2025 Yi County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

#discoverchina Yixian is truly a treasure of a small city! With so many incredible historical sites, wandering around feels like stepping back a thousand years in time. I’ve visited twice in the past two years and managed to explore most of the main attractions. Compared to those reconstructed "ancient" towns, this living museum is absolutely worth your time and attention. Plus, there are tons of delicious local eats—perfect for a weekend getaway or short holiday! 🍜🌄 📍 Historical Gems Within the City: Fengguo Temple 🎬 A filming site for The Grandmaster starring Zhang Ziyi, and also where the fantasy drama Black Monkey King was shot! A royal temple from the Liao Dynasty, it houses some of the largest and oldest colored clay Buddha statues in the world. Standing in front of them is truly soul-stirring. Guangsheng Pagoda 🛕 A millennium-old Liao tower, covered in intricate brick carvings. Tucked inside a village, the contrast between the old pagoda, winding wires, and village life makes for a visually striking scene. Antai Gate – Old City Wall of Yizhou Across the street is Daling River Wetland Park. The gate ticket is around ¥20—you can climb the ancient wall for sunset views and river scenery. A peaceful stroll in the wetland park is also worth it. Yixian Railway Station (Old Site) 🚉 Built in 1921, this century-old train station witnessed the city’s transformation and has a strong nostalgic vibe—perfect for vintage-style photos. #travel #thingstodo

Fengguo Temple is the only filming location of "Black Myth: Wukong" in Liaoning It is also the filming location of Wong Kar-wai's film "The Grandmaster" Entering Fengguo Temple It's like entering a mysterious historical time and space - Tour 📝 [The temple has a national treasure exhibition hall, front hall, main hall, and calligraphy and painting exhibition] Be sure to stop and admire the Main Hall (the roof, the two generals, the flying goddesses on the beams inside the hall, the seven large Buddhas, the fourteen Bodhisattvas, the Yuan Dynasty murals, the upside-down Guanyin...). The calligraphy and painting exhibition also has high historical and aesthetic value~ - Transportation 1⃣️Self-driving navigation "Fengguo Temple Parking Lot" parking 10 yuan If you drive, you can also visit the Northern Wei Dynasty's Ten Thousand Buddha Grottoes, the Liao Dynasty's Eight Pagoda Hill, the Han Dynasty's Baolin Tower, etc., which are all full of historical charm 2⃣️Train/EMU Choose to get off in Jinzhou Take a bus or line bus and it takes about 40 minutes to reach Yi County

In today's tourism boom, while many popular spots are crowded with visitors, there's a hidden gem in western Liaoning - Yixian County, which quietly exudes its unique charm, waiting for people to uncover its mysteries. Yixian, an ancient city with over 2,200 years of history, is like a thick history book with every page filled with stories. Since its establishment as a commandery during the Yan and Qin dynasties and as a county in the early Han dynasty, it has witnessed the rise and fall of the Five Yan and Liao Xiao dynasties. Along the historical river of multi-ethnic integration, it has painted a magnificent scroll. The Buddhist and Taoist cultures nurtured here complement each other brilliantly. Many historical figures have emerged from this region - Zhuanxu, one of the "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors," expanded territory here; the Former Yan royal Murong Wei built Daji City along the Daling River; and numerous outstanding figures like Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo of the Liao Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty's famous minister Yelü Chucai left their marks here, creating a profound cultural heritage. When we set foot on this land, we're first drawn to the ancient buildings that carry thousands of years of history. Fengguo Temple is undoubtedly Yixian's brightest pearl. As one of the eight major Liao structures and a royal temple of the Liao Dynasty, it was built in 1020 (the ninth year of Liao Kaitai) and has nearly 1,000 years of history. Entering the Main Hall, you'll find the world's oldest and largest collection of colored clay Buddha statues. The solemn Buddha statues, exquisite paintings, and carvings tell stories of past glory in every detail. Famous architect Liang Sicheng praised it as a "thousand-year national treasure." The entrance fee is 40 yuan, and you can spend 2-3 hours here, try delicious zen food for 1 yuan, and experience the fusion of history and religion in a serene atmosphere. The Guangsheng Temple Pagoda, not far from Fengguo Temple, was built during the Liao Kaitai period and is one of the well-preserved Liao pagodas in the north. The towering pagoda appears particularly ancient and elegant in the sunset. With a 10-yuan ticket and 30 minutes to 1 hour to spare, you can appreciate the unique architectural style and exquisite craftsmanship of the Liao Dynasty. When the breeze blows, the wind chimes on the eaves ring gently, as if playing a melody that spans a millennium. The Wanfo Caves, as the oldest and largest cave complex in Northeast China, is renowned alongside the Yungang and Longmen Grottoes as the three major Northern Wei grottoes, celebrated as a treasure house of northern cave statue art. Regrettably, due to inadequate protection, only a small portion remains visible today. Nevertheless, the remaining Buddha statues and murals still showcase the ancient craftsmen's superior skills and the prosperity of Buddhist culture at that time. With a 40-yuan ticket and 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore, every statue and carving here tells visitors tales of time's passage. The Antai Gate, the only surviving gate among Yixian's four ancient city gates, has nearly 600 years of history. It stands quietly, witnessing the city's transformation and development. Free to visit and requiring only 10 minutes, you can feel the weight of history beneath this ancient gate. On special nights, you might be lucky enough to catch projection shows and light performances depicting Yixian's history, further experiencing the charm of this ancient city. The old Yixian Railway Station, recording the historical changes of Yixian, has become a popular photo spot. It has its unique charm both day and night, especially when illuminated in the evening, adding a touch of mystery. It's free to visit, and a 10-minute stay can create many beautiful memories. Additionally, there's the Bata Mountain pagoda forest built to commemorate eight stages of Buddha's life, with pagodas of varying heights arranged in perfect harmony; the Qingta Zen Temple, built in the Liao Dynasty with its magnificent octagonal thirteen-tiered solid brick pagoda and thriving incense offerings; and the Baolin Tower, known as the "Hanging Temple of the Northeast," with legends of historical figures like Emperor Yan and Emperor Qianlong - each site has its unique characteristics waiting for visitors to explore. In Yixian, besides the breathtaking ancient architecture, there's a variety of local cuisine to savor. The traditional dishes at Maolou Restaurant, the unique flavors of Magang BBQ, the classic taste of flavored pot-stewed meat, and the smooth, tender Liaoxi water tofu - each dish is like a key unlocking the gastronomic memories of Yixian. If you're planning to visit Yixian, transportation is very convenient. You can take the high-speed rail or train to Yixian Station, or choose to drive or hire a car. For accommodation, the Fengguo Temple homestay offers a closer experience of the temple's tranquility and mystery, while 7 Days Inn provides convenient and comfortable lodging. For touring routes, a one-day trip can follow Wanfo Caves -> Fengguo Temple -> Guangsheng Temple Pagoda -> Antai Gate -> Old Yixian Railway Station, which is compact and fulfilling. A two-day trip allows for a more in-depth experience: Day 1 visiting Baolin Tower -> Old Yixian Railway Station -> Fengguo Temple -> Guangsheng Temple Pagoda -> Antai Gate, and Day 2 exploring Wanfo Caves -> Bata Mountain -> Qingta Zen Temple. Remember to do research beforehand or find a guide to better understand the stories behind these sites. The best lighting at Fengguo Temple is around 3 PM, and you might even encounter cute squirrels. A day pass is more economical for one-day tours. The road to Bata Mountain isn't in great condition, so it's better to use a vehicle with high ground clearance. If time permits, you can also explore more mysteries at the Sino-German Paleontological Museum. In this fast-paced era, we're always searching for places where our souls can find peace. Yixian, this thousand-year-old city full of historical heritage and natural scenery, is like a paradise away from the hustle and bustle, waiting for us to discover its beauty and feel its charm. Before the ancient buildings become heavily restricted, while that rustic tranquility remains pure, why not take a spontaneous trip this weekend to Yixian? Start a dialogue with history and nature, and create unforgettable memories.

