Exploring Yixian: A Thousand-Year-Old Treasure in Western Liaoning

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.