2024 Jiexiu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Jiexiu City is located in south-central Shanxi Province and is under the administration of the Jinzhong Region. It is an important transportation hub in the Shanxi heartland. Mount Mian is located to the south of the Jiexiu urban area. It is also called Mount Jie, after the famous Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BCE) hero who secluded himself here and died in a fire. The mountains here are steep and the natural scenery is gorgeous, with many sites of cultural interest. You can also visit the ancient fortress of Zhangbi and the Houtu Temple.
Today's Weather
Overcast 8-16℃
Popular Attractions
Mianshan Scenic Spot
Zhang Bi Ancient Fortress
Three Thousand Worlds.
Pingyao → Zhangbi Ancient Castle → Wang Family Courtyard → Pingyao → Shuanglin Temple|||The transportation for the entire route is very inconvenient. If you are not driving yourself and only using public transportation, you either need to have plenty of time and stay overnight in Jiexiu, or be prepared to take a taxi. First, from Pingyao to Jiexiu, there is a bus from Jiexiu to Zhangbi Ancient Castle. The bus stop is right outside the train station, but the schedule is uncertain, with buses running about once an hour. You can ask for more information when you get there. Zhangbi Ancient Castle is not very big, and about 3 hours is enough to explore it. There is no direct transportation from Zhangbi Ancient Castle to Wang Family Courtyard, so you need to take a bus back to Jiexiu and then go to Wang Family Courtyard. In this case, you will probably need to take a taxi, which costs about 50 yuan. Alternatively, you can take a train from Jiexiu to Lingshi, and then take a bus from Lingshi to Wang Family Courtyard. The route depends on your schedule. We planned to do it in one day, and we booked a car for the two segments in between. It is difficult to book a car in Jiexiu, and almost all of them are taxis. After a day of sightseeing, we returned to Pingyao from Lingshi. It is very convenient to get from Pingyao to Shuanglin Temple. You can take bus 108 near the train station, which goes directly to the temple. While waiting for the bus, private car drivers may approach you and ask if you want a ride. You can negotiate the price, and they can take you there for 8 yuan. The choice is yours. Shuanglin Temple is really worth visiting. The craftsmanship of the various hanging sculptures of gods and Buddhas in the Three Thousand Worlds is particularly exquisite.
The Most Beautiful Glazed Archway - Taiheyan Archway.
Located in Beixinwu Village, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. Built in the 23rd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1897). It has three gates, four pillars, three floors, and a single-eave hip roof. The four pillar bases are stone-carved waist-bundled Sumeru style, and the archway pillars, couplets, balustrades, plaques, brackets, eaves, tile roofs, ridge decorations, and ridge spires are all made of glazed art components. The glaze colors are mainly yellow, green, and blue, occasionally accompanied by white, purple, black, and crimson. Because it is entirely covered with exquisite and luxurious glazed decorations, it is called a glazed archway by the locals. The entire archway is colorful and dazzling under the sunlight. There are very few glazed archways in China, and they are of high quality and very precious.
Mianshan Daluo Palace | Explore the Daluo Wonderland.
|Explore the Daluo Wonderland. The name of Mianshan Daluo Palace comes from Jie Zitui, a famous hermit in the Spring and Autumn Period. It is said that Jie Zitui once lived in seclusion with his mother in Mianshan and saw the Taoist highest realm "Daluo Wonderland" here, which is "above the Three Purities, there is Yujing Mountain, on the mountain there are seven treasure trees covering the eight directions of Luotian, called Daluo."
Daluo Palace is suspended on the cliff of Lion Mountain, 13 stories and 110 meters high, with layers of pavilions, green walls and golden tiles, painted beams and carved columns. The whole palace is carried on the back of a lion, which is lifelike and majestic.
The first to seventh floors are five rooms wide, mainly with the Hall of Wealth God, the Hall of Salvation God, the Hall of Three Officials, the Hall of Sixty Yuanchen, the Hall of Doumu, the Hall of Nine Stars, the Hall of Twenty-eight Constellations, the Hall of Lingxiao, the Hall of Three Purities, and the Hall of Five Old Lords.
Above the seventh floor are the Hall of All Wonders, the Lecture Altar, the Hall of Chaos, the Hall of All Immortals, and the Sutra Pavilion. The eighth to thirteenth floors are nine rooms wide, with ten dragon columns under the corridor, like the imperial palace in Journey to the West, resplendent and magnificent.
There are shuttle buses in the scenic area, or you can choose to walk.
Longtou Temple, Mianshan|Renamed after the appearance of two dragons.
|Renamed after the appearance of two dragons. Longtou Temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history and profound cultural heritage located at the foot of Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province.
Longtou Temple was originally named Tayan Head, after the Kongwang Pagoda Courtyard on the loess slope under the rock. Later, it was renamed Longtou Temple after Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, saw two dragons appear when he went to Mianshan Mountain to pray for rain. The temple preserves a large number of precious cultural relics and historical artifacts, such as the stone carvings of "Marshal Ye Jianying on Mianshan," "Zuo Zhuan: Jie Zitui Refuses Reward," and "Nine Chapters" by Qu Yuan, which are important attractions to appreciate the profound historical culture of Mianshan.
Longtou Temple is the first tourist area in Mianshan Scenic Area, with tour guides explaining the local culture and the stories of the surrounding buildings, as well as reminding visitors of the relevant matters of Longji Ridge and the surrounding cable cars.