Today's ride, 100 km: Stop 2: The cave behind Wanfotang. ​🌺 ​There is a series of caves behind Wanfotang. I've been to the Wangchan Cave halfway up the mountainside many times before. It's beautiful, with stalactites from top to bottom. It shouldn't be far from here. ​This cave is large and very close to the road. After pushing the bike for five minutes up a 30-50 meter gravel slope, I got the bike into the cave. ​🌺 ​With the bike as a reference, you can get a better sense of the size of the cave.

🌆 Jinzhou: An underrated treasure of Northeast China, a thousand-year-old city where vibrant street life meets culinary delights. ——A three-day, two-night in-depth travel guide to unlock your "culinary adventure." 🌍 Geographical Background: The "Splendid State" between Mountains and Sea Located in southwestern Liaoning Province, Jinzhou is nestled against the Yiwulü Mountain and faces the Bohai Bay, serving as a vital link between Northeast and North China. It boasts the magnificent mountains and seas of the "Liaoxi Corridor" and the historical vicissitudes told by the thousand-year-old pagoda. As the main battlefield of the Liaoshen Campaign, Jinzhou is also a "city of heroes," where old buildings and modern commercial districts intertwine, resembling a living history book📖. 🚩 Travel Highlights: From historical sites to night markets, enough to fill your social media feed! 1. Travel through a millennium and touch the warmth of history    - Jinzhou Ancient Pagoda: A nine-story pagoda from the Liao Dynasty. Climb to the top for a panoramic city view, and admire the brick-carved Buddha statues that speak to the flourishing Buddhist culture.    - Daling River: The renovated riverside landscape belt is brilliantly lit at night. Take a stroll, ride a bike, or enjoy a boat trip, and experience the romance of "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall." 2. Natural wonders to fill your lungs with fresh air    - Yiwulü Mountain: One of the birthplaces of Taoism. Hike through the mountains, listen to the gurgling streams, and reach the summit for breathtaking views of the mountains, sea, and city🌲.    - Lushan Forest Park: A "natural oxygen bar" composed of thousands of plant species. The autumn foliage is a photographer's dream📸. 3. A vibrant world that gets more exciting as the night goes on    - Jinzhou Night Market: Grilled cold noodles, fried sausage, pickled cabbage and pork... Hundreds of snacks will tantalize your taste buds! Experience the boldness and enthusiasm of Northeast China amidst the bustling crowds🔥. 🍢 Culinary Delights: Barbecue reigns supreme, smoked chicken is divine! 1. Top 3 must-try dishes, "Intangible Cultural Heritage" on your tongue    - Jinzhou Barbecue: A "barbecue universe" supported by over 2,000 restaurants! From springy prawns and fragrant lamb knuckles to melt-in-your-mouth chicken feet... Everything can be grilled, and every bite is a soul-stirring experience.    - Goubangzi Smoked Chicken: A century-old brand, using traditional "shaping" and sugar-smoking techniques. The meat is tender, and even the bones are flavorful! Once "delivered" nationwide by green-skinned trains, it remains a top souvenir choice today🚂.    - Iron Pot Stewed Goose: The ultimate Northeast delicacy! The goose meat is plump after the winter snow. Potatoes are added during stewing, creating a rich broth. Goose wings are reserved for honored guests, symbolizing "soaring high." 2. Hidden menu: Local delicacies only insiders know    - Bean and Flatbread Stew: A "stewing" method that combines steaming and boiling. The flatbread absorbs the aroma of the vegetables, resulting in a chewy top layer and a soft bottom layer—a carb lover's paradise!    - Jinzhou Fried Skewers: The star of the night market! Tofu skin wrapped in sauce and fish tofu fried to a crisp, 5 yuan for a handful that will fill you up. 🎎 Cultural Code: Shadow puppetry, old crafts, and the "iron pot philosophy" - Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Jinzhou shadow puppetry blends tradition and modernity. Watch donkey-hide figures enact legendary tales, and even try your hand at making shadow puppets behind the scenes🎭. - Handicraft Workshops: Learn paper-cutting and pottery from master craftsmen in the workshops tucked away in the old streets. Cut a "Fu" character for good luck, or mold a Northeast tiger figurine to take home a piece of culture✂️. - Maximum warmth: The warmth of Northeast China is embodied in a pot of stew! Gather around the Kang (a heated brick bed), listen to the uncle's stories about the survival wisdom of "iron pot stewing everything," and experience the warmth of human connection that goes beyond the food itself❤️. 📝 Travel Tips: Avoid pitfalls and make the most of your Jinzhou trip! 1. Best season: May-October (summer for bustling night markets, autumn for stunning mountain scenery)❄️Winter is perfect for a "stew therapy trip." 2. Transportation: High-speed rail directly to "Jinzhou South Station." The starting taxi fare within the city is 6 yuan, and buses cover major attractions🚌. 3. Accommodation recommendations: Guesthouses in the Ancient Pagoda District (near the night market), seaside hotels in the Binhai New Area (perfect for sunrise viewing)🌅. 4. Pitfall warnings:    - Look for time-honored barbecue restaurants with queues of locals, and avoid overpriced "tourist traps" in scenic areas!    - Bargaining tip for the night market: Simply say "Let me try one," and the vendor will automatically offer a fair price💰. 🗺️ Three-day itinerary Day 1: Dialogue between history and nature Morning: Ancient Pagoda → Jinzhou Museum → Donghu Park Afternoon: Hiking on Yiwulü Mountain → Taking photos at the mountaintop viewing platform Dinner: Time-honored smoked chicken restaurant + bean and flatbread stew Day 2: A culinary journey Morning: Stroll through the old streets and experience paper-cutting/pottery workshops Lunch: Iron pot stewed goose (don't forget to grab a goose leg!) Afternoon: Daling River cruise → Self-drive along the coastal highway Dinner: Night market barbecue + fried skewers + grilled cold noodles triple combo! Day 3: In-depth cultural experience Morning: Breathe in the fresh air at Lushan Forest Park Lunch: Farmhouse-style pickled cabbage and pork Afternoon: Shadow puppet show + backstage experience Dinner: Seafood stalls (shrimp and sea cucumber are must-tries) ❓ Cliffhanger ending: Spark a "culinary discussion" "In Jinzhou, barbecue is a religion, and smoked chicken is nostalgia. But did you know that the dish that makes locals most proud is the seemingly ordinary 'bean and flatbread stew'? Some say it embodies the survival wisdom of Northeast China. What do you think?🔥 Share your thoughts in the comments!" ​

