Welcome to Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province! Upon arrival, the local guide will meet you at the airport or train station.
You will firstly pay an educational visit to Shanxi Museum which enjoys a total collection of more than 500,000 pieces. Rambling in the seven historical & cultural exhibits and five artistic ones, you can thoroughly explore the history of Shanxi from Paleolithic age to modern times as well as its brilliant culture of Buddhism, opera, business and architectures. The most valuable treasures contain Bird-shaped Zun (Wine Vessel) of Jin Marquis, Painted Pottery Pot, Jade Group of the Wife of Jin Marquis, Three-color Glazed Pottery Censer with the Pattern of Lotus Seedpod and Lion, etc.
Next, turn to the Coal Museum of China, the only national-level coal museum. Nicely divided into several sections, the exhibition halls with vivid scenes display the different types of coal, the coal information and past mining practice. More than that, you can experience the working environment of coal workers in the simulated undermine.
After that, move forward to Twin Pagoda Temple, officially known as Yongzuo Temple. It is famous for the two gorgeous brick pagodas which are the tallest set of twin pagodas in China. Dating back to Ming Dynasty (1368~1644), the two pagodas show a strong antique flavor. If you travel Twin Pagoda Temple in April and May, beautiful peony and cloves can be savored. Some of the peony flowers are said to have been planted during Ming Dynasty.