Guangling Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Shengquan Temple Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Driving 3-4 hours from Beijing, you can enjoy the ancient temple hanging over 1500 years old
Navigation: Guangling Shengquan Temple, located in Guangling County, Datong, Shanxi.
This Shengquan Temple, if calculated by driving distance from Beijing, is less than 300 kilometers, and possibly up to 300 kilometers on the east side. Below is an introduction to Shengquan Temple and my personal opinions and feelings.
1 Guangling Shengquan Temple was founded during the Taihe period of the Northern Wei Dynasty in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, nearly 1600 years ago, and is relatively well-preserved.
2 Because there is another temple built on the cliff at the foot of Hengshan Mountain in Datong called the Hanging Temple, which is more famous compared to this temple, some people refer to this Shengquan Temple as the 'Little Hanging Temple' or 'Guangling Hanging Temple'.
3 I personally prefer this Shengquan Temple because it's more original, without too many traces of modern restoration (of course, there have been restorations), and it lacks an excessive commercial atmosphere. When I visited, there was no admission fee required (not sure if this is always the case), just some souvenirs and wishing activities. Also, part of the cliff is inaccessible, with the main gate closed, and I don't know if there are other times when it is open.
4 To get to this temple, you have to walk a long mountain road, which is narrow, but it's a cement-paved road, so cars can drive up without any problem. I guess there is no public transportation, and if you are not driving yourself, it should be easy to find a ride from the town of Guangling County, which is only about ten kilometers away.
5 The mountain road past this temple leads all the way to the top of the mountain, as seen in picture 9 on the top left, which looks nice. Unfortunately, I had to give up the idea of driving to the top of the mountain because there was ice and snow on the road surface at that time.
In Shanxi! You must have never been! A niche temple built on a cliff
This cliff temple, named Shengquan Temple, is located in Guangling County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China. Although it is not as famous as the Hanging Temple of Hengshan, it has unique natural scenery and architectural art value. Shengquan Temple was built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and has been renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple we see today should be the result of renovations in recent decades.
The temple is built on the mountain, simple and elegant, like a pavilion carved into the wall. The newly built part is clean and tidy, with a square courtyard and bluestone paving. The surrounding area is the common temple, and the cliff temple embedded in the rock gives a sacred feeling. When you climb the stairs and enter the high platform in the air, you can discover the beautiful scenery in front of you, overlooking the ancient temple in the valley from a high place, which is very beautiful.
Shengquan Temple perfectly combines architectural aesthetics and mechanics. It uses the horizontal beams embedded in the mountain as the foundation, cleverly uses the support of the mountain rock, the structure of the wooden tenon and stone mortise is rigorous, and the layout is clever, making the pavilion between the cliffs more beautiful.
This peculiar architectural art combined with cultural edification is rare worldwide. It is deserved to be praised as a miracle in the history of architectural art. Buildings like the Hanging Temple are not only the treasures of ancient Shanxi architecture, but also the pride of our country's ancient architecture. They have witnessed the long history and cultural heritage of our country and are worth our inheritance and promotion.
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Guangling