| Wanfotang Grottoes | Awe-inspiring | Regrettable. A day trip to two must-see attractions in Jinzhou Yixian. First stop, the Wanfotang Grottoes, nestled on a hillside by the water. Unfortunately, the grottoes are not perfectly preserved, with many weathered beyond recognition. However, the vibrant colors of the dyes are still clearly visible, offering a captivating glimpse into the past and a truly awe-inspiring experience. A place where ten thousand Buddhas return to their source, promoting peace and tranquility.

🏯 Fengguo Temple in Yi County, as one of the three major Liao temples in China, is as famous as Huayan Temple in Datong, Shanxi and Dule Temple in Jizhou, Tianjin. This temple was built in the ninth year of Kaitai in Liao Dynasty, and has a history of 1004 years. It is a royal temple built by Emperor Shengzong of Liao, Yelü Longxu, for his mother, Empress Dowager Xiao, on the "family fiefdom". Fengguo Temple is famous for its "three wonders" - the Main Hall, the seven Buddha statues and the architectural paintings. Liang Sicheng praised it as a "millennium national treasure" and "supreme national treasure". 🏛️ The Great Hall is the main building of Fengguo Temple. It is known as the largest and highest-level wooden structure in ancient Chinese Buddhist temples, representing the highest level of Chinese architecture in the 11th century. The hall houses rare treasures in the world, so it is not called the "Main Hall". 🗿 The most precious treasures in the Main Hall are 23 Liao Dynasty colored sculptures, including the world's oldest, largest and most exquisite Liao Dynasty painted clay Buddha statue group "Seven Buddhas of the Past", as well as 14 Bodhisattvas and two Vajrapani. These Buddha statues are magnificent, especially the Vipaśyin Buddha in the center, which is 9.5 meters tall. 🎨 Although the murals in the Main Hall are in poor condition, twelve flying celestials can still be seen. Male flying celestials are a feature of Fengguo Temple. There are also 17 steles inscribed in the hall, which were built during the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. 📅 【Tour Tips】 - Opening hours: From November 1st to March 31st of the following year is the winter season, open from 8:30 to 16:30 every day (ticket sales stop at 16:00). - Tickets: 50 yuan, discounts available for online purchases. - Transportation: There are three trains from Jinzhou Station every day, and it takes 45 minutes to reach Yixian. There are buses to Yi County from Jinzhou Bus Station, which run about every half an hour. - Photography: Photography is allowed without flash, but please be respectful. #Check-in100AncientTemple #WhereToGoOnTheWeekend #FengguoTemple #Yixian #BeijingNearTours #Liaoning

Fengguo Temple was built in the first year of Kaitai in the Liao Dynasty (1020). It inherited the legacy of the Tang Dynasty and started the layout of the Liao and Jin Dynasties. It is now 1,004 years old. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

