Taiyuan has a metro system (the Taiyuan Metro) with two lines that cross the city centre and connect the main railway stations. Taxis are plentiful and cheap within the city; use the meter and insist on it for short trips. Ride-hailing apps (DiDi) work throughout the city and are the easiest option for destinations where taxi drivers may be reluctant to go.
The main heritage sites outside the city — Jinci Temple, Tianlongshan, Longshan — are not well-served by public transport and are most practically reached by taxi or hired car. The journey to Jinci from the city centre takes about 45 minutes in traffic. For day trips to Pingyao or Datong, the high-speed train is much faster than any surface road option.