Jiexiu, Jinzhong, Shanxi.
In ancient architecture, glazed tiles have always been the most dazzling decorative component. Glazed tiles, as a building material, originated in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Since the Tang Dynasty, they have been widely used in the decoration of buildings. Glazed tiles are a perfect combination of ancient Chinese culture and art. Their brilliance and splendor are the embodiment of the exquisite, delicate, and subtle spirit of the Orientals, and the perfect fusion of thought, emotion, and art! Jiexiu, Shanxi, known as the "Hometown of Glazed Tiles in China," has a long history of making glazed tiles, which flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties! This art, tempered in fire and reborn in time, has been passed down from generation to generation, with masterpieces in every generation. After thousands of years of wind and frost, it is still colorful!
Jiexiu City God Temple | Super High Glazed Art Temple.
|Super High Glazed Art Temple. Jiexiu City God Temple was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1398), and was rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Jiexiu City God Temple was occupied by the Jiexiu Grain Station, and the mountain gate, screen wall, and glazed lions in front of the temple gate were all demolished.
The history of glazed pottery in Jiexiu dates back more than 1,200 years, and the technique of glazed pottery has developed its own style, especially architectural glazed pottery. Jiexiu City God Temple includes all styles such as ridge decorations, chiwen, drip tiles, tubular tiles, flat tiles, hanging fish, windbreaks, screen walls, archways, couplets, and steles.
Jiexiu City God Temple is not only a religious building, but also a material carrier of historical information. It reflects the historical background, political and economic system, and social life of the time, and has important historical and religious value. The site selection of the City God Temple is based on the ancient traditional cultural concepts of feng shui, yin and yang, and the five elements, and fully considers the relationship with the ancient city and other public buildings. In addition, the glazed components, wood carvings, flowers, and bird decorations in the temple also demonstrate superb craftsmanship.
Address: No. 275, East Street, Beiguan Street, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province.
Explore Jinzhong and experience its dreamlike beauty!
Transportation Guide
External Transportation:
- If you are flying to Jinzhong, you can fly to Taiyuan Wusu International Airport first. The airport is not far from downtown Jinzhong, and there are many ways to get to downtown Jinzhong, such as airport buses and taxis 🚕.
- If you are taking a train, Jinzhong has its own train station, and many trains stop there, making it convenient for you to travel 🚄.
- Internal Transportation:
- The city has a well-developed bus network that can take you to many attractions, and the fares are cheap 😃. Just prepare some change or pay with your phone.
- Taxis are also convenient, but you may encounter traffic jams during peak hours, so remember to plan your time wisely 🕙.
Must-visit Attractions
- Pingyao Ancient City: This is a World Heritage Site, and it is very well preserved. The Ming and Qing architecture in the ancient city will take you back in time 😲. You can stroll through the streets and alleys of the ancient city and feel the simplicity and tranquility. You can also visit famous attractions such as the Pingyao County Government Office and Rishengchang Bank to learn about ancient commerce and administrative culture 👍.
- Qiao Family Courtyard: The famous Qiao Family Courtyard is magnificent, and the exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings are amazing 😍. Here, you can deeply feel the glorious history and family culture of the Jin merchants.
- Mianshan Mountain: The scenery is beautiful, with many places that combine natural and cultural landscapes 🤩. For example, Daluo Palace and Yunfeng Temple are worth visiting, and you can experience the feeling of being in a fairyland with clouds and mist on the mountain ✨.
Local Food Recommendations
- Pingyao Beef: The meat is tender and flavorful, and it is delicious 😋. It is delicious whether eaten directly or in a bun.
- Taigu Cake: Sweet but not greasy, crispy and delicious, it is a famous traditional pastry in Jinzhong 🥮. It is also a great souvenir.
- Yuci Sausage: It has a unique taste and is slippery. It is delicious with special seasonings 😜.
Tips
- If you are visiting Pingyao Ancient City, it is best to stay overnight in the ancient city so that you can experience the night scene of the ancient city more deeply 🌙.
- The weather in Jinzhong is changeable, so remember to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing before you travel 👚.
- When tasting local food, some snacks may be heavy in flavor. If you don't like spicy food or prefer a light taste, remember to tell the owner in advance 😏.
The Symphony of Nature and History—The Poetry and Legends of Mianshan Scenic Area
Mianshan Scenic Area is a place where natural beauty and historical culture come together. Stepping into Mianshan feels like entering an ancient cultural corridor. The lush mountains and flowing streams intertwine with rich historical culture, bringing a unique sense of tranquility and awe.
The winding mountain paths are surrounded by verdant pines and babbling springs, with fresh air that invigorates the spirit. Every step feels like an encounter with the dynamic and grand nature. Reaching the summit, you can overlook the entire scenic area, with mountains encircling and mist lingering, resembling a fairyland on earth.
Mianshan not only boasts beautiful natural scenery but also embodies Chinese culture. It is the retreat of Jie Zitui, and the origin of the Qingming Festival in the Spring and Autumn period. Visiting the Jie Gong Temple feels like traveling through millennia, experiencing the noble spirit of Jie Zitui. Additionally, the ancient temples and Buddha statues in the area exude a strong religious atmosphere, purifying the soul.
Highly recommended is the Yunfeng Temple, built on the mountain and hanging on a cliff, with a majestic presence. Standing in the temple and looking out, the mountains seem to be within reach, and the vastness of the world overwhelms, instilling a sense of awe.
