The Next ancient wonder on the list must be the Mu Ta Pagoda, at Ying Xian Village south of Datong. The Mu Ta Pagoda is the very oldest of the few remaining wooden Pagodas in China.
This page was last updated on: June 16, 2008
Shanxi Province is one of the oldest territories in the current country of China with a history leading back to the very first Dynasty - the Qin, who first united all. Shanxi Territory was established as a Province under the Ming Dynasty with a Special Function in Defense of the Great Wall.
Shanxi is one of China's central Provinces lying in the upper North-East of the country, adjacent and west of Hebei Province, the location of the National Capital Beijing. Neighboring Provinces are in clockwise direction - Shaanxi Province in the West (across the Yellow River), very large Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (AR) in the North, to the East lies Hebei Province and to the South and East Henan Province.
Shanxi translates from chinese as West of the Mountains due to its rugged terrain of which a long Eastern Mountain Range is the main Topographical Feature. This range, the TaiHang Shan, runs neatly North-South bordering the North China Plain and seperating Shanxi from Hebei Province. The Area of North-Shanxi Province is especially rough and home to one of China's Five Holiest Mountains, the Five Terrace Mountain or Wu Tai Shan. Most of the Rest of Shanxi Province, up to 80% of its surface area is almost equally Mountainous or Hilly. As a result, the Province is rich in mineral resources, and since the 1930's has been developed as the Coal (and Iron) producing heart of China. The Main industrial Cities of today are Datong and
Introduction to Shanxi Province of China
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Shanxi Province of China
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Highlights, Monuments and Scenic sites of Shanxi Province
North Shanxi Province-
From North to South, the Monuments and Scenic Sites of Shanxi Province start with the City of Datong and the World Cultural Heritage Site of Cloud Ridge 1000 Buddha Caves at nearby Yungang Village. Although today mainly known as a heavy industrial center,with a history of over 2000 years the City of Datong ranks in the list of China's 24 leading Cultural & Historic Cities.
Once the Capital City of China during the (Northern) Wei Dynasty (386 AD- 534 AD), the earliest Datong was a frontier trading post on the Silk (and Tea) Road in a strategic border area.In these early times the Wei Dynasty started construction on the Yungang Cave Satues, which are now a world heritage memory and living proof of the progression of Buddhism into China along the ancient Silk Road.
Not surprisingly, due to its strategic position, Datong soon became a Garrison City guarding the vital Pass of YanMenGuan on the Outer layer of the Great Wall of China. Throughout history Datong played a crucial role in China's Northern Defenses against invading Mongol (and other) Tribes. The City was attacked by large armies on several occasions and raised to the ground at least 2 times. In the Ming Dynasty the City received its own City Wall and once more became home to an Imperial Palace.
Map of the Gobi Desert & Yellow River Flow
Satellite Image Map of the Gobi Desert Region. Map overviews North-West Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Mongolia, Inner Mongolia and North and North-Eastern China giving a Full Overview of the Gobi Deserts and Yellow River Basin. Map includes country borders, name + location of Cities and Villages (clearly visible).
China Report - Map of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty
Satellite image of China and North-East Asia, with a super-imposed schematic Map of the location and Path of the Great Wall as constructed during the Reign of the Ming Dynasty. Included for reference are City names, geographical features of landscape, Names and locations of Passes on the Great Wall of China.
From the North we first move West to the border of Shanxi Province with neighboring Shaanxi Province, where the Yellow River flows South. In the list of Top-sites in Shanxi Province, here we find the Hukou Falls of the Yellow River at Yixian, the only waterfall on the entire 5000+ kilometers of the Yellow River. When swollen by rains, the yellow river spectaculary moves down falls and rapids into a Gorge running south toward its meeting with the Fen River. Quite some distance upstream to the North lies the village of PianGuan, where the Great Wall of China meets the yellow river and is interrupted by it. Visit remote and unknown PianGuan Pass of the Great Wall of China. A crucial Pass on the outer wall in ancient times, and more recently a well-defended Pass in battles against the Japanese Invaders of 1937 AD. The highest Mountain in West Shanxi Province is Helan Shan with spectacular views from its top at 2783 meters. The West is rough and mountainous.
