Taiyuan

Taiyuan (太原 Tàiyuán) is the capital of Shanxi Province It is an important central city in the central region of the province and a common stopover between Wu Tai Shan and Pingyao.

Understand
Situated next to Fenhe River and surrounded by mountains. Taiyuan has a history of over 2,500 years. Now, Taiyuan is important as home to heavy industry and mining. It has 3 notable sights that can be seen within half a day: the Shanxi Museum, the carvings at Chongshan Temple and The Twin Pagodas.

By bus
The bus station is located at the south side of Yingze Dajie, between train station and Bingzhou Lu.


 * Beijing - takes about 6 hours
 * Datong - takes about 5 hours
 * Shijiazhuang - takes about 4 hours
 * Wutaishan - takes 4-5 hours (take travel sickness medication an hour before this trip if you are prone, consider suggesting parents give their children some as well as vomiting is common on this journey)
 * Yan'an - takes about 9 hours
 * Yulin - takes about 8 hours

Minibuses leave the train station parking lot for Datong, Pingyao, Shijiazhuang and Wutaishan National Park.

Climate
Taituan has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate.

Taiyuan has four distinct seasons and a comfortable climate. Clothes can be added or subtracted depending on the season. And it's a bit dry in winter.

By bus
Price for local bus as of December 2023 is ¥1 per person.

Bus number 1 -- runs the length of Yingze Dajie and one can take this from the intersection across the train station west towards the museum. Hop off at the Coal Museum, just after the bridge over the river (you will see the odd shaped large buildings on the right towards the north. The upside down pyramid is the Shanxi Museum). From the bus stop head north a block and then west toward the river, then north again and you will arrive at the main entrance.

Bus 611 runs from the train station to Jinnan bus station where buses for Pingyao leave.

Bus 619 runs from the East Bus station, passing by the train station and Jinnan bus station continuing further. Ask or leave when people with bags does.

By taxi
Taxi cost is ¥8 flagfall and expect around ¥15 from train station to Shanxi Museum (Aug 2011).

By metro
As of September 2023, the cost is up to ¥6, depending how far you ride.

Temples

 * Shuang Ta Si (Twin Pagodas) Temple Introduction (10111245134).jpg
 * Shuang Ta Si (Twin Pagodas) Temple Introduction (10111245134).jpg

Museums

 * 2013 Shanxi Provincial Museum.jpg

Buy
One area to visit for shopping is Bell Tower Street where you will find Fenjiu Dasha, Dongfang Department Store, Jinge Clothing Store and lots of smaller stores. Another option is Liu Xiang where you will find Guidu Department store, Wanjia Dasha, other department stores and many fashion shops.

Local products and markets
Local products can be found around town, but especially in Liuxiang Shopping District. These products include paper cuttings, jade, dough sculptures and lacquer goods.



Go next

 * Pingyao - Famous for its ancient walled city (generally considered the best in China), the typical route taken there is through Taiyuan
 * Wutaishan National Park