Things to do in Fangshan
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Top 10 attractions in Fangshan
North Wudang Mountain
North Wudang Mountain, known as Longwang Mountain in ancient times, is a Taoist holy place in my country. North Wudang Mountain has both the hero of Mount Tai, the wonder of Mount Huang, the danger of Mount Hua, the beauty of Emei and the serenity of Mount Qingcheng. The main peak is almost surrounded by cliffs, and there is only one artificial ladder to climb. The ladder has more than 1,450 steps. There are railings and iron cables in the steep places. Tourists can hear the melodious "stone sound" every step of the way. There are many strange rocks in the mountains, ten thousand catties of "tortoise stones" stand steeply on the edge of the cliff, and when pushed hard or blown by the wind, it will crumble, making people tremble, so it is also called wind-moving stone, which is one of the rare landscapes in our country. Many experts believe that the "tortoise and snake stone" on the North Wudang Mountain should be regarded as a first-class treasure among the natural zodiac stones of nearly a thousand famous mountains in my country. It is not easy to climb North Wudang Mountain, but it is even more difficult to go down North Wudang Mountain. Some tourists sighed that Huashan Mountain and Taishan Mountain could not be difficult for him. He should not be planted here. There are more than ten Taoists in the North Wudang Mountain Taoist Temple, and there are clay sculptures and murals in the temple. , stone tablets and other cultural relics, with precious historical research value. There is a Zhenwu Temple on the top of the peak. According to the ancient stele, it was founded in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming season. From the first to the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, it is the period of the ancient temple fair.Fangshan · 16.1km from downtown
Zhangjiata Village
Fangshan · 16.2km from downtown
Yungang Grottoes
Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area is divided into a landscape zone and the grottoes. It is one of the three largest grottoes in China. The sculpture combines Chinese and Western art. Here you can experience the artistic charms of Northern Wei Dynasty. Yungang Grottoes not only embodies traditional Chinese art style but also integrates art styles of ethnic groups from ancient India, countries west of China and China's central plains. It is a famous historical site in Datong City.China · Datong
Jinci Temple Museum
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jin River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It was built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the Jin State, and served as the ancestral temple of the Jin State. It is often said that "a visit to Taiyuan is incomplete without seeingJinci Templethe saying "a wasted trip to Taiyuan". After getting off at Jinci Temple, the first place you'll reach isJinci MuseumThis is a free park with a pleasant environment, perfect for casual strolling. After about a 10-minute walk through the park, you'll reach the main area of Jinci. Inside Jinci Museum,Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" (Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, and Shengmu Hall) and "Three Wonders" (Zhou-bai, Nanlao Spring Pavilion, and painted clay sculptures) are must-sees for every visitor toJinci Templeview that everyone must see. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are connected and located atJinci Templeon the central axis, allowing for a combined visit. Xian Hall is a place for offering sacrifices, with fence-like walls on all four sides, providing good ventilation and coolness. Notably, not a single iron nail was used in the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is located in front of Xian Hall and was built during the Song Dynasty. The entire view resembles a modern overpass, making it the only existing example among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Shengmu Hall, which is the earliest existing main building in Jinci Museum. The main hall is spacious, and a major highlight is its beam-and-pillar structure without internal columns. Eight wooden carved coiled dragons, appearing ready to fly, are carved on the eight corridor pillars in front of the hall, which, together with the "Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond," present a magnificent sight. Centered around the Hall of the Holy Mother, it's easy to find the "Three Wonders." The painted clay figurines are located inside the Hall of the Holy Mother, with the main statue of the Holy Mother seated majestically in a wooden shrine, dignified and resplendent, while the other 42 attendant statues stand on either side. These figurines are dressed in vibrant colors with varied expressions, including one maidservant dressed as a flower-dan (young female role in Chinese opera), her face half joyful and half sorrowful, evoking complex emotions in viewers. Master Mei Lanfang once stood before this maidservant statue for a long time, carefully studying her posture and inner emotions, and praised it highly. The Zhou Cypress, located north of the Hall of the Holy Mother, was planted during the Western Zhou Dynasty and is over 3,000 years old. The Pavilion of the Never-Aging Spring stands south of the Hall of the Holy Mother, where the source of the Jin River flows continuously year-round. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the extremely precious "Jinci Inscription" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. At the southernmost part, you can find the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, which is said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. In the northern part of the temple complex, the Futu Courtyard houses the Sheli Shengsheng Pagoda. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view.Jinci TempleThe panoramic view is clearly visible.China · Taiyuan
