https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/jiaocheng/best-things-to-do/10073033900000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Jiaocheng [2025]
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
30960 reviews
8.9
From CAD 1.98
Based on 996 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603527992666
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
Saved by 807 users24100 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There are too few toilets, it's a real problem. The supermarket is on the main street, but the toilets are tucked away in corners. There's not even any handwashing water. Honestly, it's really... the staff are incompetent. They drive the shuttle bus incredibly fast and honk incessantly, and they don't slow down at intersections, just honking like crazy. I arrived quite early this morning, around 8 AM, but even the nearest parking lot was already blocked off by staff.
The Yungang Grottoes, formerly known as the Wuzhou Mountain Grottoes Temple, are a World Cultural Heritage site and a national 5A-level scenic area. Located on the southern slope of Wuzhou (Zhou) Mountain, about 16 kilometers west of Datong City, Shanxi Province, the grottoes cover an area of over 18,000 square meters. Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty's establishment of its capital in Pingcheng, they are one of my country's three major grottoes. In March 1961, they were designated as one of the first batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council. In December 2001, they were approved by UNESCO to be included in the World Cultural Heritage List. In May 2007, they became one of the first batch of national 5A-level tourist attractions.
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The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
4.7
/5
17693 reviews
8.6
From CAD 17.78
Based on 213 reviews
Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603577955000
Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Spring & fall thunderous waterfall
See the Thundering Falls in spring and fall
Saved by 156 users12955 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I visited Hukou Waterfall at the end of October and had a fantastic experience, especially the Shanxi side, where the scenery was even more spectacular and the area was much larger. The scenic area is very concentrated, and you can see everything in about half an hour to an hour. There weren't many tourists, so I could fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and take photos.
After all, it's the Yellow River, the mother river of China. Even though it was National Day and quite crowded, and it was drizzling that day, and the mighty Yellow River left many mud splatters on my feet, it's still a place everyone should see at least once in their life.
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
14177 reviews
8.6
From CAD 15.81
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | 30.6 km from downtown
Phone +864006088608
Address: In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama
Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm
Saved by 146 users11028 positive reviews
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The beauty of Jinci lies in its mountains, trees, and water. I finally experienced the Holy Mother Hall, Nanlao Spring, ancient cypress trees, and Tang Dynasty locust trees described in the junior high school textbook "Jinci". At the same time, as a native of Baoji, Shaanxi, I paid homage to Duke Ji Yu of Jin: Your family from the old home has come to see you.
Aside from the crowds, there are no other problems. It has a classic and antique feel, and the shops inside are very bustling, with everything you need for eating, drinking, and entertainment. Some local specialties are worth buying. The overall planning of the scenic area is also good, with both a sense of traditional history and a modern atmosphere. It's worth a visit.
No.
4
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Pingyao Ancient City
4.6
/5
21334 reviews
8.5
From CAD 24.30
Based on 1,383 reviews
Inside Pingyao Ancient City | 38.7 km from downtown
Phone +8603545690000
Address: No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Enjoy stunning sunset views from the city wall in the evening
World-class photography exhibition
Saved by 476 users13531 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Pingyao Ancient City is definitely worth visiting at least once in your life ❤️ While it shares many similarities with other ancient cities in terms of commerce—expensive restaurants, photo opportunities, bars, guesthouses, etc.—Pingyao Ancient City is a living ancient city. The [County Government Office] is well-preserved and once served as the county government compound; you can witness the financial pioneers at [Rishengchang]; the [Confucian Temple] and [City God Temple] are not only places of worship but also embody the spirit of Shanxi merchants. The Confucian Temple boasts the oldest existing Confucian temple building in China: its Dacheng Hall, built in the Jin Dynasty (1163), is older than the existing buildings of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, making it a true architectural gem with extremely high historical value. It is a complete example of "temple and school in one": it was not only a place to worship Confucius but also the official school (county school) of ancient Pingyao. You can see the complete ancient educational system from the "temple" for worship to the "school" for teaching; such a well-preserved layout is very rare. [Huiwu Martial Arts] comprehensively and systematically showcases the essence of Chinese martial arts. Finally, I highly recommend "Encounter Pingyao".
I looked up Shuanglin Temple online and thought it was worth a visit. It was indeed breathtaking. I've never seen painted sculptures anywhere else, especially the "Number One Weituo in the World," which was incredibly lifelike and imposing.
No.
5
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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
4.8
/5
15931 reviews
8.4
From CAD 9.49
Based on 182 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603495088889
Address: Northwest corner of Yingxian city, Shuozhou city
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
11-foot Buddha statue inside
Panoramic views of nature & history
Saved by 141 users14680 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
When we went there, the tour guide told us that the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda was tilting more and more obviously, so we didn't know when we would be able to see it again. I took the opportunity to visit the pagoda during my trip to Datong, and I felt that the trip was worthwhile.
Visitors can only tour the first floor; there's a queue at the entrance – the mountain road winds and twists. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, officially the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is a millennium-old treasure combining architectural, religious, and artistic value. It is the world's oldest and tallest existing pure wooden pavilion-style building; a national key cultural relics protection unit; a national AAAA-level scenic spot; and is considered one of the "Three Great Towers of the World," along with the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. It holds the Guinness World Record for "World's Tallest Wooden Pagoda." The pure wooden structure, without nails or rivets, uses 54 different types of mortise and tenon joints, and has withstood numerous strong earthquakes and wars for nearly a thousand years.
No.
6
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
9902 reviews
8.4
From CAD 5.73
Based on 793 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333081
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
Saved by 751 users7456 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Hanging Temple (a national cultural relic) is located in Ciyangxia, Hengshan Mountain, 4 kilometers southeast of Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. It is a temple complex integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, situated approximately 60 meters above the ground.
