Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, is bounded on three sides by mountains. It has a 2500-year history and in ancient times was an important military town. Now Taiyuan is one of China's heavy industrial cities and accounts for more than half the national coal mining output.
Taiyuan also has a wealth of tourist attractions and notably among these is the Jinci Temple. This is the city's most attractive temple although the Shuangta Si (Twin-Pagoda Temple) has become a symbol of Taiyuan on account of its unique architecture. Another major attraction is the Tianlong Shan Stone Caves where magnificent sculptures dating from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) may be seen.
Taiyuan benefits from convenient public transport systems as the city is the provincial transportation hub. Accommodation facilities have become more and more advanced over recent years and range from 5-star hotels to a selection of comfortable guest houses.
The gourmand should be aware that Shanxi noodles are highly reputed all over China, as well as the local vinegar. Other local delicacies are the Tou Nao, the Steamed Dumpling, Sausages and Mutton Soup. To accompany these wholesome foods there are Fen Jiu (Fen Wine) and Zhuye Qing (Zhuye Qing Wine). As well as its cuisine the city is noted for products such as finely crafted lacquer ware.
太原,山西省省会,三面环山为界。它有2500年的历史,在古代是一个重要的军事重镇。现在太原是中国重工业城市,占全国一半以上的煤矿产量之一。
太原也具有丰富的旅游景点,特别是其中的晋祠。这是这个城市最具吸引力的寺庙,因其独特的太原市建筑,已经变成了一种象征,。另一个主要景点是天龙山石窟的宏伟雕塑,在自唐朝(公元618—907年)天龙山石窟。
太原得益于方便快捷的公交系统为省级交通枢纽城市。住宿设施也变得越来越先进,近年来,范围从五星级酒店客人选择舒适的房子。
美食家应该知道的山西面条在中国非常有名,以及当地的醋。其他地方风味小吃是头垴，蒸饺，香肠和羊肉汤。伴随这些有益健康的食品有有汾酒（汾酒）和竹叶清（竹叶清酒）。以及它的美食城市和精雕细琢的漆器产品。
