3-Day Taiyuan Discovery: Ancient Wonders & Modern Marvels

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by Claire

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Taiyuan 3 Days Itinerary

Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through Taiyuan, where history and modernity intertwine. Begin your adventure at the Jinci Museum, a treasure trove of ancient monuments, where you'll spend two enlightening hours. Next, marvel at the intricate carvings of the Tianlongshan Grottoes, a theme park of historical significance, before standing in awe of the Mengshan Giant Buddha, a monumental sculpture that dominates the landscape. On day two, delve into the architectural wonders of the Taiyuanshi Museum, followed by a tranquil hour at Jinyang Lake, a picturesque neighborhood. The day culminates with a visit to the Qiao Family Courtyard, a historical site that offers a glimpse into China's storied past. Your final day is no less impressive, with the Chinese Coal Museum shedding light on the industry that powered a nation. Stroll through the charming Liu Lane, absorbing the local culture, and conclude your trip with a visit to the Taiyuan Zoo, where natural and sculpted beauties await. This itinerary promises a blend of education, relaxation, and inspiration, ensuring your time in Taiyuan is unforgettable.

Top 6 Hotels in Taiyuan
TOP 1
Wanda Yuehua Hotel Taiyuan South Railway Station
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886 reviews
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2948 reviews
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Shengmei Boutique Hotel (Taiyuan Liuxiang Bell Tower Street)
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Hampton by Hilton Taiyuan Wuyi Square
Hampton by Hilton Taiyuan Wuyi Square
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673 reviews
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Hampton by Hilton Taiyuan Jinyang
Hampton by Hilton Taiyuan Jinyang
hotelStar
4/5
10601 reviews
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Shanxi Hotel
Shanxi Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
2938 reviews
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3 Days in Taiyuan Itinerary: Day 1

1

Jinci Museum

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Kickstart your Taiyuan adventure at the Jinci Museum, a treasure trove nestled within the serene Jinci Park. As the first stop of the day, spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of historical monuments and curated exhibits that tell tales of the region's storied past. The museum's unique blend of ancient architecture and cultural relics makes it an essential starting point for understanding Taiyuan's heritage.

Attraction Info

  • In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 04/01-10/07,8:30am-6:00pm;Open from 10/08-03/31,9:00am-5:00pm

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2

Tianlongshan Grottoes

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Next on the itinerary, just a short journey from the heart of Taiyuan, the Tianlongshan Grottoes await to enchant you. Set aside two hours to explore this theme park of historical significance, where the intricate rock carvings and Buddhist statues carved into the mountainside offer a glimpse into the spiritual artistry of ancient China. The grottoes serve as a cultural sanctuary that captures the essence of religious devotion and artistic expression.

Attraction Info

  • 40 km southwest of Tianlong Mountainside, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-4:30pm

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/5 · 0 reviews
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3

Mengshan Giant Buddha

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Conclude your day with the awe-inspiring sight of the Mengshan Giant Buddha. Towering over the landscape, this monumental sculpture is a testament to the grandeur of Buddhist art. Located in Luocheng Temple Village, the Buddha's serene presence is the perfect finale to your day's journey through Taiyuan's historical marvels. Allow yourself two hours to appreciate the craftsmanship and peaceful ambiance that surrounds this majestic site.

Attraction Info

  • Luocheng Temple Village, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 03/21-10/20,8:00am-6:30pm,Tourist service center ticket sales time: 8:00-17:00 Tourist transfer center ticket sales time: 8:00-18:30 Tour bus operating hours (Upward): 8:00-17:00 Tour bus operating hours (Downward): 8:00-18:30 Scenic area parking lot operating hours: 8:00-16:50

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3 Days in Taiyuan Itinerary: Day 2

1

Taiyuanshi Museum

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Begin your second day in Taiyuan with a visit to the Taiyuanshi Museum, a beacon of culture nestled at 13 Guangjing Road. Spend a couple of hours marveling at the masterful architecture that houses an array of historical treasures. This museum is not just a feast for the eyes but also a journey through time, offering a deep dive into the rich tapestry of the region's past through its carefully curated exhibits.

Attraction Info

  • 13 Guangjing Road
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Mon

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He Dong Yi Xiang Ge (Qin Xian North Street Branch)
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2

Jinyang Lake

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Next, let the serene beauty of Jinyang Lake envelop you. Located in the heart of Jinyuan, Taiyuan, this characteristic neighborhood is a perfect spot to unwind for an hour. The lake's tranquil waters reflect the sky above, offering a peaceful interlude and a chance to reflect amidst your busy travel schedule. It's a picturesque setting that invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll along its banks or simply sit and absorb the natural splendor.

