[2024 Ying County Attraction] Travel Guide for Pure Land Temple (Updated Sep)

Temples

Address:

Yingxian, Shuozhou, Shanxi, China

Opening times:

Open today at 08:00-17:30Opening Soon

Recommended sightseeing time:

1 hour

Shanxi is known for its ancient architecture, and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is a must-see

If you visit Shanxi to see ancient buildings but miss the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, it's like going to a museum without seeing its most treasured exhibit. 🌟【Yingxian Wooden Pagoda】 This wooden pagoda, which was built during the Liao Dynasty, is the tallest and oldest existing wooden structure in the world. It is not only a symbol of Shanxi but also the foremost representation of ancient Chinese architecture and mortise and tenon craftsmanship. Despite the ravages of a thousand years, you can see from afar that there is already noticeable deformation around the third to fourth floors. One can't help but worry about how many more years it can stand. Honestly, the experience of visiting the wooden pagoda now is not very strong. Firstly, you can no longer climb the pagoda. In the past, you could go up to the third floor and take pictures of the exquisite interior sculptures. Now, to protect the pagoda, you can only pass through the first floor and admire the main Buddha statue there. Secondly, there are just too many people. No matter which angle you choose, there are always people in the shot, so I had to take a photo on the abandoned grassland outside the courtyard to get a picture without others in it. Many friends say it's not worth visiting, but this is actually determined by the nature of tourism in Shanxi. To appreciate these architectural relics, visitors need to do their homework, understand the background, and know what to look for and what makes it special. Ancient buildings and temples cannot be turned into highly interactive projects, so naturally, they lack entertainment value. 🌟【Best Spot to Photograph the Wooden Pagoda】 If you visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, I recommend exiting through the east gate. There is a perfect spot here to take pictures of people with the pagoda. Walk south after exiting the east gate, and you'll find a demolished area with long grass. You can use the grass as the foreground to cover the ground and the pagoda's wall. 🌟【Jingtu Temple】 I highly recommend visiting Jingtu Temple in the northeast corner. Liang Sicheng once mentioned the "Three Treasures of Yingxian"—the "national treasure" Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the "unparalleled" caisson ceiling of Jingtu Temple, and the scattered stone lions. The latter two are found here. Jingtu Temple has a prestigious history. It was originally built during the Later Tang of the Five Dynasties as the family temple of Emperor Li Siyuan of the Later Tang, so it carries royal blood and grandeur. However, the original temple was destroyed and later rebuilt on the same site in the 24th year of the Jin Dading era (1184). According to the temple's introduction, it was originally a five-courtyard complex, but during the Ming Dynasty, the city was reduced, leaving only three courtyards inside the city, while the outer ones were abandoned. The three inner courtyards were also later damaged by humans, leaving only the current main hall from the Jin Dynasty. Its most treasured feature is the caisson ceiling inside the main hall. Looking up inside the hall, you can see nine large caisson ceilings, each surrounded by imagined heavenly palaces. Each small heavenly palace, from the flying eaves and dougong brackets to the railings and beast figures, is extremely detailed. Inside the caisson ceilings, there are also double golden dragons flying, showcasing the unparalleled spatial imagination of the craftsmen. When I was a child, I watched the animated film "Havoc in Heaven," and the depiction of the heavenly palace in the film was likely inspired by this. The scattered stone lions mentioned by Liang Sicheng are now severely damaged and unrecognizable, standing in the courtyard, leaving us to imagine their original appearance through photos. The rear wall of Jingtu Temple is closely attached to a section of the remaining earthen wall, which should be the Ming Dynasty city wall ruins, confirming the story of the temple's destruction due to the city's reduction during the Ming Dynasty.