Mianshan offers different beauties in each season: blooming flowers in spring, cool and pleasant summers, fiery red leaves in autumn, and a silver-clad winter. No matter when you visit, you will be moved by the natural splendor and rich historical culture.
Mianshan Scenic Area is not just a great place for hiking but also an excellent spot to appreciate nature and history. Every visitor will find inner peace and a reverence for historical culture here. If you long for a journey where culture and nature intertwine, Mianshan will surely bring you endless surprises.
Check in at the Aoshen Tower in Jiexiu, Shanxi.
Today, I want to share with you a piece of ancient architecture that made me exclaim, "Wow!"—the Aoshen Tower in Jiexiu, Shanxi!
The Aoshen Tower is located on Shuncheng Street in Jiexiu City. It is a street-crossing building and the only remaining Zoroastrian building in China. Do you know about Zoroastrianism? It's an ancient and mysterious religion!
The uniqueness of the Aoshen Tower lies not only in its historical value, but also in its amazing architectural style! 🎉
The tower is three stories high, with a double-eave hip and gable roof, and the glazed decorations are gorgeous and dazzling. It's simply stunning! Standing under the tower and looking up, I feel as if I can sense the glory and grandeur of the past!
Moreover, the Aoshen Tower has a particularly magical place! It has no foundation and is built directly on the street! I'm dizzy, how did they do it? The wisdom of the ancients is really admirable!
The Aoshen Tower has witnessed the changes of history📜. It is not only a building, but also a cultural heritage. 🎊If you are interested in ancient architecture, you must come here to feel its charm!
Jiexiu | A treasure city full of glazed tiles.
| A treasure city full of glazed tiles.💫Jiexiu, named after Jie Zitui, a famous minister of the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period, is the hometown of Qingming Cold Food Culture and Chinese Glazed Tile.
💞This small city, only about 30 kilometers away from Pingyao Ancient City, is not visited by many tourists, but it is the city with the best experience for me. Jiexiu is really a treasure. I recommend the following places:
✅Hou Tu Temple
A Taoist temple of the Quanzhen School, the highest-level ancient building complex in Jiexiu, famous for its well-preserved glazed tile art, known as the "Glazed Tile Art Museum". The main hall of Hou Tu is covered with golden glazed tiles, which are magnificent and dazzling under the sunlight.
✅City God Temple
Jiexiu City God Temple, founded during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, faces south. Entering the courtyard, the first thing you see is the offering pavilion under the stage, followed by the main hall. The glazed tiles on the roof of the main hall are particularly beautiful, but there are surprisingly few visitors to the City God Temple. Only the grandpas playing chess at the entrance are lively.
✅Five Sacred Mountains Temple
Famous for the "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl" sculpture on the central pillar of the main hall, but the gate is closed all year round.
✅Xian Shen Lou
The only surviving Zoroastrian building in China, the Xian Shen Lou has two floors and a "convex" shape. The lower floor is the temple gate, the upper floor is the music hall, and the center is the shrine. There is a flat seat and railing around the waist, and the upper part is covered by a double eaves roof. Four pillars directly support the upper floor beams, the gate and stage are stacked on top of each other, the roof is a cross-shaped hip roof, and the eaves protrude in four directions. All tile ridges and decorations are made of glazed tiles, magnificent and spectacular.
✅Taiheyan Archway
Taiheyan Archway, with a history of over 100 years, is definitely the most beautiful peacock blue glazed tile, no argument. The archway's lintel, brackets, plaque, drip tiles, ridge beasts, and various floral patterns and characters are all made of yellow, green, and blue glazed tiles. The sunlight shines through, creating a dazzling and elegant effect.
✅Jiexiu Museum
Jiexiu Museum is adjacent to the Xian Shen Lou. You can spend half an hour visiting the glazed tile exhibition on the lower floor. Other exhibition halls are not recommended.
💗Tips:
Except for the Taiheyan Glazed Tile Archway, the other attractions are basically within a hundred meters of each other. You can walk or take the free No. 1 bus to get there.
📷Documentary:
"China Image Chronicle" - Shanxi Jiexiu Episode
🚶♂️Two-day tour route:
1: Jiexiu Museum → Tianshen Tower → Five Sacred Mountains Temple → City God Temple → Hou Tu Temple
2: Mianshan → Zhangbi Ancient Fort
Mianshan tour, sightseeing, exercise, and pit avoidance guide.
Avoid the pit Mianshan: sightseeing, exercise, avoid crowds.
After entering Mianshan, the scenic spot will send tourists into the scenic spot, usually the scenic spot goes directly to the innermost part of the scenic spot, Shuitao Gully.
Line 1: Don't enter Shuitao Gully, just transfer to the down car, get off at Qixian Valley, pass through Jiegongling from Qixian Valley, and take the cable car down at Jiegongling. Turn left into the ancient vine valley (one-way two kilometers) and Shuitao Gully (one-way four kilometers) at the cable car station. The two gullies take a long time to complete. I only walked Shuitao Gully and returned to the place where the two dragons were playing with beads.
Line 2: After leaving the valley, take the scenic spot to Yunfeng Temple and walk from Yunfeng Temple to Zhengguo Temple. After turning Zhengguo Temple, take the elevator down from Zhengguo Temple.
The later scenic spots can be visited by getting off at each station, or you can choose to visit.
