For first-time travelers to Shanxi, save this guide!

👍Seriously amazing! Traveling to Shanxi during the off-season is fantastic: fewer crowds, no lines at attractions, and so much to see and do. This itinerary and food guide, compiled by locals, is a must-have for your trip to Shanxi. Save it now—you'll definitely need it! 💯Purely practical tips, go for it! ✅Itinerary: 🔹Datong Area: Datong Ancient City (Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Nine Dragon Wall)—Yungang Grottoes—Hanging Temple 🔹Shuozhou & Xinzhou: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda—Yanmen Pass—Wutai Mountain—Xinzhou Ancient City 🔹Taiyuan Area: Shanxi Museum—Jin Temple—Northern Qi Mural Museum—Taiyuan Botanical Garden (perfect for photos)—Bell Tower Street 🔹Jinzhong Area: Zhenguo Temple—Shuanglin Temple—Encore Pingyao—Ancient City Light Show—Pingyao Ancient City—Wang Family Courtyard/ Qiao Family Courtyard (choose one) 🔹Southern Shanxi Area: Xixian Small Western Heaven— Hukou Waterfall—Guangsheng Temple—Tongtianxia Grand Canyon (especially beautiful in winter) 🥣Must-try Food: 🔸Datong: Kaige Restaurant, Hongya Restaurant, Xijindao, Renji Qizhong Knife-Shaved Noodles, Heidian Lamb Offal 🔶Xinzhou: (in Xinzhou Ancient City) Dingxiang Steamed Meat, Buckwheat Hele, Hongmian Yuyu (red-faced fish), Baode Yougao (fried cake), Yuanping Guo Kui (baked flatbread) 🔶Wutai Mountain: Dicos Vegetarian Restaurant, Zhangji Mutton 🔶Taiyuan: Old Taiyuan Restaurant, Xinghuatang, Qingheyuan (Tounao - a local breakfast dish), Lao Liu Steamed Dumplings, Xietao Mutton Soup, Taotao Dalu Noodles 🔶Pingyao: Inside the Ancient City: Xilaiyao Jin Cuisine (must-try: copper hot pot, braised beef in aged vinegar); Jinliang Wantuo/Sanfei Wantuo (outside the Ancient City); Piao Yi Guo Liuye Noodles (outside the Ancient City) 🔶Linfen: Xue Lao Wu, Fushan Shaomai Restaurant, Hongli Small Restaurant, Pingyang Old Restaurant, Yangji Fish Restaurant, Shilixiang Hongdong Cuisine; Changzhi: Luzhou Banquet, Shangdang Old Restaurant