Attraction Info

  • Jinyang Lake, Jinyuan, Taiyuan, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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3

Qiao Family Courtyard

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Conclude your day with a step back in time at the Qiao Family Courtyard. Situated in Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Ji County, this historical site is a two-hour exploration into the architectural ingenuity of ancient China. The courtyard is a complex of traditional buildings and museums, each telling the story of the Qiao family and providing insight into the lifestyle of a bygone era. The intricate woodwork and classic brickwork are as much a draw as the historical narratives held within its walls.

Attraction Info

  • Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Ji County, Jinzhong City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 8:30am-5:30pm

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3 Days in Taiyuan Itinerary: Day 3

1

Chinese Coal Museum

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Kickstart your final day in Taiyuan with an enlightening visit to the Chinese Coal Museum. Located at No. 2 Yingze West Street in the Wanbailin District, this museum is a tribute to the coal mining industry that powered China's growth. Spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits that delve into the historical and modern-day significance of coal mining. The museum's interactive displays and authentic mining equipment provide a unique glimpse into the life of a miner and the evolution of the industry.

Attraction Info

  • No. 2 Yingze West Street, Wanbailin District, Taiyuan City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

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2

Liu Lane

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Continue your cultural journey through Taiyuan by strolling down the historic lanes of Liu Lane in the Yingze District. This characteristic neighborhood offers a two-hour immersive experience into the local lifestyle and traditional architecture. As you wander through the narrow alleys, you'll be surrounded by quaint shops and eateries that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Taiyuan. Liu Lane is the perfect spot to collect souvenirs and capture the essence of the city's past blending with its present.

Attraction Info

  • Yingze District, Taiyuan City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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3

Taiyuan Zoo

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Conclude your Taiyuan adventure with a refreshing visit to the Taiyuan Zoo, nestled at No. 2 Dongshan Road in the Xinghualing District. This serene oasis is not just a place to see a variety of animals but also a space adorned with monuments and sculptures that add an artistic touch to the natural surroundings. Allocate a couple of hours to meander through the zoo's pathways, enjoy the wildlife, and relax in the greenery. It's a fitting finale to your three-day exploration of Taiyuan's diverse attractions.

Attraction Info

  • No. 2 Dongshan Road, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 1/1-12/31(Summer),8:00am-5:30pm;Open from 1/1-12/31(Winter),8:00am-5:00pm

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Top Things to Do in Taiyuan-2024

TOP 1
Jinci Museum
Jinci Museum
4.7/5 · 5,955 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 119 review
Highlights:
Jinci Museum is located along the Jin River in the foothills of Taiyuan, Taiyuan. The building commemorates Tang Shuyu, the founder of the Jin State, and was built as an ancestral hall. Jin Ancestral Hall is home to “3 treasures”: the temple, a bridge over a fish pond, and the Goddess Hall. The “3 unique features” of the Ancestral Hall are ancient trees, Nanlao Spring, and painted clay figurines. To the south is Shifang Fengsheng Temple in the south which, according to legend, was originally the villa of the Tang Dynasty general Yu Chigong.
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TOP 2
Jinci Temple
Jinci Temple
4.8/5 · 110 review
TOP 3
Taiyuan Ancient County Scenic Area
Taiyuan Ancient County Scenic Area
3.9/5 · 1,284 review
Highlights:
The ancient county seat of Taiyuan is located in Jinyuan District, covering an area of about 0.8 square kilometers. There are many relics of historical buildings in the city, the pattern of cross streets is clear, and the texture of streets and alleys is perfect. It follows the ancient architectural pattern of Jinyang ancient city "Phoenix Flying in the City", just like a phoenix with its head north and tail south. It has the reputation of "Phoenix City" since ancient times. It is the continuation of the 2500-year-old Jinyang ancient city. There are 79 existing cultural relics buildings in the city, and 49 historical buildings listed for protection by the Taiyuan Municipal Government. Among them, the Confucian Temple is listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit.
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TOP 4
Shanxi Provincial Museum
Shanxi Provincial Museum
4.7/5 · 1,598 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 98 review
Highlights:
The Shanxi Provincial Museum is located in Taiyuan City on West Binhe Road. Visitors enter free and can enjoy many excellent examples of Shanxi’s traditional and historical culture such as the Houma Jades from the Spring and Autumn Period, oil paintings from the Northern Wei Dynasty and a carved white stone sarcophagus from the Sui Dynasty. The items on display in the Shanxi Provincial Museum cover a broad range of eras, from the Neolithic times dating from the remains left behind during man's ancient past to more recent artifacts related to Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You will find many excellent learning opportunities here.
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TOP 5
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
4.6/5 · 1,030 review
Highlights:
Taiyuan Botanical Garden is located at the foot of Taishan Mountain in Jinyuan District and collects more than 3,000 species of plants. Visitors can stand on the cantilever at the main entrance and overlook the whole botanical garden.
View More

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Taiyuan 3 Days Itinerary