Shanxi is a landlocked province on the Loess Plateau of north China, west of the Taihang Mountains and east of the Yellow River. It holds more surviving pre-modern timber buildings than any other Chinese province, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Yungang Grottoes, the Ancient City of Pingyao and Mount Wutai), the cliff-clinging Hanging Monastery, the 1056 wooden pagoda of Ying County, the Qing-era merchant mansions of the Jin traders and the thundering Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Walking Pingyao's City Wall
The 6 km Ming-dynasty wall around Pingyao has watchtowers, gates and views straight down into courtyard rooftops. Children can walk a section and exit at another gate, rather than completing the full loop.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Yungang Grottoes
More than 250 caves carved in the 5th and 6th centuries, including a seated Buddha about 14 m tall open to the sky at Cave 20. The site is spread out along a cliff with flat paths, and the scale impresses even young children.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Shanxi Museum
Taiyuan's provincial museum displays bronzes, Buddhist statues, opera-stage models and Jin merchant exhibits across several floors. Climate-controlled and stroller-friendly, it makes a good rainy or very hot day option.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
A large garden in Jinyuan District with timber-framed greenhouse domes holding tropical, desert and aquatic plants, plus open lawns and lakes for running around.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Jinci Temple Gardens
Ancient cypress trees, spring-fed pools, bridges and painted halls make Jinci an easy family outing on the edge of Taiyuan, with plenty of shade in summer.
Duration: 2 hours
Qiao Family Compound
Six large courtyards with more than 300 rooms, carved gates and red lanterns; this Qing merchant mansion was the filming location of 'Raise the Red Lantern'. Children enjoy exploring the maze of linked courtyards.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Hukou Waterfall
The Yellow River squeezes into a narrow gorge and drops in a thundering, mud-coloured torrent. Spray and slippery rocks require close supervision, so the trip suits older children.
Duration: Full day from Linfen
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Wanda Vista Taiyuan
Central five-star hotel on Jiefang Road, convenient for Liuxiang shopping streets and city sights
Family features: Central location; buffet breakfast with Western and Chinese options
JW Marriott Hotel Taiyuan
International five-star hotel in Taiyuan's southern district, convenient for Taiyuan South Railway Station and Wusu Airport
Family features: Easy access to Taiyuan South station for high-speed trains to Pingyao and Datong
Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan
Five-star hotel in the Changfeng business district on the east bank of the Fen River
Family features: Close to Fenhe Park for riverside walks and cycling
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Shanxi food is generally not very spicy and centres on wheat noodles, breads and dumplings that most children enjoy
Ask for bú yào là (no chilli) when ordering, as chilli oil is often added to noodles by default
Shanxi vinegar is strong; let children try a little before it is poured over their dish
Many restaurants have high chairs; ask for a bǎobao yǐ (baby chair)
Western fast-food chains are widespread in Taiyuan and Datong if children need a familiar meal
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Use high-speed trains for the Datong–Taiyuan–Pingyao route; journeys are 30 minutes to 2 hours, and seats with luggage space are easy for families
Visit outdoor sites such as Yungang and the Pingyao wall in the morning in summer, saving museums for the hottest hours
Keep young children close on the Hanging Monastery's narrow cliff walkways and at Hukou Waterfall, where rocks are wet and slippery
Wutai Shan can be cold even in July; bring fleeces and hats for children
Set up Alipay before arrival so that family tickets, metro rides and snacks can be paid for by phone