This time I decided to go on a whim for the stop I had been longing for: Fengguo Temple. Many people come to Fengguo Temple because of Black Wukong; but I come here only for this sentence, which Liang Sicheng called "a thousand-year-old national treasure, a supreme national treasure, and a rare treasure" in "History of Chinese Architecture". This temple, built in the ninth year of Kaitai in the Liao Dynasty, is the earliest existing temple building in Liaoning. Because it enshrines seven large Buddhas, it is also called the Seven Buddhas Temple or the Big Buddha Temple. It is one of the three existing temples of the Liao Dynasty in China. 📍Address: No. 18, Yixian East Street, Yixian County, Jinzhou City 🕙Time: 08:00-17:00| 🎫Ticket: 50 yuan/person 🚌Transportation: Drive there by yourself, the scenic area is equipped with a paid parking lot 🍓During the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can ask for a guide at the entrance of the scenic area, which costs 100 yuan (regardless of the number of people) 🧐Let's take a look at the highlights of the temple: 🌟【Ming Dynasty Stone Lions】There is a pair of Ming Dynasty stone lions in front of the temple, which are lifelike, as if telling an ancient story. 🦁 🌟【Famous plaques written by Emperor Qianlong】There are three famous Chinese plaques hanging in the Daxiong Hall. They are all written by Emperor Qianlong and are also the largest openwork plaques in China. The original ones are in the exhibition hall next to it. You must go and see them. 🌟【Seven Buddhas in the Main Hall】The seven large Buddhas in the Main Hall are very particular. They are Kasyapa, Kāśyapa, Sīki, Vipaśyin, Viśvabhū, Kanasamuni and Sakyamuni, namely the "Seven Buddhas of the Past". Each Buddha statue is different, and there are two small statues of Su Bodhisattva in front of each Buddha statue. 🌟【Flying Apsaras Color Paintings】Look up at the beams, rafters and brackets in the hall, and you will see patterns of male flying celestial beings, lotus flowers, Baoxiang flowers, peony flowers, etc. The colors are bright and gorgeous, and the images are vivid and natural. This is the only extremely rare example of colored paintings in ancient wooden structures in the world. 🌟【Reclining Guanyin】There is another must-see in the Main Hall, the male-shaped "Reclining Guanyin" behind the Vipaśyin Buddha. It was rebuilt in the 31st year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty and is a rare "reclining Guanyin" in China. In "The Grandmaster", Gong Er, played by Zhang Ziyi, cut her hair and worshipped this Guanyin in the temple. Standing here, I can really feel what was said in "The Grandmaster": "If you keep thinking about it, there will be a response." And that sentence: "All encounters in the world are reunions after a long separation." #Fengguo Temple #Eight Great Liao Structures #Liao Dynasty Architecture

There is a saying: Ask Guanyin why she sits upside down and sighs that sentient beings are unwilling to turn back. The first glance here is a thousand years, as if seeing it for the first time, which makes people feel filled with emotion. Fengguo Temple is located in Yi County, Jinzhou. It is the filming location of Black Myth: Wukong, and is full of historical weight and profound culture. 📍Fengguo Temple #Jinzhou Yixian Fengguo Temple #Black Myth Wukong Filming Location

🏯 #奉国寺 is not only a temple, but also a living history book. Here, we can touch the past and feel the wisdom and beliefs of our ancestors. Let us stop in our busy lives, come here and find inner peace and strength. When you step into the Main Hall, you will be shocked by the seven colorfully painted clay Buddha statues with different expressions! Thousands of years have passed, and it still radiates a solemn light✨ #Humanities Attractions Sharing #Black Myth Wukong Filming Location

🙏 In Fengguo Temple in Yi County, Jinzhou, you will find a place full of legends. Here is China's first Mahavira Hall. As one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Fengguo Temple is famous for its thousand-year history and seven giant Buddha statues that have stood for a thousand years. Each Buddha statue has been weathered and is full of moving stories behind it. 🎫 Tickets are only 50 yuan, and you can enjoy a vegetarian meal for 1 yuan with the ticket. The "Ruyuan" cafe in the temple is a good place to take pictures. The average price is 30 yuan, and the cultural and creative products are reasonably priced. Yi County's cultural and tourism promotion is worthy of praise. 👍 🕐 The entrance time is from 8:00 to 4:30 in summer time and from 8:30 to 4:00 in winter time. 🙋‍♀️ Tips: Do not use flash when taking pictures. As a protected cultural relic, the temple prohibits incense, but you can donate at will and receive some tributes. #Liaoning Culture and Tourism #Ancient Architecture Photography #Ancient Temple Architecture #Temple #Humanities in Travel #One Temple, One City #Jinzhou #Fengguo Temple #Yixian #Liaoning Tourism

