2025 Fanshi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

📍This county is not far from Datong and Mount Wutai, but few people make a special trip to stop here. In fact, it has seven national key cultural relics protection units. This is Fanshi County. 📍Fanshi County is located in the northeast of Shanxi Province, bordering the World Cultural Heritage Site of Mount Wutai to the south and the North Heng Mountain to the north. It is the eastern gateway of Xinzhou City. Fanshi County was established during the Western Han Dynasty and has a history of more than 2,000 years. It gets its name from the abundance of mountains and temples, as well as the north-south mountain confrontation. The terrain is characterized by two mountains sandwiching a river, with the Lutuo River, one of the five major tributaries of the Hai River, in the middle. [One] Sansheng Temple 🏯The construction date is unknown, but it has been renovated in the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The temple faces south and includes the Shanmen (Mountain Gate), Guodian (Passing Hall), Daxiong Hall (Main Hall), Grandma Hall, Mawang Hall (Horse King Hall), Erlang Hall, Guandi Hall, Bell and Drum Tower, meditation rooms, and other buildings. The Daxiong Hall preserves the Jin Dynasty structure, the Dizang Hall was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, and the other buildings are relics of the Qing Dynasty. The Daxiong Hall has three bays wide and three bays deep, with a single-eave hip roof. The Dizang Hall has three bays wide, with a gable roof and glazed tile trim, and murals on all four walls. Many steles are preserved in the temple. [Two] Yanshan Temple 🏯It has been repeatedly renovated in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The main hall of the temple has been destroyed. Except for the South Hall, the rest are buildings from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republican period. The South Hall is the Manjusri Hall. The hall retains Jin Dynasty colored sculptures of the Water Moon Guanyin, attendants, Heavenly Kings, and Manjusri's mount. The inner walls are surrounded by Jin Dynasty murals, with a total area of about 90 square meters, completed in the seventh year of the Jin Dynasty (Dading), painted by the court painter Wang Kui. The murals in the temple are valuable materials for studying the history of the Song and Jin dynasties, and are known as the "Twin Walls" of Shanxi murals together with the Yongle Palace murals. [Three] Princess Temple 🏯It is named after the daughter of Emperor Wencheng of the Northern Wei Dynasty who became a monk here. The Daxiong Hall was rebuilt in the sixteenth year of the Ming Dynasty (Hongzhi). The hall contains statues of Sakyamuni, Bhaisajyaguru, Amitabha, and the disciples Kassapa and Ananda. The east and west gable walls are filled with paintings of immortals, Buddhas, ghosts, and spirits, as well as the spirits of past generations, worshiping the World-Honored One. The Pilu Hall in the Guodian (Passing Hall), built in the first year of the Ming Dynasty (Zhengde), contains statues of Sakyamuni, Brahma, Indra, and the Eighteen Arhats. [Four] Secret Temple 🏯The existing buildings are relics of the Qing Dynasty. There are also three brick towers from the Tang Dynasty, the Five Dynasties, and the Ming Dynasty, four Northern Song Dynasty Sutra Pillars, one Ming Dynasty Sutra Pillar, three Ming Dynasty cliff stone carvings, one Qing Dynasty cliff stone carving, and 16 steles commemorating the reconstruction and donation during the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. [Five] Zhengjue Temple 🏯It was named Zhengjue Chan Temple in the third year of the Northern Song Dynasty (Xuanhe). During the Ming Dynasty, it belonged to one of the nine temples outside the North Peak of Mount Wutai. Only the Daxiong Hall remains in the temple. The Douqi (bracket set) and the parts below the main structure are relics of the Jin Dynasty. [Six] Glazed Tile Pagoda 🏯It is located in the Mount Wutai scenic area. Completed in the thirty-second year of the Ming Dynasty, it is an octagonal thirteen-story glazed tile pagoda, 32m high. The base is a stone-carved Sumi-style pedestal with carved lotus petals. There is a pavilion in the tower, and you can go up to the sixth floor through the tower cave. The exterior of the tower is decorated with yellow, green, and blue glazed tiles, mainly green glazed tiles. There are 10,000 glazed Buddha statues on the outside of the tower, so it is called the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, also known as the "Buddha Statue Diancui Glazed Tile Pagoda." [Seven] Site of the Battle of Pingxingguan 📍No need to say more, pay tribute to the ancestors. There is a memorial hall. It is said that it recently collapsed.