Finally, take the scenic spot back to the ticket inspection office.
Ancient Chinese glazed art ceiling Shanxi Taiheyan glazed archway.
Ancient Chinese glazed art ceiling Shanxi Taiheyan glazed archway
Taiheyan Archway is located in Beixinwu Village, Yian Town, Jiexiu, Shanxi. According to the archway inscription, it was built in the 23rd year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1897). The archway faces south, with four pillars, three doors and three floors, built on a stone waist Xumi seat!
Jiexiu, as the hometown of glazed art, has a long-standing reputation for architectural glazed art. Its superb glazed firing skills can be said to be fully demonstrated on this "Taiheyan" archway. Except for the base of the four pillars, the whole body of this archway is covered with glazed tiles. The main colors are yellow, green and blue, which are bright and dazzling! The entire archway, whether it is dragon pattern auspicious beasts, flowers, birds, insects and fish, characters, landscapes or couplets, plaques, or wording, not only has Taoist metaphors, but also the good wishes of auspiciousness, happiness, longevity, and peace in traditional Chinese culture!
This archway is not only a typical masterpiece representative of the development of glazed art to the peak of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, but also a unique one in ancient Chinese glazed buildings! It's fascinating!
Have you ever seen such exquisite glaze! Please leave a message in the comment area!
-One TIPS-
Taiheyan Glazed Square is the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units, 16 kilometers away from Jiexiu City, 30 minutes by car, no bus
Shanxi, you're missing out if you don't promote this place.
Jiexiu is a small city in Shanxi with a rich history,
home to numerous ancient buildings and treasures of glazed art,
known as the "Hometown of Glazed Art in China".
Everyone who comes here will love it,
it's niche, quiet, profound, and full of life.
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If Jiexiu is the capital of glazed art,
the Hou Tu Temple is undoubtedly the pearl of the capital.
Hou Tu Temple is a Quanzhen Taoist building with a history of nearly 1,500 years.
Almost all the roofs of the buildings are decorated with yellow, green, and blue glazed products.
Glazed tiles, ridge beasts, hanging fish, lion bottles, etc., are all eye-catching.
The main building in the temple is the Sanqing Building,
the three-story cross-hipped roof is ingeniously connected with the Hou Tu Temple stage,
the towering ridge beasts, pavilions, lotus ridge tubes, and mythical beasts on the top of the temple,
the three colors of yellow, green, and blue are reflected in each other, like a magnificent glazed painting.
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Hou Tu, is the mother of the earth, also known as Hou Tu Niangniang.
In ancient times, both emperors and ordinary people worshipped Hou Tu Niangniang very much.
Emperors of all dynasties presided over the ceremony of worshipping Hou Tu every year.
Among the buildings in Jiexiu Hou Tu Temple, the earliest buildings can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and most of the existing buildings were repaired and expanded from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
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📍Jiexiu Hou Tu Temple
🎫Free
🈺️8:00-19:00
📷In addition to Hou Tu Temple, nearby Wuyue Temple, Chenghuang Temple, Dongyue Temple, Xianshen Building, etc. are also worth visiting, within walking distance, very convenient.
Aoshen Tower.
Aoshen Tower is located in Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. It is a magnificent ancient building with unique historical and cultural value.
Aoshen Tower is one of the treasures of ancient Chinese architecture, with a unique architectural style and exquisite structure. It has witnessed the changes of history and the inheritance of culture. The architectural features of Aoshen Tower include exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings, which show the superb skills of ancient craftsmen.
Houtu Temple
Houtu Temple is a Taoist temple located in Jixiu City, Shanxi Province, and is one of the key cultural relics protection units in Shanxi Province. According to the inscription, it was rebuilt in the first year of Daming in the Southern Dynasty Song Dynasty (457 AD) and the second year of Datong in the Liang Dynasty (536 AD), and was later destroyed by an earthquake. It was rebuilt in the fifth year of Yuan Yanyou (1318 AD), and the existing halls are mostly Ming and Qing buildings. The temple buildings are all decorated with glazed tiles, most of which are works of the Qing Jiaqing and Daoguang years, and a few of the Ming Dynasty glazed tiles are extremely exquisite. The glazed components are large in quantity, complete in type, beautiful in shape, and exquisite in production. They are the best among the glazed tiles in the Qing Dynasty. There is a stele in the fifth year of Ming Zhengde (1510) and a stele in the 46th year of Qing Qianlong (1718) in the temple, and most of the characters have been blurred.
Zhangbi Ancient Castle.
Zhangbi Ancient Castle is a miniature ancient castle in Jiezhou City, Shanxi Province, China, with rich historical and cultural connotations and unique architectural style. The ancient castle was formed during the Northern Dynasty and the Sixteen Kingdoms, and gradually formed a five-level military defense system with "above-ground castle, underground tunnel" as the main structure through three stages: fortification, military town, and defensive village. The ancient castle is 374 meters long from east to west, 244 meters wide from north to south, and covers an area of 120,000 square meters. The castle has a rich and diverse culture, including ancient tunnels, Khan Temple, Kongwangxing Temple, Liuli Monument, ancient stage and many other cultural relics. The ancient castle has a five-level ancient military defense system with castle gates, alley gates, secondary alley gates, courtyard gates, and tunnels. The tunnel is 20 meters deep from the ground, divided into upper, middle and lower three layers, with a total length of more than 10,000 meters, and is a typical representative of the northern fortress in China with high historical, artistic and scientific value.
