Taiyuan: Main Scenic Spots

.................................................................................................................................................................................... Jinci Temple ....................................................................................................................................................................................

The ancient Buddhist temple, is located at the source of the Jin River by Xuanwang Hill, 25km southwest of Taiyuan. The exact date of construction is not known, but according to historical documents, Jinci Temple has a history of at least 1,500 years. It was built in memory of Jiyu, the founding father of the Jin State. The temple is divided into the northern, middle and southern sections. Inside Jinci Temple, there is a statue ofthe Sacred Mother surrounded by 43 lifesize statues of her ladies in waiting. These statues, the cypresses and the Bulao Spring together are called the "three unique things" of Jinci.

.................................................................................................................................................................................... Doulbe-Tower Temple ....................................................................................................................................................................................

Double-Tower Temple, also called Yongzuo Temple, lies in Haozhuang Village, southeast of Taiyuan. It was built in 1573. In the temple there is a tower with two spires. The scene of "two spires towering into the sky" is often used as a symbol of Taiyuan. The 13-story octagonal tower, called Xuanwen Tower, is 53 meters high and made of brick and stone. Inside the tower, the spiral staircases give access to the top of the tower where one can have a view of the whole city.

.................................................................................................................................................................................... Ancient City Pinyao ....................................................................................................................................................................................

Pingyao is one of China's three well-preserved ancient cities (the other two are Xi'an and Jingzhou). Located in the middle of Shanxi Province, 90 kilometers south of Taiyuan, Pingyao City is about two hours drive from the capital of Shanxi Province. With the completion of a free way construction, the distance will be shortened by one hour and ten minutes drive only. With a history of over 2,700 years, the ancient city stands out as the best preserved of all the walled cities in China. On December 3, 1997, UNESCO added Pingyao into the 'World Heritage List'as a world's culture heritage. According to the UNESCO's World Heritage Commission, 'Pingyao ancient city is a marvelous example of Chinese Han cities during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Pingyao ancient city has preserved all its features, which unfolds an outstanding Chinese historical development in terms of its culture, society, economy and religion'. The main scenic spots in Pinyao include The Ancient City Wall, Chinese Financial House Museum - Ri Sheng Chang South Street (Ming - Qing Street) and Courtyard Residences in Pingyao.   More Info >>

.................................................................................................................................................................................... Shuanglin Temple ....................................................................................................................................................................................

About 6 kilometers southwest of Pingyao County seat, the Shuanglin temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history. Inside the temple are more than two-thousand painted sculptures which arts are of precious value. The Shuanglin Temple, sheltering more than 2000 colourful sculptures, represent Ming and Qing Dynasties'best. They are reputed as a 'treasure reserve of the oriental painted sculptures'.

.................................................................................................................................................................................... Qiao's Family's Compound ....................................................................................................................................................................................

About 54 kilometers south of Taiyuan, built in 1755, this well-preserved and exquisite structure used to be the residence of Qiao Zhiyong, who was a famous businessman during the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 8,725 square meters, the Qiao Family's Compound includes 6 big courtyards, 19 small courtyards, and 313 rooms. Now it has become the 'Jin and Shang Culture Museum', which is reputed as a bright pearl of North China's residential architecture. The Famous film "Raise the Red lantern" was shot in here. Other housing complex matching the Qiao Family's scale in middle Shanxi also include Cao Family's compound in Taigu County, Wang Family's compound in Linshi County and Qu Family's compound in Qi County. These compounds are all open to the public now. << Back to Taiyuan Info