Taiyuan (Chinese:太原 ; pinyin: tài yuán), the capital of Shanxi Province, is bounded on three sides by mountains. The city has a wealth of attractions and notably among these is the Jinci Temple. This is the city's most attractive temple although the Shuangta Si (Twin-Pagoda Temple) has become a symbol of the city on account of its unique architecture. Another major attraction is the Tianlong Shan Stone Caves where magnificent sculptures dating from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) may be seen.

It has a 2500-year history and in ancient times was an important military town. Now it is one of China's heavy industrial cities and accounts for more than half the national coal mining output. The gourmand should be aware that Shanxi noodles are highly reputed all over the country, as well as the local vinegar. Other local delicacies are the Tou Nao, the Steamed Dumpling, Sausages and Mutton Soup. To accompany these wholesome foods there are Fen Jiu (Fen Wine) and Zhuye Qing (Zhuye Qing Wine). As well as its cuisine the city is noted for products such as finely crafted lacquer ware.

太原是山西省省会，三面环山。这座城市有许多景点，其中最著名的是金祠。尽管双塔寺因其独特的建筑而成为城市的象征，但金祠仍这是城市最具吸引力的寺庙。另一个主要景点是天龙山石窟，在那里可以看到唐代（618-907年）的宏伟雕塑。

山西有2500年的历史，在古代是一个重要的军事城镇。现在它是中国重工业城市之一，煤矿产量占全国的一半以上。美食家应该知道，山西面条和当地的醋在全国享有盛誉。当地的美食还有头脑（八珍汤）、水饺、香肠和羊肉汤。伴随这些有益健康的食物有汾酒和竹叶清酒。除了美食之外，这个城市还以精致的漆器等产品而闻名。