Changzhi

Changzhi sits on the highlands of southeastern Shanxi in the region historically known as Shangdang, ringed by the Taihang Mountains. The dramatic Taihang Grand Canyon on its eastern edge, with sheer red cliffs, deep gorges and waterfalls, has become one of the province's premier natural attractions. The area is dense with ancient timber architecture, including temples preserving rare Ming-dynasty painted clay sculptures. Changzhi was a key base of the Eighth Route Army during the war against Japan, commemorated at the Taihang Memorial Hall in nearby Wuxiang. Long a coal-mining district, the city is diversifying into equipment and clean energy. Its own airport and high-speed rail link it to Taiyuan and Zhengzhou.