West Terrace of Mount Wutai, also known as Guayue Peak or Mingyue Mountain, is one of the five peaks of Mount Wutai, renowned for its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. The following is a detailed introduction to the West Terrace of Mount Wutai: I. Geographical Location and Altitude Location: Located in the Mount Wutai Scenic Area, Shanxi Province, about 13 km west of Taihuai Town. Altitude: It reaches an altitude of 2,773m, making it one of the important peaks of Mount Wutai. II. Natural Landscape Shape: From a distance, the shape of West Terrace Guayue Peak resembles a peacock spreading its tail feathers, which is very spectacular. Area: The top of the terrace is flat, covering an area of more than 300 mu, providing tourists with a vast viewing space. Moonlight: Whenever the night is quiet and the mountains are clear, the bright moon hangs in the sky, the scene of "West Terrace Hanging Moon" is particularly charming, like a grand splash-ink landscape painting hanging in the air. Plants: On the hillside of West Terrace grows a rare plant called "Guijianchou" (literally means "even ghosts are worried") that is more than 200 million years old. The front end of this plant has long thorns, and it lies on the ground when the wind blows, which is very rare. III. Cultural Relics Falei Temple: Location: Located on the top of West Terrace, it is one of the important temples in Mount Wutai. History: It was first built in the Sui Dynasty and later rebuilt and expanded in the Tang Dynasty. It still attracts a large number of believers and tourists to worship and visit. Worship: The temple enshrines the Manjusri Bodhisattva statue with a lion's roar, symbolizing the wisdom and power of Manjusri Bodhisattva. Features: The name of Falei Temple comes from Buddhist doctrine and the sound of thunder in nature, meaning that the Dharma is like thunder, which can awaken the enlightenment of all living beings. Sarira Pagoda: On the northeast side of Falei Temple stands a white stone Sarira Pagoda with a beautiful and graceful body, making it a unique landscape of West Terrace. IV. Legends The Legend of Fragrant Mushroom: It tells the tragic story of a girl named Xianglian and the legend of her transformation into a mushroom, adding a mysterious color to West Terrace. Lion Cave: According to legend, Manjusri Bodhisattva came here from the east on a lion. The lion stopped and roared like thunder, so the Lion Cave was built to enshrine the statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva riding a lion. V. Travel Experience Watching the Sunrise: Although West Terrace is famous for its moonlight, tourists can also choose to watch the sunrise here and experience the double beauty of the sunrise on the East Terrace and the moonlight on the West Terrace. Pilgrimage on Foot: West Terrace is an important stop on the Mount Wutai pilgrimage route. For believers and tourists, a pilgrimage on foot to the top of West Terrace is a rare spiritual experience. Natural Scenery: The natural scenery of West Terrace is magnificent and charming. Whether it is the spring with blooming mountain flowers or the winter with white snow, it can bring tourists different visual enjoyment. West Terrace of Mount Wutai is highly praised for its unique natural landscape, profound cultural heritage and rich legends, and is one of the tourist destinations not to be missed in Mount Wutai.

Just stepping away from a busy work schedule and embarking on a journey to Shahe Town, a place that serves not only as a gateway to Mount Wutai but also as a charming town steeped in ancient history. My destination this time is the Yi Yuan Business Hotel, a place that makes you feel right at home, whether you're traveling for business or on a family vacation. ✨Spacious and Comfortable Rooms The hotel rooms are thoughtfully designed, especially the duplex loft rooms, which are not only spacious but also have a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Imagine, after a busy day, being able to lie on a soft bed or sit in a lounge chair by the window, enjoying a moment of tranquility. How pleasant! 🌿A Pet-Friendly Paradise If you're a pet lover like me, then Yi Yuan Business Hotel is definitely your top choice. Not only are pets allowed to check in, but there are also special pet amenities and services so your furry friend can enjoy the trip too. 🚗Convenient Transportation The hotel is located on the main road in town, making it very convenient whether you're driving or taking public transportation. Mount Wutai is just a short drive away, and there's plenty of parking in front of the hotel, so you don't have to worry about finding a parking space. 🌄Nearby Tourist Attractions Staying at Yi Yuan Business Hotel not only allows you to easily visit Mount Wutai, but also to explore other scenic spots nearby. For example, Hanshan Cultural Tourism Scenic Area, just 1.1 km from the hotel, offers a wealth of natural scenery and cultural attractions, making it a great place to take photos. Wenhui is another place worth exploring, with a rich cultural atmosphere, perfect for leisurely exploration. After a day of sightseeing, you can return to the hotel and enjoy a complimentary one-hour late check-out. The front desk staff is always warm and thoughtful, making you feel at home. If you're planning a relaxing trip, consider Yi Yuan Business Hotel in Shahe Town. It will surely become one of your fond travel memories.

#favouriteitinerary The Temple of Guan Yu, originally built during the early Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan period, is dedicated to the worship of General Guan Yu from the Three Kingdoms era. This temple stands as a symbol of loyalty and martial prowess, honoring the legendary figure known for his unwavering integrity and valor. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, the Temple of Guan Yu is a captivating destination for those interested in the history and legends of the Three Kingdoms period. Its historical significance and cultural importance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.