Fengguo Temple needs major renovation? The club quickly organized a trip to Jinzhou. Upon arrival we were told it was a rumor. Liao Taizu Yelü Abaoji "built Jinzhou with Han prisoners of war". The remains of Liao Dynasty architecture here are the best in the country. It is mainly distributed in the surrounding districts and counties, forming a "hot air balloon" shaped route map. 🌟 Itinerary design: 📅 Saturday - Jinzhou North Station➡️Laobai BBQ➡️Jinzhou Museum➡️Guangji Temple Pagoda➡️Linghe Night Market➡️Shuimutang 📅 Sunday - Yixian Republic Railway Station➡️Guangsheng Temple Pagoda➡️Maolou Hotel➡️Fengguo Temple➡️Wanfotang Grottoes➡️Jinzhou North Station 🏨 Accommodation: Jinzhou Wangfu Hakka Boyin 🚗 Travel: Charter *Liao Tower Jinzhou has 13 Liao towers. In terms of completeness and exquisiteness, the landmarks Guangji Temple Pagoda and Yixian Guangsheng Temple Pagoda are mainly the landmarks. The twin towers of Chongxing Temple in Beizhen and the flower tower in Bangi are quite far away. Most of the Liao Dynasty towers were dense-eaves brick towers, which included a base, pedestal, body, eaves and top. The Guangji Temple Pagoda in the city center is really huge. It is the tallest ancient building in western Liaoning. Legend has it that there is a sea eye underneath, and if the pagoda collapses, the city will be flooded. This tower was proposed by Empress Dowager Xiao Tali and built by her son Yelu Hongji. The base of the tower enshrines the three-color relics sent from the Southern Song Dynasty. Another building she advocated for construction was the famous Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The Guangsheng Temple Pagoda is older, built in 1020, the same year as the Fengguo Temple. Tickets are 15. 🏯 *Fengguo Temple The largest Liao structure. This is a royal temple built on the fiefdom of Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo, who fought against the Yang clan. The Main Hall has a hip roof, is nine bays wide and ten rafters deep. Architect Chen Mingda proposed the forms of ancient wooden structures: Foguang Temple form (palace style), Haihui Temple form (hall style), and Fengguo Temple is the third type, which is between the two. There are 42 flying figures on the beams, most of which are male, and only one is a female. Looking at the largest ancient painted clay sculpture group of the Seven Buddhas, the one on the far left is Sakyamuni, looking towards his hometown in the southwest. From east to west to the middle position of Vipaśyin Buddha, the hand gestures of each Buddha gradually rise up, and then to the west, the hand gestures of each Buddha gradually descend, which is amazing. There is also the upside-down Guanyin of the Ming Dynasty Wanli period that appeared in "The Grandmaster". A member of the club donated money, and the staff presented a copy of "Records of Fengguo Temple in Yi County", which should be a photocopy of the version published in the 30th year of the Republic of China. The ticket is 50 yuan, and you can have a vegetarian meal for 1 yuan. 🕌 *Wanfotang Grottoes Like the Yungang Grottoes, they were both excavated by Master Tan Yao of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The highlight is the "Statue Stele of Yuan Jing, General Pingdong and Governor of Yingzhou", the uncle of Emperor Xiaowen, which is a national treasure guarding the cave. Just look at the sign that says "Entrance to the Grotto Area" and nothing else. You can go by chartering a car, but taking a taxi is not recommended. Tickets are 35 and the store closes at 16:30. ⛩️ Fengguo Temple flourished in the Yuan Dynasty and declined in the Ming Dynasty. Its fate changed with the degree of attention paid by different regimes to the areas outside the Great Wall. But the legend and shock of the thousand-year-old temple continue, and we are fortunate to see it when it is 1004 years old. Jinzhou has become an important stop for ancient visits in western Liaoning with its Liao Dynasty relics, heroic city, intangible cultural heritage barbecue, Northeastern bath scrubbing, and the longest morning and night markets. 📜 #Hand over the ancient building that shocks you the most #Temple #Ancient building #Fengguo Temple #Where to go on weekends #Jinzhou #Liao Dynasty #Travel #Travel guide

From the moment I saw the Main Hall, all my worries and troubles were swept away by its overwhelming momentum; looking up at the Seven Buddhas, it seemed as if I could see the entire universe, and the thousand-year-old dust gave people an illusion of eternity. There are no incense sticks, no chanting, no bells. Nature constitutes the temple sound that is peaceful, detached, and all-inclusive. No matter how time passes and how the world changes, the Main Hall is here, and the Seven Buddhas are here, neither far nor near, neither close nor distant. 🌿🕉️ History and positioning of Fengguo Temple: Fengguo Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years. It was built in the ninth year of Kaitai in Liao Dynasty (1020) and was originally named Xianxi Temple. It is one of the only three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China. Fengguo Temple has the oldest and largest single-eaved, five-ridged Main Hall in China, which is the highest achievement of Buddhist architecture in the Liao Dynasty. The remaining architectural paintings in the Main Hall cover an area of ​​about 4,000 square meters, and it houses the oldest and largest group of painted clay Buddha statues in China, all of which are original works from the Liao Dynasty. Fengguo Temple is an ancient temple that integrates ancient architecture, painting, archaeology, Buddhism and other values. It is not a religious place and burning incense is not allowed in the temple, but there are still groups of devout believers kneeling at the foot of the Buddha to pray and make wishes. 🏯🙏 Guide to visiting Fengguo Temple: It takes about an hour to drive from Jinzhou South Station to Fengguo Temple. There are many homestays around Fengguo Temple. We stayed in Xianxi Zen Residence, which is separated from Fengguo Temple by a wall. The price is much higher than outside, but the environment and experience are worth it. You can copy scriptures, and the night is so quiet that only the chirping of crickets can be heard. There are not many tourists visiting Fengguo Temple, so you can visit and appreciate it from a very close distance. It is best to hire a tour guide, which costs 100 RMB per guide. You can join a group to hire a tour guide. We hired a tour guide to give a lecture in the afternoon of the first day, and on the morning of the second day, we listened to the lecture by cultural and tourism influencer Li Xiaonao, who was very passionate. There is a Zen restaurant at the exit of Fengguo Temple. If you buy a full-price ticket, it only costs one yuan. Talking and noise are prohibited in the restaurant. Please eat quietly and the staff will serve the meal to you. 🚗🏨 Notes on visiting Fengguo Temple: The inverted Guanyin is also the filming location of the movie The Grandmaster, and many people take pictures here. What moved me even more was the reason why Guanyin sat upside down. It is said that Guanyin had already become a Buddha, but before that she found that sentient beings were still suffering. Guanyin had compassion for the world and in order to save all sentient beings, she turned her back to the seven giant Buddhas, faced the world, saved people from suffering, and vowed that she would not become a Buddha until the suffering of the world was eliminated. The Vajra Warrior holding the vajra originally held it with both hands, but later in order to form a stable triangular structure and prevent the vajra from collapsing, he used the vajra to support the ground. The hand that originally held the vajra made a "forbidden" gesture in the air, as if kindly advising you "Don't dare, this is not allowed, don't do it." The thousand-year-old tree has regained its vitality. The ancient tree on the far right of the main hall was a thousand-year-old tree back then, and it is more than 2,000 years old. It will release fresh pine oil every midsummer. The magic is inexplicable, and it makes people believe that this is the holy land of Buddha. The toothy Guanyin Bodhisattva, the male flying mural, the benevolent Arhat statue, the demolished Ming Dynasty wall… 🌸🧘‍♂️ #Fengguo Temple #Liao Dynasty Architecture #Buddhist Culture

