Shanxi Self-Driving 5-Day Travel Guide

🏯 Explore 3,000 years of history in Shaanxi, and 5,000 years of history in Shanxi. 🏯 Discover underground relics in Shaanxi, and above-ground treasures in Shanxi. 🏙 In the summer of 2022, I visited northern Shanxi's Datong, exploring sites like Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall, and the ancient city walls. This May, I ventured to central Shanxi's Taiyuan and Jinzhong, as well as southern Shanxi's Linfen. The rich historical relics and cultural heritage were truly awe-inspiring! Shanxi is such an understated gem—a province you absolutely must not miss! 🏙 5-Day Self-Driving Itinerary for Central and Southern Shanxi 🚶‍♀️ Day 1: Departure ➡️ Xingtai, Hebei Attractions: Xingtai Ancient City (Free) Accommodation: Hanting Hotel Xingtai College Branch 🚶‍♀️ Day 2: Xingtai, Hebei ➡️ Taiyuan, Shanxi Attractions: Shanxi Museum (reservation required, approx. 3 hours) ➡️ Bell Tower Street ➡️ Liuxiang ➡️ Drum Tower Street (🌃 Night views are stunning) Accommodation: Hanting Hotel Taiyuan Liberation Road Wanda Plaza Branch 🚶‍♀️ Day 3: Taiyuan ➡️ Pingyao Ancient City Attractions: Jinci Temple (80 RMB, approx. 3 hours) ➡️ Pingyao Ancient City (Free entry to the city; 22 scenic spots combined ticket for 125 RMB, recommended 4 hours or adjust based on your schedule) Accommodation: Hello Pingyao Ancient City Hotel 🚶‍♀️ Day 4: Pingyao Ancient City ➡️ Xixian ➡️ Linfen Attractions: Pingyao Shuanglin Temple (35 RMB, approx. 2 hours) ➡️ Xixian Xiaoxitian (35 RMB, approx. 2 hours) ➡️ Hukou Waterfall in Shanxi (Ticket 100 RMB, shuttle bus round trip 20 RMB, 1.5–2 hours) Accommodation: Linfen Meilun International Hotel 🚶‍♀️ Day 5: Ling Shi, Jinzhong ➡️ Return Attractions: Wang Family Courtyard (Ticket 55 RMB, 3–4 hours) 💖 Travel Tips: Most of these attractions are historical and cultural sites. To maximize your experience, consider joining a guided tour or hiring a guide for detailed explanations. Alternatively, prepare in advance by watching documentaries or videos to better understand the sites; otherwise, you might feel lost. ☀️ Additional Recommendations: Other must-visit places include Shanxi Bronze Museum, Northern Qi Mural Museum, Jin Merchants Museum, Shuangta Temple, and Tianlong Mountain Grottoes in Taiyuan; Guangsheng Temple and Jin State Museum in Linfen; Guanyin Hall in Changzhi; and Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao, Jinzhong. Due to time constraints, these will have to wait for the next trip.