There are two difficulties in exploring the treasures of Fanshi: one is that it is difficult to enter the temple gate; the other is that the road is difficult to walk. The road is difficult to walk, so you can try more; the temple is difficult to enter, so you must be emotionally intelligent, intelligent, and patient. The first time I traveled with a friend, it was surprisingly smooth, and the first stop in Fanshi was the king bomb - Sansheng Temple. 📸Highlights of Sansheng Temple: Yuan and Ming statues (the most vivid is the King of Duowen, the pagoda in his hand is no longer there, his face is finely depicted, and his beard is distinct); Wooden structures from the Jin to Qing dynasties (the rear hall of the Sansheng Hall is a Jin structure, and the Dizang Hall is a Ming structure); Ming and Qing murals (the images of the four great Ming kings in the rear hall are average, not masterpieces, but well preserved); Dragon king pillar head (unique to Yanbei, or a symbol of praying for rain); Dolls (dolls attached to the Dizang Hall, a primitive symbol of seeking children); The four heavenly kings and the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are in the same hall (a rare combination)… Tickets🎫: incense fee, the official is gradually opening, the specific situation is unknown Transportation🚘: self-driving/car rental is the only option Nearby🌈: Princess Temple, Yanshan Temple (Fanshi Three National Treasures)

Here, I arrived in Xinzhou! The cold scenery seems to embellish the winter of this ancient city. Even the cold mountain temples cannot stop the thousands of worshippers, and neither can I. I enter the mountains and rivers, and the vast land is covered in snow. I seem to have realized emptiness. ⛰[Attraction Guide] 📍Detailed Address: Wutai Mountain Scenic Area, Xinzhou, Shanxi 🚗Transportation Guide: Self-driving, 66 km from Wutai County 🕙Opening Hours: 00:00–23:20 💰Ticket Price: 135 yuan, main temple explanation in the core area, Pusa Ding - Cifu Temple - Wuye Temple - Wenshu Temple - Wuye Temple 🌟Highlights: The ancient temple bells echo, witnessing thousands of years, suitable for pilgrimage, tourism, and hiking. 📌Tips: Bring your own food, no noise in the temple, no photos.

#chinatrip Located at the heart of Mount Wutai, Yanjiao Temple on the Central Terrace is one of the five major Zen temples in the area, renowned for enshrining the Child Manjushri Bodhisattva. The temple’s architecture is elegant and harmonious, blending seamlessly with its serene natural surroundings, embodying the profound Buddhist culture of Mount Wutai. The statue of Child Manjushri is particularly captivating, exuding innocence and compassion, symbolizing the purity of wisdom in its nascent form. Visitors often praise the temple for its tranquil ambiance and the welcoming monks who provide insightful explanations about Manjushri’s teachings. From the temple’s vantage point, breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks create a serene and inspiring atmosphere. Yanjiao Temple is not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a haven for inner reflection and spiritual growth. A visit here offers profound peace, wisdom, and lasting impressions of harmony and beauty. #trip #2024travel #2024trip #2024travelwish #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

#chinatrip The flying copper sculptures at Yanjiao Temple take on an air of mystery and majesty when shrouded in snow and mist. These graceful figures, with their flowing lines and dynamic postures, appear almost alive. In the swirling snow and fog, they seem to dance effortlessly, as if celestial beings are welcoming all who come to worship, inspiring awe and reverence. Whether viewed up close to admire their intricate details or glimpsed from afar as ethereal silhouettes, these sculptures blend art and Buddhist culture seamlessly. Visitors are often deeply moved by the poetic harmony of the scene, especially as the snow-covered flying figures merge with nature, embodying infinite wisdom and compassion. This is a truly immersive experience, both visually stunning and spiritually uplifting. The flying copper sculptures at Yanjiao Temple are more than just art; they are timeless symbols of transcendence and beauty, etched forever in one’s heart. #trip #2024travel #2024trip #2024travelwish #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

#chinatrip Lingying Temple of North Terrace – Immaculate Manjushri | Guangji Dragon King Temple | Falai Temple of West Terrace – Lion’s Roar Manjushri Lingying Temple, perched atop the North Terrace of Wutai Shan, enshrines the Immaculate Manjushri, embodying wisdom and purity. Surrounded by misty peaks, the temple radiates serenity and grandeur, especially at sunrise. It is a sacred site for those seeking clarity of mind and spiritual insight. Guangji Dragon King Temple, located at the base of the terrace, is dedicated to the Dragon King, the guardian of harmony and prosperity. With its traditional architecture and intricately carved dragon statues, the temple exudes a peaceful yet powerful ambiance. Falai Temple on the West Terrace is home to the Lion’s Roar Manjushri, representing fearless wisdom. Nestled amidst rolling mountains, the temple offers panoramic views and an atmosphere of profound tranquility, with the sound of bells and chants awakening a deeper sense of awareness. These three sacred sites blend spiritual devotion with natural splendor, making them essential stops on a pilgrimage to Wutai Shan. #trip #2024travel #2024trip #2024travelwish #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