Capital of Shanxi Province - TaiYuan
Surface Area / Size - 156.000 square kilometers
Population - 31.41 Million (latest update) and with limited growth.
The dry dust blown mountains of Shanxi Province, Inner Mongolia AR and Western Hebei Province.
Shanxi Province is bordered in the West by the Huang He, the mighty Yellow River. Flowing North-South along the border with Shaanxi Province, the wild and dustladen yellow river is both the blessing and the sorrow of Shanxi and neighboring Provinces, even China as a whole. Known as the true cradle of Chinese Civilization, it is this river that spawned the earliest chinese kingdoms and Dynasties with the fertile Loess soil carried in its waters. Its frequent floodings during wet
seasons,however, have caused major disasters throughout historyequalling its blessings. Notable features of the Yellow River Basin are the dry and arrid conditions in the North,North-East and North- West mainly, owing to the encroaching of the Gobi Desert and the continuous loess-deposits of yellow dust blown in from the Gobi Desert and the Yellow River Basin (in Shanxi-, Shaanxi-, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia and Gansu Provinces).
In the South of Shanxi Province, around TaiYuan and beyond the situation is slightly different from the dry and yellow North, where the lands and hillsides slowly turn more green towards the south and leading into Shaanxi and Henan Provinces.In the South the fertile lands reminscant of central and coastal provinces return and farmlands grow more and more abundant and lush.
Shanxi Province includes the Capital at TaiYuan in Central Shanxi Province and the Northern City of Datong, both ancient Hsien Cities, or Capitals of centrally administered District of a Province. As such they had their own city walls constructed at the beginnings of the Ming Dynasty, as did PingYao.
These currently are both main industrial centers of Coal and Iron Production, as well as homes to significant Electricity Generation Plants supplying the North. Both cities are further famed for their significant cultural heritage, with the ancient Ming Walled City of Pingyao located near TaiYuan world famous for its historic architecture and scenery, and the Yungang Cloud Ridge Caves with their ancient Buddha's near Datong, the main attractions. Many more ancient relic sites are hidden around the
Province, among which the Great Wall of China itself.
Taiyuan City is the seat of the Central Government of
Shanxi Province, which is a major heavy industrial center
with a booming growth, and significant responsibility
for the energy supply of China and thus the national
economy. Also traditionally functioning as a central
railway transportation hub,TaiYuan is an administrative
center now easily accesible by air through its National
Airport (TaiYuan). Further TaiYuan is recently home to a
growing tourist industry, mainly focussed on PingYao
TaiYuan, The Capital lies strategically located in the
center of the Province, reachable from the rough North from Datong and ShuoZhou West along Heng Shan and Yunzhong Shan, and from the East through the NiangZi Valley (NiangTseGuan) from ShiJiazhuang in Hebei Province and the Central Chinese Plain. To the South the Valley of the Fen River provides access to Shaanxi and Henan Provinces across the Yellow River.In the West another through Mountains, Valleys and Green lies the way to Eastern- and Central Shaanxi Province, an arid area at the heart of the Yellow River Basin.
Datong in turn, is the Coal Capital of China, a former industrial model city of the Cultural Revolution and near 1 million inhabitants in size. Quite different from the Capital, Datong lies exposed in the loesslands undernearth a mountain range and a Pass on the Great Wall of China named YanMenGuan.
Other cities of Shanxi Province are LinFen in the South-West along the banks of the Fen River, Lishi on the western border with Shaanxi Province, and Changzhi in the South-East of the Province far below TaiYuan and PingYao. Smaller but not lesser attractions such as the Wu Tai Shan Holy Mountain and its magnificent Monasteries lie in the high mountains in the North-West beyond Datong City on the border with Hebei Province. Take the train to YangMingBao and beyond to isolated and remote Shahe Village for best access to to this world cultural heritage area. Shahe, off-season is still a relatively small village-city with hotels, temples, a gate and traditional wall.
