Shuozhou

Shuozhou lies on the high plains of northern Shanxi between Datong and the Great Wall frontier, historically a strategic gateway between the Central Plains and the Mongolian steppe. Its greatest treasure is the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, built in 1056 and the oldest and tallest all-timber pagoda in the world, standing without a single nail. The Jin-dynasty Chongfu Temple and the crumbling Ming-era Guangwu Great Wall recall the region's military past. Shuozhou is one of China's leading coal-producing bases, home to the vast Pingshuo open-pit mines. Oat-flour noodles and hearty mutton dishes reflect its cold, dry border cuisine. Rail lines connect it toward Datong and Taiyuan.