Mianshan, Shanxi | A hidden gem of a 5A scenic spot.
| A hidden gem of a 5A scenic spot.
🎉Did you know? There is a picturesque yet little-known 5A tourist attraction in Shanxi - Mianshan. It may be off the beaten path, but the scenery is no less stunning than other well-known spots😎.
🚶[Recommended Route]
Qixian Valley ➠ Zhengguo Temple ➠ Yunfeng Temple ➠ Tiansheng Bridge ➠ Daluo Palace
📚[Attraction Introduction]
• Qixian Valley, a thrilling and dangerous place where you can climb iron chain ladders for a unique experience.
• Zhengguo Temple, home to twelve bone-encased true face statues and a seven-story Lingying Pagoda, is mysterious and solemn.
• Yunfeng Temple, with its many temples, crisp wind chimes on the mountain wall, and thrilling zigzag cliff plank road.
• Daluo Palace, known as the Little Potala Palace, is a majestic and spectacular thirteen-story building stacked layer upon layer according to the mountain.
🔖[Practical Information]
🚄Take the high-speed train to Lingshi East Station, then take a taxi for 10 kilometers to get there.
🕙Opening hours are 08:00-17:30, the last bus is at 18:30, and the last 302 bus back to the city is around 18:00.
🗺️The nearby Wang Family Courtyard, Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Houtu Temple, and Xianshen Tower are also worth checking out.
Explore the origins of the Qingming Festival and the beauty of Shanxi's mountains and rivers.
Address: 20 km southeast of Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City. Mianshan is best known for the story of Jie Zitui's death. In China's long folk culture, there are only two holidays to commemorate historical figures: one is the Dragon Boat Festival in May to commemorate Qu Yuan, a minister of the State of Chu; the other is the Qingming Festival to commemorate Jie Zitui, a minister of the State of Jin. The Sky Bridge is more than 300 meters long, 20 meters from the top of the mountain, and more than 300 meters from the bottom of the ditch. On cloudy days, people walk on the bridge and clouds surge under their feet. The 500-meter journey from the rock ditch to the rock mast is almost a 75-degree cliff, which is no less thrilling than the thousand-foot cliff of Mount Hua.
Experience the beauty of ancient Shanxi architecture | Rent Kongxiang photography equipment.
Speaking of ancient architecture, the beauty of glazed components is a must-see.
✅ Glazed components were used in the royal courtyards of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and are the facade of palace architecture, reflecting the majesty, solemnity, and style of the royal family.
✅ Shanxi, known as the "hometown of glazed art", is a major producer of glazed components in China. From architectural ridge decorations, shadow walls, archways, pavilions to pagodas, from seagull beaks weighing several tons to small animal pieces, the shadow of glazed components can be seen everywhere.
✅ Guangsheng Temple Feihong Tower, Zhangbi Ancient Castle Kongwangxing Temple's Ming Dynasty tricolor glazed components and peacock blue glazed components stele and Hou Tu Temple, Yuncheng Yongle Palace, etc. are all representative works of Shanxi ancient architecture!!!
Travel Shanxi with Hei Wukong.
Travel Shanxi with Hei Wukong
Feihong Tower
This is a glazed pagoda in the style of a pavilion. It is octagonal in shape and has a cross-hipped roof. The tower is 47.31 meters high and hollow inside. The top of the tower is decorated with a glazed caisson. The tower is built of blue bricks, and each floor is inlaid with yellow, green, blue, purple, and white glazed decorations. Each floor has eight sides, and each side is different. From the first floor to the thirteenth floor, the decorations are exquisitely made. There are mighty and majestic warriors, pavilions surrounded by clouds and smoke, kind and benevolent Buddhas, and solemn and dignified Bodhisattvas. The poses are varied, and none of them are the same.
Feihong Tower is the only glazed tower found so far that has left the inscription of craftsmen. It is the largest and most complete glazed tower. Whenever the wind blows, the 114 golden bells on the tower sway with the wind, making a crisp and pleasant sound, as if telling the vicissitudes and changes of a thousand years.
Adult ticket 70 yuan, round-trip sightseeing car fare 20 yuan
⌚️Tour time 3 hours
Zhangbi Ancient Castle
A rare miniature city, known as a miracle in the history of world architecture! It is called a miniature because it covers an area of only 0.12 square kilometers, but it has everything and is full of mystery! This is Zhangbi Ancient Castle at the foot of Mianshan in Jiexiu. It was built during the Sixteen Kingdoms period. It is the only remaining and rare ancient defensive village cultural relic in China, and it is a complete specimen!
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This miniature military ancient castle with a history of 1600 years has witnessed the turbulent changes of dynasties, the arduous process of national integration, and the joys and sorrows of village development! In order to avoid war, there is a huge tunnel system built by the ancients underground in Zhangbi, with a total length of nearly ten kilometers. The traps in the tunnel, communication channels, peepholes, ambush channels, and drainage outlets are all available!
The many temples in Zhangbi are also a highlight. There are 16 existing temples in the ancient castle, such as the Kongwang Buddha Temple, Zhenwu Temple, Erlang Temple, Guandi Temple, etc., all of which are located near the north and south gates, most of which are built on the city wall! Very characteristic!