🌟 Yi County, Jinzhou is not far from my home, a two-hour drive. Today I went to see the largest Buddhist temple remaining from the Liao Dynasty, the thousand-year-old temple - Fengguo Temple. The filming location of "The Legend of Black Monkey King" and "The Grandmaster". Coming here feels like traveling through time, feeling the weight of history from thousands of years ago, and it also makes me feel calmer. It is not a temple for burning incense and praying, so you can take photos, but don't use the flash. I have to say that this place is still very filmy. Before entering the main hall, the kitten was so well behaved under the stone lion. When it came out, it met a squirrel holding nuts. These little cuties are so healing. #Cat in the Sun I drank cultural and creative coffee, went to Maolou Hotel after the scenic area to eat local delicacies, and bought some Yixian specialties. My mood and taste buds were healed❤️‍🩹 #Liaoning Travel #Fengguo Temple Daxiong Hall #Yixian #Yixian Cultural Tourism Promotion Team #Grandmaster Fengguo Temple #Black Wukong Mythology #New Chinese Style Outfit#

Representing the highest level of Chinese architecture in the 11th century, Fengguo Temple is one of the eight major Liao structures and one of the three largest Liao Dynasty temples still existing in China! 🪷 The Great Hall in the temple is the largest single-eaved wooden structure in ancient Chinese architecture. It was praised by Liang Sicheng💎 as "a thousand-year national treasure, a supreme national treasure, and a rare treasure." ✨The only filming location in Northeast China for "Black Myth: Wukong" and also the filming location for "The Grandmaster" is Fengguo Temple. 🪷 Must-read when visiting temples: 🟠 Male-looking flying apsaras: The only male-looking flying apsaras that can be seen in China except in Dunhuang. 🟠 Reclining Guanyin: "Asking the Bodhisattva why he is sitting upside down? He sighs that people in the world are unwilling to turn back." A rare male Guanyin in China. 🟠 Seven Buddha Statues: The only temple in China with seven Buddhas under one roof. 🟠 Painted Clay Sculptures: The largest and most exquisite group of painted clay Buddha statues in the world. 🟠 Exquisite architecture: top-level ancient architectural aesthetics, the largest all-wooden building in ancient times. 🟠 Mural: "Once the light and shadow of things fade away, they become eternal." The murals that fade away day by day become more precious. 📍 Address: Fengguo Temple, East Street, Yixian County, Jinzhou City 🕐 Time: 8:00-17:00 🎫 Tickets: 50 yuan (discounts for advance purchases, and combined tickets are also available) 🚘 Transportation: 1️⃣ Jinzhou Bus Station-Yixian Bus Station (15 yuan), every half an hour. 2️⃣ Take the train to Yixian, 11 yuan, 40 minutes, but there are few trains. 🍜 Vegetarian: Full price ticket holders can enjoy a vegetarian meal for 1 yuan, while other ticket prices range from 8 yuan to more than 10 yuan. In addition, there are Ruyuan Tea and Coffee, Yu Jian Handicraft Shop, etc. #Fengguo Temple #Jinzhou Travel #Where to go on the weekend #Black Myth Wukong #Yixian #My niche travel guide #Ancient Temple Architecture #Yixian Fengguo Temple #Liaoning surrounding tours #Notes inspiration

🔸Finally arrived at Fengguo Temple. It really feels like a thousand years ago, as if I had just seen it for the first time. As the filming location of "Black Myth: Wukong", Fengguo Temple has a history of 1004 years. The seven Buddhas in the hall represent health, career, family, wisdom, light, peace and fortune respectively, and are the oldest group of clay sculptures. 🔸The reclining Guanyin behind is a rare male image. According to legend, "when asked why Guanyin sits upside down, she sighed that sentient beings refuse to turn back." 🔸Tickets: 45 💰 Zen Restaurant: Ticket +1 💰 Creative coffee: 20+ 💰 Business hours: 8:00-17:00 🔸Tip: You are not allowed to burn incense in the temple. You can take photos, but do not use flash or make loud noises. #Fengguo Temple #Fengguo Temple Guide #Sitting in the Backwards Guanyin #Fengguo Temple in Yi County, Jinzhou

Thanks to "Black Myth: Wukong", Chinese ancient architecture has finally become popular 🌟 2 hours around Beijing, Jinzhou Yixian, a small county with a history of more than 2,000 years, is really seriously underestimated‼ : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Yi County, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, the first shot of the Liaoshen Campaign, the ancient pagoda grottoes and Fengguo Temple. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

The Wanfo Temple Caves are located on the north bank of the Daling River, about 9 km northwest of the city of Yixian, Liaoning Province. They are the earliest and largest group of caves in Northeast China. Construction began in 499 AD, during the 23rd year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The caves were built by Yuan Jing, the then governor of Yingzhou, to pray for the royal family. The construction was supervised by Dharma Master Tan Yao. There are more than 20 caves (niches) and 430 statues in the two areas, showcasing the artistic styles and historical changes from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty. Overview of the West Area The West Area is the main part of the Wanfo Temple Caves, consisting of 9 caves divided into two levels. Cave 1 is the largest, and the statues of Buddha and the donors on the central pillar are precious relics from the Northern Wei Dynasty. Cave 6 features a statue of Maitreya with crossed legs, standing 3.5 meters tall, showcasing the typical style of Northern Wei statues. The West Area also includes the Yuan Jing statue inscription, which is of great calligraphic value and is considered to be "the best of the Yuan Wei inscriptions." Overview of the East Area The East Area consists of 7 caves, which were mainly excavated by private individuals during the 3rd year of the Jingming era of the Northern Wei Dynasty, when Yuan Jing, the then governor of Yingzhou, sent an envoy to Khitans. Although the statue inscription of Han Zhen on the south wall of Cave 4 is badly damaged, it is of great historical value and is an important physical evidence for studying the history of northern ethnic groups and border regions.