#chinatrip The Tianwang Hall of Xitai FaLei Temple in Wutai Mountain radiates an aura of timeless elegance. This ancient structure is a testament to traditional Chinese architecture, showcasing intricate wooden carvings and vibrant murals that vividly depict Buddhist themes. What sets this hall apart is the unique depiction of Maitreya Bodhisattva. Unlike the more common portrayal of a jovial, plump figure, the Maitreya here retains the slender, graceful form characteristic of earlier Buddhist art. This rare representation captures the essence of tranquility and anticipation for a future Buddha, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of Buddhist iconography. Walking into the Tianwang Hall feels like stepping into history, where art and spirituality merge seamlessly. The harmonious layout and serene ambiance make it a perfect spot for meditation or quiet reflection. It’s a must-visit for those seeking to appreciate the artistic depth and cultural heritage of Wutai Mountain. #trip #2024travel #2024trip #2024travelwish #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

Gongzhu Temple in Fanshi was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is named after Princess Chengxin, the fourth daughter of Emperor Wencheng of the Northern Wei Dynasty, who became a nun here. It is said that the original site of the temple was in Shansi Village. The temple was located on a deep stream, and the road was dangerous and difficult to reach. It was destroyed by war as early as the Song and Jin Dynasties. In the Yuan Dynasty, the eminent monk Qiuyue Degong lived here and raised funds to rebuild the temple. In the early Ming Dynasty, Gongzhu Temple was moved from Shansi Village to its current location and rebuilt. After repairs in successive dynasties, it has formed the current three-entry courtyard with a central axis symmetry. On the central axis from south to north are the Mountain Gate, Pilu Hall, Weituo Hall, and Mahavira Hall. On the east and west sides are the Kalan Hall, Mawang Hall, Caishen Hall, Erlang Hall, and other buildings. Among them, the Mahavira Hall and the Guo Hall are the only remaining Ming Dynasty buildings in the temple, and the rest were built in the Qing Dynasty. · The Mahavira Hall was rebuilt in the 16th year of the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty (1503). Inside the hall is a Buddha altar, on which are three horizontal Buddhas. In the middle is the present Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, with Ananda and Yingshi, two disciples, on both sides in front. The backlight Buddha seats are all complete and exquisite. On the left is the past Buddha, Dipamkara Buddha, and on the right is the future Buddha, Amitabha Buddha. The east, west, north, and south walls of the Mahavira Hall are painted with water and land paintings. The murals are painted with heavy colors, the brushwork is extremely delicate, and the brushwork is stable and rigorous. The hair is meticulous, and the colors are extremely rich. The characters are depicted in different postures, and the use of powder technology makes the colors still bright and solemn, making them a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty temple murals. The west wall of the main hall is centered on Lushena Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, with a monk with folded hands kneeling in front of the Buddha painted below. The two walls are symmetrically painted with Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Heavenly Earth, Vajra, and Heaven and Earth Gods, forming a grand scene of gods worshiping Buddha and immortals attending the meeting. The north wall is the Ten Great Kings and the Six Sons of Maitreya, and the east and west ends of the south wall are historical figures and ghosts in hell led by Ananda and the Bodhisattva. The murals in the Mahavira Hall involve 480 gods, humans, and ghosts, standing in front of the Buddha. Although there are many characters in the picture, it is not chaotic. The layout is orderly and ingenious. The images of each group of characters are separated by colorful auspicious clouds, so that the immortals can come and go freely. Looking at the murals, it is like being in a fairyland. Standing in it, seeing such a magnificent mural that stands tall and upright, one can only feel awe and marvel at the craftsmanship of gods and ghosts and the power of faith. · The Buddha altar in the Pilu Hall, built in the first year of the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (1506), enshrines Shakyamuni, Brahma, and Indra. Behind Shakyamuni is the Water Moon Guanyin, surrounded by the statues of Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and the Eighteen Arhats. The hanging sculptures surrounding the statues are also masterpieces of the Ming Dynasty. The sculptures depict pavilions and towers, clouds and mist, and tell the story of Shakyamuni's journey to becoming a Buddha. · 📍Location: Gongzhu Temple, Fanshi, Xinzhou, Shanxi · 👉TIPS: Gongzhu Temple is closed from 12:00 to 2:00 for lunch. Please arrange your visit time reasonably.