Yuci Old City
Ticket price: 70 yuan
It was formerly known as "Fengcheng" and was built in the second year of Sui Kaihuang (582 AD), and has a long history of 1441 years. The most worth visiting is the Yuci Chenghuang Temple, which was built in the Yuan Dynasty, the Shanmen was in the Ming Dynasty, and the plaque was inscribed by the Qing Dynasty. It is quite diverse. In 1999, it was selected as one of the 100 most beautiful ancient buildings in the world. It is said that it is the oldest Chenghuang Temple in China.
Taiheyan Paifang
Located in Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province, it was built in the 23rd year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1897 AD) and has a history of more than 100 years. It is a masterpiece of the heyday of China's Ming and Qing glaze art!
The entire archway is exquisitely crafted and complex, with bright and dazzling colors. A large amount of complex peacock blue glaze is used. The bright turquoise color is dazzling, and the glaze firing technology of peacock blue glaze is said to have been lost. Although it is not open to the public, it does not affect entry.
Jiexiu Houtu Temple
It is a Taoist building complex, built with glazed complex decorations, and can be called a museum of glazed art architecture. According to records, it was created in the Southern and Northern Dynasties or earlier, and most of the existing buildings are relics of the Ming Hongwu period. It is the largest and best-preserved palace-style temple among the existing Houtu temples in China.
A single glance is worth the trip.
🏔️ It's as if you've traveled through time and space to the ancient Han and Tang dynasties. The solemn and majestic buildings bear the weight of a thousand years of history. With careful appreciation, you can feel the accumulation of time and the charm of culture. Here, you can fully appreciate the subtleties of traditional Chinese architectural style and feel the crystallization of ancient wisdom.
✅ The Ao Shen Tower is not just a building, but a witness to history and culture. Let's walk into this historical corridor together and feel the profoundness of Chinese civilization.
✅ The Xian Shen Tower is a majestic and unique wooden structure. It combines a mountain gate, a music tower, and a street-crossing tower. The three-tiered eaves and cross-hipped roof structure is unique in style, rigorous in structure, and proportionate. The glazed roof is exquisite and gorgeous, and the wood carvings under the eaves are unique. It is a "living fossil" for studying Chinese Zoroastrian culture.
✅ The Xian Shen Tower, the Qiu Feng Tower, and the Fei Yun Tower in Wanrong County are known as the three famous towers of the three Jin dynasties.
Mianshan, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province: Explore the ancient charm and natural scenery of Mianshan and experience Taoist culture.
Mianshan, located in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, attracts countless tourists with its unique natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage.
I. Transportation Guide
1. Arrival in Jiexiu
Bus: From Jiexiu East Station or Jiexiu Station, you can take a direct bus to Mianshan. The journey takes about 20 minutes and the fare is only CNY 5.
2. Transportation in the scenic area
Sightseeing bus: After arriving at Mianshan Scenic Area, it is recommended to take a sightseeing bus to visit the scenic area. The sightseeing bus route covers the main attractions.
II. Recommended Tour Route
Recommended route: Longtou Temple - Shuitao Gou - Qixian Valley - Zhengguo Temple - Yunfeng Temple - Daluo Palace
Longtou Temple: As the first attraction to enter Mianshan Scenic Area, Longtou Temple is known for its ancient architecture and quiet atmosphere. The main attractions are the underground palace, Guandi Temple, and Longji Ridge. The underground palace enshrines many Buddha statues, and Guandi Temple is a good place to pray for wealth. The dragon head on Longji Ridge is worth exploring. It is said that Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty once stayed here.
Shuitao Gou: The mountains and rivers here depend on each other, and the scenery is beautiful. Strolling on the path by the stream, listening to the sound of gurgling water, and feeling the tranquility and harmony of nature.
Qixian Valley: Known for its cliffs and thrilling suspension bridges, although it is challenging, it is definitely worth a try. Tourists can experience excitement and thrills here and feel the magic of nature.
Zhengguo Temple: It enshrines the flesh and blood Bodhisattva, and is a good place to feel the religious atmosphere and understand ancient culture. The buildings in the temple are simple and elegant, and the incense is booming. It is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists.
Yunfeng Temple: Adjacent to Daluo Palace, it also witnessed the historical changes of Mianshan. The environment in the temple is quiet and it is a good place for tourists to cultivate their minds.
Daluo Palace: The crown of Chinese Taoist architecture, built on the mountain, with layered buildings, painted beams and carved beams, and brilliant. The entire building has 13 floors, and the shape is quite like the Potala Palace, known as the "Little Potala Palace".
The land of glazed tiles
The number of ancient buildings in Shanxi, their wide distribution, the large time span they cover, the variety of types, and the exquisite artistry should be the best in the country. They are scattered throughout the countryside and towns, and even in ten days or half a month, one can only get a rough glimpse of them.
Jiexiu is the land of glazed tiles; to see ancient glazed buildings, look at Jiexiu.
Jiexiu Museum, where glazed statues reflect the beauty of traditional Chinese painting.
Address: Sanxian Avenue, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Jiexiu Museum is located on Sanxian Avenue, next to Sanxian Square. The museum is quite large. Although there are not many exhibits, they are very distinctive. The glazed exhibition and production process on the basement floor are very vivid and worth a visit. Jiexiu Museum currently houses more than 500 cultural relics, mainly handed down from generation to generation. These include: a large landscape painting on silk by Ming Ningzhai, fan paintings and calligraphy collected by Sha Jifu, a large collector in Beijing during the Qing Dynasty, silk paintings and calligraphy by Yu Ling, Lan Shen, Yu Jing and other painters during the Qianlong period, a bamboo fan carved by Yu Wenhuazi An, a bronze gui from the Western Zhou Dynasty, and a bronze mirror from the Western Han Dynasty.
