Shanxi · China
Linfen travel guide
Linfen is a city in Shanxi, China, home to about 3,976,000 people.
- Best months
- April, May, September and October
- Nearest airport
- LFQ13 km · Linfen Yaodu Airport
- Currency
- CNYrenminbi
- Time zone
- Asia/Shanghai
- Language
- Chinese, Putonghua, Standard Chinese
About
About Linfen
Linfen (simplified Chinese: 临汾; traditional Chinese: 臨汾; pinyin: Lín Fén) is a prefecture-level city in the southwest of Shanxi province, China, bordering Shaanxi province to the west. Linfen City is located in the southern part of Shanxi Province, with the remaining branches of Taiyue to the east and the Luliang Mountains to the west.
The area around Linfen, in the valley of the Fen River, is regarded as one of the early centers of Chinese civilization, with archaeological finds suggesting Paleolithic and Neolithic activity and early settlements dating back to the Shang period. In traditional accounts, Linfen is associated with the legendary sage-emperor Yao, who is said to have established his capital in this region. During the Warring States period, the city was known as Pingyang and served as the capital of the small State of Han.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Linfen
See
- Linfen Ancient City Park
- Tiefo Temple (also called Dayun Temple)
- Guangsheng Temple
- Qianfo Temple
- Linfen Drum Tower
- Xiandonggou Scenic Area
- Hongdong Dahuaishu Ancestor Memorial Garden
- Locust tree of Hongtong
- Linfen Museum
- Yao Temple
- Hukou Waterfall
Do
- Temple fairs and folk performances
- Yunqiu Mountain
- Red Leaf Valley
- Yaodong Cave Dwellings
- Fenhe Riverside Park
- Evening stroll around Yao Temple area
- Dingcun village
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Which part of Linfen to stay in
Linfen offers a range of accommodation options, mostly concentrated in the city center around Yaodu District. Prices are generally affordable compared with larger Chinese cities, and most hotels cater to domestic travelers, though some mid-range properties may accept foreign guests with passports. City center (Yaodu District) The most convenient area for visitors, with easy access to restaurants, shopping streets and public transport. Mid-range business hotels, budget chains and a few higher-end options can be found here. Railway station area Around Linfen Railway Station and Linfen West High-Speed Rail Station, several budget and business hotels serve transit passengers.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Linfen
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Linfen are April, May, September and October. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 31 °C; July is the wettest, with about 131 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Linfen: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Linfen Yaodu Airport (LFQ), about 13 km from the city centre in a straight line; Yuncheng Yanhu International Airport (YCU, 115 km) is also within reach.
Getting around
Urban buses in Linfen are operated by the Linfen Public Transport Company, covering the city center and major streets such as Jiefang Road, Gulou Street and Wuyi Road. Most routes run roughly from 06:30 to 20:30, though hours vary by line. Buses operate on a flat-fare system, with most routes costing ¥1–3 depending on distance. Payment methods include UnionPay bank cards, mobile QR codes (WeChat Pay, Alipay, Meituan), and local bus cards，local bus cards offer transfer discounts, but these are not available to short-term visitors.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
LFQ · Linfen Yaodu Airport
YCU · Yuncheng Yanhu International Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Linfen
Eat
Linfen's food culture reflects the warm, earthy flavors of southern Shanxi, combining wheat-based staples with hearty stews, rich broths and countryside cooking techniques. Meals are typically simple, filling and affordable, with many small eateries and local restaurants scattered throughout the city. Noodles (山西面食) are the backbone of everyday dining in Linfen. Knife-cut noodles (刀削面), wide hand-pulled noodles and bowl-sized "lao mian" are commonly served in light broths or with savory toppings. Vinegar is often added at the table, giving Shanxi noodles their characteristic sharp and aromatic taste. Most noodle shops are casual and frequented by locals.
Drink
Linfen has a modest but diverse drinking scene, offering tea houses, cafés, small bars and occasional live music venues. Most options are concentrated in Yaodu District, especially around Zhongdajie and nearby commercial streets. Tea culture is strong in Linfen, and visitors will find many relaxed tea houses serving herbal teas, Shanxi flower teas and light snacks. These venues are quiet, comfortable and suitable for evening conversations.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Linfen: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Linfen?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Linfen are April, May, September and October. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 31 °C; July is the wettest, with about 131 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Linfen?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Linfen Yaodu Airport (LFQ), about 13 km from the city centre in a straight line; Yuncheng Yanhu International Airport (YCU, 115 km) is also within reach.
What currency is used in Linfen?
renminbi (CNY).
Nearby
Destinations near Linfen
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.