[2025 Hunyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Yong'an Temple (Updated Apr)

Datong is definitely a treasure city with delicious food, fun activities, and great shopping. If you don't visit Datong in your lifetime, you'll truly miss out. As a tourist, an overly in-depth experience might not be realistic, but trust me, you need at least three days in Datong to even scratch the surface. First thing in the morning on Day 1, visit Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple in the ancient city. The morning sunlight is ideal for appreciating the murals and statues. At these two locations, you can see the grand Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture, exquisite ancient statues, and contemporary mural masterpieces. After visiting these two places, it'll likely be noon. Grab a quick lunch and head to the Yungang Grottoes. Make sure to hire a guide there. You don't need an expensive one; the basic price is sufficient. Time flies at Yungang, and before you know it, it'll be closing time. On Day 2, visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Hanging Temple in the south. These two locations and Datong form a triangle shape, each over an hour's drive away. Even without queuing, a day trip will be quite rushed. No need to elaborate on the major attractions, but remember not to miss the nearby Jingtu Temple and Yong'an Temple. One boasts a celestial palace ceiling, and the other has stunning murals, both national treasures. Day 3 is for catching up on anything you missed. Since you've visited the most famous attractions in the first two days, the last day can be spent exploring museums. The Datong City Museum and the Mingtang are quite unique, and a morning should be enough to see them. Depending on your energy levels, you can spend the remaining half-day exploring other cultural attractions within the city. Three days in Datong is quite tight and intense, and you'll be exhausted afterward. But considering what you'll have seen, it's definitely worth it. Finally, I recommend renting a car or hiring a car service in Datong. Although it's a bit more expensive, it saves a lot of time, which is invaluable.

