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.
Accommodation overview
Shanxi accommodation splits into three markets. Pingyao Ancient City offers restored Qing-dynasty courtyard inns with brick kang beds and lantern-lit lanes, booked by atmosphere rather than amenities. Taiyuan has international chains and business hotels, concentrated in Yingze and Xiaodian districts near Liuxiang and the railway stations. Datong has hotels around the Drum Tower and city wall, a convenient base for the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple. Rates are low by Chinese standards and foreigners must show a passport at check-in. Book Pingyao ahead for weekends and national holidays.
- Budget
- About ¥250-450 per night (about $35-65 USD) for courtyard guesthouses and business hotels
- Mid-range
- About ¥350-800 per night (about $50-115 USD)
- Luxury
- About ¥700-1,600 per night (about $100-235 USD)
- Where to stay
- Inside Pingyao's walls for atmosphere; Yingze District or Xiaodian District in Taiyuan; the old city around the Drum Tower in Datong
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Dejuyuan Guesthouse
Family-run courtyard guesthouse on West Street with a well-known on-site restaurant serving Pingyao beef and oat-flour noodles.
Check rates on Booking.comYungang Meigao Hotel
Mid-priced hotel on Yingbin East Street, a practical base for the Datong sites by taxi.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range
Wanda Vista Taiyuan
Central five-star hotel on Jiefang Road, convenient for the Liuxiang shopping streets and the city's old commercial district.
Check rates on Booking.comYingze Hotel
Long-established hotel on Taiyuan's main avenue, close to Taiyuan Railway Station and the central restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comJing's Residence
Boutique hotel in a restored Qing-dynasty merchant's courtyard mansion inside the walls; taxis stop at the nearest gate or main road and guests walk the last stretch.
Check rates on Booking.comPingyao Yide Hotel
Long-running courtyard hotel in a quiet alley, about 300 years old, a five-minute walk from South Street with a restaurant open from early morning to late evening.
Check rates on Booking.comGarden Hotel Datong
Four-star hotel in the centre of Datong's old city, a short walk from the Drum Tower, Huayan Temple and the Nine Dragon Wall; the Huayuanda restaurant is inside.
Check rates on Booking.comDatong Yungang International Hotel
Established hotel on Daxi Street in the city centre, convenient for taxis to the Yungang Grottoes; check current listings as sources are dated.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Garden Inn Datong Pingcheng
Modern international-brand hotel south of the old city, useful for travelers arriving at Datong South Railway Station.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
Sheraton Taiyuan Hotel
Five-star international hotel in the Longcheng Avenue business district, a short ride from Taiyuan South Railway Station for high-speed trains to Pingyao and Datong.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott Hotel Taiyuan
International five-star hotel beside the Maoye Tiandi shopping and dining complex, with its 0351 bar street within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comKempinski Hotel Taiyuan
Five-star hotel on Changfeng Street near the Fen River parkland; one of the city's best-rated international properties.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Taiyuan
Upscale hotel on the west side of the Fen River, opposite the MixC shopping centre, with the Z Bar whisky and cocktail lounge on site.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Pingyao Ancient City
Courtyard inns on West, South and East streets, walkable to the wall and the main sites
Best for: All travelers
Yingze District, Taiyuan
Central avenue area close to Liuxiang, Bell Tower Street and Taiyuan Railway Station
Best for: All travelers
Xiaodian District, Taiyuan
Business district with the international five-star hotels, Taiyuan South Railway Station and Maoye Tiandi nightlife
Best for: All travelers
Datong Old City
Hotels near the Drum Tower, Huayan Temple and the city wall; taxis to Yungang Grottoes take about 30 minutes
Best for: All travelers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Sheraton Taiyuan Hotel
Five-star international hotel in the Longcheng Avenue business district, a short ride from Taiyuan South Railway Station for high-speed trains to Pingyao and Datong.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott Hotel Taiyuan
International five-star hotel beside the Maoye Tiandi shopping and dining complex, with its 0351 bar street within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comKempinski Hotel Taiyuan
Five-star hotel on Changfeng Street near the Fen River parkland; one of the city's best-rated international properties.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Taiyuan
Upscale hotel on the west side of the Fen River, opposite the MixC shopping centre, with the Z Bar whisky and cocktail lounge on site.
Check rates on Booking.comWanda Vista Taiyuan
Central five-star hotel on Jiefang Road, convenient for the Liuxiang shopping streets and the city's old commercial district.
Check rates on Booking.comYingze Hotel
Long-established hotel on Taiyuan's main avenue, close to Taiyuan Railway Station and the central restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Pingyao courtyard inns 2-4 weeks ahead for weekends, May 1-5 and October 1-7, when the old city is full
Confirm that the property accepts foreign passports at check-in; most licensed hotels in Taiyuan, Pingyao and Datong do
Cars cannot enter most lanes of Pingyao Ancient City; ask the inn about luggage carts from the nearest gate
Nightly rates are approximate and change by date; check Trip.com or Booking.com for the current price
Taiyuan South Railway Station suits an early train; central Yingze District suits food streets and nightlife
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.