[2025 Yuncheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Chishen Temple (Updated May)

In Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, nestled beside the ancient salt lake, lies a cultural gem that has endured for thousands of years—the Yuncheng Chishen Temple. Standing silently by the lake, it has witnessed the rise and fall of the salt industry, whispering tales of a mysterious past. The temple's architecture is captivating, with its elegant, time-honored style, featuring flying eaves and intricate brackets. Inside the main hall, exquisite wood carvings and stone inscriptions showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The delicate textures and vivid patterns are truly awe-inspiring. From the temple's heights, you can overlook the beautiful salt lake. Unfortunately, it was raining during my visit, so I missed the chance to see the shimmering water. If you're seeking ancient beauty, consider a visit to Yuncheng Chishen Temple. Practical Information: ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm 🚇 Transportation: Navigate directly to "Chishen Temple" by car; or take bus No. 21 or No. 88 and get off at the "Chishen Temple" stop. 🎫 Ticket Prices: Free admission with a tourism annual pass; currently in the off-season, a combined ticket for Chishen Temple, the Salt Lake Museum, and the city wall is only CNY 39.9 for adults and CNY 19.9 for students, which is a great deal.

The Chi Pool Temple in Yuncheng is a thousand-year-old relic by the salt lake and a gem of salt culture. It stands quietly by the Salt Lake, witnessing its prosperity and changes, and carrying ancient and mysterious stories. Walking through it, you can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the tranquility and beauty precipitated by time. The architectural style of Chi Pool Temple is simple and elegant, and the flying eaves and brackets fully reveal the ancient charm. The wood carvings and stone carvings in the main hall are exquisite, and every detail is worth savoring. The beautiful scenery of the Salt Lake is not to be missed. Standing on the heights of the temple, the distant Salt Lake shimmers, and the salt flowers are like snow, breathtakingly beautiful. ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🈺️Opening hours: 8:30–17:30 🚇Transportation: Navigate to "Chi Pool Temple" by car, or take bus No. 21/88 to "Chi Pool Temple" station🚌 🎫Tickets: Free with a tourism annual pass🆓; currently half price for the off-season, combined ticket for Chi Pool Temple + Chi Salt Museum + City Wall: CNY 39.9 for adults, CNY 19.9 for students

Located on Woyungang on the north bank of the Salt Lake, Chi God Temple in Yuncheng is backed by the Zhongtiao Mountains and overlooks the "Dead Sea of China." It is the only imperial temple in China dedicated to the god of the salt lake.​ Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, it was granted imperial seals and renovated by successive emperors due to the flourishing salt industry. The existing three main halls, Zouyan Tower, and other buildings are mostly relics of the Ming Dynasty, with 1,300 years of salt transportation history precipitated among the blue bricks and black tiles.​ 
The three main halls stand side by side in the temple. The middle hall enshrines the salt god "Lingqing Gong," while the left and right halls enshrine the sun god and the wind god, respectively, implicitly reflecting the natural wisdom that salt production requires "sunlight evaporation and wind regulation."​ The stone lions in front of the hall are naive and cute, and the carvings on the railings tell the story of the rise and fall of salt merchants. 
Climb the Haiguang Tower for a panoramic view of the salt lake👍.
The stele forest houses the Ming Dynasty stone inscription "Map of Hedong Salt Lake." You can also visit the Hedong Salt Lake Museum to unlock 4,000 years of salt-making technology.​ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🈺️Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm 🚇Transportation: Navigate to "Chi God Temple" by car, or take bus No. 21/88 to "Chi God Temple" station🚌 🎫Tickets: Free with a tourism annual pass🆓; currently half price during the off-season. Combined ticket for Chi God Temple + Chi Salt Museum + City Wall: CNY 39.9 for adults, CNY 19.9 for students

If you enjoy exploring lesser-known historical sites, the Yuncheng Pool God Temple is a must-see! Located in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, it's the only Pool God Temple in China, steeped in thousands of years of salt pond culture and rich history. As you enter the temple, you'll be greeted by ancient architecture, with its eaves and brackets bearing the marks of time. The magnificent central hall, "Lingqing Hall," houses the God of the Salt Pond, inspiring awe and reverence for the ancient salt industry. Strolling through the temple grounds, you'll discover numerous inscriptions that chronicle the rise and fall of the salt ponds, each stroke seemingly whispering stories of the past. What's more, the temple is relatively uncrowded, allowing you to immerse yourself in history and capture atmospheric photos.📷