| Yong'an Temple and Yuanjue Temple, a journey of exploration of the thousand-year-old ancient charm. Hunyuan, Shanxi | Yong'an Temple + Yuanjue Temple, a journey through ancient buildings and murals that span thousands of years Today, I will take you to unlock a super niche treasure travel destination - Hunyuan, Shanxi! Here you can find not only Mount Hengshan and the Hanging Temple, but also two low-key but stunning ancient temples: Yong'an Temple and Yuanjue Temple! Here is a super detailed guide for everyone📋 Yong'an Temple 📍Address: Located in Hunyuan County (enter the ancient city from the Drum Tower and walk straight to the end for 5 minutes) 🎫Tickets: 20 yuan, can be purchased on site or on the "Hengshan Scenic Area" official account 🕙Opening hours: 8:00 - 18:00 🚗Transportation: Take a taxi from Hunyuan Bus Station for about 10 minutes Historical background Yong'an Temple, called "Big Temple" by locals, was first built in the Jin Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty. It is an ancient temple that combines three religions. As soon as I entered the door, I was shocked by the magnificent hip-and-gable building! The yellow glazed tiles on the roof sparkle in the sun, it's breathtakingly beautiful! ✨ The most amazing thing is the Ming Dynasty murals in the main hall, 135 groups of 895 figures, every stroke is so delicate that it is amazing! Especially the one with green face, red hair, three heads and six arms, tiger-clothed Acala, who uses his hands to pull open his mask to reveal his true self, the visual impact is full! 👀 There is also the caisson of the heavenly palace pavilion above your head, which is gorgeous in the darkness, as if you have traveled through the world of ancient mythology! Main highlights * The Dharma-Transmitting Hall: Known as the "First Dharma-Transmitting Hall in China", it was rebuilt in the second year of Yuan Yanyou (1315) and has a history of more than 700 years. The hall is five bays wide and three bays deep, with a single-eaved hip roof and glazed tile decoration. It adopts the typical Yuan Dynasty method of reducing columns and has a unique architectural style. * National Treasure Murals: The south, east and west walls of the main hall are covered with huge water and land murals, covering an area of ​​about 180 square meters, with 882 water and land figures painted on them, which can be called "the complete image of ancient Chinese religious figures." The mural is divided into three layers, consisting of small squares. Each small square represents a story, and together they form the "Water and Land Dharma Assembly Picture." * North wall: "The Picture of the Vidyarajas Dhamma Performing the Dharma". The Ten Vidyarajas are the wrathful bodies of ten Buddhas. The most popular among them is Acala (called "Face-Torn Vidyaraja" by netizens), who is the wrathful body of Vairocana Buddha. He tears off his face with his hands to reveal his compassionate true face. He is the only Vidyaraja who teaches sentient beings with his original appearance. * East and southeast walls: The upper layer is the Bodhisattva Tsangpa, leading the celestial beings; the middle layer is the Emperor of Beiji Ziwei, leading the star gods; the lower layer is the Bodhisattva Mahakala, leading the Asura realm. * West and southwest walls: The upper layer is the Five Sacred Emperors, the Four Dragon Kings, etc.; the middle layer is the Ten Kings of Hell and the officials of the underworld; the lower layer is a group of images of evil spirits who died in human life due to natural disasters or man-made calamities. * Caisson: The octagonal caisson in the heavenly palace is exquisitely crafted and worth a closer look. * Large characters + plaque on the outer wall of the main hall: It is rare to see large characters written on the outer wall of the main hall of a temple. The front exterior wall is engraved with the characters "Zhuang" and "Yan", which are 3.8 meters high; the back wall is engraved with the characters "Tiger", "Xiao", "Dragon" and "Yin", which are majestic and imposing. The plaque hanging in the middle was originally written by the monk Xue'an in the early Yuan Dynasty (specially for plaques in the Yuan Dynasty imperial palace), and it is now a replica. The two characters "Zhuangyan" on both sides were written by the temple's abbot, Monk Yuexi, and have a signature and seal. 📸 Note on photography: You can take photos of the murals on site, but you cannot use flash. The light inside is dim, and the small murals on the east and west walls cannot be seen clearly from a distance or photographed clearly. There are replicas of paintings in the side halls on both sides, and you can go there to take pictures of the details. Yuanjue Temple Yuanjue Temple, commonly known as the "small temple", is small in size, but its Jin Dynasty brick tower with dense eaves is definitely the centerpiece! The tower is 32 meters high and the tower body is exquisitely carved, especially the iron phoenix weather vane on the top of the tower, which has been turning with the wind for nearly a thousand years. It is simply ancient black technology! In the evening, the setting sun shines on the tower, and the overlapping eaves look like layers of bouquets, as beautiful as a painting! There are 72 wind chimes on the tower. The breeze blows and the bells sound crisply, as if telling a thousand-year story~ 📍Address: Right next to Yong'an Temple 🎫Tickets: Free 🕙Opening hours: 8:30 - 11:50, 14:30 - 17:30 🚗Transportation: Just walk from Yong'an Temple 💡 Tips for playing * It is recommended to go to Yong'an Temple in the morning to slowly appreciate the architecture and murals, and go to Yuanjue Temple in the afternoon. * Please allow at least 1 hour to visit Yongan Temple to fully appreciate its charm.

Speaking of Hunyuan Most people don't know However, the northernmost mountain, Hengshan, 3 kilometers away from the county seat, is very famous. Little did they know There are 7 national key cultural relics protection sites in Hunyuan County. As well as folk stories and the famous Hunyuan jelly 1️⃣The Hanging Temple, an exquisite temple hanging on a cliff. 2️⃣ Yong'an Temple, which has a spectacular single-eaved hip-roofed wooden structure and Yuan Dynasty murals. 3️⃣Yuanjue Temple, a Jin Dynasty dense-eaves tower, is a brick-built imitation wood structure with great artistic value. 4️⃣ Li Yumei’s Tomb, the ancient “River God”, is a cemetery to commemorate heroes and remember the martyrs. 5️⃣Dayun Temple: A quiet Buddhist holy place that purifies the soul. 6️⃣Lülü Temple: A place for ancient sacrificial music, where you can feel the charm of ancient culture. 7️⃣ Confucian Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Confucius, where you can experience Confucian culture. ✔️Lülü Temple and Dayun Temple are far from Hunyuan County and most of them are closed. Hunyuan 1-day tour: Depart from Datong to Hunyuan in the morning, visit the Hanging Temple and Hengshan in the morning, Yong'an Temple, Yuanjue Temple, Confucian Temple in the afternoon, and return to Datong Summary: Hunyuan is magnetic because it has Hengshan Mountain, ancient buildings, beauties, and young wife jelly...