TaiYuan, with a good deal of smaller mines distributed across the Province and at LinFen. Linfen has now officially been declared the most polluted city in the world, but the entire province can be shrouded in coal dust and emmissions, much to the detriment of tourist visitors to the area.
Last but not least should be mentioned the Yellow River overpass at Yixian.Nearby lie the famous waterfalls on the Yellow River, the spectacular Hukou (or Hugou) Falls. Especially when the water comes during the wet seasons,many flock to Hukou Falls to see the spectacular scene of the Yellow River plunging through narrows into the Yellow River Canyon below Yixian. It continous spectacularly down south past Lishi untill joining the river Fen and flowing peacefully into Henan Province.
Beijing Region - North Shanxi Province Map : Datong-Beijing-ShiJiaZhuang-TaiYuan quadrangle, an overview of Beijing Municipality (in Hebei Province) and the Area to the West and South-West of Beijing. Includes Datong, North-Shanxi Province and nearby YanMenGuan Pass to Inner Mongolia (Great Wall of China), BaoDing, ShiJiaZhuang and TaiYuan Crossroads-cities. Wutai-Shan Area between Datong and Beijing clearly navigable.
The resulting Datong of today is a dusty but interesting historic city, home to some ancient and original Temples and Monasteries containing relics of Wei, Han, Tang and later Dynasties. Main historic sites in the City itself are first of all the Tang Dynasty clay statues of the Huayan Monasteries and Shan Hua Monastery. Second comes the Nine Dragon Screen that remains of the former Ming Dynasty Palace and is the oldest surviving such screen in China entire. As are other Hsien Cities in the North, the City is further enclosed by its own (now dillapidated) Ming Dynasty Era City Wall.
Schematic Map depicting the multiple layers of the Great Wall of circling Beijing, then continuing into North Shanxi Province, passed YanMenGuan at Datong to PianGuan in the North-West Of Shanxi where it terminates at the Yellow River.The Great Wall continues westward through Shaanxi,Ningxia and Gansu Provinces.
Outside of the Datong many more historic sites from forgotten dynastic days remain scattered and hidden among the rough mountains and hills of the countryside.
This world cultural heritage site is home to a large collection of well-preserved statues dating as far back as the 4Th Century AD and the Northern Wei Dynasty. Equalling the now destroyed statues of Bhamiyan in Afghanistan, and far better preserved than the LongMen Caves at LuoYang in Henan, the statues remain among they very few majestic remnants of the Ancient Silk Road, giving roof of the Path of Bhuddism to the East from India, via Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia into North-China.
The sensational Silk Road Statues of Yungangs Cloud Ridge.The number 1 scenic and historical site in North Shanxi Province.
Immediatly next in importance, although not according to the tourist industry, is the YanMenGuan Great Wall Pass(es) located a considerable distance to the South-West of Datong. Relatively off the beaten path for tourist busses, this Pass and section off the Great Wall of China remains unrestored and offers a sensational Great Wall of China experience. Remnants of all 3 Gates on the original Ming Dynasty Era Great Wall can be visited.
Third in the long list of scenic sites in North-
Shanxi Province is the so-called Hanging Monastery or Monastery in Mid-Air, half the way to the Top of Mount Hengshan (2168 meters). The Monastery, near Hunyuan Village to the South-East of Datong is built into a cliff-face, giving it a unique and spectecular architecture as well as views.
Last but not least comes the Five Terraced Holy Mountain Wu Tai, the highest mountain in Shanxi Province entire at 3058 meters and famous for its Silk Road Heritage and Monasteries filled with Buddhas. Datong and Hunyuan serve as a Northern Gateway to this Holy Mountain Area of which Yadou Shan reaches 3058 meters.
