Cultural Treasures Abound in Shanxi Province

Scattered throughout China are remnants of its past, from man-made structures to natural scenery and formations. Such is the case with Shanxi Province, where visitors can catch a glimpse of an important ancient civilization.

Within the proximity of Yellow River's mid-section are natural and cultural treasures worth visiting.

One example is the Hukou waterfall, which straddles the border of the Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces. Named as China's second highest waterfall, this natural beauty located 45 kilometers from Jixian County served as a backdrop to China's ancient civilization. Come winter, the landscape transforms into an icy wonderland complete with ice pillars and columns.

For ruins of China's ancient past, head over to the Yellow River. Situated northest of Xiangfen County, the Taosi ruins are a sight to behold.

Dug up by archaeologists in 1978, the Taosi ruins perfectly encapsulate 4,100 to 4,300 years worth of Chinese history.

After years of research, experts finally announced their discoveries earlier this year. Chief among these findings is the belief that Taosi served as the capital of the sage emperor Yao. The fact that Yao built his capital in modern-day Linfen City further corroborates this discovery.

To protect the Taosi ruins, the local government has put forward plans to build a national park. The site also aims to display the discovered antiques and promote archaeological findings.

Another point of interest in Shanxi Province is located in Yongji City, where visitors will find eight iron oxen and eight iron men built on the banks of the Yellow River. The figures, which were rediscovered in 1988, were built during the time of Emperor Li Longji of the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907).

To go to Linfen City, board a train or prepare for a 260-kilometer drive from the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province. Meanwhile, Yongji is roughly 60 kilometers from Yuncheng, which can serve as every traveler's jump-off point to the city.