Yong'an Zen Temple was built in the Jin Dynasty and was rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty after being destroyed by fire. The "Chuanfa Zhengzong Hall" is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty, and other buildings such as the mountain gate, Dharma Protector Hall, and east and west side halls were all constructed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The glazed architecture on the main ridge of the Shanmen Hall is very special and is said to be related to the Nestorianism that was popular during the Yuan Dynasty. The Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall is the main hall with a single-eaved hip roof. On the front, there are two big characters "Zhuang" and "Yan" written in vigorous and powerful style. If you go around to the back, you can see four big characters "Tiger Roar and Dragon Roar" on the back, which is very beautiful. There are huge characters written on the outer wall of the Buddhist temple, which is rare in Buddhist temple architecture. The Buddha statues in the main hall are no longer there, but you can see some wonderful Yuan Dynasty murals and gorgeous double caissons. The mural covers an area of ​​more than 180 square meters, with 882 water and land figures and 135 groups of water and land stories. The figures are portrayed in detail and their expressions are lifelike, especially the portraits of the Ten Great Vidyarajas on the north wall, among which the Acalanatha with a torn face is the most representative. The mural is divided into three layers: upper, middle and lower. It includes eight parts, such as "Ming Wang Yan Fa" and "Hua Sheng Tian Dao", in which various gods are classified and grouped, and the name of the god is listed in the upper corner of each group. These murals feature Buddhas and Bodhisattvas worshipped by Buddhism, immortal officials, star gods and gods worshipped by Taoism, as well as typical figures of loyalty, filial piety, chastity and righteousness in Confucian ethics. It can be said to be a "comprehensive image collection of ancient Chinese religious figures." The characters in the painting use their lively and natural expressions and behaviors to harmoniously integrate the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, and can be said to be the culmination of Chinese religious gods. After viewing the murals, don’t forget to look up at the top. There is a caisson in the style of a palace in the center of the room, which is a relic from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The rest of the room is exposed to the sky. In the center of the caisson is two dragons playing with a pearl, and all around it are patterns of peonies and auspicious clouds. There are heavenly pavilions on both sides, with many Buddha statues painted in the pavilions, which are the ten Buddhas who subdue demons. The paintings are delicate and the shapes are exquisite. The beams are also covered with colorful paintings of clouds, dragons, flowers and plants, which is very gorgeous.

Hunyuan Yong'an Temple was built in the Jin dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan dynasty. The murals of the ten great kings on the north wall of the Hall of Dharma Transmission represent the high level of Buddhist painting in the Yuan dynasty. The entire north wall is covered with murals of Tibetan Buddhism, and the statues of the ten great kings, whether in color, line, or expression, give me a sense of soul-cleansing. The murals on the east, west, and south walls are murals of the Water and Land Dojo, which combine the contents of Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Taoism, reflecting the ethnic integration and multi-faceted beliefs of the time. The north wall has a door in the middle, with ten great kings painted on the left and right walls, five on each side, riding dragons, lions, elephants, oxen, tigers, phoenixes, and dragons, holding weapons and treasures, each with two little ghosts pulling them. The kings are all angry, with their hair standing up, angry eyes, and fangs, with their original images painted inside the round light on top of their heads. On the east side of the north wall, starting from the west: the first king has a green face and red hair, three heads and eight arms, with a sword in each of his upper hands, his hands clasped in front of his chest, his middle hands pulling open his face to reveal his original face, his lower left hand holding a wheel of law, and his mount is a tiger; the second king has a black face and black hair, with three skulls on his forehead, three heads and six arms, and his mount is a white elephant, which should be the king of the steps transformed by Samantabhadra; the third king has a red face and black hair, with a Buddha's head on his forehead; the fourth king has a blue face and red hair, and his mount is a dragon; the fifth king has a red face and black hair. On the west side of the north wall, starting from the east: the first king has a black face and black hair, with a Buddha's head on his forehead, and his mount is an ox; the second king has a red face and black hair, with three eyes, three heads, and eight arms; the third king has a blue-white face and red hair; the fourth king has a black face and black hair, and his mount is a dragon; the fifth king has a black face and black hair, with a Buddha's head on his forehead, three heads and six arms, with a sword in his upper left hand, a scroll in his upper right hand, his hands clasped in front of his chest, his lower left hand holding a green bird, his lower right hand holding something in his palm, and his mount is a divine beast. The first king on the west side of the east wall, tearing open his hideous face to reveal the face of a Bodhisattva, is the most recognizable and artistically creative painting in Yong'an Temple - the "Face-Tearing King", which has become a symbol of Yong'an Temple with its bizarre shape and mysterious image, and has become an internet sensation in the era of traffic.

