10 attractions in Shanxi's two cities

Transit passengers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada and most members of the EU, can spend up to 240 hours in Shanxi without a visa. This visa-free policy allows visitors with plane tickets to a third country or region to transit through Shanxi and enjoy a visa-free stay. The permitted areas for transit are limited to the cities of Taiyuan and Datong. Here are 10 must-visit attractions in these two cities.

Attraction 1

Taiyuan Twin Towers, Taiyuan

Address: Haozhuang village, Taiyuan city, Shanxi province
Opening hours:
9 am to 5 pm (Nov 1 to March 31)
8:30 am to 5:30 pm (April 1 to Oct 31)
Ticket Price: 30 yuan ($4.09)/person

The Twin Pagodas of the Yongzuo Temple, on the southeast outskirts of Taiyuan city, are the metropolis’ premier landmark.

The two pagodas, named Wenfeng and Sheli, were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

They sit on dry, high land and are built of masonry. They are some 13 stories tall, or 54.7 meters high, and are empty inside, with spiral ladders leading to the top, where the structures face each other. They have a sound-dampening effect and are virtually thunderstorm-proof.

After exploring the Twin Pagodas, be sure to indulge in Shanxi's famous culinary delights. One iconic dish you must try is Shanxi knife-cut noodles (daoxiao mian), a beloved staple of Chinese street food. These noodles are celebrated for their unique appearance, aroma and flavor, embodying the essence of local cuisine.

They are easy to prepare, making them well-suited for getting the most out of a steaming bowl of beef or mutton broth.