https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/zuoyun/best-things-to-do/10071446122900
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Zuoyun [2025]
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Badaling Great Wall
4.7
/5
54028 reviews
10
From AU$ 8.56
Based on 11,094 reviews
Badaling Great Wall/Badaling Wildlife Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008180088
Address: Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Take a cable car to enjoy the fall scenery of The Great Wall
World Heritage Site
Saved by 8111 users38347 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The guide was very informative, also this is not a walking wall , it is a climbing wall.
Convenient. Just present your passport or ID document, you will get your ticket. The audio is in the trip app. It's very useful. But it takes time to loading the audio. Excellent view of the Great Wall. It is recommended to use cable car if you find hiking challenging. Some part of the slope is extremely steep.
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
29597 reviews
8.9
From AU$ 25.68
Based on 995 reviews
38.6 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 741 users23002 positive reviews
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Last night, while I was having dinner, the guide called to discuss our schedule for today. I was pleasantly surprised and incredibly thoughtful! He gave us excellent suggestions for our morning itinerary at the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. He also added us on WeChat and sent us a message before we departed from the pagoda.
Today's entire tour was incredibly informative. He told us various Buddhist stories based on the sculptures in the grottoes. The guide's photography skills were incredible!
Last night, while I was having dinner, the guide called to discuss our schedule for today. I was pleasantly surprised and incredibly thoughtful! He gave us excellent suggestions for our morning itinerary at the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. He also added us on WeChat and sent us a message before we departed from the pagoda.
Today's entire tour was incredibly informative. He told us various Buddhist stories based on the sculptures in the grottoes. The guide's photography skills were incredible!
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
13192 reviews
8.6
From AU$ 17.12
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | >100 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 136 users10089 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I learned about the Jin Temple in school, but only today did I get the chance to visit it. Located at the foot of Tianlong Mountain, over 50 li from the city center, the Jin Temple was built to commemorate the mother of Tang Shuyu, the founding emperor of the Jin Dynasty. The Song Dynasty main hall, offering hall, and flying bridges of the Fish Pond are well-preserved, and the Nanlao Spring flows gently. Ancient trees tower above, and the landscape is beautifully arranged. It's well worth a thorough visit.
The Jin Temple is not a single ancestral hall, but a vast complex of classical garden-style temples and shrines, integrating ancient sacrificial architecture, gardens, sculptures, inscriptions, and ancient and valuable trees. Its history dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, but its most precious remains date back to the Northern Song Dynasty. The Jin Temple holds a profoundly important position in the history of Chinese architecture and art.
No.
4
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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
4.8
/5
14715 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 10.27
Based on 182 reviews
64.6 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 127 users13530 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
A breathtaking ancient architectural gem! The wooden pagoda has stood tall for millennia thanks to the craftsman's ingenuity and mortise-and-tenon construction. Walking around it, every aspect is worth savoring. I was deeply impressed by the ancient craftsmanship and highly recommend it!
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is definitely worth a visit. The only regret is that you can't climb it now. It's an architectural wonder, so you should take advantage of it and see it while it's still there, as it's already tilted. I really like the cat's nest in the shape of a pagoda in the scenic area; it's so cute.
No.
5
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
9455 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 3.21
Based on 793 reviews
94.7 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 672 users7075 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Hanging Temple resembles a celestial palace, nestled between sheer cliffs. Every wooden plank speaks of millennia of craftsmanship. Standing on the plank road overlooking the abyss is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, and the wisdom and courage of the ancients are truly awe-inspiring. The majestic Buddha statues and the distant toll of the bells within the temple create a dialogue with history, a journey through time and space. It's absolutely worth a visit!
1. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain. The entire temple clings to the cliffs of Hengshan Mountain, supported by only a single pillar. It's incredibly precarious, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment, a truly daunting sight.
2. The Hanging Temple at the foot of Hengshan Mountain is a breathtakingly ingenious structure. This massive temple seems to soar into the air, leaving you in awe of the ingenuity of the craftsmen thousands of years ago.
3. I wonder how the builders of the Hanging Temple managed to transport the stones and wood up the mountain.
4. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain, the Northern Peak, is truly a rare sight.
No.
6
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Dazhao Temple
4.7
/5
7590 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 7.49
Dazhao Temple / Saishang old street | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8604716303154
Address: Dazhao Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
10-yard golden dragon & mural
Grand blessing ceremony on Lantern Festival
Saved by 325 users4846 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Upon first sighting the Potala Palace, the Red Fortress atop Red Hill shone awe-inspiring in the sunlight. Slowly ascending the zigzag ramp, the murals and stupas within the palaces reveal the secret history of a thousand-year-old snow-covered land. The dazzling gilded sheen of the Fifth Dalai Lama's stupa silently speaks of its past glory. Reaching the summit, the view opens to the panorama of Lhasa, and the mountain breeze carries the echoes of history.
The Jokhang Temple is a haven of faith. "The Jokhang Temple came first, and then Lhasa." Inside, butter lamps burn eternally before the life-size statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng. The relentless footsteps of pilgrims circumambulate the bluestone slabs, deeply etched with prostrations, and the recitation of the Six-Syllable Mantra lingers in the air. Beneath the golden dome, the architecture, a blend of Tibetan, Han, and Nepalese styles, bears witness to the collision and coexistence of civilizations.
From the grandeur of the Potala Palace to the piousness of the Jokhang Temple, the allure of this holy city extends far beyond its landscape. Here, every step is based on history, and every glance reveals the light of faith.