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The full name of Yingxian Wooden Tower is Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. It is in the Fogong Temple in the northwest of Yingxian County. The octagonal wooden pagoda has five stories. Except for the high-end stone foundation of the first floor, the rest of the pagoda is made of wood using the traditional craftsmanship of Sunmao. Each layer of the wooden tower is equipped with wind chimes for a pleasant sound when the wind blows.China · Ying County
Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City is approx. 85 km from Taiyuan. The streets, shops, and residences within the ancient city still maintain their traditional layout and appearance, making it one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is also the only ancient county town in China that has successfully been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an entire city. Pingyao was once the financial center of China during the late Qing Dynasty. Walking through this once-prosperous ancient city, you can feel the essence of Shanxi merchant culture everywhere. The ancient city has six gates in total, with the north gate near Pingyao bus station and the west gate nearPingyao train stationThe south gate and west gate are places with many travelers. Entering the ancient town does not require an admission ticket, but if you want to climb the city wall or visit attractions like the ticket number, you need to purchase a pass for the ancient town. The ancient town is not very large, and walking is enough to explore it all. If you prefer not to walk, you can also take electric bikes. The streets of the entire ancient city are laid out in the shape of the Chinese character "土" (earth). When visiting, you usually enter the city from the West Gate and walk along West Street to Rishengchang Draft Bank, known as the "ancestor of modern Chinese banking". Here you can not only learn about the development history of ancient banking, but also have the old manager in a long robe and mandarin jacket write a draft for you using the early draft method, which is particularly historical. Moving forward is the north-south spanningSouth street, it is the central axis of the ancient city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties,South streetControlling over half of the nation's financial institutions, it was hailed as the "Wall Street of China" in its heyday. Today, it remains a bustling area of the ancient city, known as the Ming-Qing Ancient Street. Most attractions in Pingyao Ancient City are concentrated here, centered around the landmark structure, the Ancient City Tower. Surrounding it are attractions like Xie Tong Qing ticket number (China Banking Museum) and Wei Tai Hou (Ticket number museumAttractions such as Baichuantong, China Escort Museum, Tongxinggong Escort, Weishengchang, China Rare Newspaper Exhibition Hall, and Tianjixiang are available, along with restaurants, musical instrument stores, cafes, and bars. After strolling along the street, you can dine here, buy some souvenirs, and then continue south for more sightseeing. At the Pingyao Ancient City's county government office on the south side of the ancient city, you can see a large number of ancient documents and torture instruments, with daily performances of court sessions; near the Shangdong Gate are the Pingyao Ancient City's Chenghuang Temple andConfucian templeIt is quite grand and meticulously built, with thriving incense offerings where you can burn joss sticks. The Pingyao Ancient City wall is also one of the highlights of the ancient city, being not only majestic but also remarkably well-preserved. Climbing the wall offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city. Among the gates, the tower of the south gate (Yingxun Gate of Pingyao Ancient City wall) is exquisitely crafted, and this area is close to residential buildings, allowing visitors to observe the daily life of the locals. If time permits, you can walk around the ancient city along the wall to fully appreciate its charm, which takes about an hour. Watching the sunset from the wall in the evening presents a beautiful scene. Besides the ancient town itself, Pingyao has two other major attractions: Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. Zhenguo Temple was built without a single nail, with all structures joined by interlocking wooden components. Shuanglin Temple houses over 10 halls containing exquisitely crafted painted sculptures dating from the Yuan to Ming dynasties. It is highly recommended to stay overnight in the ancient town to enjoy its night view. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the small alleys and experience the authentic Pingyao, where the local culture and customs or photography make excellent subjects. Especially during the Chinese New Year, Pingyao is full of festive atmosphere. The town features old courtyards converted into inns, which are usually affordable, with clean and tidy accommodations available for just a few dozen yuan. Additionally, Pingyao is renowned for its beef. In the late Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Pingyao and was so fond of the local beef after tasting it that she designated it as a royal tribute. Shops bearing the name "Guanyun beef" can be seen everywhere in the ancient town, making it hard to distinguish authenticity, and prices are generally high. You may consider buying some outside the town to try or give as gifts to friends and relatives.China · Pingyao County
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