Princess Temple is located in Princess Village, Fancheng Town, Fanshi County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. The construction date is unknown. The existing buildings, except for the Pilu Hall and the Great Hall of the Buddha, are relics from the Ming Hongzhi period (1488-1515), and the rest were built in the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). The more valuable parts of Princess Temple are the Ming Dynasty corridor and the Great Hall of the Buddha. The corridor houses more than 200 square meters of Ming Dynasty murals and more than 30 colored sculptures including the Eighteen Arhats. The Great Hall of the Buddha houses more than 90 square meters of Ming Dynasty murals and 5 sculptures. The central altar is the Buddha Shakyamuni, with Guanyin Bodhisattva behind, and Manjushri and Samantabhadra on the left and right. The murals in the two halls have high artistic value and are precious materials for studying Ming Dynasty social activities. They are known as the "South and North Pearls" together with the Yongle Palace murals. On May 25, 2006, Princess Temple was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

The Tianyan Fan Clan Ancestral Hall is located in Tianyan Village, Dongshan Township, Fanshi County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. It is 40 kilometers west of Fanshi County, north of the Hutuo River, and adjacent to the Yanshan Temple, a national key cultural relic protection site. It is one of the family ancestral halls in Fanshi County with a large scale, standardized shape, fine workmanship, and solemn majesty. The Tianyan Fan Clan Ancestral Hall covers an area of ​​more than 4,000 square meters. It has an antique Chinese-style structure and a total of more than 40 houses of various types. The plaque on the archway in front of the ancestral hall, "Heaven rewards hard work", was written by calligrapher Lu Jixiang, with powerful strokes. Hanging above the tall and solemn gate are four large characters "Fan Clan Ancestral Hall" written by Hu Fuguo, former secretary of the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee, which shine brightly. The gate of the ancestral hall is three bays wide, with flying eaves and brackets on all four sides and a single-eaved hip roof. The ancestral hall consists of the main hall, the passing hall, the stage, the backyard, etc. The stage building is an antique brick-and-wood structure with a hip roof and flying eaves and brackets on all four sides. It is one of the largest brick-and-wood structures in Shanxi. The east side hall of the theater is an exhibition room for the life and deeds of veteran Red Army soldier Fan Junjie. The west side hall of the stage is arranged as a complete map of the Tianyan Fan family genealogy. An exhibition of historical figures of the Tianyan Fan family is set up in the east side hall of the ancestral hall's backyard. The west side hall in the backyard is a special exhibition hall for Fan Muhan's life. Ticket information: Free Opening hours: Unknown, generally open during the day Transportation Guide: It is recommended to drive.

In the mouth of Shanxi mural lovers, there is a title of "South Yongle, North Princess" "South and North Shuangshu", which refers to the Princess Temple in Princess Village, Fancheng Town, Fanshi County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. So I deliberately stayed in Fanshi County for a day and rushed to the national key protected cultural relics in this small village-the colored sculptures and murals of the Princess Temple. The current Princess Temple is just a small temple in the village, but its initial construction time can be traced back to the Northern Wei Wen Emperor period. The Princess Temple was built because the fourth daughter of Emperor Wen of Wei became a monk here. Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty specially ordered the expansion, but it was subsequently destroyed by war. The current main hall, which has been reduced countless times, was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. There are two essences of the Princess Temple, one is the entrance hall. It is famous for its exquisite clay sculptures. The front view of the Vairocana Buddha and the Emperor Shitian statue, surrounded by Manjusri, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and the Eighteen Arhats, this hall was rebuilt in 1506 (the first year of Zhengde). It is heartbreaking because its exquisite dozens of colored sculptures were cut off by thieves in the 1990s and sold abroad. Now, except for the main hall Buddha statue and the four Arhats, the original sculptures are all later. The villagers and believers raised funds to rebuild. The contrast between the old and the new is obviously not as good as the craftsmanship and aesthetics of the Ming Dynasty craftsmen. To say the most precious of the Princess Temple, it is the Daxiong Hall. Here enshrines the Buddha statue of Sakyamuni and the horizontal three-world Buddha, and the venerable Kasyapa and Ananda are on both sides. The colored sculptures are also relics of the Ming Dynasty. Of course the most beautiful is the Ming Dynasty murals on all four walls. The area is more than 200 square meters, and more than 480 character images have different expressions and are lifelike. It's amazing. I have seen countless murals in Shanxi temples these days. The scale of the Princess Temple is definitely not on the list, but in terms of exquisite and delicate degree, the murals of the Princess Temple can definitely be said to be the "peak" of the Ming Dynasty murals! The murals are preserved intact as a whole, with hundreds of colorful characters, centered around Rulai Buddha, as if worshiping, and as if listening to the Dharma. You can find the eighteen arhats, ten great Ming kings, eight dragons and eight parts, twenty-four heavens in Buddhism in various characters; there are also twenty-eight constellations in Taoism, and the familiar four sea dragon kings, five emperors, Big Dipper, twelve The phase belongs and so on, and there are "emperors from ancient times to the present", "famous generals from ancient times to the present", "filial sons from ancient times to the present"... the meaning of transcendence of all beings is required. Very interesting. Each character has a different expression, very much in the style of Ming Dynasty vernacular novel illustrations, but much more exquisite, and there are signatures of painters and painters on the murals. According to the villagers, that was the court painter! No wonder it is so shocking! As a cultural relics protection unit, the Princess Temple does not require tickets. But it may not open. If you see the door locked, you can ask the villagers on duty in the village. Someone should open the door for you. It’s not bad to let the villagers be your tour guide and explain the history of the small temple (20 yuan).