Central Shanxi Province -
As mentioned above in central Shanxi Province lie the Capital City of TaiYuan with the nearby world cultural heritage city of Pingyao. Regardless of its 2500 year history, the Capital of TaiYuan does not rank among major tourist Cities as few historic sites remain.The Capital however it does have its very own Ming Dynasty Era City Wall that can be visited at several locations. The rest of the City consist mainly of wide tree-shaded lanes and lenghts of now increasingly modern appartment blocks. Due to its location in the heartland of Coal and Iron producing country, the City is often, if not usually shrouded in a thick mist of industrial exhaust and fog.The Main Museum of the City is the Shanxi Provincial Museum (of History) which is divided over two locations in the City.Taiyuan offers are a further two Temples to explore, the ChongShan Si with its impressive GuanYin (Goddess of Mercy) Statue with a-1000-hands-and-eyes, and the ShuangTa Si. The ShuangTa Temple is home to two interesting Ming Dynasty Pagodas, which with their height of 55 meters give a spectacular lookout over the city (suburb) area.
Outside of TaiYuan, some 25 kilometers to the South-West of the City lies Jinci Si. A grandiose and spectacular, mainly Ming Dynasty Era, Temple complex at the foot of the Xuanwang Hill. The Jinci Temple stands at the very source of the Jin River (Jin He), and includes architectural features such as a bridge spanning the Zhibo Canal and a Terrace of Iron Statues cast in the year 1097 AD. Other notable features are the collection of Song Dynasty Era Clay statues and figurines housed in the Mother Goddes Hall and four stone tablets inscribed by the Tang Dynasty Emperor Tai Zong himself. A Seven story Stone Pagoda completes this beautiful and extensive Temple.
Ancient wooden Mu Ta Pagoda of YingXian, top historical site in North Shanxi Province.
The Great Wall of China arches North through Shanxi Province in the very North. The most visited pass of the Great Wall of China in Shanxi Province lies south-west of Datong at YanMenGuan. North of Datong is is the ancient pass into Inner Mongolia and into the wild areas beyond the Wall. Other sites include the Pass at PianGuan in the North-East, where the outer layer of the Great Wall is innterrupted by the Great Yellow River. Other Passes lie in between.
South Shanxi Province -
To the South-West of Pingyao the Valley continues and meets up with the River Fen. From here it is downstream and along the railway lines to LinFen, an industrial City in the South of Shanxi, recently (2006) declared the most polluted City in the world. Often visibility here is nere nil from smog. Landmarks near Linfen are the Ming Dynasty Prison due East of the City and the Temple of King Yao on the Western side of the City of Linfen.
Further South, in the extreme South-West Corner of Shanxi Province lies the small but growing City of Yuncheng. Enclosed by the Yellow River to the West as well as the South, Yuncheng has no tourist landmarks to speak of but is an important road and railway junction. Nearby, some 18 kilometers to the South near the Yellow River and the border with Henan Province, lies the GuangDi Miao (Temple of Lord Guan), a Temple originally dated to the Sui Dynasty. Although destroyed by Fire in the 18Th Century, it was rebuilt in original style and the large Temple Complex and Monastery are very worthwhile to visit. Great Mountain and country-side sceneries abound.
A Fun Documentary on the Intensive Training Received by children between age 6 and 12 at ShaoLin Monastery in Henan, featuring, the Little Shaolin Monks.
Buy it at Movie Universe - Click Here
The crucial importance of China in America's Victory in World War II. Why We Fight !
Documentary DVD - Lost Treasures - Ancient China - A Journey back in Time.
Buy it at Movie Universe - Click Here
Another historicly significant South Shanxi landmark can be found at
the small City of Ruicheng, some 93 kilometers south of Yuncheng.
Here, on the banks of the yellow river, we find the Yongle Taoist Temple, which holds valuable historic frescoes dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasty Eras. Interestingly, this is not the original site of the Temple. In the 1960s, in advance of the construction of the SanMenXia Dam on the Yellow River (Huang He), and regardless of the ongoing Cultural Revolution, the Temple was moved no less than 3 kilometers south from its former position. The SanMenXia Water Reservoir that resulted from the construction of the Yellow River Dam, is now a developing tourist area and forms the border with Henan Province.