Hunyuan, a county that guards Mount Heng, the Northern Mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China, has a cultural heritage that is no less than that of the cities under the other four mountains. The mysterious and wild Ming Dynasty murals of the Ten Great Kings of Esoteric Buddhism in Yong'an Temple have become a symbol of Hunyuan with their stunning forms. The Temple of the True Dharma is a model of Yuan Dynasty architecture, with a magnificent atmosphere, while the rest of the temple is a relic of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple is not large, but it is well laid out and complements the majestic Mount Heng. In addition to the architecture, the Ming and Qing murals of Yong'an Temple are another reason why it attracts visitors. Among the Ten Great Kings of the murals, one of them is particularly noteworthy, the Great King of Immovable Wisdom, also known as the "Face-Tearing King," is the image ambassador of Yong'an Temple. Another peculiar feature of the Temple of the True Dharma is the two characters "Zhuang Yan" (meaning "solemn") written on the wall, which are majestic and powerful. On the back of the hall, there is also a wall with the words "Tiger Roaring and Dragon Singing," which is equally magnificent. These six words are recessed into the brick wall, but visually they appear to be protruding, which is amazing.

Hunyuan Yong'an Temple, also known as Yong'an Zen Temple, is located in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. It was first built in the Jin Dynasty, but was later destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in the early Yuan Dynasty by Gao Ding, the military governor of Yong'an, and his son, who were both from Hunyuan. Yong'an Temple faces south and has two courtyards. The temple is large in scale. There are many cultural relics and buildings in the temple, among which the Hall of the True Dharma is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty. The hall is five rooms wide and three rooms deep, with a single-eave hipped roof and glazed tiles. The murals of the Yuan Dynasty in the hall are the essence of the temple. The murals cover an area of about 180 square meters and depict 882 water and land figures in 135 groups of water and land stories. The figures in the murals are depicted in detail, with vivid expressions, including "Ming Wang Preaching the Dharma" and "Rebirth in Heaven." These murals include not only Buddhas and Bodhisattvas worshipped by Buddhists, but also Taoist deities and Confucian figures of loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness, making them a "complete collection of ancient Chinese religious figures."

- Yuanjue Temple, Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province: - History: Built by monk Xuanzhen in the third year of Jin Zhenglong (1158), it is a key cultural relic protection unit in Shanxi Province. - Architecture: Originally, it was a group of ancient buildings centered on the tower, including the main hall, east and west side halls, mountain gate, west wing hall, etc. However, when the Japanese invaded in the 1930s, the wooden structures in the temple were destroyed, and now only the brick tower remains. The brick tower is octagonal in plan, with nine floors and dense eaves. It is made entirely of bricks and has no stairs to climb. The base of the tower is a 4-meter-high Sumeru pedestal, on which are carved patterns of lotus, Vajra, and Vajra. On the top of the tower stands an exquisitely shaped iron phoenix (migratory bird), with its head facing west. It can rotate with the wind, serving as both a weather vane and a lightning protector. - Yong'an Temple faces southeast and sits northwest. It has two courtyards, 52 meters wide from east to west and 124 meters deep from south to north, covering an area of ​​6,450 square meters. - Yong'an Temple was founded in the Jin Dynasty. After many years of development, it has become a comprehensive ancient temple historical and cultural heritage that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism as well as rich folk beliefs and cultural connotations. It has accumulated the historical trajectory of the evolution of local social concepts and culture in different historical periods. - Although the Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall has undergone many repairs and protections, it still completely preserves its original structure, architectural style, material technology and unique construction techniques. It is an important classic example for studying the history of early wooden construction technology in northern Shanxi Province, China, and has important historical value in the history of Chinese architecture.