There is a thousand-year-old city hidden in Liaoning Province, which is Yixian County, formerly known as Yizhou. Here, you can not only see the rise and fall of the Five Yan and the Great Liao, but also see historical sites such as the "Millennium National Treasure"! Fengguo Temple is one of them, and it is also the filming location of "The Grandmaster". [Opening Hours]: April 1 to October 31: 8:00–16:30 (last entry at 16:00) November 1 to March 31: 8:30–16:00 (last entry at 15:30) [Ticket Price]: Recommended [Fengguo Temple, Wanfo Cave] Joint ticket: CNY 69/person [Fengguo Temple, Wanfo Cave, Antai Gate Ruins] Joint ticket: CNY 79/person Single attraction ticket price: Fengguo Temple: CNY 50 Wanfo Cave: CNY 40 Antai Gate: CNY 10 Guangsheng Temple: CNY 10 [Activities]: Mahavira Hall: The main building of Fengguo Temple, the largest and highest-grade wooden structure among the ancient Buddhist temples in China, represents the highest level of Chinese architecture in the 11th century. The reason why the Mahavira Hall is not called the Mahavira Treasure Hall is that the rare treasures in the world are already in the hall. Liao Dynasty Painted Sculptures: The most important and precious treasures in the Mahavira Hall are 23 painted sculptures from the Liao Dynasty, including the world's oldest, largest, and most exquisite painted clay sculpture group of the Liao Dynasty, the "Seven Buddhas of the Past", as well as 14 Bodhisattvas and two Vajra Warriors. "Seven Buddhas of the Past": More than 9 meters high, sitting in one hall, majestic. From east to west, they are Kasyapa Buddha, Krakucchanda Buddha, Sikhin Buddha, Vipasyin Buddha, Visvabhu Buddha, Kanakamuni Buddha, and Sakyamuni Buddha. The Vipasyin Buddha in the middle is the tallest, reaching 9.5 meters. "The Most Beautiful Bodhisattva": The Bodhisattva on the east side of Kanakamuni Buddha, with a smile on his face, seems to be telling a story. Reclining Guanyin: Behind the Vipasyin Buddha, there is a reclining Guanyin statue with a male appearance, which was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. In the movie "The Grandmaster", the scene where Zhang Ziyi, who plays Gong Er, worships Buddha in the temple was filmed here, and it has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos. [Itinerary]: Recommended route: Fengguo Temple - Wanfo Cave - Antai Gate Ruins (or Guangsheng Temple Tower) Fengguo Temple: [Thousand-year-old Temple] Praised as the "Supreme National Treasure"! One of the eight Liao structures, the all-wood structure is a miracle in architectural history! It is also the filming location of "The Grandmaster". Wanfo Cave: Known as one of the three major grottoes of the Northern Wei Dynasty along with "Longmen" and "Yungang", it is the largest grotto group in Northeast China! Although the wind and sand have passed, the scenery of that time can still be seen. Antai Gate Ruins: 600 years of history, the only remaining ancient city gate in Yixian County. Guangsheng Temple Tower: An ancient and solemn Liao Dynasty ancient tower, standing quietly among the alleys of western Liaoning. [Food Recommendations] There is Zen food in the Fengguo Temple Scenic Area, which you can try. Mao Lou Restaurant: Monday to Sunday 05:00–21:00, No. 38-4, North of Dongjie Road, Yixian County, Jinzhou City.

Fengguo Temple, also known as Dafosi Temple, is located in Yixian County, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province. It was first built in the 9th year of the Kaitai period of the Liao Dynasty (1020) and is one of the three major temples of the Liao Dynasty in China. Fengguo Temple faces south and covers an area of about 60,000 square meters. It currently has the rebuilt outer gate, the inner gate rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, the archway, the bell pavilion, the stele pavilion, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Mahavira Hall built in the Liao Dynasty and preserved to this day. The Mahavira Hall is the main building of Fengguo Temple. It is a five-ridge, single-eave, hipped roof building supported by a wooden structure composed of beams, columns, beams, brackets, and arches. It has nine rooms in width and five rooms in depth, meaning "supreme power." The Mahavira Hall is the only Liao Dynasty building preserved in Fengguo Temple. It is also the largest and highest-grade wooden structure among the ancient Buddhist temple relics in China and is known as the "No. 1 Mahavira Hall in China." Its exquisite architectural skills, ingenious structural design, and ultimate aesthetic art represent the highest level of Chinese architecture in the 11th century. Inside the Mahavira Hall of Fengguo Temple, there are the world's oldest, largest, and most exquisite painted clay sculptures of the Liao Dynasty - the "Seven Buddhas of the Past," as well as Bodhisattvas, Vajra Warriors, painted beams of the Liao Dynasty, murals of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, the Guanyin statue of the Ming Dynasty, and many precious cultural heritages such as steles, plaques, and stone carvings from the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. In 1961, it was announced as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

🌈Highlights: Fengguo Temple is located in Yixian County, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province. It is a filming location for the game Black Myth: Wukong and the movie The Grandmaster. The Shanmen Gate of Fengguo Temple was built in the Qing dynasty. The plaque above the gate reads "Dafo Temple" (lit. Big Buddha Temple), which was written in the 16th year of the Jiaqing period (1811). Dafo Temple is another name for Fengguo Temple. The Shanmen Gate of Fengguo Temple is relatively small compared to the grand temple. This is because many residential houses were built around the temple in the Qing dynasty, reducing the size of the temple. The designer also wanted the Shanmen Gate to blend in with the buildings on the central axis of the temple, so it was built this way. ⭐️Must-see attractions: ✅20 meters to the east and west of the Shanmen Gate are the ruins of the East San Cheng Pavilion and the West Amitabha Pavilion, which were built in the Liao dynasty. ✅The seven Buddha statues in Fengguo Temple are the Seven Buddhas of the Past. ✅They are Kasyapa Buddha, Krakucchanda Buddha, Sikhin Buddha, Vipasyin Buddha, Visvabhu Buddha, Kanakamuni Buddha, and Sakyamuni Buddha. ✅Do you remember the movie The Grandmaster? The opening scene features a mural from Fengguo Temple. 🎟️Tickets: CNY 50. There is a parking lot, which costs CNY 10. 🕐️Opening hours: 8:30–16:30 💗Other tips: There is a vegetarian restaurant at the entrance of the scenic area, and there are many restaurants nearby.

