Things to do in Gujiao
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Top 10 attractions in Gujiao
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.Taiyuan · 32.1 km from Gujiao
Fenhe Park
Fenhe Park is a waterfront park formed after water conservancy treatment and greening and beautification in the Taiyuan urban section of the Fenhe River, with a total length of more than 18 kilometers. The park is long and narrow, with the road on one side and the clear water of the Fen River on the other. A large number of trees are planted in the park, and green meadows are surrounded by stones, forming a green ecological promenade along the Fen River. Fenhe Park starts from the north side of Chaicun Bridge in the north and ends at the south side of Xiangyun Bridge in the south. Taiyuan people used water as ink and green as color, painted a new picture of Fenhe River, and built a waterfront garden with northern garden style and Fenhe regional cultural characteristics. Here you can enjoy the famous Fenhe River crossing at night, when the sunset is slanting, the red clouds are full of sky, the river surface is shining with gold, and the boats are accompanied by the scenery. Jinfen Ancient Rhyme is a commemorative square with the theme of commemorating Taiqi, the first ancestor of Zhifen. The statue of Fen Shentai stands high on the pedestal in the center of the square, surrounded by fountains and flower beds, which is solemn yet lively. The park is distributed along the Fen River, and there are many scenic spots. The content is simple and complex, which reflects the designer's eclectic and profound understanding of Shanxi's profound historical and cultural heritage, which is very worth visiting.Gujiao · 498m from downtown
Mengshan Grand Buddha
The Mengshan Giant Buddha is also known as the Giant Buddha of the Western Mountains. It was built in the Northern Qi Dynasty during the reign of the Tianbao Emperor, making for over a thousand years of history. The Mengshan Giant Buddha was originally carved into the cliff face to the rear of Mengshan's Kaihua Temple. During the later years of the Yuan Dynasty, the Mengshan Giant Buddha was damaged. It was rediscovered in 1980 but, at the time, the head of the Buddha was missing. A new head has since been carved for the giant Buddha. The Mengshan Buddha is incredibly majestic. From the bottom of his legs to his neck is about 30 meters. Based on the proportions of the human body, it is assumed that the original statue (including the missing head) would have been 46 meters tall.Taiyuan · 27.3 km from Gujiao
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
Taiyuan Botanical Garden is located at the foot of Taishan Mountain in Jinyuan District and collects more than 3,000 species of plants. Visitors can stand on the cantilever at the main entrance and overlook the whole botanical garden.Taiyuan · 31.2 km from Gujiao
Taiyuan Ancient County
The ancient county seat of Taiyuan is located in Jinyuan District, covering an area of about 0.8 square kilometers. There are many relics of historical buildings in the city, the pattern of cross streets is clear, and the texture of streets and alleys is perfect. It follows the ancient architectural pattern of Jinyang ancient city "Phoenix Flying in the City", just like a phoenix with its head north and tail south. It has the reputation of "Phoenix City" since ancient times. It is the continuation of the 2500-year-old Jinyang ancient city. There are 79 existing cultural relics buildings in the city, and 49 historical buildings listed for protection by the Taiyuan Municipal Government. Among them, the Confucian Temple is listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit.Taiyuan · 33.8 km from Gujiao
Tianlongshan Caves
The Tianlong Mountain Grottoes are located on the mountainside of Tianlong Mountain, 40 kilometers southwest of Taiyuan City. Tianlong Mountain was formerly known as Fangshan Mountain. After the Tianlong Temple was built at the foot of the mountain in the Northern Qi Dynasty, the mountain was called Tianlong Mountain. It used to be the summer palace of Gao Huan, the father of the Northern Qi Emperor Gao Yang. Tianlong Mountain has beautiful scenery, surrounded by undulating mountains, lush pines and cypresses, rippling springs in Longwang Stone Cave on the top of the mountain, and clear streams in front of the mountain. The Tianlongshan Grottoes are distributed on the cliff waist of the east and west peaks of Tianlong Mountain. There are 24 caves excavated in the Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Sui and Tang Dynasties, eight caves in the east peak, thirteen caves in the west peak, and three caves in the north of the mountain. There are more than 1,500 statues in the coexisting grottoes, and 1,144 relief sculptures, caisson wells and portraits. The Tianlongshan Grottoes are characterized by their mature, full, succinct and meticulous expression of emotions, which are close to the life of laborers.Taiyuan · 26.3 km from Gujiao
Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum
Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum (former site of the Military Governor's Office) is located at 101 Fudong Street in Taiyuan, covering a total area of approximately 100,000 square meters with a building area of about 30,000 square meters and exhibition halls spanning roughly 18,000 square meters. Historical records indicate this site was originally the Temple of Duke Wen of Jin (Chong'er), later serving as Marshal Pan Mei's residence during the early Northern Song Dynasty, followed by provincial administrative offices. During the Jin Dynasty, it functioned as the Hedong Circuit headquarters, transformed into a provincial secretariat in the Yuan Dynasty, became the Shanxi Governor's Office in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and after the Xinhai Revolution...Shanxi Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants MuseumIt served as the Shanxi Provincial Government and Taiyuan Pacification Office. After the liberation of Taiyuan on April 24, 1949, it became the headquarters of the Taiyuan Military Control Commission. In September of the same year, following the establishment of the Shanxi Provincial Committee and Provincial People's Government, it became their office location. In the winter of 1989, the Provincial Committee relocated, and in September 2017, the Provincial People's Government moved out. The original site was then developed into the Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum. In October 2019, the former Governor's Mansion was designated as part of the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council. On December 28, 2020, the Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum officially opened to the public. The Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum is a cultural and historical museum established on the site of the former Governor's Mansion, integrating ancient architecture, garden views, and exhibition spaces. Its permanent exhibition "The Global Shanxi Merchants" begins with the important directives from the Party Secretary during his inspection of Shanxi. Through five thematic sections—the profound foundations of the merchants' rise, their glorious dominance in domestic commerce, their miraculous financial networks spanning the world, the arduous journey of the Ten Thousand Mile Tea Road, and their patriotic spirit of benefiting society—the exhibition offers a comprehensive, multi-dimensional portrayal of Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It strives to convey historical depth, cultural richness, the value of artifacts, the authenticity of historical materials, and innovative presentation techniques.Taiyuan · 34.1 km from Gujiao
Jinci Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area
Jinci TempleJinci 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". inJinci TempleAfter getting off, the first place you'll reach isJinci ParkThis is a free park with a pleasant environment, perfect for a casual stroll. It takes about 10 minutes to walk through the park to reach your destination.Jinci TempleMain scenic area. Within the attraction,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. The Tianlong Mountain Grottoes are located 40 km southwest of Taiyuan.TianlongshanWaist.TianlongshanOriginally named Fang Mountain, it came to be called Tianlong Mountain after the Tianlong Temple was built at its base during the Northern Qi Dynasty.TianlongshanThis was once the summer palace of Gao Huan, father of Emperor Gao Yang of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Jinci Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area boasts picturesque landscapes with rolling hills covered in lush pine and cypress trees. The Dragon King Stone Cave on the mountain top features rippling spring water, while crystal-clear streams flow through the valleys below. The Tianlong Mountain Grottoes, carved into the cliffs of the eastern and western peaks, include 24 caves dating back to the Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang dynasties - with 8 caves on the eastern peak, 13 on the western peak, and 3 on the northern side. These grottoes preserve over 1,500 Buddhist statues and 1,144 relief carvings, ceiling decorations, and murals. The Tianlong Mountain Grottoes are renowned for their mature, full-bodied, and refined craftsmanship, as well as their delicate emotional expression. They stand out for their strong national and regional characteristics, close connection to the lives of working people, and are celebrated for being "small yet exquisite."Taiyuan · 28.6 km from Gujiao
Mengshan Scenic Area
The Mengshan Giant Buddha, also known as the Xishan Giant Buddha, is located in the Mengshan Scenic Area, about 20 km southwest of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. It was first built during the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi Dynasty and has a history of approximately 1,500 years. It is a large-scale cliff-carved Buddha and Buddhist pavilion from the Northern Dynasties period in China. Originally, it was a cliff-carved Buddha statue behind the Kaihua Temple on Mengshan. Emperors such as Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty, Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, Li Keyong of the Later Tang Dynasty, and Liu Zhiyuan of the Later Han Dynasty all visited this site. The Mengshan Giant Buddha was destroyed in the late Yuan Dynasty. During the 1980 census of place names in Taiyuan, the Buddha was rediscovered, but its head was missing. The current head of the Buddha was newly carved by later generations. The exposed chest and neck section of the Giant Buddha of Mengshan stands 17.5 m tall and 25 m wide, with a neck diameter of 5 m. Tang Dynasty records describe it as "200 chi tall," which converts to approximately 63 m based on standard Tang measurements. It is currently the world's earliest-dated, large-scale cliff-carved statue of Sakyamuni with a confirmed historical record and massive proportions.Taiyuan · 28.2 km from Gujiao
