Taiyuan
From ChinaTravelGuide
North China (华北) » Shanxi (山西) » Taiyuan (太原)
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[edit] Overview
Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi Province. Its short name is Bing (并), and is also called as Bingzhou (并州). The city was first established as Jinyang (晋阳) in 497 B.C. until renamed to Taiyuan during the Qin Dynasty.
Taiyuan lies on the bank of Fenhe River, and is surrounded by mountains on the three sides.
[edit] History
Taiyuan has a long history of 2500 years. It just celebrated its 2500th birthday in 2003 (497 B.C.-2003).
Taiyuan was originally established as Jinyang (晋阳) in late Spring and Autumn Period in the 15th year of Jindinggong rule (晋定公), or 497 B.C.. It was once used as the capital city of Zhao State during the Warring States Period.
China was divided into 36 states after Emperor Qin unified China. Taiyuan State was one of the 36 original states, and Jinyang was the state capital at that time. It continued to serve as the state capital of Bingzhou during the Han Dynasty, and the capital of Eastern Wei (东魏) and Northern Qi (北齐) during the Northern and Southern Dynasties.
Taiyuan was known as the "Northern Capital", and second only to Chang'an (the Capital) and Luoyang (the Eastern Capital) during the Sui Dynasty. The city was then expanded several times by several Emperor of the early Tang Dynasty. Later Taiyuan served as the capitals or founding cities of several states such as Late Tang (后唐) [923 AD – 936 AD], Late Jin (后晋) [936 AD – 946 AD], Late Han (后汉) [947 AD – 950 AD] and Northen Han (北汉) during the war-ridden Five Dynasties and Ten States era.
Jinyang city was completely destroyed in 979, when Northen Han was conquered by the Song Dynasty. Three years later, the new Taiyuan was established about 20km to the north of the ancient city site. Taiyuan suffered horrific losses in the later war-ridden Jin and Yuan Dynasties.
The city was expanded and the city wall was reconstructed in early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It became the capital of Shanxi and enjoyed rapid economic development during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1644–1911).
[edit] Weather
Current Conditions (2010-03-18 10:00:00, local time)
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Taiyuan |
Temp: 37°F (3°C) |
Taiyuan Weather Forecast
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The best time to visit taiyuan is from May to October each year.
Taiyuan has a temperate continental monsoon climate. Its winter is dry and cold, and summer is hot with big swings in temperature between day and night. Taiyuan enjoys plenty of sunshine in Spring, but spring also comes with strong winds.
| Weather averages for Taiyuan | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg high °C (°F) | 2 (36) | 6 (43) | 12 (54) | 20 (68) | 25 (77) | 28 (82) | 30 (86) | 28 (82) | 24 (75) | 18 (64) | 10 (50) | 3 (37) | |
| Avg low °C (°F) | -11 (12) | -7 (19) | -2 (28) | 5 (41) | 11 (52) | 16 (61) | 18 (64) | 17 (63) | 11 (52) | 4 (39) | -3 (27) | -9 (16) | |
| Rain cm (inches) | 0.29 (0.1) | 0.3 (0.1) | 1.04 (0.4) | 1.41 (0.6) | 2.55 (1) | 4.15 (1.6) | 7.7 (3) | 7.34 (2.9) | 3.38 (1.3) | 1.71 (0.7) | 0.91 (0.4) | 0.22 (0.1) | |
| Source: per MSN 2008 | |||||||||||||
[edit] Map
Click here to open Taiyuan map.
[edit] Getting in & Getting out
[edit] By Air
Taiyuan Wushu International Airport (太原武宿国际机场) is located in the southern suburb of the city, about 18 kilometers away from the city center. It has direct flights to Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, Nanjing, Shenyang, Xi'an and other major cities across the country. Airport shuttles run between the airport and the ticket office of the Civil Aviation (on No. 158 Taiyuan Yingze Street), and the cost is 10 yuan. In addition, bus lines #201, #901 also shuttle between the urban area and airpor. Taxi from the city to the airport usually costs about 50 yuan.
[edit] By Train
Taiyuan is the terminus of Beijing-Taiyuan Railway, and Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan Railway. It is also the starting point of Taiyuan-Jiaozuo Railway. It connects dozens of large, medium cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, and Baotou. There are more than 20 fast trains passing Taiyuan every day.
Taiyuan Train Station is located in the eastern-most side of the Yingze Street, and can be reached by bus line #1, #5, #21 from the city. The ticket office is at the south of the train station. Tickets can also be reserved from many places inside the city for a nominal processing fee of 5 yuan.
[edit] By Bus
The bus station is located at the south side of Yingze Dajie, between train station and Bingzhou Lu.
- Beijing - takes about 6 hours
- Datong - takes about 5 hours
- Shijiazhuang - takes about 4 hours
- Wutaishan - takes about 4-5 hours
- Yan'an - takes about 9 hours
- Yulin - takes about 8 hours
Minibuses leave the train station parking lot for Datong, Pingyao, Shijiazhuang and Wutaishan National Park .
--from wikitravel.org
[edit] Getting Around
[edit] By Public Bus
[edit] By Tour Bus
[edit] By Metro
[edit] By Taxi & Rental Car
[edit] Attractions
- Jinci Temple (晋祠旅游区)
- Tianlong Mountain (天龙山)
- Twin Pagoda Temple
- Chongshan Monastery (崇善寺)
- Mount Wutai (五台山风景名胜区)
- Beilin Park in Taiyuan (碑林公园)
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid Range
[edit] Luxury
- Imperial Garden Hotel
- Sanjin International Hotel
- Shanxi Grand Hotel
- Yingze Hotel
- Yuyuan Hotel
- Grand Metropark Hotel Wanshi Shanxi
- World Trade Hotel
[edit] Restaurants
Most dishes in Taiyuan have a salty with slight sweet and sour flavor.
Shanxi Noodles dishes are a local specialty well-known throughout China. Local cooks use various ways to prepare and cook noodle, and each kind comes with unique name and taste. Famous ones include the Fried Oats Noodle (炒莜面), Pulled Noodle (拉面), Mao Erduo (猫耳朵), Sliced Noodle (刀削面). Never miss the chance to taste their unique flavors.
[edit] Video
| Taiyuan |
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| Taiyuan, China |
[edit] Shopping
The most popular shopping area for local specialties is Liuxiang Shopping District (柳巷商品街). This pedestrian-only street hosts several shopping malls and many large department stores. The street is always very crowded, more so during holidays.
Other famous shopping places are located in the areas of Yingzedong Ave (迎泽东大街), Wuyi Road (五一路), Jiefang South Road (解放南路), Jianshe South Road (建设南路). The area hosts several shopping malls and many large department stores. Famous ones include:
- Wuyi Department Store (五一百货大楼): close to the railway station. Specialized in mid-to-high end merchandise.
- Huayu Supermarket (华宇购物中心): located at the intersection of Jiefang Road (解放路) and Kaihuasi Street (开化寺街). A favorite attraction for shopping, dining and entertainment.
- Guidu Department Store (贵都百货) (specialized in high-end designer clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances and accessories).
[edit] Night Life & Entertainment
[edit] Sports & Recreation
[edit] Excursions & Day Trips
[edit] Tips & Practical Info
Always take sunglasses and hats with you when visiting Taiyuan. The air often comes with black sands from the local coal mines.
