This ancient city is the capital of ShanxiProvince with a population of three million. It is also the political, economic, cultural and communication center of this province.
Taiyuan, also called Jinyang, was first built in the Spring and Autumn Period (770AD－476AD). The great Tang Dynasty started in Jinyang and built its capital in Xian, honored here as its Northern Capital. The long history has left Taiyuan with numerous historical sites and relics. The most famous of all is the JinTemple which was built 1,500 years ago. Renovations during following dynasties saw the construction of gardens built in the lie of the land so as to enhance the beauty of this place. The Temple of Holy Mother, built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), though nearly 1,000 years old, is as still and sturdy, magnificent and grandiose as it was when first built.
Taiyuan has become a very modern city and the hub of tourism in Shanxi. The construction of Beokomg-Taiyuan and Datong-Yuncheng express ways, and the development of air routes and railways link Taiyuan with all the major cities in China will sustain momentum to the development of its travel |