Zhonglou Street
Zhonglou Street is an old street in Taiyuan's old town named after its bell tower. Dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties and flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is known as a "millennium-old street with a century of commercial legacy." In the past, Zhonglou Street was combined with the adjacent Ansi Street and Dongyang Market into a single street, with its east entrance connecting to Liuxiang Street, once known as the "Little Wangfujing." The reconstructed bell tower has been re-erected, becoming the street's landmark. The Ancha Si Archway and two old shopping centers—Dazhong Market and Kaihua Market, which evolved from former temple fairs—have returned, along with traditional businesses such asQianhexiang, Daningtang, and Kaiming Photo Studio. The secondary streets and small alleys interspersed throughout retain the texture of old courtyards and lanes. When the lights come on in the evening, the old-style building facades and the naked-eye 3D screens on the street appear in the same frame, presenting a visual interest where the old and new intertwine.Taiyuan · 34.4 km from Gujiao
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Free things to do in Gujiao
Jinci Temple Museum
Taiyuan · 32.1 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeFenhe Park
Gujiao · 498m from downtownMengshan Grand Buddha
Taiyuan · 27.3 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTaiyuan Botanical Garden
Taiyuan · 31.2 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTaiyuan Ancient County
Taiyuan · 33.8 km from GujiaoTianlongshan Caves
Taiyuan · 26.3 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTaiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum
Taiyuan · 34.1 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeJinci Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area
Taiyuan · 28.6 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeMengshan Scenic Area
Taiyuan · 28.2 km from GujiaoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeZhonglou Street
Taiyuan · 34.4 km from Gujiao
What travelers say about Gujiao
五月之恋2014October 15, 2026
5.0
If you go to Taiyuan, you must visit Jinci Temple. Although it is located in the suburbs and is a bit far, it is easy to get there by taxi and the price is not expensive. First, you enter the free Jinci Park and can spend some time exploring it. Inside the park is the Jinci Museum. The museum is not a traditional museum, but the architecture and culture inside are very beautiful. I recommend hiring a guide.
Jinci Temple Museum
好孩子是哪里人April 29, 2025
5.0
汾河作为山西省最重要的河流，穿过整个山西省，汾河平原的缔造者，在太原这一段，两岸都进行了修缮，无论是白天还是夜晚，漫步在河边，想象着千万年来河水静静地流淌。
Fenhe Park
davidsnowOctober 8, 2026
5.0
Breathtaking view, amazing hike to the top, unreal experience and genuine atmosphere. Highly recommend
Mengshan Grand Buddha
小米何姐姐October 12, 2026
5.0
Taiyuan Botanical Garden is a highly recommended attraction. The scenery is beautiful, and the garden and exhibition halls are very clean and tidy. 👍👍 The staff are polite, and our whole family praised it, saying it's definitely better than the botanical garden in Beijing. 😄😄
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
楚云霁月August 21, 2026
4.0
The old town was rather deserted. The art exhibition was quite nice, though a bit over the top. But the park at the exit was absolutely gorgeous. Winding paths led to secluded spots, and unexpected beauty unfolded.
Taiyuan Ancient County
M51***71June 20, 2026
5.0
The scenery is absolutely stunning. And transportation is incredibly convenient. After taking bus 804 or 856 to the last stop, it's less than a ten-minute walk to the bus stop for the Tianlongshan Grottoes (Sightseeing Route 1), which costs four yuan one way and can be paid with NFC. Seeing such a beautiful sky from the popular bridge was truly breathtaking.
Tianlongshan Caves
🚲小电驴登儿 🚓October 10, 2026
5.0
The Shanxi Merchants Museum is located within the old Governor's Mansion; its red walls and green tiles are very photogenic. The exhibitions mainly focus on the history of Shanxi merchants and their banks. The courtyard is exquisite, quiet, and not crowded. It's a pleasant place to stroll around; about two hours is sufficient.
Taiyuan Shanxi Merchants Museum
人生啊苦短呐June 20, 2026
5.0
Places with such deep cultural heritage are not recommended for young children.
I've always been captivated by ancient Chinese architecture, especially in Shanxi, a province rich in ancient buildings and cultural relics.
I can easily spend all day there by myself, from morning till closing time.
Bringing a child, we only had a quick, superficial look around.
I'd definitely come back again sometime.
Jinci Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area
Anonymous userFebruary 20, 2026
5.0
The Mengshan Giant Buddha is magnificent and worth a visit. I recommend hiring a guide; the guide was very helpful and accompanied me throughout the tour, although the climb was a little tiring. However, I think it's still worth the trip if you take your time. The guide also recommended nearby restaurants, which are popular with locals and quite good.
Mengshan Scenic Area
jns02August 3, 2026
4.0
Endless shopping spree. You'll need at leas half a day to get through the whole street, that is if you actually wish to shop at least. Didn't get to take much photos. Was too busy window shopping
Zhonglou Street