The Hukou Waterfall is a famous waterfall on the Yellow River. The roiling water of the Yellow River roars downward here with great power. The Hukou Waterfall area is divided by the Yellow River. On the west side is Yichuan County, Shaanxi, and on the east side is Ji County, Shanxi. The waterfall is also divided into the Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shaanxi) and the Shanxi Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shanxi). Separate tickets are sold for each area. The Shanxi section of the Hukou Waterfall is located 45 kilometers west of the seat of Ji County in Linfen City, Shanxi.China · Ji County
Xuankong Temple
Xuankong Temple is located between the cliffs of Cuiping Peak in Jinlong Gorge, Hengshan. It was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and has a history stretching longer than 1,500 years. It is a well-preserved high-altitude wooden cliff building in China. At the foot of Hengshan, from a distance, you can see the Hanging Temple suspended over the mountainside. The entire temple is hung on the steep cliff, skillfully utilizing and building into the concave and convex portions of the cliff, making it exceptionally staggered and yet rhythmic. Visitors walk along the wooden plank road suspended within the temple to feel the magical architectural charm of the Hanging Temple.China · Hunyuan
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
The Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River is located on the riverbed of the Yellow River in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, where the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi face each other across the river. The main stream of the Yellow River, originally hundreds of m wide, suddenly narrows to dozens of m and plunges into a deep trough with a drop of 20–30 m, resembling water being poured from a giant pot—hence the name "Hukou" (Pot Mouth). Due to the large amount of sediment carried by the river, the waterfall presents a rare golden-yellow view: the turbid waves roar down with a sound like distant thunder rolling through the valley, while the rising mist lingers before the cliff, earning the nickname "smoke rising from the water." On sunny days, sunlight casts a rainbow over the waterfall, known as "a rainbow playing in the water." The mist may drench visitors even without wind or rain, creating the wonder called "rainfall under a clear sky." Hukou waterfall is regarded as the symbol of the "soul of the Yellow River" and the spirit of the Chinese nation. In 1938, when poet Guang Weiran crossed the Yellow River, he witnessed the roaring waves of Hukou and the boatmen's chants, which inspired him to create the now-legendary Yellow River Cantata. Liang Heng's essay of the same name was selected for middle school Chinese textbooks, and the back of the fourth series CNY 50 banknote also features this scene. Many first learned about it through textbooks and currency before visiting in person. In the past, cargo ships had to leave the water and bypass the waterfall here, leaving behind the maritime memory of "sailing on dry land." The scenery here varies with the seasons: In early spring, the upstream ice melts and the water level rises sharply, coinciding with the blooming of mountain peach blossoms on both banks, known as the "March peach blossom flood." In midsummer, the rainy season brings abundant water, with muddy waves towering into the sky. After fall begins, the rainy season subsides, and the water becomes high and steady. As the fall breeze sweeps by, rainbows often appear, earning the name "Hukou autumn breeze." In deep winter, layers of ice form along the banks, and overflow freezes into inverted ice peaks, glistening under the sunlight, creating the spectacular "upside-down ice peaks." The viewing platform on the Shaanxi side stretches along the cliff top on the western bank, offering a commanding view of the "thousand-mile Yellow River funneled into one pot" and the ten-mile-long Dragon Trough below the waterfall. During high-water seasons, the mist is heavy, and clothes get soaked quickly, so remember to protect your camera and phone; the boardwalk is slippery, so watch your step while walking and taking photos.China · Yichuan
Little Western Paradise
Little Western Paradise is perched atop Phoenix Mountain in Xi County, Linfen, Shanxi Province. This Buddhist temple, originally named the Thousand Buddha Nunnery, was established during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty. It earned its initial name from the thousand Buddha statues enshrined in its Main Hall of the Great Hero. Later, it was renamed due to the inscription "Entering the Western Paradise" above its gate and to distinguish it from another ancient temple, "Great Western Paradise," located south of the city. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing a river in front, the temple is compact yet ingeniously laid out across its upper and lower courtyards. Ascending the stone steps and passing through the secluded "Heavenly Grotto" corridor evokes a sense of gradually entering a Buddhist paradise. The upper courtyard centers around the Main Hall of the Great Hero, flanked by the Manjusri Hall and Samantabhadra Hall. The Main Hall is the temple's crowning jewel: within its modest 100-square-meter space, nearly 2,000 suspended sculptures adorn niches, gables, beams, and rafters, transforming the hall into a museum of suspended sculpture art. Five interconnected niches dominate the rear wall, housing the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Vairocana, and Maitreya seated on lotus thrones, with ten principal disciples standing beside them. The southern wall depicts Buddhist narratives featuring the Four Sages and Four Heavenly Kings, while the northern wall portrays the 33 celestial palaces of Mount Sumeru. Flying apsaras, divine birds, and musician bodhisattvas dance among clouds on the beams, their gilded polychrome surfaces retaining vibrant hues after centuries. This rare collection of late Ming to early Qing suspended sculptures has gained wider recognition since the temple became