins of bank drafts. The escort agencies and shops along the way vividly demonstrate how Shanxi merchants managed to wield wealth.
3. Confucian Temple: A lesson on ancient imperial examination education: From Zhuangyuan Bridge to Kuixing Tower, the path taken by scholars to pursue their studies is perfectly preserved. Children can personally experience the traditional concept that "all things are inferior, only learning is superior" and understand the profound impact of the imperial examination system on ancient society.
4. City God Temple: A lesson in folk morality and beliefs. The "temple within a temple" layout and murals depicting karma vividly illustrate the moral codes of traditional society, providing a window into folk beliefs.
5. County Yamen: An introduction to ancient politics and law. From court hearings to prison instruments, this place clearly demonstrates the workings of grassroots government, offering a vivid introduction to ancient law and power.
Family Tour Suggestions:
* Storytelling: Use "treasure hunt" games to spark interest, such as finding the smallest bill of exchange or guessing how the county magistrate would decide a case.
* Selected Itinerary: Focus on the core attractions listed above to avoid information overload.
* Experience: Try pushing the stone locks of the escort agency and praying at the Confucian Temple for a more engaging experience.
Pingyao's charm lies in its ability to transform history into tangible reality. This trip will help children understand that history was once a living reality, and this ancient city is the perfect bridge for dialogue with the past.
No.
4
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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
4.8
/5
15690 reviews
8.4
From KRW 9639
Based on 182 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603495088889
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 134 users14451 positive reviews
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The guide's explanations were more detailed than those in books, vividly explaining the historical stories behind the wooden pagoda. With great enthusiasm, he deeply analyzed the architectural beauty of the ancient pagoda and vividly demonstrated to us, the foreign friends, the profound history and culture contained in the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (also known as the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple) is a thousand-year-old wonder that will take your breath away.
🎫 Tickets and Admission
Admission to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is 50 yuan for adults. Students and seniors over 60 years old enjoy half-price or free admission. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance through apps like "Visit Shanxi," Meituan, or Ctrip. These may offer slightly discounted prices (e.g., 48 yuan), and you can enter the park directly by scanning your ID card or QR code, effectively avoiding long lines.
The scenic area is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (ticket sales and inspections cease around 5:00 PM). To avoid crowds, we recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning or late in the evening.
🗺️ Recommended Tour Order
A reasonable itinerary will allow you to fully experience the pagoda's charm:
1. Core Contemplation: First Floor Main Hall → Currently, access to the pagoda is prohibited for cultural relic protection, but the first floor main hall is still accessible. The 11-meter-tall Liao Dynasty statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and murals inside the hall are truly breathtaking. Please observe the regulations and refrain from using flash photography.
2. Observe the Pagoda → Walk around the pagoda three times clockwise to appreciate its grandeur. Note the tilt of the northwest pillar and look for the 54 historical plaques hanging on the pagoda, such as "Junji Shengong."
3. Explore the Neighborhood → Walk 10 minutes to Jingtu Temple to admire its Jin Dynasty caisson ceiling and stone lions.
4. Experience and Relax → Get stamps at cultural and creative shops inside and outside the scenic area. For lunch, enjoy local specialties such as Yingxian Liangfen.
🏗️ Architectural and Historical Value
The architectural and historical value of the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda lies at its core:
* Architectural Wonder: Built in the second year of the Qingning reign of the Liao Dynasty (1056), the wooden pagoda stands 67.31 meters tall, making it the tallest and oldest existing all-wood pavilion-style building in the world. The entire pagoda is constructed without nails or rivets, relying entirely on 54 types of mortise and tenon joints. It has stood tall despite thousands of years of wind, rain, and earthquakes, and its earthquake-resistant design philosophy of "using softness to overcome hardness" continues to be studied. It is considered one of the "Three Greatest Pagodas in the World," along with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
* Historical and Religious Significance: Precious Buddhist relics, such as the Buddha's tooth relic, were discovered within the pagoda. Liang Sicheng praised the pagoda highly, stating that its architectural style blends Tang and Song traditions with Liao Dynasty characteristics.
