Shanxi boasts a number of highlights, each rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some recommended highlights of Shanxi:

1. Pingyao Ancient City

Introduction: Pingyao Ancient City, located in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, is one of China's “Four Great Ancient Cities” with a history of more than 2,700 years. The ancient city preserves the prototype of the county town from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is the birthplace of the Jin merchants, the ancient commercial center of China and the birthplace of Chinese finance.

Characteristics: The ancient city has well-preserved monuments such as county government offices, ticket companies, dart boards, cultural temples and city walls, etc. Walking around the ancient city, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere and the human atmosphere.

2. Yungang Grottoes

Introduction: The Yungang Grottoes, located in Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province, is a World Heritage Site, a National Cultural Heritage Unit and one of the Four Great Grottoes of China. There are 45 main caves, 252 large and small niches, and more than 51,000 statues, representing China's outstanding Buddhist grotto art from the 5th to the 6th century AD.

Characteristics: The Yungang Grottoes, with its magnificent statues and colorful contents, is the beginning of the “Chineseization” of grotto art and a treasure of world culture and art.

3. Wutai Mountain

Introduction: Wutai Mountain is located in Wutai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, is one of the world's five sacred sites of Buddhism and one of China's top ten mountains. Wutai Mountain is named after the five peaks that rise from the ground and are as flat as a platform, and it is the place where Manjushri, the bodhisattva, lives.

Characteristics: Wutai Mountain has many temples, it is rumored to have 128 temples, and now there are 47 temples, most of which are still built by imperial decree. With its beautiful natural scenery and deep cultural heritage, Wutai Mountain is a destination for tourism and pilgrimage.

4. Xuankong Temple

Introduction: Located at the foot of Mount Hengshan in the southeastern suburb of Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, the Xuankong Temple is the earliest surviving unique temple of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in China. The Hanging Temple is built between the cliffs, like facing the abyss, which is a miracle in the history of architecture.

Characteristics: The Xuankong Temple, with its unique architectural style, is both thrilling and spectacular, and is an important place to learn about ancient Chinese architecture and religious culture.

5. Hukou Waterfall

Introduction: Hukou Waterfall is located in Hukou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. It is the largest yellow waterfall in the world and a natural wonder on the Yellow River.

Characteristics: Hukou Waterfall is famous for its surging and powerful features, which makes it an excellent place to feel the power of the Yellow River and enjoy the natural beauty.

6. Pagoda of Fogong Temple

Introduction：Pagoda of Fogong Temple is located in the courtyard of Buddha Palace Temple on Yingyuan Street in Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province, which is the earliest and largest wooden pagoda existing in China and one of the three strange pagodas in the world.

Characteristics: Pagoda of Fogong Temple is simple and magnificent, standing for thousands of years in the vicissitudes of wind and rain and history, showing the wisdom and skill of the ancient Chinese people.

Each of these attractions has its own characteristics, whether it is history and culture, natural scenery or architectural art are worth a visit. Visitors can choose the right attractions to visit according to their own interests and time schedule.