Following my previous post about returning from Mount Wutai to Shahe (Mount Wutai train station), I got off the bus at the crossroads (the bus's final destination is Mount Wutai train station, but I got off halfway to be closer to Hanshan), and it was just over a 10-minute walk to Hanshan. 💕💕💕 I stayed near Hanshan that night to conveniently enjoy the night view. I arrived at the entrance of Hanshan Cultural Tourism Scenic Area after 7 pm, and although it wasn't completely dark yet, most of the lights in the scenic area were already on. Our tour mainly followed the central main road, without going to the side attractions like Hanshan Temple (which requires climbing) or the National Treasure Art Gallery. The total tour time was a bit over an hour, for the reference of other friends. The tour map is on p2. ❤️❤️❤️ The first half of the tour included the Ruyi, Peace Bottle, and metallurgical process statues... These were a bit hard to see at night, so I recommend visiting during the day if you want to see them. I felt that the latter half of the tour had more highlights, and the following places are must-visit photo spots. 🧡🧡🧡 👉🏻1. The huge lotus lamp + distant buildings, with the yellow lights, it's simply amazing! 👉🏻2. A unique cave, you must, must, MUST see this!!! It doesn't look like much from afar, but once inside, I was truly amazed. The design is fantastic, with the overall shape of a grotto, and the interior is all relief murals, including scenic spots around Mount Wutai. Each panel's relief is exquisitely crafted, and with the lighting, it feels like being in a fairyland. I also really loved the small ceramic tile paintings on the ground, with a classic pixel art style. 👉🏻3. The big crown, haha, a name I came up with. I read that this place is a fountain, but I didn't see it in action. However, the big crown itself is very pretty, with a bit of a European amusement park vibe, playful yet magnificent. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Finally, I highly recommend the breakfast I had the next morning in Shahe, on the way to Mount Wutai train station. There's a Zhang Ji Bing House, and when I passed by, I saw many locals buying big bags of it. I don't know what they're all called, but they had a variety of items like baked sesame cakes, fried dough, and maya (sesame leaves), sold by weight. We bought 4 different kinds for a total of 3.5 yuan, and my favorite was the one shaped like a dumpling with a potato mash filling, super delicious! The outside was crispy, and the inside was soft potato mash with a hint of scallion flavor, something I've never tasted elsewhere. If you go, you must try it! 💛💛💛 Next up, a roundup of snacks in the ancient city of Xinzhou!!! From Mount Wutai train station (Shahe), I took the green-skin train to the ancient city of Xinzhou!!!

| Facing the south, Tai Mountain looms majestically, with the saints' clouds overlooking the bustling Sha River. To the north, passing through the densely populated and economically thriving Shahe Town, known as the giant town of Sanjin, lies the San Sheng Temple, which overlooks the hustle and bustle of life on both sides of the Jingyuan railway line. Among the 'Three Temples of Fan Shi,' people are either intoxicated by the court-originated green murals of Yan Shan Temple or marvel at the wall paintings of Princess Temple that seem to sway with the wind. San Sheng Temple, however, appears somewhat understated. Nevertheless, its colored sculptures and murals exhibit a strong folk character, with the lively Heavenly Kings and the rich folk customs of the underworld scenes around the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha reflecting the folk ethical views of ancient society. San Sheng Temple, ranked as a national level six site, is an essential piece of Yuan Dynasty architectural essence in the northern part of Mount Wutai. Beast-faced column capitals, popular around Mount Wutai, can also be found in San Sheng Temple (in addition to Yanqing Temple, there are several examples of beast-faced column capitals from different eras in Fan Shi county town). Moreover, the rich folk customs depicted in the wooden carvings of children on the beams are also seen in Guangji Temple in Wutai county town, which is one of the local characteristics of the Mount Wutai area. The Ksitigarbha Hall is a Ming Dynasty relic, with a width of three bays and a depth of four purlins, featuring a single-eave hanging mountain roof. On the beam frame, there is a renovation inscription with the words 'Great Ming Country, Hongzhi Era, Yi Mao Year,' which should correspond to the Hongzhi Emperor's reign, and this phonetic error is quite amusing. The colored sculptures in the Ksitigarbha Hall are, in the author's opinion, the most worthy of appreciation in San Sheng Temple. The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, with his gentle and amiable demeanor, is flanked by the attendants Min Gong and Dao Ming. The four great Heavenly Kings on both sides are majestic and dynamic. Within the hall, one can observe the interplay of motion and stillness, making it a fine work. Among them, a complete colored sculpture of a dragon, supported by ghost soldiers, should have been winding around the arm of the Wide-Eyed Heavenly King. Instead, it has transformed into a giant dragon, forming a confrontational whole with the Heavenly King's image, as if capturing the moment of the Heavenly King subduing the dragon, full of dynamism and considered the crown jewel of San Sheng Temple's sculptures. The small statues flanking the reclining Guanyin in the back, although not very old, are quite interesting, with the theme of the Journey to the West. The Mahavira Hall is a relic from the Jin and Yuan dynasties, with a width of three bays and a depth of four purlins, featuring a single-eave nine-ridge roof. The age of the interior colored sculptures is a matter of debate, and the author does not dare to make a definitive judgment, but the craftsmanship is rough, and they are not of great value for appreciation. Behind the hall, there are Ming Dynasty wall paintings that are quite aesthetically pleasing. According to the caretaker, these Ming Dynasty paintings were originally distributed on the rear and east and west walls; later, they were covered by Qing Dynasty paintings depicting Buddhist stories. San Sheng Temple is one stop on the 'Three Temples of Fan Shi' route. The caretaker is usually inside the temple, and a management fee of at least thirty yuan is required, but photography is free. For visiting Yan Shan Temple, San Sheng Temple, Princess Temple, and Secret Temple, a chartered car for three hundred yuan is appropriate.

