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.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Hengshan Tianfeng Ridge Trail
Stepped climb past Taoist cliff temples to the summit of one of the Five Sacred Mountains.
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2
Wutai Shan Five-Terrace Circuit (Beitai section)
The highest of Wutai Shan's five terraces; snow lingers into May and temperatures stay cool even in July.
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3
Dailuoding Pilgrim Stairs
Short stair climb with a temple view of all five terraces at the top.
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4
Mianshan Plank Path Circuit
Cliff-hung plank paths and temples with long views over the loess valleys.
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5
Taihang Grand Canyon Gorge Walk (Pingshun)
Pathways and plank walks through red-rock gorges on the eastern Taihang escarpment.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Shanxi.
- Best
- May-June, September-October
- Avoid
- December-March at Wutai Shan and Hengshan (ice and snow)
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Altitude cold and sudden rain at Wutai Shan even in July
Hazard: Icy steps November-March
Hazard: Narrow cliff paths at Hengshan and Mianshan; keep to railings