Must-visit attractions for a self-driving trip in Shanxi

Shanxi is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation, dating back to three thousand years ago, with the reputation of being the Museum of Ancient Chinese Culture.

The Yungang Grottoes absorb the essence of Chinese and Western cultures, witnessing the integration of national cultures and the exchange of Chinese and foreign cultures. As a treasure of human civilization, it has left a deep mark in history after more than 1,500 years of baptism. However, with the crisp sound echoing on the Silk Road, a stone grotto statue can cross thousands of years and return to people's hearts.
The Imperial City Mansion (also known as the Wuting Mountain Village) covers a total area of 36,000 square meters. It was the former residence of Chen Tingjing, an imperial scholar and a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel during the Qing Dynasty. The mansion consists of the inner city, outer city, and Ziyun Trail. The Imperial Study Tower is magnificent, the central avenue is majestic, the residential buildings are connected, the River and Mountain Tower is grand and steep, and the hidden military caves are fascinating. It is a rare architectural complex of castle-style mansions from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in northern China and is hailed by experts as the "residence of the first cultural clan in northern China".

Mian Mountain

Mian Mountain Scenic Area, a national AAAAA-level scenic area, a key scenic area in Shanxi Province, the birthplace of the Chinese Qingming Festival (Cold Food Festival), the Chinese Cold Food Qingming Culture Research Center, and the Chinese Cold Food Qingming Culture Museum. The Mian Mountain Scenic Area spans the borders of Jiexiu, Lingshi, and Qinyuan counties and cities, with a highest altitude of 2560 meters, and is an important branch of Mount Taiyue.
Pingyao Ancient City in the Ming and Qing dynasties is an outstanding example of ancient Chinese cities, preserving all its distinctive features. Additionally, it showcases a remarkable panorama of cultural, social, economic, and religious development throughout Chinese history.
Qiao Family Compound is a magnificent architectural complex that showcases the unique style of residential buildings in the Qing Dynasty of China. It is highly valued for its aesthetic, research, and historical significance, and is regarded as an unparalleled treasure trove of art. It is known as "a pearl among northern residential buildings" and "the Qiao Family seen by the commoners, the Forbidden City seen by the royals", renowned throughout the world.

Hongtong Dahuaishu Root-seeking Ancestral Memorial Park

The Great Pagoda Tree, also known as Ancient Great Pagoda Tree or Shanxi Great Pagoda Tree, is located in the Great Pagoda Tree Park, about 2 kilometers northwest of Jiacun in Hongtong County, Shanxi Province, China. It is a gathering place for immigrants from the Ming Dynasty.

Yanmen Pass

Yanmen Pass Scenic Area is a tourist destination focused on the historical relics and military defense system of Yanmen Pass, showcasing frontier culture, Great Wall culture, and pass culture. The planned area is 30 square kilometers.

Mount Wutai Scenic Area

Mount Wutai is the spiritual home of Manjusri Bodhisattva, known as the "first in wisdom". It is one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism and one of the five great Buddhist holy sites in the world.
Between the northern plateau of Shanxi and the plain of central Hebei, Hengshan has become a strategic location due to its rugged natural mountain terrain and unique geographical position. The mountain passes of Daoma, Zijing, Pingxing, Yanmen, and Ningwu sit between the mountains and valleys, serving as the crucial gateways from the plateau beyond the Great Wall to the Taiyuan Basin and the central plains of Hebei.
Hukou Waterfall is a natural waterfall formed by the Yellow River flowing through the Jinshanxia Gorge in the middle reaches. It is located east of Jixian County, Shanxi Province, and west of Yichuan County, Shaanxi Province, about 25 kilometers southwest of Jixian County.