It was first built in the 15th year of the Taihe reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD). It has been repaired throughout the dynasties. During the Jin and Yuan dynasties, the south and north buildings, along with the suspended walkway, largely formed the current spatial layout. The existing buildings are mainly from the Ming and Qing dynasties. (Filming location for Black Myth: Wukong) The temple gate faces south, with the west side considered the main entrance. It is a wooden frame structure with a multi-layered horizontal layout running north-south. The overall layout is "one courtyard and two buildings," with a suspended temple courtyard at the south end and two suspended flying buildings at the north end.
It is one of the earliest and best-preserved high-altitude wooden cliff-side buildings in China. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai inscribed the words "Magnificent" on the cliff face. The great Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake exclaimed it as "a magnificent sight under heaven."
In the first year of the Tianxing era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (398 AD), the Northern Wei established its capital in Pingcheng (present-day Datong City). Before his death, Kou Qianzhi (365-448 AD), a Taoist master of the Northern Wei, left a will: to build a temple in the sky, so as to "reach the heavenly guests above and sever the hustle and bustle below." Afterwards, his disciples raised funds from various sources, carefully selected a site, and designed the temple. The Hanging Temple was completed in the fifteenth year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD).
Travel Guide
Transportation: Bus 901 goes directly there, running once an hour, taking 2.5 hours. The last bus departs at 6 PM. However, sometimes the bus doesn't stop.
Ticket Price: Located within the Hengshan Scenic Area, the outer perimeter ticket is 15 yuan, and the climbing ticket is 100 yuan. Reservations must be made one week in advance through "Beiyue Yunyou" (Northern Yue Cloud Tour). (Free for those over 60 years old; military personnel with preferential treatment cards need to purchase a climbing ticket). Shuttle bus fare between Hengshan attractions is 20 yuan. (Not recommended for those with a fear of heights)
Time: 1-2 hours
Accommodation and Meals: Stay overnight in Hunyuan Ancient Town. Taxi fare to Hengshan is 10 yuan. The local specialty, liangfen (cold noodles), can be made in six or seven different flavors.
Nearby Attractions: Datong Ancient Town, Yungang Grottoes, Yong'an Temple, Yuanjue Temple Brick Pagoda, Hanging Temple, Hengshan Mountain, Jueshan Temple Pagoda, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.
🏯 Hanging Temple, DatongVisited the amazing Hanging Temple today — a 1,500-year-old wooden temple literally clinging to a cliff! 😲 Walking on those narrow walkways was both thrilling and a bit scary, but the view and history made it totally worth it. What an incredible sight! 🌄✨
No.
7
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Little Western Paradise
4.8
/5
4077 reviews
8.2
From CAD 6.92
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603576733033
Address: Xiaoxitian, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Check out Black Myth: Wukong
Ancient Zen temple from Ming
3764 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
It's very convenient to use; just scan the code to enter the attraction. We encountered construction and had to climb a mountain path, which added to the scenic atmosphere! The hanging sculptures inside the hall are magnificent and awe-inspiring; I'm amazed by the wisdom of our ancestors! A truly worthwhile trip!
The scenery is beautiful and the climate is pleasant. The suspended sculptures in the Mahavira Hall are stunning. Even after hundreds of years, the colors are still vibrant. The Buddha statues are diverse in form and style, combining Chinese and Western elements, which perfectly showcases the wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of the Chinese people!
No.
8
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Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
4.6
/5
13678 reviews
8.2
From CAD 17.78
Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609114838030
Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Yichuan County, Yan'an City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Feel waterfall's power up close
Hukou Waterfall panoramic view
Saved by 228 users9011 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Anyone buying Ctrip tickets should take note: you need to take two screenshots here. There are two QR codes in total: one for the scenic spot entrance ticket and one for the scenic spot transportation ticket. First, scan the transportation ticket at the Shaanxi side of Hukou Waterfall, take the bus to the scenic spot entrance, and then scan the ticket to enter the scenic spot! Remember! Be sure to take two screenshots! The ticket purchasing and usage process is very reliable and convenient!
We've been to northern Shaanxi! I think it's a great place! The water at the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River is so turbulent! It's like a thousand horses galloping! It's so impressive! It was worth the trip! My whole family is very happy! I highly recommend it!
No.
9
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Wutai Mountain
4.6
/5
8250 reviews
8.0
From CAD 7.91
Based on 440 reviews
Wuye Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8618634384269
Address: 205 Provincial Rd, Wutai Xian, Xinzhou Shi, Shanxi Sheng, China, 035515
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Highlights:
Pilgrimage to five unique peaks
Panoramic view of Mount Wutai
Saved by 129 users5502 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery is nice and the bus is very convenient, good reviews! But the consumption level in the scenic area is a bit high, especially in some farmhouse restaurants, where two people can eat more than 100 yuan, while other places in the mountains only cost dozens of yuan.
The tour is very nice and I visited many temple which is very peaceful. The guide is also polite and helpful.
No.
10
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Yanmenguan
4.7
/5
5876 reviews
8.0
From CAD 10.87
Based on 5 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603506100519
Address: Daixian, Xinzhou, Shanxi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Yang Family's legendary statue
Walk ancient Great Wall path
4936 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
One of the most worthwhile attractions to visit, Yanmen Pass ranks first among the nine strategic passes of ancient China. You must go and see its terrain and geographical location to experience how military defense was conducted during wartime. However, the scenic area is too commercialized and lacks sufficient entertainment value.
It is worthy of being called the No. 1 Pass in the World. The terrain is dangerous and the scenery is breathtaking. It has a rich history. Many heroes from ancient times to the present have gathered here to defend their country and compose heroic songs! There are not enough toilets in the scenic area, and they need to be cleaned in time!
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