GraceBeaumont19

Don't rush back after visiting the Wooden Pagoda in Ying County, or you'll miss out

🎀Dear friends, today I must share with you the Pure Land Temple in Ying County, Shanxi. 🌟After seeing the Wooden Pagoda in Ying County, I dragged my slightly tired body into the Pure Land Temple. As soon as I stepped into the temple gate, it felt like entering a peaceful world. This place was founded in the second year of the Tianhui era of the Jin Dynasty (1124 AD) and rebuilt in the twenty-fourth year of the Dading era (1184 AD), with a long history.😃 💫There are many legendary stories in the temple. Mr. Liang Sicheng praised the three treasures of Ying County, two of which are the Nine-Eyed Caisson and the disheveled stone lions of the Pure Land Temple. The pair of stone lions are relics from the Liao Dynasty, with unique shapes. Although damaged, their former beauty can still be seen. The Nine-Eyed Caisson in the hall is even more astonishing, with tens of thousands of small wooden strips and blocks forming heavenly pavilions, paired with the exquisite caisson, it feels like a fairyland.😍 🎈The golden September and silver October are the best times for worship. Visiting the Pure Land Temple during this period, you can feel the solemnity and tranquility. The Mahavira Hall is majestic and solemn, with a single-eaved hip roof, a gentle slope, and sparse dougong. The Buddha statues inside the hall are solemn, and the murals are exquisite, making people feel awe. Worshiping here, praying for peace and smoothness in life, the heart also becomes extraordinarily peaceful.🙏 💖Moreover, this place is actually the filming location for the Black Wukong myth! With the game's popularity, this originally low-key temple has become known to more people. The game's filming showcases the beauty of the ancient architecture of the Pure Land Temple in the virtual world, attracting many game enthusiasts to check in and experience the wonderful charm of the intersection of reality and virtuality.😎 🎊Dear friends, come to the Pure Land Temple in Ying County and experience its history and beauty in person. It will definitely not disappoint you.💗

FootstepsOfWanderers

Revealing the Hidden Treasures of Ying County | The Miraculous Caisson of Jingtu Temple

| The Miraculous Caisson of Jingtu Temple 🌟 Revealing the Hidden Treasures of Ying County | The Miraculous Caisson of Jingtu Temple 🌟 🏰 In Ying County, Shanxi, besides the famous Fogong Temple Shakyamuni Pagoda, there is a low-key yet stunning cultural heritage site—Jingtu Temple. Here, history and art blend perfectly, telling stories of a thousand years. 🔍 Treasure Hunt Route: - Jingtu Temple is located northeast of Ying County, just a ten-minute walk from the Fogong Temple Shakyamuni Pagoda. Along the way, you might find the perfect angle to photograph the wooden pagoda. 🎫 Ticket Information: - It only costs 15 yuan, and you can purchase tickets on-site to start your cultural exploration journey. 📜 Historical Background: - Jingtu Temple was first built in the second year of the Jin Tianhui era (1124) and was rebuilt in the twenty-fourth year of the Dading era (1184). Although it has undergone repairs over the centuries, it has largely retained its original appearance. It is said that this was once the family temple of Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang. 📸 Architectural Wonders: - In 1933, Mr. Liang Sicheng conducted a survey of Jingtu Temple, and at that time, it was still a complete architectural complex. Unfortunately, the devastation of the 1960s left it heavily damaged, and now only the Mahavira Hall, a pair of stone lions, and a scripture pillar remain. 🏺 Mahavira Hall: - In the spacious courtyard, the Mahavira Hall stands out with its exquisite design. It has three bays in width and depth, a single-eaved hip roof covered with gray tiles, green glazed edges, and upturned eaves. Despite the weathering, the colorful paintings still hint at its former glory. 🌈 Eight Gates and Nine Stars Heavenly Palace Caisson: - Typically, caissons are only set in the center of the ceiling, but the Mahavira Hall of Jingtu Temple features nine caissons arranged in a nine-square grid, each one exquisitely crafted. This contrast between the small space and the luxurious caissons provides a significant visual impact. - The caisson design is known as the Eight Gates and Nine Stars Heavenly Palace Caisson, the only one of its kind, closely related to Feng Shui. - The central caisson is particularly exquisite, formed by two intersecting squares creating an octagon, with a relief of two dragons playing with a pearl at the center, surrounded by layered miniature brackets and heavenly palace pavilions, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of the artisans. - Although the other eight caissons are not as luxurious as the central one, they are equally intricately carved, each one a work of art. 🦁 Liao Dynasty Stone Lions: - The stone lions guard the front of the hall. Although time has eroded them, they still exude their former majesty. Under glass covers, they quietly tell the story of history's vicissitudes. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations: - After your visit, why not try Ying County's cold noodles? They are delicious and support local tourism, making your trip even more meaningful.

Liam654 Reed

Jingtu Temple: Ancient Building Caisson Ceiling

Jingtu Temple: Ancient Building Caisson Ceiling Ying County has three treasures. The first treasure is the Ying County Wooden Pagoda, and the other two treasures come from the Jingtu Temple adjacent to the Ying County Wooden Pagoda. One is the 'Eight Gates and Nine Stars Heavenly Palace Caisson,' and the other is the 'Disheveled Hair' Liao Dynasty Stone Lion. These two treasures are unique ancient architectural masterpieces in China. When you come to Jingtu Temple, don't be deceived by the brand-new gate. Enter the Mahavira Hall, which is the essence of Jingtu Temple: the hall has nine caissons, each depicting a golden dragon holding a precious pearl. In addition to the Nine Dragons Caisson, there are also realistic heavenly palace pavilions made with exquisite wooden structures, which are considered the pinnacle of small woodwork in China. Inside the hall, there are Qing Dynasty murals depicting Buddhist stories and other themes, with compositions and techniques reflecting traditional folk painting styles. After chatting with the resident monks, I learned that Jingtu Temple had once been flooded by rainwater, and its treasures were stolen. Fortunately, the heavenly palace caisson and some murals have been preserved to this day. Now, the surrounding area has also been repaired. When you visit the Ying County Wooden Pagoda, don't miss Jingtu Temple. ✅ It is a 5-minute walk from the east gate of the Ying County Wooden Pagoda. ✅ Entrance fee is 15 yuan.

QuantumCoder_012

Jingtu Temple

Jingtu Temple, also known as Beisi, is located in the northeast corner of Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province. The temple was founded in the 24th year of the Dading period of the Jin Dynasty. The main hall of Jingtu Temple, the Mahavira Hall, has three bays in depth and width, with a single-eaved hip roof. The roof is gentle, the dougong (bracket sets) are sparse and clear, and the corners rise prominently. Inside the hall, there are Qing Dynasty murals depicting Buddhist stories and other themes. The composition and techniques reflect traditional folk painting styles. The caisson ceiling and the heavenly official pavilions inside the hall are aesthetically pleasing, with intricate designs and exquisite structures.

Aiden Simmons Aiden91

Yingxian Jingtu Temple｜Complete Guide

🚌How to get there: Take the high-speed train to Yingxian Station and transfer to the shuttle bus to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The ticket costs 5 yuan, and it takes about half an hour to reach the pagoda. After touring the pagoda, exit from the east gate and walk for ten minutes to reach Jingtu Temple. ---- 🎫Ticket: 15 yuan. 🕙Opening hours: 8:00-17:30. ⏰Recommended visit time: half an hour. ---- 📷Main attractions: 🌈Heavenly Palace Pavilion Caisson Located in the main hall, the Mahavira Hall, the caisson is divided into nine sections by beams, forming nine caissons. The central caisson is progressively layered, known as the 'Heavenly Palace Pavilion of Eight Gates and Nine Stars,' with two golden dragons carved in the center, lifelike and vivid. 🌈'Disheveled Hair' Stone Lion The face was damaged during a special period, but its unique 'disheveled hair' shape and exquisite craftsmanship can still be seen. It once made Mr. Liang Sicheng stop for a long time and praise it endlessly. ---- 🌟Tips: On the way from Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to Jingtu Temple, there is a photo spot where the words 'Yingxian' and the pagoda are framed together. Don't miss it.

