Jinzhong experiences a semi-arid climate. Spring is dry, with occasional dust storms, followed by early summer heat waves.

Summer tends to be warm to hot with most of the year's rainfall concentrated in July and August.

Autumn is cooler than other seasons.

Winter is long and cold, but dry and sunny.

The city proper is o­nly 15 km away from Taiyuan airport, less than 10 minutes drive. Taiyuan Wusu airport which lies in Nanjiao district in the southeast part of Taiyuan is 13 km from the city proper.

Jinzhong is convenient in transportation with the railways accessible from all directions. Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan Railway, South Tong Pu Railway, Taiyuan-Jiaozuo Railway, and YangShe Railway meet here throughout the whole city. ShiTai railway traverses the north part of the city; Tong Pu railway runs through west region of the city; Tai Jiao railway runs from north to south through Yushe, Taigu, Yuci, and is connected with Tongpu railway. Besides, there is also a branch railway line from Jiexiu to west Yangquan.

National highways of 108, 207, 208, and 307 extend through the city; Tai-Jiu, Da-Yun highways link it with Dongshan and Pingchuan; the branch highways passing by the city include Qixian-Wenshui, Yuci-Dongpinggou in Heshun, Taigu-Zuoquan, Pingyao-Tunliu, Yuxian Lingjiazhai-Yuxian Yanjiazhuang, Yuci-Huangnian, etc.

Ancient City of Pingyao is one of the most intact ancient cities in China with a history of more than 1,500 years. It is also known as the 'Turtle City' suggesting longevity and never declining. The 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long brick City Wall has wall towers and turrets positioned along its length which would be effective in wartime and have a decorative function on the framework of the wall. The ancient city is made up of four major streets, eight lesser streets and seventy-two lanes. The South Street, also called the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, is the busiest commercial center of Pingyao. Along the street stand stores of Ming and Qing architectural styles. 

Located in Qiaojiabao Village 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Qixian County, the compound of the Qiao Family was first built during the regime of the Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Going through over 250 years of growth and decline, the Qiao's Compound, together with many other compounds of the big families in Shanxi, tells us vivid stories about Shanxi businessmen.