Overall, it's okay. This is for the Dazhao Wuliang Temple, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site. It's quite unique. Although I haven't been to the famous Dazhao Wuliang Temple in Tibet, it was still a good experience. It's a sacred Buddhist site, and while there are certainly signs prohibiting photography in many areas, it doesn't affect your enjoyment of this sacred Tibetan Buddhist site. It's a truly unique experience.
No.
7
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Whistling Dune Bay
4.3
/5
4650 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 25.68
Based on 81 reviews
Xiangshawan | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008785550
Address: Dalad, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Breathtaking desert views & panorama
Camel rides in the desert
Saved by 305 users2964 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The experience of having tour guide Song Peng was very good. Every instruction was very clear. The car departed on time. He was very capable. He prepared some precautions for the tour items and some water for us in advance. He was like a big head. He carefully introduced the differences between each island and recommended the favorite items and ways of playing according to our needs. It was quite tight to visit two islands in one day, but there was no discomfort. I was very happy during the process.
The itinerary was very compact and reasonable, but there was plenty of free time. The tour guide gave a lot of tips on local food and drink, as well as some opinions. He told us about some historical changes in the buildings, which was interesting and vivid. The bus driver was very skilled, and the whole journey was very smooth. I slept on the bus until the end. I felt that the whole free time was very sufficient. The bus driver was considerate and lively, and gave souvenirs. His business skills were also very strong! He remembered everyone's needs and responded promptly.
No.
8
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Huitengxile Huanghua Valley
4.3
/5
2746 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 20.97
Huitengxile Grassland | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8618347775166
Address: Phaeton Siler Grassland, Chayouzhong Banner, Wulanchabu City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Saved by 135 users1827 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There is nothing much to play, just natural scenery, take various cars out of the ditch, there are grass skiing, water skiing, 50 yuan per time, the ticket includes the performance, a bit expensive. The scenery is not bad
The blue sky and white clouds grassland, the scenery is beautiful on a sunny day, there is a lot of traffic in the scenic area, the Internet celebrity train took, the elderly and children did not feel tired all the way down, there is grass skiing at their own expense, the scenery on the cable car in the ditch is the most beautiful, but there is nothing fun in the ditch. I came out to watch the Aobao performance, which was not bad.
No.
9
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Huayan Monastery
4.8
/5
9699 reviews
8.1
From AU$ 10.70
Based on 147 reviews
Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area | 51.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603522042001
Address: No. 459 Xia Sipo Street, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Saved by 148 users7904 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Huayan Temple, founded in 1038 during the Liao Dynasty, is one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China. In 1961, it was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. It consists of two parts: the Main Hall, the largest Buddhist hall during the Liao and Jin Dynasties, and the Bhagavat Hall, home to 31 Liao Dynasty clay sculptures, earning it the nickname "Venus of the East."
The beauty of this thousand-year-old temple—the Buddha statues, murals, architecture, even the largest Chiwen (Chiwen)—is truly breathtaking. It's worth savoring it in detail if you have time, and a guide's explanation will deepen your understanding. A sudden downpour in the evening only made the ancient temple appear even clearer and brighter! It feels like a place worth visiting multiple times; the artistic atmosphere is evident everywhere!
No.
10
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Wutai Mountain
4.6
/5
8143 reviews
8.0
From AU$ 10.70
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 122 users5476 positive reviews
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A hassle-free guide to visiting Bodhisattva Peak in Mount Wutai (Part 1)
Date 1️⃣6️⃣9/12: Mount Wutai, a 5A-rated scenic spot, is one of the world's five sacred Buddhist sites and the only Buddhist monastery in China where the Green Temple and the Yellow Temple complement each other. It boasts 86 extant temples, many of which were commissioned and visited by emperors of various dynasties.
Famous attractions include: P3 Bodhisattva Peak, with its 108 steps; P4 Lingfeng Shengjing Archway; P5 Imperial Stele of the Kangxi and Qianling Mausoleums; P6 Main Hall; P7-8 Xiantong Temple's Bronze Hall, cast in the 38th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1610 AD), using 100,000 jin of copper, is one of the best-preserved bronze halls in China; P9 Tayuan Temple's Great White Pagoda, currently under repair.
P10-11 Wuye Temple, also known as the Five Dragon Kings Hall and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion, was originally built in the 44th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1616 AD) and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty as the Yellow Temple. Legend has it that Wuye Temple, where all wishes are granted, is the most visited temple in Mount Wutai, attracting the largest number of visitors.
Tip: Enter through the north gate and exit through the south gate at Pusading to avoid climbing the 108 steps and save your legs as you descend. From the south gate, visit Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Wuye Temple, Shuxiang Temple, the central sightseeing bus stop, and return to your B&B.
🎫Tickets are ¥135 for those aged 19-59; those aged 60 and above are free. Tickets must be booked five days in advance at the Mount Wutai Tourist Service Center in GZH.
🚗Drivers must also make reservations five days in advance on GZH. Tickets are released at 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM daily, with a limit of 2,000 vehicles per day.
Mount Wutai is so big that you don't have to worry about the route when you join a tour group. Those who travel independently can take the free shuttle bus in the scenic area and play from stop to stop. When you are tired, you can get on the bus, and when you are not tired, you can walk around. It is quite suitable, but there are too many people. September is the off-season and there are not many people, but there are still crowds of people. The reception level in the scenic area is limited, and there are queues in the toilets. The queuing phenomenon in the scenic area is serious, so some people will go there again and again. Below Dailuoding, there is a slow slope when you come down. If people want to rest, there is a very small step on the side with an iron frame next to it to sit on. However, there is no sign on the step and the bricks on the ground are gray, which is particularly difficult to distinguish. I sat there for less than 20 minutes and three or four people sprained their ankles, but I forgot to take pictures. I hope the scenic area will consider being more humane when designing the rest platform.
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