On the fifth self-driving trip to Shanxi during the National Day holiday, Day 1, first stop: Yong'an Zen Temple, Hunyuan, Datong. The Jingwei Expressway crosses the Ling Mountain to Hunyuan, and the snow is like grains of rice along the way, covering the sky and the ground as if it were winter, see picture 2. 🌺 Yong'an Zen Temple. The highlight here is the Yuan Dynasty murals in the Dharma Transmission Hall: The ten great Ming kings on the front, and the water and land Dharma assembly on both sides. Especially picture 1, which is the most famous; Picture 3 is also talked about, and the eyes of the mount are bright even in the dark hall~ The effect of adding shell powder to the pigment. 🌺

Yong'an Temple is located in the north lane of the Drum Tower in the northeast of Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. Yong'an Temple was first built in the Jin Dynasty and was later destroyed by fire. In the second year of Yuan Yan (1315), Yong'an Temple was rebuilt. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Yong'an Temple was repaired many times. Yong'an Temple faces south with its back to the north. Along the central axis are the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Dharma Orthodox Hall. The east and west side halls include the Guanyin Hall, the Jialan Hall, the Damo Hall, the Thunder God Hall, and the Guandi Hall. The main hall of Yong'an Temple is the Dharma Orthodox Hall. There are murals of the Ten Great Ming Kings on the walls of the hall. Each one is lifelike, as if it is about to come out of the wall. The Water and Land Dharma Assembly is another highlight. This is the most grand Buddhist event in Buddhism, used to transcend the spirits and benefit all ghosts and gods on land and water. Looking at this painting, it seems to feel the solemnity and sacredness. On June 25, 2001, Yong'an Temple was announced by the State Council as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

Yong'an Temple was built in the Jin Dynasty. The current main hall is a Yuan Dynasty building. The main hall of the temple retains the Yuan Dynasty murals, wooden structures (bucket arches, eaves), caissons and Yuan Dynasty calligraphy fonts. The mysterious and wild murals of the ten Ming kings of Ming Dynasty esotericism in Yong'an Zen Temple have almost become a symbol of Hunyuan with their shocking shapes. The main hall uses yellow glazed tiles with Shanxi characteristics and a green glazed roof. A similar style can also be seen in the ancient buildings in Jiexiu, Shanxi. In ancient times, yellow was used by the royal family, so some experts speculate that Yong'an Temple was originally a royal building. The decorations on the eaves are very rich in auspicious animals, and you can feel the evolution of ancient Chinese architecture. The building uses the column reduction method, thus retaining more space. Above the main hall, the Tiangong pavilion decoration supported by large pillars and the algae-green caisson of the Yuan Dynasty are preserved, which looks simple and natural. The east and west sides of the main hall are the Water and Land Dharma Assembly of the Ming Dynasty. Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism were integrated into one hall. The picture is divided into three floors: upper, middle and lower, with characters in different postures. It can be said that he is a master of religious paintings. In the main hall in the north are the ten great kings of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism (the incarnation of the Buddha's anger and the three poisons that shock the three realms). The characters tore off the painting to reveal a compassionate face. This is the only one in the temple where the true face of the Buddha can be seen. During the Yuan Dynasty, ethnic groups merged and became more open to religion. It can be said that Yong'an Temple is no longer a religious place. It has both the statue of King Ming of Esoteric Buddhism, Confucianism and Confucianism, and even the tablet of the Jade Emperor written on the glazed ridge in the middle of the roof, "The true ruler of all spirits in the ten directions and the three realms of heaven and earth." Isolated case nationwide.

