Shanxi, not to be confused with the neighboring province of Shaanxi, is located in northern China, southwest of the capital Beijing. The province's name, Shānxī, meaning "west of the mountains," derives from its location west of the Taihang Shan mountains.
Shanxi lies between the North China Plain and the middle course of the Huáng Hé (Yellow River), which borders the province to the west and south. To the north, the Great Wall of China runs along the border.
A large part of the province is situated more than 1,000 meters above sea level. Mountains account for 67.5% of the province's area, mainly in the northeast. Important mountain ranges include Lüliang Shan (up to 2,831 meters), Taihang Shan (up to 2,322 meters), Wutai Shan (up to 3,058 meters), Heng Shan (up to 2,017 meters), and Taiyue Shan (up to 2,567 meters).
The province has very rich coal deposits. Coal mining areas cover 37% of Shanxi's area, containing one-third of China's coal reserves with an estimated 200 billion tons.
Shanxi is one of the cradles of Chinese culture. Approximately 70% of the preserved wooden buildings constructed before the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) are located in the province and can be visited today.
The capital of Shanxi Province has a long history. The city was founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122 BC). Due to its strategically advantageous location in the north, the city was repeatedly conquered by nomadic tribes to better control the fertile valleys of the Yellow River. During the Ming period, the Viceroy of Shanxi had his seat in Taiyuan.
Today, Taiyuan is one of China's major industrial cities. Nevertheless, it has quaint old alleys and some attractions for visitors. Particularly noteworthy are the Provincial Museum, Chongshan Temple, the Twin Pagodas, Jin Temple, and Dragon Mountain.
Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is located just 15 kilometers from the city center of the provincial capital. For the Beijing Olympics 2008, the airport served as an additional hub. Hainan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines use the airport as a hub, offering flights to all major Chinese cities. There are major construction projects planned for the airport, including a new terminal, a new runway, and a connection to the metro system. Currently, various bus lines are the best way to travel to Taiyuan and the surrounding region (as of 2024).