Across the River lies the famous Shao Lin Monastery, from which it is down south through country roads to LuoYang in Henan. The Southern part part of Shanxi Province, especialy the south-west corner is pleasant and green and many inhabitants of the area still live in Traditional Cave Housing typical for this area of the Yellow River Basin. Although usually not on the main tourist agenda, a visit to one of such houses can be a great way to learn more about the traditional way of life in Shanxi Province, as it has continued for hundreds of years and countless generations. Mind you, even today a majority of the population live in Cave Houses, which constructed and cut inside the abundant yellow loes cliffs of the area, offer warmth in winter and a pleasant coolness during the hot summers in Shanxi and Central China. During his revolutionary days at the communist headquarters, west across the river in Yanan, Shaanxi Province, even chairman Mao himself lived in such a convenient and comfortable cave dwelling.
Find out more on Shanxi Province through our Full Historic Introduction to The Province, our collection of Shanxi Province Maps or our respective photo-lined-reports on the Cities of Datong, PingYao,TaiYuan, LinFen,and Lishi.
The spectular IMAX special about the Life, Times and Legacy of China's 1st Emperor Ch'In.
Buy it at Movie Universe - Click Here
Globe Trekker China - latest issue on DVD.
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Shaolin the Great Show - Wheel of Life on Tour - latest issue on DVD.
Most Tourist that visit the Central Province only pass through TaiYuan on
their way to nearby PingYao, the now tourist blockbuster (restored) Ming
Dynasty era historic city. The small city of PingYao, is located due south
of TaiYuan along a valley and steep eastern mountain-ridge running away to the South-West.
At some 40 kilometers from TaiYuan, just besides the highway to PingYao and Linfen lies the Qiao Family Courtyard House. Due to its appearance in the Film Raise the Red Lantern, by Zhang Yimou, the Qiao Family Home and the City of PingYao became worldfamous, and are now a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Eversince, tourism to this once remote and quiet village-city has exploded and the Qiao Family Courtyard is a well visited site.
The extensive Courtyard House dates from the Ching Dynasty Era, when PingYao, located about halfway along the mountainous route between main Cities Beijing and Xian, became the financial (and banking) Capital of the Chinese Empire. As one result, the rich family father of the Qiao Family, one Qiao Guifa, had the elaborate house constructed counting 6 courtyards and no less than 300 rooms (room=space between 4 pillars). Inside the labyrinth-like complex one can enjoy the unique architecture of the Courtyard House and browse into Ching Dynasty Era Curiosa, Ceramics and Quality Furniture.
At PingYao the main attractions are the 6 kilometer long City Wall of the early Ming Dynasty and the uniquely preserved traditional city layout and architecture of an imperial city of ancient chinese times. Although some major repairs were recently necessary, most of the City remains in its original State. Browse around narrow streets and visit the now restored and repainted South Gate of the City. Dotted around are Hotels housed in traditional courtyards, and musea and tourist shops abound.Recently declared a world cultural heritage site in 1997, the entire City of Pingyao may be regarded as Museum. Highlights are the several hundred homes in the (old) City that have been deemed cultural and historical relics, many of whom have now been turned into Museums.
The Best Time to visit PingYao is during the Lantern Festival, some 15 days after the Chinese New Year. As the newfound Home of the Red Lantern, Pingyao celebrates the festival spectacularly, with multitudes of red lanterns hung outside ancient mansions and along the narrow alleys of the City and a chinese-country-styled Parade through the old city center. At this time, special delicacies and street-stall flavors are especially abundant in each chinese City and Pingyao offers visitors some of its Best.
Scene from the Upper HuaYan Monastery of Datong with its gigantic Bhagavan Stack Hall, depistory of ancient and original buddhist scriptures and a National Relic.
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The Cliff-Hanging Monastery of Hunyuan on Mount Hengshan in North Shanxi Province. Perched along a steep yellow sandstone cliff, the Monasteries architecture is truely one of a kind.
Liao Dynasty (907 AD -1125 AD) carved Statue of GuanYin, the Goddes of Mercy (Stone). At the Shanxi Provincial Museum of History, TaiYuan, Shanxi Province.
Shanxi Province is one of the oldest territories in the current country of China with a history leading back to before the Spring & Autumn Period (722 - 403 BC) when it was the location of the military powerful state of Jin. The State of Jin dis-integrated into three states, starti
