Taiyuan Travel Tips

Taiyuan Travel Tips No. 1: Health and Safety
Hiking might be the dominant means when traveling in Taiyuan. Proper and comfortable shoes will save you many troubles. For female tourists, please try not to wear high heels and skirts.

The temperature varies greatly in Shanxi between daytime and nighttime. Be sure to bring enough clothes to keep warm at night. Due to the air is extremely dry here, bringing enough water with you is necessary.

Taiyuan is not as clean as most of the other cities in China due to its large output of coals. Furthermore, in spring the sunshine and wind is extremely strong in the city. Therefore, proper protections including sunglasses, sunblocks, lip balms etc. are necessary.

Shanxi attractions are scattered far away from each other. Therefore much of your time would be spent in your vehicle. Sufficient water, food etc are necessary.

Taiyuan Travel Tips No. 2: Tips on Food
Fine vinegar is one of the most famous local specialties for it can neutralize the alkalinity of Shanxi local cuisine. Having a spoon of the vinegar before dinner can keep your stomach away from discomfort brought by the alkalinity. Vegetables, fruits and enough water will help you adapt yourself better to the plateau climate.

Taiyuan Travel Tips No. 3: Avoiding Traps
The prices of daily articles in scenic spot are usually higher than that in urban area.  Please bring enough batteries, waters, paper tissues etc. with you and avoid buying them in scenic spots. 

Stay away from local fortunetellers, most of whom are cheaters

Taiyuan Travel Tips No. 4: Tips on Attractions
a) Shanxi Museum

Don’t confuse Shanxi Museum (Shanxi Bowuyuan) with Shanxi Provincial Museum (Shanxi Sheng Bowuguan). They are different.
You have to obtain the ticket at the entrance for free.

Shanxi Museum is free for admission, however, in order to control the number of tourists, tickets are still need as admission. You can obtain the ticket at the entrance. There are only 4000 tickets available each day. One ticket for each. Go to have your ticket earlier will save much of your time.

Group tourists can make reservations beforehand, calling 86-351-8789555.

b) The Jinci Temple

The Jinci Temple is located in Jinci Park, which is free to the public. In the park, you will encounter guides who eager to offer you their services. We recommend that you employ a guide in the temple rather than one from the Park as they are better value.

c) Mt. Wutai.

The accommodation condition is limited in Mt.Wutai, however the occupation rate is extremely high, especially during weekend and public holidays. Make reservation beforehand is necessary.

The interruption of water and electricity supply is common in this area, thus it is wise to prepare beforehand.

Bring enough clothes with you to keep warm. Woolen sweaters and trousers are necessary if you come to Mt. Wutai in spring and autumn. If you want to watch sunrise at Dongtai, rent a cotton overcoat is strongly recommended.

In spite of the fact that Shanxi weather is generally dry, in summer Mt. Wutai is extremely rainy. Please remember to bring rain gears along with you.

The best time to visit Mt. Wutai is July and August. If you come to Mt, Wutai from the north side, which is Fanzhi and Shahe area, please keep in mind that the road is only available from May to mid-September, for the rest time of the year the road is covered by heavy snow.