Taiyuan

» Shan Xi

Taiyuan Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

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Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, is located in the middle reaches of the Yellow River in North China and is surrounded by hills to its West, North and East, lies in the valley basin of both mountains of the Taihang Mountain Ranges in east and the Luliang Mountains in west. It covers an area of 6998 square kilometers and has a population of 3.4138 million. The Fenhe River, a key tributary of the Yellow River, runs through the territory of Taiyuan City.

Economy

Taiyuan has sound industrial system, and its heavy industry is currently booming. Energy, metallurgy, machinery and chemical production are the four pillar industries in the city. Since the beginning of China's Reform and Opening Up Policy in the 70's, tertiary industry in Taiyuan has also developed rapidly and has become a key sector, playing an important role in national economic development. Such sectors as retail, catering trade, finance, insurance, real estate and social service have been growing rapidly and have been making more contributions to the local national economy.

History

Taiyuan, called Jinyang in ancient times, is an ancient city. It was initially established in 497 B.C. as Jinyang city, and in the early Warring States Period was the capital of Zhao State. Though it was later reduced to a municipality under the auspices of the Qin Emperor (Qin Shihuang, the first Emperor of China), it rose again a thousand years later as the capital of the Tang Dynasty, whose ascension marked the beginning of what is known as the zenith of ancient Chinese culture.

Scenic Spots

Taiyuan is in the middle belt of tourist routes and is rich in ecological tourist resources and fascinating historical sites. Places like Fenhe Park, Jinci Temple, Holy Mother Hall, Yongzuo Temple, the Tianlong Mountain Grottoes, Chongshan Monastery, the Yungang Grottoes and Wutai Mountain all carry historical/ecological descriptions far too long to put in an introduction, and may only be fully experienced when unfurling in front of the naked eye.

Natural Scene

• Mt. Wutaishan

Historical Site

• Chongshansi Temple
• Jinci Temple

Taiyuan Highlights

Taiyuan FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Are there any tips about the weather in Taiyuan?

  Food

1. What should I note when eating in Shanxi?

  Shopping

1. What speciality products does Shanxi have?

  Travel

1. Some tips on touring around temples on Mt. Wutaishan

• Are there any tips about the weather in Taiyuan?

  Shanxi province is located on the Loess Plateau and is windy and dusty. So you had better not dress in light color. Besides, the air is dry and you should take good care of your skin, and drink more water, or else your lips will be chapped.

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• What should I note when eating in Shanxi?

  The soil in Shanxi province is alkaline, so we strongly recommend you to drink a spoon of local mature vinegar before your three meals a day because the local vinegar could reduce the alkalescence and prevent intestinal disease.

  Proper diet is important. Do not eat too much. Eat more vegetables, fruits and drink more water in order to adapt yourself to the plateau-climate. You had better not smoke or drink.

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• What speciality products does Shanxi have?

  Pingyao beef, Pingyao lacquerwork, Shanxi mature vinegar, Shanxi red date, "Fen jiu" (a kind of famous Chinese hard liquor), mushrooms and tropaeolum of Mount Wutaishan and so on.

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• Some tips on touring around temples on Mt. Wutaishan

  The mountain area is scattered with many famous temples which are the highlights of Mt. Wutaishan tour. There are several aspects tourists should pay attention to, such as:

  • Monk in these temples should be styled "Shifu" or "Fashi" while the abbot styled "Zhanglao," "Fangzhang," or "Shanshi (Chan master)." All the forms of address show the respect for the monks. Monk in lamasery should be addressed as "lama," meaning great master. Do not call them "Heshang" or "Chujiaren" or even other insulting name.
  
  
  • When meeting monks in these temples, you should salute them by putting the palms together and lowering your head slightly or you can put upright one of your hand before chest and lower your head. Never shake their hands, embrace them, touch their heads or other unsuitable action.
  
  
  • When talking with the monks, you should not speak of killing, marriage and eating meat in order to avoid arousing their antipathy. Don't speak loudly, discuss casually, lampoon, touch the Buddhist figures or leave any mark on statues. You may stand and look silently or leave quietly if you come across the Buddhist ceremony. Take care of your kids lest naive children behave impolitely.
  
  
  • No smoking in the temples. Do not leave litter. Taking photographs is not permitted.
  
  
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