Zishou Temple.

《Zishou Temple Travel Guide》 I. Introduction Zishou Temple is located in Suxicun Village, 10 kilometers east of Lingshi County, Shanxi Province. It faces south and backs onto Mount Mian in the east and the Fen River in the west. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the temple boasts beautiful scenery with lush trees and ancient buildings. It is a must-visit attraction among the ancient temples in Shanxi. The temple was founded in 870 during the reign of Emperor Xizong of Tang and rebuilt during the Song Dynasty. Its name derives from the hope that the Buddha would bless the people with longevity. The temple's halls are majestic, with four-cornered eaves, towering pavilions, and numerous kiosks. The roof is decorated with three-color glazed tiles, creating a magnificent and imposing view. The temple is divided into two courtyards: the front courtyard houses the Hall of Heavenly Kings, while the main hall in the back courtyard is the Hall of Great Compassion and Thunderous Sound. The east and west corridors house the Halls of Amitabha Buddha, the Three Great Bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Erlang Shen. In addition, the northwest corner houses the Scripture Library, Zhenwu Pavilion, Abbot's Quarters, Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, and Meditation Hall. The southeast corner houses the Guan Yu Temple and a stage. II. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving If you choose to drive to Zishou Temple, you can use navigation software to locate Suxicun Village, Lingshi County, Shanxi Province. From surrounding cities, follow the expressway and exit at Lingshi. Then, follow the road signs to Zishou Temple. There is a parking lot near the temple for visitor convenience. 2. Public transportation If you choose to take public transportation, you can first reach Lingshi County. After arriving at Lingshi Railway Station or Lingshi Bus Station by train or long-distance bus, you can take a local bus or taxi to Zishou Temple. Bus routes may change, so it is recommended to consult the local bus stop or driver before traveling. Taxis are relatively convenient, but may be more expensive. III. Tour Route 1. Front Courtyard Upon entering Zishou Temple, you will first arrive at the front courtyard. The entrance gate has a brick-carved screen wall with a reverse "eight" shape, which is the starting point of the temple's central axis. Follow the brick-paved corridor, which gradually rises towards the courtyard. Above the arched entrance gate is a gate tower with a gray ridge beast and green-glazed tiles. The eaves extend in four directions, supported by eight pillars, forming a covered walkway. From above, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire temple. A plaque inscribed by Fu Shan, "Mountain and Forest Wild Interest," hangs above the entrance of the Hall of Heavenly Kings. The hall is three bays wide and two bays deep, with doors at both front and back, leading to the back courtyard. 2. Back Courtyard On the platform in the center of the back courtyard stands the main hall of the temple, the Hall of Great Compassion and Thunderous Sound. The entrance has a horizontal plaque inscribed with "Myriad Virtues Towering." The central hall houses three statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, while the left and right halls are dedicated to Maitreya Buddha and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, respectively. The Halls of Amitabha Buddha, the Three Great Bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Erlang Shen in the east and west corridors each have their own unique features. Among them, the most fascinating is the collection of the Three Great Bodhisattvas. The statues of Guanyin and the 18 Arhats are exquisitely crafted, with lifelike expressions and varied postures. They are considered masterpieces of Ming Dynasty polychrome sculptures. 3. Other Buildings After visiting the main hall and corridors, you can visit the Scripture Library, Zhenwu Pavilion, Abbot's Quarters, Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, and Meditation Hall in the northwest corner. These buildings are meticulously crafted and have elegant and simple designs, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient architecture. The Guan Yu Temple and stage in the southeast corner are also worth seeing. They coexist with the main buildings, complementing each other and providing more sightseeing spots for visitors. IV. Food Recommendations 1. Lingshi Snacks While visiting Zishou Temple, don't miss the local snacks of Lingshi. Lingshi bone-weary is a traditional local dish made with red flour, mixed flour, and corn flour. It has a soft and glutinous texture and a delicious flavor. There is also Lingshi he-he rice, which is a combination of millet, potatoes, and vegetables. It is nutritious and a true farmer's dish. 2. Nearby Restaurants If you want to try more local dishes, you can visit the restaurants near Zishou Temple. These restaurants offer a variety of local specialties, such as Lingshi deep-fried pork and Lingshi tofu. There are also some home-cooked dishes and snacks available. V. Accommodation Arrangements 1. Lingshi County Town If you want to stay in Lingshi County, you can choose a hotel or guesthouse in the county town. These accommodations offer good facilities and reasonable prices. Transportation from the county town to Zishou Temple is convenient, and you can take a bus or taxi. 2. Near Suxicun Village If you want to be closer to Zishou Temple, you can choose to stay at a farmhouse or guesthouse near Suxicun Village. These accommodations offer beautiful surroundings and fresh air, allowing you to better experience the tranquility and comfort of rural life. VI. Precautions 1. Respect Religious Beliefs Zishou Temple is a Buddhist temple. Visitors should respect religious beliefs and comply with the temple's regulations. Do not make loud noises, smoke, or litter in the temple. 2. Pay Attention to Safety Pay attention to safety when visiting the temple. Be careful when climbing stairs or pavilions to avoid falls. Also, protect cultural relics and ancient buildings. Do not touch or damage them. 3. Plan Your Time Wisely The Zishou Temple scenic area is large and requires a certain amount of time to visit. It is recommended that visitors plan their time wisely and plan their itinerary in advance to avoid delays. In conclusion, Zishou Temple is an ancient temple with a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is a great place for sightseeing, leisure, and vacation. This travel guide aims to assist you on your journey to Zishou Temple, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful scenery while experiencing the profoundness of Buddhist culture.