Yuncheng is a hidden gem of a tourist city located in southern Shanxi. Not only is it affordable, but it also has many attractions. Check out this one-day tour guide for Yuncheng. First stop Salt Lake is the most stunning natural landscape in Yuncheng. If Dali has Erhai Lake, Yuncheng has Salt Lake. The blue lake water gives this inland city the illusion of being by the sea. Ride along Salt Lake, stroll along the salt flats, and admire the colorful Salt Lake. Free Second stop Visit the old street of the South City Wall by the Salt Lake River and the Salt Lake Museum to learn about the history of salt culture in Yuncheng. Third stop The Pool God Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. It is a symbol of the ancient people's worship of natural gods and the inheritance of salt culture. The Pool God Temple is a well-preserved ancient temple site. The layout of the three courtyards and the style of the three main halls arranged side by side are also a major feature of the Pool God Temple. Fourth stop Visit Gu Street, themed around salt culture and Guan Gong culture, and visit the Yuan Dynasty Guan Wang Temple and the Qing Dynasty Bell and Drum Tower. At night, there is a food night market street where you can taste authentic Yuncheng flavors. Food recommendations: Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, and Dapanji

[Fu] The warm sun dispelled the thick fog that locked the colorful salt pond, and the lake water sparkled in the morning light. The United States has Salt Lake City, and China has Yuncheng, Shanxi. For thousands of years, the salt lake has selflessly become a natural salt field. The snow-capped Zhongtiao Mountain in the distance dimly reflects the lake, making the water and sky one color. [Fu] The Pond God has protected the people for generations. The Chishen Temple was first built in the 12th year of the Dali period of the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yu, named the Yuncheng Salt Lake "Baoying Lingqing Lake", ordered a temple to be built in the salt lake, conferred the name "Lingqing Gong" on the lake god, and included it in the national sacrificial rites. The temple was renovated and sacrificial ceremonies were held during the Ming and Qing dynasties. 🇨🇳Experience 5,000 years of Chinese culture and inherit Chinese civilization

I've been to Yuncheng several times before, and this trip was mainly to visit some of the attractions I missed, and to revisit some of the popular ancient buildings. First, I went to the Chi Shen Temple in the city center, which is now a national key cultural relics protection unit. The Chi Shen Temple was first built in the 12th year of the Tang Dynasty's Dali calendar to commemorate the god who bestowed salt. The Chi Shen has been given many titles throughout the dynasties, and the main buildings that exist today are from the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. It is also an important historical landmark of Yuncheng's salt industry. The main buildings of the temple are the three main halls: Lingqing Gong Shen Temple (Chi Shen), Rain Master Sun God Temple (Sun God), and Tiaoshan Wind Cave God Temple (Wind God). The statues in the halls are modern, and the temple is a unique sacrificial temple with distinctive regional characteristics. It is the only one of its kind in China and is known as a unique temple in China. Another highlight is the distant view of the salt lake, which is separated from the salt lake by a road. The location is relatively high, so it's a good place to take photos. Scenic spot tickets: 30 yuan, there is a combined ticket for Chi Shen Temple + Museum + City Wall for 39.9 yuan. If you can stay in Yuncheng for a few days, it is recommended to buy an annual pass (128 yuan, can be bought by non-locals). Located on the edge of the salt pool in the city center, you can choose to take a bus/taxi/shared bicycle, etc. At night, the Zhongjinmen area is quite nice to stroll around.

| The Millennium Ode of Yuncheng Chi Temple. 🌊 Exploring the Temple of Salt | The Millennium Ode of Yuncheng Chi Temple 🌊 🌟 Recommended Index: ★★★★★ 📜 Historical Echoes: "The southern wind blows gently, soothing the people's grievances; the southern wind blows timely, enriching the people's wealth." In Yuncheng, Shanxi, there is a unique temple in the country—the Chi Temple. Here, you can not only overlook the magnificent scenery of the salt lake but also feel the ancient charm of Emperor Shun playing the qin and singing the "Southern Wind Song." 🏛️ The Chi Temple is the only temple in China dedicated to the "God of the Salt Pool." The main hall consists of three major halls—the Chi God Hall, the Sun God Hall, and the Wind God Hall, symbolizing the salt pool, the sun, and the wind. These three natural forces are key elements in traditional salt production and are the main deities worshipped in the Chi Temple. The three halls are arranged in a unique architectural layout that is extremely rare among existing temples. 📆 Built in the 12th year of the Dali era of the Tang Dynasty (777 AD), the temple was named "Baoying Lingqing" by Emperor Daizong of Tang, Li Yu, due to the miraculous appearance of "red salt" in the salt pool. The temple was built to honor the Chi God, who was titled "Lingqing Gong." 🏰 The main buildings of the three halls are arranged in a row from west to east: the Wind God Shrine, the Chi God Shrine, and the Sun God Shrine. The Chi God Shrine, also known as the Lingqing Gong Shrine, was bestowed by Emperor Daizong of Tang. The existing main building dates back to the 14th year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, with five bays and a double-eaved hip roof. 🌞 The main hall of the Chi Temple consists of the Lingqing Gong Shrine, the Rain Master Sun God Shrine, and the Tiaoshan Wind Cave Shrine. Inside the halls, the Chi God, the Sun God, and the Wind God are worshipped, reflecting the close relationship between salt production and the sun and wind. 🎭 The unique stage, with seven bays, is designed for "three-part singing," facing the three main halls. It is the only one of its kind in the country and one of the few remaining Yuan Dynasty stages. There is a passage below for people to pass through, which also enhances the sound effect, showcasing ingenious design. 📸 Come to Yuncheng Chi Temple and experience this unique historical charm. Let the millennium ode of salt shine again through your lens!