Zhangbi Ancient Castle is full of mystery and history.
Address: Zhangbi Village, Longfeng Township, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City. Zhangbi Ancient Castle Scenic Area is one of the top ten charming towns in China! I naively thought that the castle was a gorgeous castle like Europe, but the truth is that it is a tunnel, a rugged tunnel with a total length of more than 1,600 meters, a tunnel like a tunnel war! The unique structure of the ancient castle's above-ground Mingbao and underground tunnels, the dangerous geographical location and the external terrain constitute a complete and true ancient defensive village, which is unique in China, can be called a specimen, and is rare in the world.
Zhangbi Ancient Castle.
Zhangbi Ancient Castle was likely formed during the Northern Dynasties and Sixteen Kingdoms period, and has gone through three stages: fort, military town, and defensive village. It gradually formed a five-level military defense system with "above-ground castle, underground tunnel" as the main structure. It is known as the "above-ground and underground twin city, castle courtyard temple wall museum village", and is one of the important fortresses of the ancient military fortress Que Shu Valley.
The tunnels are complex and although many areas are not open, if you do not follow the instructions after entering, you may still get lost. The wardrobe is connected to the tunnel. The current open area is about 10%, about one kilometer.
The peacock blue Ming Dynasty glazed stele in the village is also a rare cultural relic.
Mianshan trip.
Mianshan is a beautiful scenic area in Shanxi, with many amazing natural and cultural landscapes. From your description, Mianshan not only has thrilling cliff plank roads, but also a long history of Buddhist culture and mysterious stories. The climbing experience in Qixian Valley and the natural scenery of Shuitao Gou are all fascinating.
If you plan to travel to Mianshan, here is some useful information:
1. Zigzag stairs: When experiencing the cliff plank road of Mianshan, be sure to pay attention to safety, especially in the rainy season or snowy days, the road may be slippery.
2. The flesh body that has not rotted for a thousand years: These flesh bodies are part of Buddhist culture. Please keep quiet and respectful when visiting.
3. Qixian Valley: If you like adventure, you can try to climb the iron ropes here, but please make sure your physical condition allows and pay attention to safety.
4. Shuitao Gou: The scenery here is suitable for tourists who like nature and leisurely hiking. If you bring the elderly and children, you should pay attention to the difficulty and safety of the mountain road.
Before planning to go to Mianshan, it is recommended to check the local weather forecast, prepare suitable equipment, and understand the opening hours and tour routes of the scenic area.
In China, there is a severely underrated 5A scenic spot——Mianshan
Mianshan in Jiexiu, Shanxi, is a severely underrated 5A scenic spot! When you come to Shanxi, you must, must leave time for Mianshan , because it is really worth your visit.
Transportation
There are high-speed trains from Taiyuan to Mianshan. As always, I chose the high-speed train 🚅. Be sure to take the high-speed train to Jiexiu East, which is closer to Mianshan Scenic Area. The journey from Taiyuan South to Jiexiu East takes about 50 minutes ⏰, which is convenient and fast. It is recommended to take a taxi to Mianshan Scenic Area after arriving at Jiexiu East (about 50 yuan).
👉 Recommended Route
One-day tour route: Shuitaogou——Qixian Valley——Zhengguo Temple——Yunfeng Temple——Daluo Palace Longtou Temple
✅ Shuitaogou
"Jiuzhaigou of the North" is a natural landscape with beautiful mountains and waters 💧. The first stop is a relatively low-difficulty attraction to save more energy for the subsequent journey.
✅ Qixian Valley
The most challenging attraction in the scenic area, especially suitable for friends who love outdoor adventures 💁. There are streams on both sides of the canyon, with many suspended steps and wooden suspension bridges built on the steep cliffs. It is quite physically demanding 🚶 but offers a very good and thrilling experience.
✅ Zhengguo Temple
Directly take the elevator to enter (elevator fee 15 yuan 💰). Main attractions: more than a dozen mummified Buddhas known as the "World Miracle" and the Lingying Tower , which is built on a cliff, shocking and spectacular. You can enter the tower for a visit.
✅ Yunfeng Temple
This is a must-visit attraction in Mianshan! Yunfeng Temple is a Buddhist site with temples in cliff caves and a zigzag suspended walkway. This is also a landmark attraction of Mianshan , not to be missed.
✅ Daluo Palace
The crown of Chinese Taoist architecture , built on the cliff of Lion 🦁 Mountain, very shocking! The entire building has 13 layers, resembling the Potala Palace, hence it is also known as the "Little Potala Palace".
✅ Longtou Temple
Named Longtou Temple because the terrain resembles a dragon's head 🐲. It is a great place to watch the sunrise and the sea of clouds . Longji Ridge is a strategic location that has been contested by military strategists throughout history. Li Shimin stationed troops here, and many ancient military buildings 💣 are preserved.
The scenic area is really large! A pair of comfortable shoes 👟 is particularly important!! If you plan to climb Qixian Valley, outdoor shoes are the best choice. Additionally, the entire climb in Qixian Valley takes about 1-1.5 hours ⏰, suitable for people who exercise regularly. Elderly and children should proceed according to their abilities.
