Taiyuan' reputation as an industrial capital has often meant that visitors overlook the historical importance of Shanxi province and attractions that Taiyuan has to offer. In recent years, the city has made a concerted effort to promote a green agenda and highlight its historically significant attractions. Jinci Temple, for example, is listed on China's "World Heritage Candidate List" -- the first step in applying for World Heritage status. The Tianlongshan Grottoes contain hundreds of religious sculptures and carvings dating back as far as the Eastern Wei Period.

The landscape around Taiyuan is quite beautiful, including Yingze Park and Xiangshan Mountain, on which sits the impressive Twin Pagoda Temple, which is at its best in early Spring, when the temple' famous peonies are in bloom. Fenhe Park and the Manmade Forest Park in Taiyuan are also beautiful parks:the Manmade Forest Park sitting in the north of the city is dotted with pavilions and a number of planted gardens. Taiyuan Zoo and the aquarium inside Yingze Park Water World can also provide a fun day out for nature lovers and their families.

The history of the area is explored at the Shanxi Museum, a fine institution which opened in 2005 and ranks at the forefront of China' new breed of imaginatively designed and well-presented museums. Of course, the history of coal production in the region is extremely important and has its own museum: the Coal Museum of China, which is the only one of its kind in the country.

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