📸 Photography Tips
To capture the grandeur and details of the wooden pagoda, consider the following:
* Classic camera angles: Shoot upward near the stone lions in front of the pagoda for a panoramic view; the second-floor terrace of the "Wooden Pagoda Post Office" on the west side of the scenic area offers a direct view of the bracket details.
* Golden Hours: The soft light of early morning or dusk highlights the pagoda's weathered texture. At dusk, you can also capture the sight of swallows flying around the pagoda.
* Capturing Details: Use a telephoto lens to capture close-ups of the layered bracket structures. * Special Note: Drones are prohibited within the scenic area.
💎 Summary
Visiting the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is a blend of awe at the thousand-year-old wonder, regret at its current state of preservation, and the joy of witnessing it firsthand. It's more like a direct dialogue with history, well worth a special trip.
No.
5
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
9800 reviews
8.4
From KRW 3013
Based on 793 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333081
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 718 users7367 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We took the shuttle bus from Hengshan to the Hanging Temple. It was past 3:00 AM, but there were still a lot of tourists. I didn't buy a ticket to the temple, so I just bought a ticket and got a closer look.
The scenery was stunning, and the buildings carved into the cliffs, and the ancient craftsmanship, were truly astonishing.
After reading the guide, I felt I wouldn't even be able to get through the door, but once I got there, I was able to buy my entrance ticket without any problems. While the distance wasn't long, it did take a while. We were able to queue for about half an hour today, while I've seen other travel guides where people queued for hours. Overall, the experience was quite good. The staff were very dedicated, enthusiastic, and always answered any questions. I think I had the shortest time, queuing for half an hour to get up and a little over 20 minutes to get down. I truly experienced the mystical beauty of the Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain, the Northern Peak.
No.
6
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Dazhao Temple
4.7
/5
7868 reviews
8.3
From KRW 7029
Based on 139 reviews
Dazhao Temple / Saishang old street | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8604716303154
Address: Dazhao Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
10-yard golden dragon & mural
Grand blessing ceremony on Lantern Festival
Saved by 338 users5056 positive reviews
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This is a particularly worthwhile attraction in Hohhot. The Jade Buddha made the strongest impression. While the other halls were crowded, standing before the Jade Buddha felt incredibly sacred.
The entire temple exudes the power of faith.
It was my first time to experience Tibetan Buddhism, and it happened to be the first day of the seven-day chanting. It was quite interesting. There was a hawthorn tree in the yard, which was full of hawthorns that looked delicious.
No.
7
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Whistling Dune Bay
4.3
/5
4757 reviews
8.3
From KRW 24097
Based on 81 reviews
Xiangshawan | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008785550
Address: Dalad, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Breathtaking desert views & panorama
Camel rides in the desert
Saved by 312 users3047 positive reviews
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I took my family there and it was pretty good. The package was a good deal. I'm older and don't like the amusement park projects. I went there after the National Day holiday and there were not many people. It was pretty good. It would be better if the self-funded projects were cheaper.
I took my family there and it was pretty good. The package was a good deal. I'm older and don't like the amusement park projects. I went there after the National Day holiday and there were not many people. It was pretty good. It would be better if the self-funded projects were cheaper.
No.
8
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Little Western Paradise
4.8
/5
3961 reviews
8.2
From KRW 7029
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603576733033
Address: Xiaoxitian, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Check out Black Myth: Wukong
Ancient Zen temple from Ming
3653 positive reviews10K views in last month
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We went there after National Day, and the traffic was smooth and traffic-free. The attraction isn't large, but it's truly breathtaking. The upper hall, the Main Hall, houses 169 square meters of space, housing 1,978 suspended statues of various shapes. Moon princesses play various instruments and sing, while celestial kings and powerful warriors guard the surrounding areas. Human-faced celestial beings of various shapes wander among the jade-like buildings. Divine birds spread their wings, dragons soar, and auspicious clouds swirl. Pavilions, towers, birds, animals, and exotic flowers and plants create a peaceful paradise that is truly breathtaking. Despite its 400-year history, the hall remains spotless and untouched. Legend has it that the hall contained dust-repelling beads, but in reality, none exist. The reason for this is the unique material: the ancients used local red clay, mixed with glutinous rice and cotton threads. The clay is very sticky, allowing the suspended sculptures to adhere perfectly, retaining their appearance for centuries. For visual aesthetics, the statues are tilted slightly forward by a dozen degrees, so that dust can fall behind them, out of sight. The painted surface is painted with mineral pigments, which maintain their vibrant color and repel insects, leaving spiderwebs untouched for nearly 400 years. The glittering gold on the hanging sculptures is entirely covered in gold leaf, one-twelfth the thickness of an A4 sheet of paper. Seven kilograms of gold were used throughout the entire hall. The gilded surfaces are exceptionally smooth, resistant to dust. These so-called dust-repelling beads are the product of the ingenuity of ancient artisans. Their meticulous craftsmanship has created this stunning, world-renowned pure land of the Western Paradise. Amazing!