Yixian Wanfo Temple Grottoes in Jinzhou are located on the north bank of the Daling River, 9 km northwest of Yixian County, Liaoning Province. As of 2015, they are the earliest and largest grottoes in Northeast China, and the northernmost and easternmost grottoes of the Northern Dynasties in China. The Wanfo Temple Grottoes were built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have collapsed and no longer exist. They are known as a treasure trove of stone carving art in northern China and were designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1988.

|Fengguo Temple: A Thousand-Year-Old Temple and Ancient Architectural Treasure. Fengguo Temple: A Thousand-Year-Old Temple and Ancient Architectural Treasure of the Liao Dynasty In Yixian County, Jinzhou, Liaoning, there is a thousand-year-old temple called Fengguo Temple. This temple has stood the test of time through the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, showcasing the unique charm of Liao Dynasty architecture. Fengguo Temple was first built in the 9th year of the Kaitai period of the Liao Dynasty (1020 AD), covering an area of 60,000 square meters. Its main building, the Mahavira Hall, is over 20 meters high, standing on a 3-meter-high platform with a hipped roof, the most prestigious type of roof in ancient palaces and temples. With its massive size of over 1,800 square meters and 48 "main pillars," the Mahavira Hall is the largest single-eave wooden structure in ancient Chinese architecture. ✍🏻️The existing buildings of Fengguo Temple include: 🔸Outer Mountain Gate - modern reconstruction, 🔸Inner Mountain Gate, Paifang, Bell Pavilion, Stele Pavilion, and Hall of Heavenly Kings - all rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, 🔸Mahavira Hall from the Liao Dynasty, still preserved today, ... ⚠️⚠️⚠️Other tips ❶Ticket🎫: 50 (10 during the temple fair from the first to the fifth day of the lunar new year) ❷Opening hours⏰: 8:30–16:00, ticket sales stop at 15:30 ❸Fortune sticks: 100 for 8 sticks (7 Buddhas + 1 Guanyin), a good omen for the new year ❹With a ticket + 1, you can have vegetarian noodles ❺The staff will provide free explanations for the 100 fortune sticks. They are all locals from Yixian County and have a strong sense of mission in passing on this history, which touched me deeply ❻The entire temple is not very large, with an estimated visit time of 2 hours ❼The nearby Maolou Restaurant is good, with many local specialties ❽The Wanfo Cave and Antai Gate are poorly preserved, not on the same level as Fengguo Temple

Hey! Friend! Come to Xiya Mountain Villa in Yixian County, where treasures abound! Let's talk about the roast whole lamb first. The lamb is roasted to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Take a bite, and the aroma will make your soul tremble, as if a delicious party is happening in your mouth. Accommodation? It must be as comfortable as rolling in the clouds. Sleep here, and your dreams will be sweet. You might even dream of becoming a hero in the world of roast whole lamb! There are also wedding rooms! Newlyweds here feel like they've entered a magical house of love. The sweetness index is off the charts, ensuring the couple's love skyrockets like a rocket. Here's the highlight: iron pot stewed goose! The goose in the pot is like a group of happy swimmers, having a lively time with the side dishes. The meat is tender and delicious, making you feel like a happy foodie king. Don't hesitate, come to the first villa in the suburbs of Yixian County and start your happy journey!

Liang Sicheng called it in "History of Ancient Chinese Architecture": "Thousand-year-old national treasure, supreme national treasure, rare national treasure!" ▪️This is the first batch of national key protected cultural relics! Daxiong Hall is the only existing Liao Dynasty building in Fengguo Temple. Nine-bay main hall ✔️More than 1,800 square meters It is the largest in ancient China so far The highest-grade single-eave wooden building It is the highest level of Chinese architecture in the 11th century. Look up at the rafters There are also more than 2,300 architectural paintings All are original works from the Liao Dynasty, with full Tang Dynasty style❣️ ✔️In 1948, ✈️ dropped the 💣 to penetrate the Main Hall. The 💣 landed on the right hand of the Buddha but did not explode. The probability of the American 💣 not exploding after landing was 0 ✔️Designated as the first batch of national key cultural relics in 1961, no one dared to overturn it in the following ten years. ✔️Wong Kar-wai filmed "The Grandmaster" here in 2010 ⏰【Tour time】 April 1st to October 31st ➡️8:00-16:30, admission closed at 16:00 November 1st to March 31st ➡️8:30-16:00, admission lasts at 15:30 The entire temple occupies a small area, and the estimated visit time is 2 hours. It is recommended to find a tour guide, and you can form a group freely, 100/group 🎫【Tickets】 50/person 🚙【Transportation】 ①Self-driving: No. 18, Yixian East Street, Jinzhou City, 1.5 hours from the city ②Bus: Take the Yixian bus from Jinzhou Bus Terminal, get off and head north for 1.3 kilometers 📷【Photography tips】 Flash is not allowed inside the temple, photos are allowed but must be kept in awe🌟

I came to Fengguo Temple in Yixian County, Jinzhou, a royal temple built in 1020 during the Liao Dynasty. The Mahavira Hall is the largest ancient hall in China, housing the world's oldest and largest clay sculpture. It represents the highest level of architecture in China in the 11th century and is one of the first national key cultural relics protection units in China. Liang Sicheng called it a thousand-year-old national treasure, a supreme national treasure. It is also the filming location of Wong Kar-wai's The Grandmaster. To fully experience Fengguo Temple, I searched through many channels before finding a way to stay at Fengguo Temple that even locals didn't know about. It's like staying in the Aman Summer Palace with a private passage to the Summer Palace. I didn't need a ticket to have a secret passage to the Mahavira Hall and could enter and exit as many times as I wanted. It was like having a Buddha view room (≖_≖). In the morning, I could see the magnificent Buddha Hall from my bed. At night, I could enjoy the night view and starry sky of Fengguo Temple alone (◍•ᴗ•◍). I could appreciate this thousand-year-old temple without being disturbed by tourists. I was immersed in it, and the shock was indescribable. The dynastic changes and wars over the past 1,004 years have not changed the layout of the Mahavira Hall. History and legend linger here. Two days and one night were not enough to appreciate the details of Fengguo Temple...ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️