Traveling Foodies

The Beijing Drifters' Journey to Datong

North Drifters' Journey to Datong✈🌍 The journey to Datong, a total cost of 1744.4 for two days and two nights. Without further ado, let's take a look at my travel guide! Beijing to Datong travel planning🚄 - Friday: 🚄 D1123 Beijing North——Datong South 20:16——22:43 - Sunday: 🚄 D1130 Datong South——Qinghe 20:27——22:15 Two days of exciting itinerary🗺 Day1: Yongtai Li➡Shanhua Temple➡Drum Tower➡Great Mosque➡Nine Dragon Screen➡Si Pai Lou➡Drum Tower East Street➡Guan Di Temple➡Dai Wang Fu➡Huayan Temple Day2: Ying County Wooden Pagoda➡Jingtusi Temple➡Yungang Grottoes Photo-taking guide📸 1⃣ Yongtai Li - Datong's new landmark, an excellent check-in spot 2⃣ Shanhua Temple - No entrance fee, on-site reservation is available 3⃣ Drum Tower - The ancient architecture is picturesque, surrounded by rich food 4⃣ Great Mosque - View from opposite, take in the full view 5⃣ Nine Dragon Screen - A lucky place to visit in the Dragon Year 6⃣ Si Pai Lou - Four newly renovated buildings, beautiful views all around 7⃣ Drum Tower East Street - Many photo studios, and also vinegar coffee 8⃣ Guan Di Temple - Free on-site reservation for a pleasant visit 9⃣ Dai Wang Fu - Magnificent and grand, open on the first day of the Lunar New Year❗ 🔟 Huayan Temple - Murals, architecture, everywhere is the beauty of wisdom 1⃣1⃣ Ying County Wooden Pagoda - A miraculous existence 1⃣2⃣ Jingtusi Temple - The caisson ceiling is stunningly beautiful 1⃣3⃣ Yungang Grottoes - The shock of a thousand years of history, the tour takes about 2 hours Other things to note📝 1. Consider chartering a car to the Wooden Pagoda, Hanging Temple, and Yungang Grottoes to save time. 2. Go to Huayan Temple earlier, it's grand inside and requires ample time to appreciate. This is my adventure in Datong, I hope everyone likes this share, and I look forward to meeting you at the next stop! Happy travels, let's discover the beauty of the city together!🌟🎒

Food and Footprints

Five thousand years is a long time, but Shanxi is close! See you in Shanxi in 2024

Shanxi, where you can experience the historical and cultural background, feel the rich cultural heritage that has been accumulated for thousands of years, step into the ancient city, and witness the changes of dynasties. The historical and cultural heritage of Shanxi region, each place has witnessed the changes of our country's history, showing the profound foundation of Chinese civilization. Shanxi is a place favored by history, whether it's Pingyao Ancient City, Ying County Jingtusi, Datong Huayan Temple, or Guangling Shuishen Hall, they are all treasures of our ancient architecture. When you open the dusty doors in Shanxi, stand in front of the ancient buildings, you can quietly feel the natural imagination that the architecture itself brings to people! I believe at this moment you will understand why Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin were so addicted to visiting the ancient, because it is a wonderful and shocking experience! I have also stepped on this ancient and magical land countless times, feeling the touch with history! The photos I posted are just the tip of the iceberg, the 5000-year-old culture is waiting for your exploration, in 2024, welcome to Shanxi, to explore this mysterious and charming land. Here, you will be able to personally feel the heaviness of history, the depth of culture. Every visit to the ancient is a shock and sublimation of the soul. Recommendations: Pingyao Ancient City Yingxun Gate. Ming-Qing Ying County Jingtusi Daxiong Hall Caojing. Jin Ying County Fugong Temple Shijia Pagoda. Liao Datong: Yungang Grottoes Datong City Wall Datong Tulin: 'Devil's City' on the Loess Plateau Datong Huayan Temple Daxiong Hall. Jin Taigu Cao Family Courtyard. Ming-Qing Pingyao Zhenguo Temple Wanfo Hall. Five Dynasties Taigu Drum Tower. Ming-Qing Guangling Shengquan Temple. Qing Lingqiu Jueshan Temple Pagoda. Liao Guangling Shuishen Hall. Ming and Qing Taigu Jingxin Temple Stage. Qing Jiexiu City God Temple. Ming-Qing Jiexiu Shenlou-Ming-Qing Hunyuan Yongan Temple. Yuan Shuozhou Chongfu Temple Amitabha Hall. Jin Lingshi Wang Family Courtyard. Qing Guangwu Great Wall. Ming

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