Yuncheng city really amazed me. I had only heard about the warm hospitality of the people in Shanxi, and it's true!! Due to limited time, I just wandered around to get a feel for the local customs. I only visited some places close to where I was staying, and there are many attractions I didn't get to photograph. But the impression it left was really great. The locals are particularly warm, and everyone makes you feel like they're your own aunt or uncle. The food portions are huge and delicious! You must visit the morning market~ a paradise of carbs haha, Yongji is also great~ the beef dumplings are so fragrant~ and the dumpling soup is also amazing! We ordered a two-person serving of big plate chicken and couldn't finish it, and there are many other delicious foods that are very affordable. The spicy hot pot I tried was also good! Xinghe Night Market~ you can't go wrong with any stall you choose! Overall, the experience was very good. Next time, I'll definitely go on a road trip. The attractions are quite scattered, so it's more convenient to drive. Highlight! The UV rays are strong~ my friends who went had done their sun protection, and I've already tanned two shades. The homestay I stayed at was also nice~ the environment was very cozy, and the room was very clean... About the sightseeing route: Catholic Church, Guanwang Temple Street, Drum Tower 1. A super number of people are taking pictures at the Catholic Church. 2. You can enter Guanwang Temple directly by swiping your ID card. 3. There are comedy shows in the ancient street every night, which are free to listen to and acceptable. About accommodation I stayed at the Yellow River Building, but you can also choose the nearby Yado. Personally, I think the beds here are so hard! Chi Shen Temple, China's Dead Sea, 1. The exterior of Chi Shen Temple is quite nice to look at, and you can buy tickets directly from a group, but I didn't go in because I feel temples are all similar. Those interested can go in and have a look. 2. It's really worth it to visit the Dead Sea salt pools! I picked the right time, from 5:30 to 6:00 you can see the sunset. There were people taking wedding photos, and others purely enjoying the sunset. It was so beautiful, the last time I saw such a beautiful sunset was in Tangqi Ancient Town in Hangzhou.

The Hedong Salt Museum is located on the north bank of the salt pond in the Salt Lake District of Yuncheng City. Locals usually call it the "Pool Temple". It is also the only well-preserved salt temple in my country. The museum faces north and south, with a total area of ​​26,000 square meters. It is built in a staggered manner according to the hilly terrain, and its south gate faces the vast salt pond. Standing on the top of the Chishen Temple and looking down, the rippling lake and the white saltpeter piles complement each other like a painting, and the Zhongtiao Mountains on the south bank of the lake are in full view. The poetic scene of "a pool of snow in Zhongtiao for thousands of years" is breathtakingly beautiful. The two most valuable cultural relics in the collection are the Ming Dynasty stone carving "Map of Hedong Salt Pond" and the "Newly Built Salt Pond Temple Stele" erected by Emperor Temur of the Yuan Dynasty. Salt is the measure of civilization. One important reason why Hedong can become the cradle of Chinese civilization is the presence of salt. Writer Zhou Zongqi said in his book "Watching over Lu Salt", "There are four kinds of salt in the world: pond salt, sea salt, well salt and rock salt. What is Lu salt? A type of Chinese pond salt, produced in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, which is the ancient Hedong County. The ancient name of Yuncheng was Yanshi. During the Han Dynasty, there was a Salt Commandery, so it was also called Salt City. In the early Yuan Dynasty, it was renamed Lucun, and the salt produced in Yuncheng Salt Lake was called "Lu Salt". Lu salt is one of the earliest types of salt used by humans, and its reliable history can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty. An expert on the art of medicine said: "According to historical records, the Yuncheng Salt Lake (the salt produced there is Lu Salt). It can be said to be an ancient and unique treasure that is as old as the Chinese nation. ’”The value of the Hedong Salt Museum can be seen from this. Come and learn about the Yuncheng Salt Lake if you have the chance!