| Huo Yuan Marsh is covered by Fan like a quilt, with lush vegetation casting a shadowy dome. After visiting the temples around Fan County, each with their own unique style and stunning features, you might have half a day to spare. Since the inter-county buses in Shanxi often stop running in the afternoon, it might be a wonderful experience to stroll through the ancient sites in Fan County Town and step into the daily meals of the people in this small town in northern Shanxi during your trip in Shanxi. Fan County is adjacent to Dai County, and compared to the county town of Dai, which can be called a feast of ancient architecture, Fan County Town may not attract those who visit ancient sites. However, it was precisely because of the lack of information that the author was quite surprised when he first saw the Fan County Drum Tower. The Drum Tower of Fan County is also the most suitable starting point for exploring the ancient sites within the county town. The Drum Tower, with its extraordinary momentum, is almost the tallest building in the old town. It also serves as the Wenchang Pavilion, making it a place where locals pray for blessings. The Drum Tower, built on a brick base, is five bays wide and four trusses deep, with a double-eaved hipped roof. It is introduced in the literature as a Qing Dynasty building, but it has undergone extensive renovations in modern times. It is said to house a large bell from the Jin Dynasty. Although it is less impressive than the Bianjing Tower, the momentum of backing Mount Heng and looking south to Mount Wutai is still breathtaking. To the north of the Drum Tower is the only national protected site in the county town, the Great Buddha Hall of Zhengjue Temple, a national level seven site. It is worth noting that although the cultural protection stele is for the Great Buddha Hall, the plaque hanging on the hall today is for the Pilu Hall. This hall is five bays wide and three bays deep, with a single-eaved hipped roof, a Jin Dynasty relic. However, the overall renovation is very new, and the colorful paintings under the eaves are so stunning that it is hard to believe it is a relic from the Jin Dynasty. It is said that there are also sizable Ming Dynasty murals inside the hall, but the hall is not open to the public, so its appearance is unknown. Not far to the west of Zhengjue Temple, past a hospital with antique stalls at the door, there is a Guan Yue Temple. To the south of the Drum Tower on Yongfeng East Street, there is a God of Wealth Temple. Both temples are not very old and are still places of folk worship for the local people. However, both temples have beast heads above the columns of the main hall, which echo with the San Sheng Temple in Shahe, the Yanqing Temple and Guangji Temple in Wutai, and should be an important style of folk temple architecture in the region outside of Mount Wutai. To the south of the Drum Tower, there is also a Grandma Temple, which often serves as a rehearsal place for drum and gong troupes because of the square in front of the temple. Fan County Town was relocated during the Ming Dynasty Wanli era, so the Daguan Shengzuo stele is preserved at the old city site. Beixiu Park to the north of the town is situated on high ground, and the entire Fan County Town is located in the Hutuo River Valley. Therefore, overlooking the main road Xiangyang Road from here, almost half of the county town under the Wutai Mountain range can be seen at a glance. When the sun sets in the west, the view is extraordinary. Fan County Bus Station has a bus to Lingqiu every morning at 7:30, but it takes more than four hours to travel through the rural roads near Pingxingguan to pick up passengers, which is a waste of time. If you want to include counties like Lingqiu and Laiyuan on the Feihuxing route in your trip, it is best to take the train from Fan County at 10:20 pm.