a filming location for the popular game Black Myth: Wukong, attracting many travelers for dedicated visits. The lower courtyard also rewards exploration: the Immeasurable Hall faces east, where dozens of bronze Buddha statues interplay with wooden celestial palaces in what was once the monks' meditation hall. Opposite stands the Skanda Hall, housing a single nanmu-carved statue of Skanda. The temple also preserves thousands of volumes from the Yongle Northern Canon, a Ming imperial gift. Visitors are advised to spend extra time in the Main Hall—dim lighting requires slow, upward gazes to appreciate the intricate details of the high-placed sculptures. After exploring both courtyards, one can ascend Solitary Paulownia Peak via the "Seemingly No Path" route behind Skanda Hall, where the Cloud-Touching Pavilion offers panoramic views of the rural landscape below.China · Xi County
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Free things to do in Fangshan
North Wudang Mountain
Fangshan · 16.1km from downtownZhangjiata Village
Fangshan · 16.2km from downtownYungang Grottoes
China · DatongBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeJinci Temple Museum
China · TaiyuanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeYingxian Wooden Pagoda
China · Ying CountyImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimePingyao Ancient City
China · Pingyao CountyImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeThe Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
China · Ji CountyImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeXuankong Temple
China · HunyuanImmediate access, Book now for todayHukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
China · YichuanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeLittle Western Paradise
China · Xi CountyImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travellers say about Fangshan
M25***4211 December 2025
4.0
Climbing to a high vantage point offers panoramic views, and hiking is a delightful experience. It's good for your health and brings immense joy. The only regret is that on the way down, we passed by the former residence of Yu Chenglong in Fangshan County, only to realize it was near Beiwudang Mountain…
North Wudang Mountain
迎园小区7 November 2024
5.0
It is a very old town. It is convenient to drive here. There are many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties in the town.
Zhangjiata Village
🍒YingLing16 October 2026
5.0
Today's visit to the Yungang Grottoes deeply moved me with its millennia-old stone carvings. Every Buddha statue and every sculpture tells a story, and seeing them in person is far more breathtaking than any picture. I'm so glad I chose to join Guan Hao's guided tour. He's incredibly knowledgeable about the grottoes' history, the background of the sculptures, and the architectural details. His explanations are insightful yet easy to understand, never dry or boring. He also managed the pace of the tour well, ensuring there was ample time for everyone to appreciate the art and take photos. He patiently answered all my questions. This trip to Yungang was incredibly rewarding, and I highly recommend visiting with Guan Hao!
Yungang Grottoes
203***5617 October 2026
5.0
When visiting Taiyuan, a trip to Jinci Temple is a must. Originally dedicated to Tang Shuyu, the temple was destroyed during the Song Dynasty and rebuilt. Now it enshrines the Holy Mother, so the existing buildings date back to the Northern Song Dynasty, boasting a very long history. Explore this historical site and appreciate the superb architectural skills of the ancients.
Jinci Temple Museum
hanhan-200115 October 2026
5.0
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the pinnacle of ancient architecture in Shanxi. Unlike the "Liao and Jin art" of Huayan Temple, it is a "wooden miracle" that will shock you purely with its mechanics and structure.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Noam Galpaz Angel16 October 2026
4.0
The attractions are close to each other, I think an English sign and explanations will be a bonus. Get a guide if you want to understand more about the old city.
Pingyao Ancient City
yangliaopan15 October 2026
5.0
We got a combined ticket for Shanxi and Shaanxi, and we went to the Shanxi section first.
We experienced the majesty of the Mother River, there were stage performances,
we had photo opportunities with little donkeys (suitable for children), and
we could drive to the other side of the Shanxi section.
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
五月之恋201415 October 2026
5.0
After arriving at Hengshan Scenic Area, we took their shuttle bus in, which felt a bit unreasonable. The scenery was amazing, and the architecture was quite impressive when we walked around. It was also famous for the Black Monkey King. However, tickets to the summit are extremely hard to get; they are limited and almost impossible to see. You can only admire them from afar. If you have the chance to get a ticket to the summit, it's worth going back to see it.
Xuankong Temple
哥玛兽16 October 2026
5.0
The shuttle bus I took from Wanglongtai was not crowded, the facilities were fairly complete, the driver departed promptly, and the ride was smooth. They even turned on the air conditioning in the afternoon. The price of 16 yuan was reasonable.
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
Anonymous user10 October 2026
5.0
The main hall, spanning only 170 square meters, is densely packed with nearly 200 suspended sculptures, works from the late Ming Dynasty 400 years ago. These sculptures are crafted from wood and clay, with gold leaf applied to the walls. From the walls and beams to the roof, they depict celestial palaces, flying apsaras, musicians, and mythical birds, intricate yet orderly, with lifelike expressions, earning it the title of the pinnacle of Chinese suspended sculpture.
Little Western Paradise
