Discover Shanxi's beauty along three tourist highways
As the winter tourism season kicks off, travelers have the unique opportunity to explore the natural and cultural wonders of North China's Shanxi province along three major tourist highways: the Yellow River No 1 Tourist Highway, the Great Wall No 1 Tourist Highway, and the Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway.
Wangmangling Scenic Area. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]
The Yellow River No 1 Tourist Highway stretches for 1,238 kilometers, passing through the cities of Xinzhou, Lyuliang, Linfen, and Yuncheng. The route connects 14 scenic spots at the A-level or above and 75 other major tourist spots, showcasing the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage along the Yellow River in Shanxi.
The Great Wall No 1 Tourist Highway (Zuoyun section). [Photo/Shanxi Daily]
The Great Wall No 1 Tourist Highway spans 1,201 km and links a series of renowned attractions such as the Yungang Grottoes, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Xuankong Temple, and Li'erkou Great Wall. The route also offers a culinary journey with local delicacies like Youyu smoked chicken and Datong knife-cut noodles, each reflecting the region's distinctive flavors and craftsmanship.
Youyu county's local delicacy. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]
The Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway runs for 1,028 km, traversing six major cities, including Taiyuan, Jinzhong, Changzhi, and Jincheng. It connects over 90 well-known attractions and has been recognized as one of the top 20 most beautiful driving routes in China.
Zheshui village's ancient courtyards. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]
The completion of these three major tourist highways not only establishes a comprehensive tourism network by connecting cities, attractions, and rural areas, but also significantly boosts the integration of rural transport with wellness resorts, rural tourism, specialty agricultural products, and leisure farming, injecting new vitality into rural vitalization and regional economic growth in Shanxi.