Accommodation in Shahe Town: basically around 100, just choose a clean one, the town is not big and you can walk to the train station and bus station About booking: Although there is signal on the mountain, not every place has accommodation for 1-2 nights. It is recommended to prepare a small amount of cash. The booking fee includes breakfast and dinner. It ranges from 80 to 100. The booking point in the middle of the 2-day line can be Da Nanzhuang, Jingeji Temple, or Shiziwo. For the 3-day line, you can choose Jingyin Temple, Huyingou B&B, Kuantan Village B&B, Nantai for the first night. You can choose Zaoyuchi for the second night. You can pay the Shiziwo contact information later. About vegetarian meals: Dongtai, Jingyin Temple, Shiziwo, and Zhongtai all provide vegetarian meals. There are also small shops or temporary stalls near the temples on the road. About collecting stamps: handkerchiefs are all the same but they are a little more expensive in the temples. If there are 5 pieces at Hongmenyan, take them without hesitation. Stamps require 10 yuan in cash. It is recommended to collect stamps from five temples, and you can collect stamps from others if you want. About the weather: Summer is the best time to hike in Wutai Mountain. You can go back and forth, and 2-3 days are very suitable. There are also masters who run 72km in one day. Beitai has strong winds all year round, and snow in June. You need to wear more clothes to keep warm near Beitai to prevent hypothermia. About Shahe Town to Hongmen Rock, you can take a bus or carpool, 25-30 per person, half an hour's drive, the coffee under the Hongmen Rock archway is worth a try. About ticket checking: This year, a new ticket checking point has been added near Lianhua Temple Jixiang Temple, please avoid it. Shilanggan Daliutong. Shahe Xiaodan Town Building to Tianmo Mountain About transportation: Shahe Town is a small town. There are only slow trains from Taiyuan to Wutai Mountain Station, no motor trains or high-speed trains. The shortest time from Taiyuan to Wutai Mountain Station is more than 3 hours, and the longest is 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, try to carpool on the highway, which only takes 2.5 hours to Taiyuan South Station.

You read that right, this is Shanxi~||| This is a free 4A-rated scenic area, the backyard of Mount Wutai, and also the ceiling of Shanxi's night views. 🌄 Mount Wutai, a sacred destination for a spiritual journey! Mount Wutai, that ancient and mysterious land, 🏞️ is a pure land in my heart. Mount Wutai is not only a tourist attraction but also a sacred place for spiritual journeys. 🙏 Every time I come here, I can feel the tranquility and peace, as if I have found the home for my soul. If you are also tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, why not take a walk in Mount Wutai and experience the purity and beauty. 💖 📍 Hanshan Cultural Tourism Area Located in Shahe Town, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province, 40 kilometers north of Mount Wutai Known as the backyard of Mount Wutai Just scan the QR code to make a reservation upon entry, it's a free scenic area 🟠 The daytime scenery is beautiful, but the night view is even more worth seeing, so it's recommended to go at sunset and wait for the night to fall to watch the light show The fountain show is open from Wednesday to Sunday 🟡 The light show and fountain at Ruyi Square are the most worth seeing 🟢 The 3D printed panoramic map of Mount Wutai is also very impressive 🔵 We especially like the checkered floor tiles, they have such an exotic style, and the murals also give off a Dunhuang vibe To the right of the exit, there is a small play area for children with some electronic game machines and snacks for sale There are local sesame oil pancakes nearby, with a thin pancake that is particularly delicious We also bought mooncakes, which are traditional sesame oil flavored 🏷️ If you go at night, it's recommended to wear an extra layer of clothing, as it can be a bit cold on the mountain, and bring mosquito repellent spray The scenic area has hot water, vending machines for water, and restrooms are easy to find Overall, it's great, especially suitable for visiting at night. If you spend the day at Mount Wutai or Yanmenguan, you can come here in the evening. It's just about an hour's stroll, and not tiring at all

Fanshi County's Hanshan Cultural Tourism Scenic Area is the backyard of Mount Wutai, one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains. It is 30 kilometers away from the Pingxingguan scenic area and 70 kilometers away from the Yanmenguan scenic area. The Jingyuan Railway, National Highway 108, and the S40 expressway run east to west across the area. The scenic area is constructed according to the national 4A-level scenic area standards, inheriting and excavating regional culture, famous historical figures, and local cultural collections, promoting and displaying the precious historical and cultural heritage of Fanshi stone. Initially, everyone thought that the place was named after the late Ming Dynasty monk, Master Hanshan. However, after investigation, it was found that Master Hanshan's name was also modeled after a real Hanshan mountain. This mountain is located to the northeast of the northern peak of Mount Wutai, with a unique and beautiful shape. Many hiking enthusiasts have made special trips to visit it. According to the 'Guangqingliang Zhuan', it is recorded that: Legend has it that Emperor Xiaowen of Wei went to Mount Tai to escape the summer heat, and Manjusri Bodhisattva transformed into a Brahman monk and asked the emperor for a piece of land just big enough to place his seat for meditation and residence. Emperor Xiaowen agreed to his request. So the Brahman monk spread out his seat, which stretched over more than five hundred miles. When Emperor Xiaowen realized he was divine, he rode his horse at full speed, and looking back, he saw the mountain majestically following behind him. Emperor Xiaowen shouted, 'How dare you, Hanshan, keep following me?' With that shout, the mountain finally stopped, and hence it was named Hanshan.