Shanxi Datong | Take you into the world of immortals and Buddhas of the Yuan Dynasty This is Hunyuan Yong'an Zen Temple Don't blink In just one second, you can enter the world of immortals and Buddhas of the Yuan Dynasty Intricate and exquisite murals of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly (It is said to have originated in the Yuan Dynasty, but some say it was in the Ming Dynasty) The colors are vivid and the characters are lifelike The murals are well-preserved and highly appreciable There are also the ten great wrathful deities of Tibetan Buddhism on the main wall They are the core of the entire mural The Fudo Myo-o (Acala) in P5 is the highlight It looks fierce with glaring eyes and fangs, but reveals a compassionate face after tearing off the mask . The hall is dimly lit It is impossible to see the murals on the walls with the naked eye Fortunately, there are usually many guides in the hall You can see some of the murals with the help of their cold light flashlights It is recommended to hire a guide if you have time You will find it absolutely worth it . This is not a mainstream travel destination But I think it is worth a special visit Most of the ancient buildings in Shanxi have relaxed their photo policies for tourists this year I think this is a good thing It promotes the positive spread of historical culture Falling in love with Shanxi is just a matter of time . 🎫 Ticket: 20 yuan/person .

✨Dear friends, today I want to share with you an amazing hiking trip - hiking to Datong Yong'an Zen Temple!🎉 🌳As the first ray of morning sunlight shone on the earth, I packed my bag and embarked on the hiking journey to Datong Yong'an Zen Temple. Along the way, a gentle breeze brushed by, and the air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers and the scent of soil, as if cheering me on for my journey. 🚶‍♂️Entering Yong'an Zen Temple, the ancient architecture and exquisite murals instantly caught my eye. The red walls of the temple, illuminated by the sunlight, appeared solemn and mysterious. I walked slowly along the path paved with bluestone, listening to the crisp chirping of birds, as if they were narrating the history of this ancient temple. 👣During the hike, I wandered between the halls, feeling the traces left by time. Every floor tile and every beam carried stories of the past. There was no city noise here, only inner peace and a dialogue with history. 🌈Standing at a high point in the temple, looking into the distance, the rolling mountains and the blue sky with white clouds formed a picturesque scene. At this moment, I was deeply moved by the beauty of nature and the cultural heritage of the ancient temple. 💕This hiking trip to Datong Yong'an Zen Temple was not only a physical exercise but also a spiritual cleansing. Here, I gained beautiful scenery, knowledge, and a deep respect for historical culture. 🙌Dear friends, if you also love hiking and historical culture, you must come to Datong Yong'an Zen Temple for a walk. I believe you will have a unique experience!💗

Datong suddenly became popular, with architecture and cultural relics from the Northern Wei to the Ming and Qing dynasties dominating friends' circles with beautiful photos. If there's something you can't stop thinking about, there must be a response, so set off immediately, fly directly from Shanghai to Datong, land at Yungang Airport in 2.5 hours, and start a three-day journey in the ancient capital. Day 1️⃣: Hanging Temple + Yong'an Zen Temple + Yuanjue Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda 📌Hanging Temple🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Located in Hunyuan County, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, suspended on a high cliff. It's hard to imagine that over a thousand years ago, ancient people built a complex of one courtyard, two buildings, and a total of 40 large and small pavilions on cliff walls as sharp as knives. From a distance, it looks like a relief sculpture ready to take flight, worthy of the 'magnificent' description left by the poet Li Bai. You must visit and experience the thrill and ingenuity of the Hanging Temple by climbing the hanging ladders, crossing the flying bridges, and squeezing through the skylights. 💰Ticket price: 15 yuan for distant viewing, 115 yuan to climb to the top ⏰Opening hours: 1️⃣08:30 - 16:00 (November 1st to February 28th of the following year) 2️⃣08:00 - 18:00 (March 1st to October 31st) 🚶Visiting time: 2 hours 📌Yuanjue Temple🌟🌟🌟 Located in the ancient city of Hunyuan at the foot of Mount Heng. The highlight of this temple is a brick pagoda from the Jin Dynasty. The wind bird at the top of the pagoda is the most exquisite and complete ancient wind direction indicator in China, still able to rotate with the wind after a thousand years. Unfortunately, Yuanjue Temple is currently under renovation, and the gatekeeper only allows distant viewing, missing the chance to closely appreciate the exquisite carvings on the pagoda. 📌Yong'an Zen Temple🌟🌟🌟🌟 Walking forward from the east alley of Yuanjue Temple, you will reach Yong'an Zen Temple, established for the salvation of spirits from all realms and the relief of souls in the six paths of reincarnation. Founded during the Jin Dynasty, destroyed by fire, and rebuilt during the Yuan Dynasty. The most worthwhile sight is the 'Yong'an Blessing Picture' in the main hall, said to be painted during the Ming Dynasty, depicting the Ten Kings and the assembly of immortals, Buddhas, and spirits from the three teachings. Due to the protection of the murals, there is no lighting, so you need to bring your own cold light flashlight or follow a guide to view. 💰Ticket price: 20 yuan ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 🚶Visiting time: 1 hour 📌Yingxian Wooden Pagoda🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 An hour's drive from Yong'an Zen Temple brings you to the city of Yingxian in Shuozhou, where the thousand-year-old Yingxian Wooden Pagoda stands. At 67.31 meters tall, nearly the height of a twenty-story building, it was built during the Liao and Qing Ming periods, advocated by Empress Dowager Xiao. The pure wooden structure of the pagoda is built without a single nail. It has withstood over 40 earthquakes, more than 200 shots and bombardments, and countless lightning strikes, yet it remains standing, a true miracle. Standing at the base of the pagoda and looking up, listening to the clear and distant chimes of the wind bells under the eaves, one can't help but be in awe of the sacred and magnificent epic architecture of that once brilliant era. 💰Ticket price: 50 yuan ⏰Opening hours: 07:00-18:00 🚶Visiting time: 1 hour

