May Day Special：National AAAAA Tourist Attractions in Shanxi

The May Day holiday is approaching. When you plan to visit Shanxi, the national AAAAA tourist attractions are unmissable. Now let's get to know them!

1. Shanxi,Datong｜Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes, one of the four major grottoes in China, are the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art. With a history of more than 1,500 years, the Grottoes represent the highest level of world sculpture art in the 5th century AD. Yungang Grottoes are likened to Roman stone carvings in the East by artists. The Grottoes are known as the world's three art treasure houses of stone carving together with the Ajanta Caves in India and the Bamiyan Grottoes in Afghanistan. With a carving area of more than 18,000 square meters, the Yungang Grottoes are comprised of 45 major caves, 209 affiliated caves, and more than 59,000 statues.

2. Shanxi,Jinzhong｜Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao Ancient City is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China and is on the list of the world's top 10 ancient walled cities selected by CNN, together with other famous historical buildings in the world such as Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne in France, York Castle in England, and Quebec City in Canada. The ancient city today is also intertwined with modern art. The annually-held activities such as “Pingyao International Film Festival” and “Pingyao International Photography Festival” have become a glittering cultural symbol of Shanxi.

3. Shanxi,Xinzhou｜Wutai Mountain

Located in Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, Wutai Mountain is home to the largest Buddhist ancient building complex in East Asia and even in the whole world. It is known as one of the five holy places of Buddhism in the world and enjoys the reputation of “Buddhist Paradise”. Wutai Mountain integrates its natural features with Buddhist culture, perfectly embodying a concept of Chinese philosophy which is “harmony between humanity and nature”. With the vigorous protection by the emperors of the past dynasties and the hard work of Chinese and foreign monks and ordinary people, the uncommon ancient building complex, the rare group of Buddhist statues, and the unique Buddhist music have been well preserved, for which it is known as “Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Architecture Art”.