If you go

Reaching the popular destinations in Shanxi province requires approximately three hours by high-speed train from Beijing to Taiyuan, the provincial capital; two hours to Datong; and four hours to Pingyao Ancient City.

In addition to the Shanxi Museum, where visitors can get an overview of the province's history, the Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum, built on the site of a 6th-century official's tomb, features vivid wall paintings in their original settings. The Linfen Museum is a must-go for bronze enthusiasts.

The Great Wall winds over 1,000 kilometers across Shanxi, with the earliest relics standing for over 2,000 years. Xinzhou's Yanmen Pass, Yangquan's Niangzi Pass, and the Laoniu Bend at the border of Shanxi and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, where the Great Wall and Yellow River meet, are among the most popular attractions.

The annual Pingyao International Film Festival and China Pingyao International Photography Festival exhibit diverse intellectual works against the backdrop of the centuries-old Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Don't miss the variety of gourmet treats, especially flour-based foods and dishes enhanced with Shanxi's iconic mature vinegar.