is shanxi suitable for my 80 year old parents? is it too hillywinding?

Question

I plan to hire a driver to travel around Shanxi Province (Datong, Mt Wutai, Taiyuan and Pinyao) for one week, and bring my 80 years old parents along.  Is this appropriate?  Are the roads too hilly and winding for my elderly parents?  Do the roads reach the door step of all or most the sights/attractions?  Is substantial or uphill walking expected?  Is this the case for the whole province, especially Mt Wutai?  I may have to exclude Mt Wutai from the itinerary if this is so.  Thank you.

Helen · Answer

Hi, Weecheng. The roads to attractions in Shanxi are mostly wide and smooth. But road inside some attractions could be steep and hilly since they are beside mountains. I suggest you exclude Mt. Wutai from your tour. And you shouldn't miss Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple in Datong, Pingyao Ancient City and Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao, Qiao's compound in Jinzhong city and Royal Prime Minister's Palace in Jincheng city.

WEECHENG · Answer

Hi Helen,Thanks for your advice.  How about the Hanging Temples - is it difficult for old people to visit this place?

Helen · Answer

Weecheng, Hanging Temples are in the steep mountains of Mt. Heng, so it's not suitable for the elders to visit too. If you are going to visit there, you could let your parents have a look at it from the bottom of the mountain, which also worth the ticket, and you could climb on it yourself. The round climb would not be longer than a hour, so they could wait for you.

WEECHENG · Answer

Hi Helen, thanks for the advice on the Hanging Temples.  One additional question on Wutai: I understand the heart and base camp of Wutai is the small town of Taihuai, and there are a few temples within Taihuai, such as Tayuan and Xuantong.  Are the roads  winding and tedious to reach Taihuai by road, and then visit Tayuan and Xuantong (since they are within downtown)?  Are there steep climbs to reach Tayuan and Xuantong?  Thank you.

Helen · Answer

The roads to Taihuai Town are mostly mountain roads so the trip could be tedious. Roads inside the town to those temples are wide and flat. No steep climb's required to reach the temples.

Is Shanxi suitable for my 80 year old parents? Is it too hilly and winding?

Related Questions: