[2024 She County Attraction] Travel Guide for Wahuang Palace (Updated Nov)
No.12 of Best Things to Do in Hebei
Historical Sites
Historical Architectures
Address:
Shexian, Handan, Hebei, China
Opening times:
Open today at 08:00-18:00Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
3-4 hours
Phone:
0310-3922355
Huaxia Ancestral Temple, Nuwa Palace.
Handan Nuwa Palace 🎈
Located in Shexian County, Handan City, Hebei Province 🚩, it is the place where Nuwa "refined stones to mend the sky and made people out of clay" in mythology 🧐. Built in the Northern Qi Dynasty, it has a history of more than 1,400 years. It has a long history and rich cultural connotations 📖, and is one of the treasures of ancient Chinese architecture 🏛️.
When you step into the Nuwa Palace Scenic Area, the first thing that catches your eye is the magnificent architecture 🤩! Towering into the clouds, majestic, one can't help but marvel at the wisdom and creativity of the ancients 👏. Inside the pavilion, there is a statue of Nuwa, and people pray devoutly for peace and happiness here 🙏.
In addition to Nuwa Pavilion, there are many ancient buildings in the scenic area, such as Dressing Building, Yingshuang Building, and Yihong Bridge 🏯, each with its own unique style and story 📚. You can stroll among these ancient buildings and feel the precipitation of history and the edification of culture 🎐.
The whole journey is about 7 kilometers on foot, and it takes about 3 hours. Remember to prepare comfortable shoes. If it is inconvenient, you can also try the cable car 🚡
🚗 Travel route:
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Handan Nuwa Palace Scenic Area", there are multiple parking lots in the scenic area 🅿️.
- Public transportation: You can take the high-speed train to Handan Station or Handan East Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Shexian County, and then take a shuttle bus to Nuwa Palace from Shexian County 🚌.
🕙 Scenic area opening hours:
- Peak season (April 1 - October 31): 08:00-17:30
- Off-season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year): 08:30-17:00
🎫 Ticket price:
- Full price ticket: CNY 90/person
- Half-price ticket: CNY 45/person (applicable to: elderly people aged 60-69, full-time undergraduate and below students)
- Free ticket: Elderly people over 70 years old, active military personnel, disabled people, and journalists with valid certificates are free of charge
❗ Notes:
1. Learn about the opening hours and ticket prices of the scenic area in advance, and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
2. Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area, and keep the environment clean.
3. Some attractions require hiking and climbing, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
4. The weather is changeable, so bring rain gear and sunscreen.
5. Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and abide by the regulations of the scenic area.
The above is the detailed travel route, opening hours, and ticket price information of Handan Nuwa Palace, I hope it will be helpful to you 😉.
In short, Handan Nuwa Palace is a place worth visiting 🤗. Whether you like history and culture or natural scenery, this place can meet your needs 😎. Come to Nuwa Palace and feel it 🎉!
Handan, Hebei Nuwa Palace
Lucas Bell.93
Nuwa Palace, She County.
- Getting to the scenic area: You can drive, take public transportation, or take a taxi to Nuwa Palace. If you choose public transportation, you can first go to She County and then transfer to a bus to Nuwa Palace.
- Visit the buildings at the foot of the mountain: After entering the scenic area, first visit the buildings at the foot of the mountain, including Chaoyuan Palace, Tingcan Palace, and Guangsheng Palace. Chaoyuan Palace is the first palace in front of the mountain, with buildings such as Tianwang Hall, Dacheng Hall, and Shuichi House. Tingcan Palace is a place for dignitaries to rest when they come to Nuwa Palace to worship and play, and there are exquisite murals in the building. Guangsheng Palace is the legendary place where Nuwa created humans from clay, and it is dedicated to the Holy Mother of Guangsheng.
- Climb the mountain to Nuwa Pavilion: After admiring the buildings at the foot of the mountain, climb up the mountain road to Nuwa Pavilion. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural scenery and cliff carvings. If you have the physical strength, it is recommended to walk up the mountain to better experience the atmosphere of the scenic area. If you are not physically fit, you can also choose to take the cable car (additional fees apply).
- Dining and resting: After reaching the top of the mountain, take a break in the rest area of the scenic area. There are some restaurants and snack stalls in the scenic area where you can taste local specialties, such as She County walnuts, She County pepper, donkey meat fire, tofu pudding, etc.
- Visit Nuwa Pavilion: Nuwa Pavilion is the core building of Nuwa Palace, with a total of 4 floors and a height of 23 meters. The three-story pavilion above is built on a grotto and has a Xieshan glazed roof. Inside Nuwa Pavilion, you can visit the golden statue of Nuwa and admire the murals inside the pavilion. Standing on Nuwa Pavilion, you can also overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire scenic area.
- Visit Butian Valley: After leaving Nuwa Pavilion, you can go to Butian Valley Scenic Area. There are scenic spots such as Butian Terrace, Butian Peak, Zhuoshang Pool, and Longyin Stream, with beautiful natural scenery.
- Shopping and visiting other attractions (optional): If you have time, you can buy some souvenirs in the shops in the scenic area, such as handicrafts related to Nuwa culture. You can also visit other attractions in the scenic area, such as the Northern Qi Stone Carving Exhibition Hall and Lüxian Temple.
phaedria_4760
Wahuang Palace on the Cliff
❤Recommended Reason:
Wahuang Palace is located in Suobao Town, Shexian County, Handan City. It was built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,400 years. The scenic area has stone carvings from the Northern Qi Dynasty, inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty, brick walls from the Song Dynasty, ancient sites of buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and cliff carvings of Buddhist scriptures, which are known as the "First Wall of Buddhist Scriptures in the World." It is the place where the goddess Nuwa "refined stones to mend the sky and molded clay to create humans" in mythology. It is known as the "Ancestral Temple of China" and is one of the five major ancestral worship sites in China.
Wahuang Pavilion is the main building of Wahuang Palace. It is built on the top of the Northern Qi Dynasty's large grotto. It has three floors. The first floor is Qingxu Pavilion, which is dedicated to the goddess Nuwa and is a place for people to pray for peace. The second floor is Zaohua Pavilion, where people pray for children and grandchildren. The third floor is Butian Pavilion, where people pray for success, career, academic achievements, and wealth. Each floor has three corridors, making use of the original terrain, taking advantage of the mountain, and cleverly using nature. The pavilion is connected to the cliff with eight "horse nose" holes carved into the cliff, also known as the "hanging temple" or "living building," and is called the "natural and harmonious realm."
Wahuang Pavilion is very popular and effective.
📝Tips:
Take the cable car to Wahuang Palace, but you still need to walk a long way.
ForkAndKnife
Exploring the Sacred Land of Ancient Mythology: A Cultural Journey to Nuwa Palace
Nuwa Palace, located in Handan City, Hebei Province, is one of China's famous Taoist sanctuaries, named after the legendary story of Nuwa mending the sky. Stepping into this mysterious ancient temple, I felt as if I had traveled back thousands of years to an era where mythology and reality intertwined. This visit to Nuwa Palace deeply impressed upon me the power of ancient Chinese mythology and the reverence people have for the gods of heaven and earth.
Built against the mountain, Nuwa Palace boasts a majestic and unique mountain temple style. As I ascended the steps, the grand Nuwa Hall came into view, housing a statue of Nuwa. The temple's outer walls are adorned with vivid stone carvings that depict the mythological scenes of Nuwa mending the sky and creating humans. Everywhere in the palace are cultural relics related to the legend of Nuwa, making me feel as if I were in the realm of ancient mythology.
What amazed me the most was the natural stone wall behind Nuwa Palace, said to be the sacred site where Nuwa gathered earth to mend the sky. Climbing to the top of the stone wall, I gazed out at the surrounding majestic mountains and vast plains, feeling a sense of openness and tranquility. Standing here, one not only feels the grandeur and beauty of nature but also understands the ancient people's awe and respect for the universe.
Additionally, the Nuwa worship activities within the palace are a major highlight. Local residents come to pray for peace and happiness on specific days, continuing a tradition and faith that has been passed down for thousands of years. This journey was not only a cultural exploration but also a spiritual cleansing, allowing me to re-examine the profound impact of ancient mythology on people's lives.
Overall, Nuwa Palace Scenic Area not only has a rich historical and cultural heritage but also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, making it an ideal tourist destination that combines faith, mythology, and scenic beauty.
achen96
The millennium myth, the mysterious veil of Nuwa Palace!
🌟 In the long river of history, there is a place, it is not only the birthplace of myths, but also the cradle of Chinese civilization. Here, it is Nuwa Palace-a place full of mystery and legend. 🏰
🚀 The origin of the myth It is said that Nuwa Niangniang refined the stone to fill the sky and created human beings here. 🌌 Standing at the foot of Nuwa Palace, it seems to hear the call of ancient times and feel the miracle of creation.
🌿 The harmony of nature and architecture Nuwa Palace is built on the mountain and perfectly blends with the surrounding natural landscape. 🏞️ The trees are shaded, the ancient trees are towering, and every step is a baptism of the soul.
🎨 The treasure of art The murals and carvings of Nuwa Palace are the crystallization of the wisdom of ancient artists. 🖌️ Every mural, every sculpture, tells a touching story.
📚 Cultural inheritance Here, you can experience rich folk culture, taste authentic snacks, and feel the charm of traditional handicrafts. 🍜 Every bite, every eye, is a cultural inheritance.
🌟 The destination of the soul When night falls, the lights of Nuwa Palace light up, like a beacon of history, illuminating the way home. 🏙️ Here, you can put down the hustle and bustle of the world and find the destination of your soul.
📸 The paradise of photography Whether it is the golden light at sunrise or the afterglow at sunset, Nuwa Palace is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 📷 Every press of the shutter is a capture of beauty.
🍃 Nuwa Palace is not just a palace, it is a history, a culture, a legend. 🌉 Come here, start your myth journey and explore the mystery of Chinese civilization.
Mrs. Miracle Legros
A day trip to Nuwa Palace and the 129th Division Site in Handan
On the second day of the May Day holiday, we set off from the city center to Nuwa Palace early in the morning. It took about an hour and a half to reach the parking lot above. The parking lot was full, but there were still many parking spaces in the parking lot below.
We bought parent-child tickets a day in advance, which were 20 yuan cheaper. We scanned the code to enter the scenic area and bought round-trip shuttle buses. It is recommended to take the shuttle bus, because the bus route is the same as the tourist route, which is dangerous. It also saves energy for climbing mountains.
There are horses to ride up the mountain, which is said to cost 100 yuan per person. There are also toboggans and cable cars, but it is said that the cable car does not reach Nuwa Palace and is still quite far away. However, you can see different scenery. We walked up and down the mountain, 40 minutes up, very slow, and down very fast. My husband ran down the mountain in 13 minutes.
There is a stilted building on the top of the mountain, which is said to be hung with two iron chains. There are many people in line, so you can have a look if you are not in a hurry. It is also said that Nuwa Palace is very spiritual, so if you like to worship, you must come, maybe it will come true.
Note that there are dance and lion dance performances in the Grand Plaza at 11:30. We were lucky to see them when we went down the mountain.
After leaving Nuwa Palace, we went to the 129th Division Site. Nuwa Palace, the 129th Division, and the Chishuiwan Ancient Town are all in one area. Especially, the 129th Division is next to the Chishuiwan Ancient Town. If you like ancient towns and have plenty of time, you can visit them together.
We had lunch at a red-themed restaurant and ordered a set meal for 2-3 people, which was very affordable.
NoahFletcher41s
Handan Nuwa Palace Lightning Avoidance Guide! A paradise you won't regret visiting!
On Zhonghuang Mountain in Shexian County, Handan City, lies the ancestral temple of China—Nuwa Palace! This is not only the mythical place where Nuwa 'molded humans from clay and repaired the sky with stones,' but also a sacred place that purifies your soul!
🚗 Transportation is super convenient, whether you drive yourself or take public transport, you can easily reach it. But remember, don't get overcharged for an empty taxi!
🎫 Ticket prices are very affordable, 70 yuan for adults, and only 35 yuan for children/students/elderly, offering great value for money!
🕗 Opening hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM, open all year round, always welcoming your visit!
🏰 The attractions are even more enticing, with the 'hanging temple' wonder of Nuwa Pavilion, the legend of the Dressing Building, and the murals of Chaoyuan Palace, each spot is a perfect place for taking photos!
📸 The tour route is carefully designed, from the mountain gate to the top, every step is a scenery, and every place has a story. Don't forget to leave your footprints in Butian Square and in front of the Nuwa statue!
🌊 The beautiful scenery of Butian Lake makes you feel like you are in a painting. The aquatic plants and cultural landscapes allow you to understand Nuwa culture more deeply.
ANSLEY MCCORMICK
Exploring Ancient Sites: Unveiling Nuwa Palace, the Millennium Myth and Modern Charm of the Ancestral Temple of China
Nuwa Palace is a famous temple located in a place called Zhonghuang Mountain in Shexian County, Hebei Province. It is one of the five important places in our country to commemorate ancestors. The temple is dedicated to Nuwa, a very famous figure in Chinese history and culture. The construction of Nuwa Palace began during the Northern Qi period, and it has a history of more than 1,400 years. This place is said to be where Nuwa mended the sky with stones and created humans with clay, and it is called the 'Ancestral Temple of China.'
Address: Nuwa Palace Scenic Area, Suobao Town, Shexian County, Handan City
Ticket: 70 RMB/person, 10 RMB for the sightseeing bus
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
Transportation: Take the train from Handan Station to Shexian County, then transfer to a taxi to the scenic area, costing about 20 RMB. Alternatively, take bus 812 from Handan city to Shexian New Century, then transfer to bus 301 to reach the scenic area.
Travel Guide
Butian Garden👉Nuwa Culture Park👉Butian Lake👉Stone Archway👉Chaoyuan Palace👉Butian Square👉Nuwa Statue👉Tingcan Palace👉Guangsheng Palace👉Lvxian Temple👉Fengxian Bridge👉Mountain Path (Shuixiu Pavilion-Ming Mountain Pavilion-Wangzhang Pavilion-Yitiao Peak Pavilion)👉Nuwa Pavilion👉Downhill Path (Fengshun Pavilion-Butian Valley-Flower Sea Ladder Sea)👉Northern Qi Stone Carving Exhibition Hall👉Tianyuan Square👉Stone Archway
🔥This scenic area is quite large, but it is not tiring to walk around. There are also fun slides to play on. Even if you are not here to worship or seek blessings, it is still interesting to visit.
NIA BRIGGS
One-day trip to Nuwa Palace for an in-depth tour
💥Chartered car one-day tour guide to Nuwa Palace💥
🌸Dear friends, today we will unlock the mysterious and beautiful Nuwa Palace for a one-day tour! This cultural treasure will definitely make your trip worthwhile!🎉
🏯**Destination Guide**: Nuwa Palace, located in Shexian County, Handan, Hebei, is a long-standing cultural site and the legendary place where the ancient mythological figure Nuwa 'mended the sky with stones and created humans from clay.'
📍**Attraction Guide**: Starting from the entrance, along the winding mountain road, you will be captivated by the ancient architecture and rich cultural atmosphere. Be sure not to miss iconic spots like Nuwa Pavilion, Butian Valley, and Butian Stone, which bear witness to the legendary history of Nuwa Palace.
🚗**Route Guide**: Pick up passengers at 8 AM and head to Nuwa Palace. The tour lasts about 4 hours, and in the afternoon, you can either enjoy free time or visit the nearby food street to taste local specialties.
🍜**Specialty Food**: Be sure to try the local 'Shexian Walnuts' and 'Shexian Peppercorns,' both of which are local specialties with unique flavors that linger on the palate. Additionally, there are delicacies like 'Donkey Meat Sandwich' and 'Tofu Pudding' waiting for you to taste!
💖Come to Nuwa Palace and feel the weight of history and the charm of culture! For more exciting content, remember to check out our homepage!💖
OliverChamberlain59
Handan, the underrated ancient capital of three thousand years
Visiting Handan, you must go to Dawavillage
In summer, the lights in Dawavillage turn on at eight in the evening, and in winter at six.
There is no admission fee, only a parking fee of 10 yuan with no time limit. It’s a very characteristic village, more meaningful than the current ancient towns. Suggested visiting time is 40-60 minutes. The village is not large, and the roads near the mountains are difficult to navigate, with many twists and turns.
The Wa Huang Palace in Handan's Shexian is an hour's drive from Handan. The ticket is 68 yuan, and it is a A-rated scenic area. If you walk the whole way, it takes 2 hours to reach the top. There is a shuttle bus that costs 10 yuan for a one-way trip to the foot of the mountain for climbing, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, which is relatively easy to walk.
Handan's Fengfeng Mining District, there is a saying; 'In the south, there is Jingdezhen, and in the north, there is Cizhou Kiln.' If you have enough time, it is worth a visit. The last picture shows a tea bowl that is purely hand-painted and fired at 398 meters, very characteristic and worth acquiring. It caught my eye at first glance, very nice.
If you want to take photos in Warring States robes, go to Guangfu Ancient Town. The makeup is very cheap. The place we went to is not recommended, 55 yuan for two sets of clothes, the makeup is very rough, completely unnecessary.
Reed Liam$31
The 'Hua Xia Ancestral Temple'—Wa Huang Palace
Wa Huang Palace is located on Zhonghuang Mountain in Shexian County, Handan City, Hebei Province, covering an area of 5 square kilometers. It consists of five parks: the service area, Bution Garden, Bution Lake, Wa Huang Palace, and Bution Valley. It is the place in mythology where the goddess Nüwa 'created humans from clay and mended the sky with stones.' It is the largest and earliest ancient architectural complex in China dedicated to worshiping Nüwa, the progenitor of humanity.
Wa Huang Palace was originally built during the Northern Qi dynasty, initially as a detached palace for Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, Gao Yang. It started with three stone chambers and several carved divine statues. After renovations and expansions over the dynasties, Wa Huang Palace now covers an area of 760,000 square meters. Most of the existing buildings are from the Ming and Qing dynasties, while the Northern Qi relics are limited to grottoes and cliff inscriptions, totaling six parts, which are the earliest and most extensive among China's existing cliff inscriptions.
Every year from the first to the eighteenth day of the third lunar month, the local temple fair and Nüwa worship ceremony take place. During this period, people from all over the country and overseas Chinese come to worship Nüwa, the cultural progenitor of the Huaxia people. It is the largest, earliest, and most influential historical and cultural relic of Nüwa worship in China, known as the 'Hua Xia Ancestral Temple,' and is one of the national ancestral worship sites.
Tour route:
Follow the sequence of Bution Garden, Nüwa Culture Park, Bution Lake, Stone Archway, Chaoyuan Palace, Bution Square, Nüwa Statue, Tingjun Palace, Guangsheng Palace, Lüxian Temple, and Fengxian Bridge.
Ticket price: 70
LEWIS CLARK
This is a guide to a one-day hiking tour of the suspended nine-chain Huaxia ancestral temple
Actually, before going to the Nuwa Palace, I had no idea that this place existed. If it weren't for a fellow traveler constantly recommending it to me, I probably wouldn't have gone there. In my mind, Nuwa has always been a mythological figure, and I never expected that there would be a real place corresponding to this legend.
The legend of Nuwa is almost universally known; she 'melted five-colored stones to repair the sky, and cut off the giant turtle's legs to establish the four corners of the world,' and her image of saving the world and benefiting all living beings has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts. The Nuwa Palace is the place where, according to legend, Nuwa 'created humans from clay and repaired the sky with stones.' It is also the largest and earliest architectural complex in China dedicated to worshipping Nuwa, the progenitor of humanity.
Of course, the earliest Nuwa Palace actually had little to do with Nuwa herself. It was built during the Northern Qi dynasty as a detached palace by Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, Gao Yang, and has been repaired and expanded over successive dynasties. The current buildings are mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with only the grottoes and cliff carvings remaining from the Northern Qi period.
🕳️ Pitfalls to avoid:
The Nuwa Palace scenic area is quite large, but half a day is enough. Be aware of the pitfalls, especially the sightseeing cars and cable cars; it's actually better to walk. It takes about half an hour to walk from the entrance of the scenic area to the foot of the Nuwa Palace mountain. If you are with the elderly or children, it is recommended to take the sightseeing car directly, as this stretch is quite taxing and there's not much to see along the way, it's purely to sell sightseeing car tickets.
The cable car is also quite superfluous. The cable car's end point is another mountain peak, and it takes about the same time, around half an hour, to walk from the cable car station to the Nuwa Pavilion on the mountain as it does from the foot of the mountain. Of course, if you are with the elderly or children, it is still recommended to take the cable car. The distance is longer, but it's less climbing. If you are young, there's no need to waste the money.
🔀 Route:
Entrance - Butian Lake - Stone Archway - Chaoyuan Palace - Tingchai Palace - Guangsheng Palace - Northern Qi Stone Carving Exhibition Hall - Nuwa Statue - Mountain Trail to Nuwa Palace - Mountain Trail down - Stone Archway
❗ If you're short on time, it's recommended to just take the mountain trail up and back. The trail down the mountain goes around Butian Valley and will take at least an extra hour.
⭐ Highlights:
The nationally protected Nuwa Palace and its stone carvings actually consist of four groups of buildings. In addition, the Northern Qi Stone Carving Exhibition Hall is also worth a visit.
✅ Nuwa Pavilion: The main building of the Nuwa Palace, with its nine chains hanging in the air as a major highlight. More details in the next article.
✅ Chaoyuan Palace: Originally built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, what you see today is a reconstruction from 1990, built in the style of the Qing dynasty. Entering the palace, you are surrounded by Buddhist culture, while the backyard is filled with folk Taoist deities.
✅ Tingchai Palace: A quaint courtyard that requires climbing steep stairs to enter, the main hall's statue of Nuwa is dignified and composed. On the walls on both sides, there are Qing dynasty murals 'Nuwa Leaving the Palace for an Inspection Tour' and 'Nuwa Returning to the Palace.'
✅ Guangsheng Palace: The largest and oldest group of ancient buildings at the foot of the mountain, the main hall not only has vivid clay figures but also a large mural of 'hundreds of children and thousands of grandchildren,' a place for praying for offspring in mythological legends.
🎫 Tickets:
🔸 Scenic area ticket 70 yuan, 60 yuan if booked online one day in advance
🔸 Sightseeing car from the mountain gate to the foot of Nuwa Palace 10 yuan one way
🔸 Nuwa Palace cable car 40 yuan one way, 70 yuan round trip
caeryn_6476
The millennia-old Huaxian Palace stands picturesquely atop a cliff
✅Must Experience: Huaxian Palace
- Best time to visit: From the first to the fifteenth day of the third lunar month each year, during which the Huaxian Palace Temple Fair is held, making it quite lively.
- Cliffside Inscriptions: The inscriptions begin at the entrance to the mountain gate and extend all the way to the Huaxian Pavilion, comprising six scriptures with a total of 137,000 characters, embodying the essence of the ancient Huaxian relics.
- Northern Qi Grottoes: The Buddha statues inside are incomplete, but the cliffside carvings are well-preserved.
- Huaxian Pavilion: This palace is connected to the mountain by nine iron chains and is known as 'one of the top ten ancient architectural wonders of Hebei'.
🍽Dining Recommendations:
She County offers many delicacies, such as She County minced chicken, She County pepper sprout vegetables, and minced cotton soup.
🌟Highlights and Features:
In that mysterious and ancient place, there is a solemn and sacred palace—Nuwa Palace.
Nuwa Palace, as if a witness to time, bears the history and legends of a thousand years. It stands quietly there, exuding a peaceful and mysterious aura.
Entering the Nuwa Palace is like stepping into an ancient legend. The architectural style of the palace is elegant and dignified, with every detail reflecting the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancients.
Inside the palace, the great statue of the goddess Nuwa is enshrined. Her face is kind and majestic, as if silently protecting the people of this land.
Here, you can feel a tranquil and sacred atmosphere. It's as if time has frozen, immersing one in the ancient history and culture.
Nuwa Palace is not just a building; it is also a spiritual haven, carrying people's aspirations and hopes for a better life.
It reminds us of Nuwa's great achievements and allows us to feel the long history and splendid culture of the Chinese nation.
Let us step into the Nuwa Palace, experience its mystery and solemnity, and appreciate the ancient charm of the Chinese nation.
JAMES PIERCE
Under the spring temple fair, the Wa Huang Palace is crowded with people
Climbing to the top of Wa Huang Pavilion, one can experience the magic of the 'living building hanging temple'.
Deep in the Taihang Mountains, surrounded by mountains and water, there is an ancient relic hanging on almost vertical cliffs by several iron chains. It seems to be teetering, but in fact, it has stood for a thousand years. This is the Wa Huang Palace.
With the arrival of the rejuvenating spring season, Wa Huang Palace also welcomes its annual grand temple fair. Amidst the greenery and the blooming flowers, the sound of gongs and drums fills the air. The temple fair activities start from the first day of March and continue until the fifteenth. On the first day of March, Wa Huang Palace is packed with people and the incense is strong. This day is like a festival. In addition to local societies from Xie County, people who worship Mazu from surrounding areas including Changzhi, Yuci, and even Zhangzhou and Xiamen also come to Wa Huang Palace to participate in the Shangshe festival. This large-scale worship of the goddess Nüwa is also a traditional intangible cultural heritage.
Following the Shangshe procession up the mountain, the green branches are adorned with red ribbons, which are the hopes left by each person who climbs the mountain to pray for blessings.
Upon reaching the top of Wa Huang Palace, we can see Wa Huang Pavilion. The pavilion was built during the Northern Qi dynasty and is the main structure of Wa Huang Palace. The entire building hangs on the cliff, supported only by nine iron chains connected to the cliff face. The columns of the first floor are deeply embedded in the mountain cliff, ensuring a solid foundation; there is a gap between the second-floor pavilion and the mountain cliff; the third-floor pavilion is connected to the mountain cliff by iron chains. When the building encounters external forces, the foundation becomes unstable, the building shakes, and the nine iron chains immediately tense up, stabilizing the building. Therefore, it is also known as the 'living building hanging temple'.
Wa Huang Pavilion has withstood countless geological disasters and remains standing, a testament to the superb and bold architectural skills that bear witness to the resilience and heritage of Chinese civilization.
PEARL MORALES
Come to the Disney Fantasy World Concert and check in at Handan along the way
Date: 2024.01.26 Friday 19:30
Venue: Handan Grand Theater
The Disney Fantasy World Concert that children love is coming! If you have nothing to do during the winter vacation, why not take your children to experience the wonderful world on site! When you come to Handan, take the opportunity to check in at the local attractions in Handan!
1. Guangfu Ancient City
Guangfu Ancient City, also known as Yongnian City, is located on the northeast side of Handan City, Hebei Province, about 20 kilometers away from the downtown area of Handan, and is a famous ancient city with a history of more than 2600 years. The current ancient city architecture was mainly built during the Ming Dynasty, well-preserved, with a simple and grand style, and the ancient city is surrounded by water, with beautiful reed marshes and lotus ponds, making it a true northern water city. Visitors can visit ancient buildings, explore the former residences of famous people, and take pictures of the city walls surrounded by lakes, making it a great place to visit the past and play around Handan.
2. Wa Huang Palace
Wa Huang Palace is located on the northeast side of Suobao Town, Handan County, about 11 kilometers away from the county town of She County, and is the earliest and largest ancient architectural complex in China dedicated to the worship of the goddess Nüwa. Wa Huang Palace was built during the Northern and Southern Dynasties in the Northern Qi period, and is built hanging on the mountainside of Tangwang Mountain on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains, and the architectural complex has been expanded and renovated over the dynasties, making it magnificent and spectacular. The current Wa Huang Palace mainly consists of Ming and Qing architecture, but there are also Northern Qi cliff carvings and grotto relics, which are very worth visiting.
3. Handan Fantawild Guose Tianxiang
Handan Fantawild Guose Tianxiang Theme Park is based on Chinese historical civilization and Handan's historical and regional culture, innovatively displaying idiom culture, mythology culture, Handan historical culture, traditional art culture, folk customs culture, and other cultural features, using high-tech forms of expression as a means, and comprehensively using sound, light, electricity, digital technology, and other technologies to integrate cultural dissemination with interactive experience.
NoraButler.57
The ancient city of a thousand years—Handan
Handan is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province, located in the southern part of Hebei Province. It is a national historical and cultural city, an excellent tourism city in China, a national garden city, a national model city for supporting the military, and the capital of Chinese idiomatic expressions. As of July 2023, Handan administers 6 districts, 11 counties, and 1 county-level city. Some introductions are as follows:
- Historical Culture: Handan is an ancient city with a history of nearly three thousand years and was the capital of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period. It is the birthplace and growth place of Qin Shi Huang, and also the site of the story 'Learning to Walk in Handan' from the Warring States period.
- Tourism Resources: Handan boasts numerous scenic spots, such as Huiche Alley, Xuebu Bridge, and Congtai Park. Among them, the Wahuang Palace in She County is known as the 'Ancestral Temple of China' and is the largest and earliest ancient building dedicated to the worship of the ancient goddess Nüwa in China.
- Economic Development: Handan is a heavy industrial city dominated by steel, coal, electricity, and building materials. It has large steel enterprises such as Handan Iron and Steel and Tiangang, and is also one of China's important cotton-producing areas and textile bases.
- Transportation: Handan is the only mega-city at the junction of four provinces, bordering Shanxi, Shandong, and Henan provinces. It is an important transportation hub in North China, with complete transportation facilities including railways, highways, and aviation.
/Levi.Myers-56
Handan
Handan is a big city, which existed more than 3100 years ago.
During the Warring States Period (403 BC - 222 BC), it was the capital of the Zhao State, lasting for as long as 158 years.
Handan is also quite impressive in that it has given birth to nearly 1600 idioms, making it the true 'Capital of Idioms' in China.
So, the first thing to do when you get to Handan is to learn, learn, and learn again. If you don't learn, you might not be able to walk, dream, or even dress.
Such important things, we must note down:
1⃣📌Dream: When in Handan, it doesn't matter if you don't have a yellow beam, dreaming is a must. Otherwise, the trip would be in vain.
2⃣📌Learn to walk: In Handan, if you don't learn to walk, you're done for. The road is long and the horse is strong, walking depends on learning. If you don't learn, you're done for.
3⃣📌Learn to dress: In Handan, you have to learn to dress. If you don't wear Hu clothes, how can you rise? Wearing Hu clothes, eating Hu meals, speaking Hu language, only when you have mastered the 'Three Hus', can you ascend to the Western Paradise. If you can't master it, you're really done for!
Ophelia_Blackwooden-66
Wa Huang Palace
Wa Huang Palace Scenic Area is located in the Zhonghuang Mountain of Suobao Town, Shexian County, Hebei Province. It is said to be the place where Nuwa created humans from clay and mended the sky with stones. It is a key national cultural relic protection unit, a national scenic spot, a national AAAAA level scenic spot, and one of the five major ancestral worship sites in China. It is the largest Nuwa worship site in China and is known as the "Ancestral Temple of China". Wa Huang Palace was founded in the Han Dynasty with three temples, and now there are ancient sites such as the Northern Qi stone carvings, Tang Dynasty inscriptions, Song Dynasty brick walls, Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, etc. There are natural landscapes such as forests, valleys, gardens, and water systems. Among them, the Northern Qi cliff carvings, the main building Wa Huang Pavilion, and the Nuwa Festival are the three essences of the scenic area, known as the "First Wall Sutra Group in the World", "Living Building Hanging Temple", and "National Intangible Cultural Heritage" at home and abroad. It is an important base for studying the root culture of our country. The Nuwa Festival is the longest, largest, and most influential festival in China to worship Nuwa. It is listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage. During the temple fair in March of the lunar calendar, people from all over the country and overseas Chinese come to worship the cultural ancestors of the Chinese nation, so Wa Huang Palace has become one of the national ancestral worship sites, known as the "Ancestral Temple of China".
Wa Huang Palace architecture is known as the "Living Building Hanging Temple", it is the largest and earliest ancient architectural complex for worshipping Nuwa in the country. The architectural style is based on cliffs and caves, and it is built according to the mountain situation, using the principle of high-rise building center of gravity deviation safety rate, integrating cultural heritage and ancient architectural wonders.
The Northern Qi cliff carving sutra is the oldest and most valuable cultural relic in Shexian Wa Huang Palace. It is known as the "First Wall Sutra Group in the World". It is the place with the most words in the existing cliff carving sutras in China. The cliff carving sutra covers 165 square meters (a total of 137,400 words), which has a history of more than 1400 years. It is a priceless treasure in our Buddhist scriptures.
NomadVibes
Off-the-beaten-path recommendation | The temple where Nüwa repaired the sky and created humans, suspended by iron chains on the edge of a cliff.
You can't imagine that there is such a niche place, which is the place where the mythological story of Nüwa mending the sky and creating humans took place. What's even more magical is that on the halfway up the cliff, there is a temple that is over 1400 years old. This temple is only connected to the mountain by 9 iron chains. It is breathtaking from afar and amazing up close, which is truly astonishing. This is the Nüwa Palace in Handan.
💫About the Palace of Empress Wa
Wahuang Palace is one of the five national holy sites for ancestor worship, and is the largest and most influential historical and cultural relic for worshipping Nüwa, with the title of "Ancestral Temple of Huaxia". It was first built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and has a history of more than 1400 years. It is the place where the mythical figure Nüwa repaired the sky with stones and created humans from clay.
🌠Recommended highlights
🔸Palace of Empress Wa
The most exquisite part of the Palace of Empress Wa‼️ The Palace of Empress Wa is located on the steep mountain slope and dangerous terrain, resembling a grand armchair from afar. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the Azure Dragon on the left and the White Tiger on the right. Below the mountain is the Zhang River, which is very spectacular.
👉Features:
-Has a history of over 1400 years.
-Connected to the mountain only by 9 iron chains.
On the halfway up the cliff, hanging there are the "Hanging Temple" and the "Activity Building".
⛰️How to get there❓
From the entrance of the scenic area, take the sightseeing electric car to the square. The one-way fare for the sightseeing electric car is 10 yuan/person, and the round-trip fare is 20 yuan/person. It is recommended to take it. Then, climb up to the Wa Huang Palace on the half-mountain from the square in the following way:
1. Hiking and mountain climbing
Seemingly high, but actually doesn't require a long climb. It's recommended to choose mountain climbing as long as your knees are okay. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, and it's not very tiring. If it's a holiday or peak season with many people, it's better to choose hiking, which will be faster.
2. Cable car + hiking
Cable car one-way ticket costs 40 yuan/person. Take the cable car from the drop-off point of the sightseeing electric car, and then walk for another 20 minutes. The path is mostly flat, with stairs only towards the end. This is suitable for those who are older or have knee problems and cannot walk up stairs. However, taking the cable car does not mean less walking or saving time. On the contrary, it may waste more time.
If it's a holiday or peak season with lots of people, don't choose the cable car. You'll queue until you break down, so it's better to hike up the mountain.
3. Sightseeing sled.
Often closed, if open, you can choose to slide down the mountain with less effort.
‼️In short, it is recommended to take the sightseeing bus back and forth when entering the gate, unless you have knee problems and cannot climb stairs. Cable car is not recommended. It is suggested to hike up and down the mountain, which is not very high.
🔸Heavenly Square
Here you can see the statue of Nüwa and the majestic Nüwa Palace on the tall and steep mountain behind it. It is a spectacular and breathtaking location for photography.
❤️Small tips:
Here are many selling prayer gourds (small gourd for 15 yuan, big gourd for 20 yuan) and small stone lucky bags (two stones for 10 yuan).
🚘Transportation guide
From the city center of Handan, you can choose to drive, charter a car, take public transportation and then take a taxi to get to the Wa Huang Palace.
1. Self-driving:
From the city center of Handan, it's about 100 kilometers to the Wa Huang Palace. You can take National Highway 309 or the Qinglan Expressway. There are quite a few large trucks on the road, but there are plenty of parking spaces in the scenic area.
2. Charter:
For renting a car in Handan, the price is around 300 yuan per day. Taking a ride on a ride-sharing platform costs a little over 100 yuan, but sometimes the driver may ask for an extra 50 yuan, and there aren't many ride-sharing options, so it's luck-based.
3. Public transportation + taxi:
Take a train from Handan Station to Shexian, then take a taxi to the scenic area for about 20 yuan.
💰Admission ticket
Scenic area ticket is 70 yuan, platform discount ticket is 60 yuan, sightseeing bus one-way ticket is 10 yuan/person, cable car one-way ticket is 40 yuan/person.
❤️Money-saving tip: Buy a ticket for Handan scenic area one day in advance, which includes Wa Huang Palace. You can break even by visiting just one attraction, and also visit other attractions in Handan (such as Nangongshan, Jingniang Lake, Guangfu Ancient Town, etc.), which is very cost-effective.