There were too many people and cars, which was not a good feeling. The car could not enter the parking lot and had to park on the roadside. The hanging sculptures in the Xiaoxitian Hall were very impressive, but the crowds squeezed out after a few minutes. As a scenic spot that requires climbing up and down, it would be better if the slope of the stairs could be improved.
No.
9
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Huayan Monastery
4.8
/5
10263 reviews
8.1
From KRW 10041
Based on 147 reviews
Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603522042001
Address: No. 459 Xia Sipo Street, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Saved by 162 users8420 positive reviews
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When visiting Datong, Huayan Temple is a must-see destination. More than just a temple, it's a living museum of the Liao and Jin dynasties, its grandeur and artistic sophistication will astound every visitor.
Two unparalleled attractions:
1. Main Hall: Upon entering the square in front of the hall, you'll be struck by its sheer size. This is one of the largest surviving Liao and Jin Buddhist temples in China. The pair of 4.5-meter-tall glazed chimonanthus on the roof alone are a national treasure. The dimly lit interior accentuates its solemnity and sanctity. The colossal Five-Faced Buddha statues in the center exude awe and compassion. The exquisite Qing Dynasty murals on the walls are also worth a closer look.
2. Bhagavan Hall: This hall, the heart of Huayan Temple, was built during the Liao Dynasty and is a truly authentic millennium-old structure. Entering the hall feels like stepping into a frozen Liao era. The most unmissable sight is the painted statue of a Bodhisattva with clasped hands and bared teeth, known as the "Venus of the East." Her graceful figure and subtle yet lively smile defy stereotypes of deities and Buddhas, imbued with the beauty and spirit of humanity, making her a truly treasured treasure of the temple. The "Heavenly Palace Pavilions" surrounding the hall are exquisitely crafted, representing rare and exquisite examples of Liao Dynasty woodwork.
Visiting Experience and Tips:
· The temple faces west and east, reflecting the unique Khitan custom of "sun worship."
· The Huayan Pagoda, a later construction, offers panoramic views of Datong Ancient City. Its underground palace, constructed of pure copper, is also quite magnificent.
· It is recommended to hire a guide or rent a guide, as otherwise it is easy to miss the fascinating stories behind these buildings and artifacts.
"This trip to Huayan Temple was truly rewarding! Teacher Li You's explanations were insightful and accessible, and she delved into the details of the temple's architecture, sculptures, and history. Her voice was gentle and her logic was clear. Following her around, I felt this ancient temple truly come alive. Highly recommended!"
No.
10
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Yanmenguan
4.7
/5
5816 reviews
8.0
From KRW 11045
Based on 5 reviews
52.2 km from downtown
Phone +8603506100519
Address: Daixian, Xinzhou, Shanxi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Yang Family's legendary statue
Walk ancient Great Wall path
4886 positive reviews10K views in last month
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The scenery along the Great Wall is stunning, and several vantage points connect to each other without backtracking. It's a good idea to spend 3-4 hours taking photos and walking through each vantage point.
There's also a horse farm nearby, and the snacks within the scenic area are quite affordable (though the portions are smaller, at least the price isn't high).
I bought the tickets on Ctrip in advance for the National Day holiday and got a big discount. Thumbs up! Although some of the buildings in this first pass in China have been renovated, its geographical location is worth visiting.
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