Shuozhou

Autumn mornings and evenings in Shuozhou can be quite cool compared with daytime, so bring a windproof jacket.

Located in northern Shanxi, Shuozhou preserves Liao and Jin dynasty architecture, a thousand-year-old wooden pagoda, and sections of the Ming dynasty Great Wall. With its relaxed pace, it is well suited to an itinerary focused on history and leisurely exploration.

• Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: The oldest and tallest surviving high-rise wooden pagoda in the world, it is known alongside the Eiffel Tower and Leaning Tower of Pisa as one of the “world’s three great leaning towers.” Built without iron nails, the pagoda relies on 54 types of bracket sets and mortise-and-tenon joints. Up close, you can appreciate the ingenuity of traditional timber construction.

• Chongfu Temple: One of the three great Buddhist temples from the Liao and Jin periods. The Amitabha Hall preserves glazed ridge ornaments, a monumental plaque, carved window latticework, flaming halos, and Jin dynasty murals, known as the “Five Wonders of the Jin Dynasty.” It was also a filming location for *Black Myth: Wukong*.

• Jingtu Temple: Just a few minutes’ walk from the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The “celestial palace caisson ceiling” in the Mahavira Hall is intricately designed; Liang Sicheng once praised it as a national treasure. The temple’s Liao dynasty stone lions are also worth noticing.

• Guangwu Ming Great Wall: This section preserves an earthen Ming dynasty Great Wall that has not been excessively restored. The “Moon Gate” at the mountaintop is its signature sight, with striking light and shadow at sunset. A light hike is a good way to experience the frontier scenery.

• Shuozhou Old Town: Founded during the Qin dynasty, the ancient city blends its walls with everyday local life. Visit Wenchang Pavilion, the Chinese-Western-style Catholic church, the Confucian Temple, and the Yuchi Jingde Temple. In the evening, head to the old city walls for sunset, then explore the night market for local snacks.

• Mayi Museum: Located opposite Chongfu Temple and free to enter. The museum introduces Shuozhou’s historical development and excavated artifacts from its earlier name, Mayi. It pairs well with a visit to Chongfu Temple.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Shuozhou, stroll through the old town and historic buildings
  • Afternoon: After arriving, visit Chongfu Temple, focusing on the polychrome sculptures, murals, and window latticework in the Amitabha Hall. For a deeper understanding of the details, consider hiring a guide.

• Evening: Walk through Shuozhou Old Town, visiting Wenchang Pavilion and the Catholic church in sequence, then go to the Old City Wall Park for sunset.

• Night: Visit the old town night market and try Huairen lamb offal and fried rice cakes.

• Day 2: A thousand-year-old pagoda and a hike on the wild Great Wall
  • Morning: Drive or hire a car to Yingxian, about an hour away, and visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to learn about its timber structure and history.

• Afternoon: Walk to Jingtu Temple to see the caisson ceiling, then continue to the Guangwu Ming Great Wall. Hike up to the Moon Gate and enjoy the unembellished Great Wall scenery along the way.

• Night: Return to Shuozhou city, or stay in Yingxian County. For dinner, consider Youyu salt-fried lamb.

• Day 3: Museum discoveries and a relaxed departure
  • Morning: Visit the Mayi Museum to learn about historical stories such as the Mayi Plot. Alternatively, visit the Shuozhou Museum to see its collection.

• Noon: Try Yingxian liangfen or oat-noodle kaolao lao, and buy Huairen tang gan lu as a souvenir.

• Afternoon: End the trip and begin your journey home.

Must-Try Local Foods in Shuozhou

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport:
  • Getting there: Take a high-speed train to Shuozhou East Station, or fly to Shuozhou Zirun Airport. From Datong, the high-speed train takes about 30 minutes.
  • Getting around: Chongfu Temple, the Mayi Museum, and the old town are close together, so taxis or buses are convenient. For the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Guangwu Great Wall, driving or hiring a car is recommended, as public transport connections are inconvenient and shared rides may involve waiting.
• Accommodation:
  • Shuozhou city: Staying near the old town makes dining convenient and offers good value; you can also visit the night market.
  • Yingxian: If you plan to take more photos of the pagoda, stay one night in Yingxian County. The pagoda is also worth seeing when it is illuminated at night.

Practical Travel Tips

• What to wear: Autumn temperatures in northern Shanxi vary noticeably between morning and evening, and winds can be strong. Bring a windproof jacket such as a shell or light down jacket. Many historic buildings feature dark wood and earthen walls, so light-colored clothes photograph well.
• Sun protection and moisturization: UV levels are strong, so use sun protection. The climate is dry, so bring lip balm and moisturizer.
• Tickets and opening hours: Temples such as Chongfu Temple may be closed on Mondays, so check opening hours before setting out. Flash photography is usually prohibited inside halls; follow on-site rules.
• Guangwu Great Wall: When heading to the Moon Gate, ask the driver to take you to the mountain parking area. If there is congestion, take the footpath uphill instead of walking a long distance along the winding mountain road.
• Pace of sightseeing: Shuozhou is not highly commercialized, making it ideal for slowing down to explore historic buildings and experience small-city life.