Hotel Recommendation: All Seasons Hotel (Jinzhong Lingshi East Station Branch)
About 20 kilometers from Mianshan Scenic Area, about 30 minutes by taxi , also relatively close to Wang Family Courtyard, making it convenient to visit Wang Family Courtyard the next day.
A gem of ancient architecture in a small county: the only remaining Zoroastrian site.
Jiexiu Zoroastrian Temple has high historical and cultural value and unique architectural charm. It is definitely worth a visit. I give it a rating of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Here are the reasons:
1. High historical value:
• Unique religious culture: It is the only remaining Zoroastrian building in China, and it is extremely important for studying the spread and development of Zoroastrian culture in China and its integration with Chinese local culture. Zoroastrianism originated in ancient Persia, that is, fire worship, and has unique religious beliefs and cultural traditions. The Zoroastrian Temple is a precious relic of this exotic religious culture in China.
• Witness to historical changes: From its establishment in the Northern Song Dynasty to several renovations and reconstructions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Zoroastrian Temple witnessed the changes in political, cultural, and religious policies in different dynasties in Chinese history. For example, the suppression of religion by the court during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty caused the main statue of the Zoroastrian Temple to be replaced. This historical event was reflected in the changes of the Zoroastrian Temple, providing physical evidence for historical research.
2. Unique architectural style:
• Exquisite and complex structure: It integrates the mountain gate, the music building, and the street building into one, and the plane is in the shape of "convex". This unique architectural structure is rare in ancient Chinese architecture. The building is about 25 meters high and has two floors. The waist is equipped with a flat seat color railing, and the upper part is covered with a heavy eaves, which is actually four floors. The four pillars directly support the upper beam frame, and the mountain gate and the stage are stacked up and down, forming a unique spatial layout, which is both practical and artistic.
• Exquisite decorative art: The roof adopts a cross-hipped design, and the eaves protrude from the mountain flowers in all four directions, making the entire building more three-dimensional and vivid. The tiles and ridge decorations on the roof are all made of glazed products, which are colorful, magnificent, and spectacular. The decorative style of glazed products has a strong Western Asian Persian style, such as the awe-inspiring sky god and the glazed statue of the Hu costume riding a beast on the ridge, which is different from the glazed decoration of traditional Chinese architecture and has unique artistic value.
• Novel wood carving patterns: There are many peculiar animal patterns in the wood carvings under the eaves, such as tigers, sheepdogs, sacred cows, elephants, etc. These are all sacred beasts in Zoroastrianism, which basically do not appear in traditional ancient Chinese architecture. It shows the architectural features of the combination of Chinese and Western cultures, and provides important references for the study of ancient Chinese and Western cultural exchanges.
3. Rich cultural connotations:
• Association with literary works: The story of Wen Yanbo's help from the gods was written by Luo Guanzhong, a novelist at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, into "Three Sui Ping Yao Biography". In the middle of the Ming Dynasty, novelist Feng Menglong changed it to "Ping Yao Biography" based on Luo Guanzhong, making this story known to the world, adding literary and legendary colors to the Zoroastrian Temple.
• Unique digital culture: The architectural complex hides the worship of the number "three", the main building is three stories high, divided into three parts, the music building has three rooms, the roof is decorated with three-color glazed tiles, there are three temples, and the phenomenon of the coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. This unique worship of the number "three" is quite different in traditional Chinese culture, which arouses people's deep thinking about its cultural connotation.
In short, Jiexiu Zoroastrian Temple has irreplaceable value from the perspectives of history, architecture, and culture. It is a treasure of ancient Chinese architectural art and is definitely worth a visit. However, it should be noted that the scenic spot is closed from 12 noon to 14 pm, and visitors need to arrange their visit time reasonably.
The most beautiful glazed building in ancient China, known as the 'Ancestor of Taoism'
👋Hi, darlings! Today, I strongly recommend an amazing spot to you all—Jiexiu Houtu Temple😎!
Jiexiu, a place renowned as the 'Hometown of Three Sages, Land of Glaze', is truly full of surprises😜, and Houtu Temple is undoubtedly the most dazzling jewel among them✨.
This temple was built during the Northern Song Dynasty, over a thousand years ago😮! Yet, it has miraculously withstood the test of time🛀 and still stands intact today, which is truly astonishing👏! When you step inside, you can genuinely appreciate the superb level of ancient architectural art👍, and you will involuntarily marvel at the infinite wisdom and outstanding talents of our ancestors😃!
Speaking of Houtu Temple, you absolutely cannot miss its stunning glazed decorations🎊! They are truly breathtaking😍. The colorful glaze adds a solemn and majestic feel to the entire temple, while also making it look dreamlike, as if it came straight out of a fairy tale🧚♀️. Every time I see these glazed decorations, I feel like I am traveling through time, witnessing the splendor and magnificence of that era🌟.
Every corner of Houtu Temple is rich with stories📖. Every plant🌳, every brick🧱, carries heavy historical memories, silently telling the tales of the past🎞️, making one deeply immersed and enchanted😌.
Darlings, if you, like me, are deeply interested in history and culture and are fond of such charming places, then you must visit Jiexiu Houtu Temple to experience it for yourself🤗! Trust me, once you come here, you will be deeply attracted and reluctant to leave😘!💕
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