Shanxi vinegar — specifically the aged or "mature" vinegar produced in the Taiyuan and Qingxu areas — is one of China's "four famous vinegars" and has been produced in the region for over three thousand years. The vinegar undergoes a lengthy ageing process, developing a complex, intensely flavoured liquid that is used in cooking, added as a condiment, and consumed as a health drink. It is darker, richer, and more complex than ordinary rice vinegar, and taking a bottle or two home is one of the most practical souvenirs from Taiyuan.
The best place to buy good vinegar in Taiyuan is a dedicated vinegar shop rather than a supermarket — look for shops selling aged products with a production date rather than flavoured blends. Several specialist shops operate near the main commercial area. Vinegar is added to noodles, dumplings, braised dishes, and soups across Shanxi cuisine, and learning when and how much to add is part of understanding the local food culture.