|Yong'an Zen Temple| Hunyuan. Yong'an Zen Temple The Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units Detailed Address He Shun North Road, Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province Cultural Relics Highlights Hunyuan was announced as the second batch of provincial historical and cultural cities by the Shanxi Provincial People's Government in 1993, and there are many cultural relics and historic sites in the county. The calligraphy, architecture, and murals of Yong'an Zen Temple are three major features. Calligraphy 1 The plaque titled 'Hall of the Transmission of the Dharma's True Lineage' inscribed by Monk Xue'an 2 The two giant characters 'Solemn', signed 'Taiyuan Longshan Duan Shida', followed by the seals 'Duan Shida's Seal' and 'Longshan Yue Xi' (Yong'an Zen Temple abbot from 1315 to 1342). 3 The four characters 'Tiger's Roar and Dragon's Chant' written by Zhang Xuan during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty 4 Couplets The couplets in front of the main hall have three different readings. Additionally, the couplets on the West Drooping Flower Gate read: 'The Hall of the True Lineage where Buddha always resides, the Dharma of Yong'an Zen Temple forever endures,' which can also be read as: 'Buddha always resides in Yong'an Zen Temple, the Dharma forever endures in the Hall of the True Lineage.' Architecture 1 The main hall is a Yuan Dynasty relic, and in September 1999, the Hall of the Transmission of the Dharma's True Lineage at Yong'an Temple underwent major repairs. 2 The hall is five bays wide and three bays deep, with architectural regulations that reflect the style of a royal monastery. The top center is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the mountain gate with five pillars are also topped with yellow glazed tiles. 3 Yong'an Temple has five gates, which follow the same regulations as the Pagoda Temple in Wutai Mountain and Yong'an Temple in Beihai, Beijing. 4 The hall interior features reduced-column construction and thorough upper-bright construction 5 Octagonal caisson, hexagonal caisson, celestial palace pavilions 6 The wooden columns of the east and west side halls are relics from the Jin Dynasty Murals During the Yuan Dynasty, Buddhism was honored as the state religion, and Yong'an Temple incorporated elements of Tibetan Buddhism on the basis of the Linji sect monasteries. The murals can be divided into two parts. The images on the north wall depict the ten great Vidyarajas riding divine beasts, wielding the law, and protecting the Zen Dharma. The east, west, and south walls depict a grand scene of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist deities from the three realms and ten directions, dressed in ceremonial attire, holding scepters, and paying homage to the Buddhist World Honored One. The content includes the Vidyarajas performing rituals, transforming into heavenly beings, Taoist transformation in all directions, turning into Buddha, eternal prosperity of Yong'an, profound virtue carrying all things, treasure of the void, and the long scroll of awakening. The Vidyarajas performing rituals mural on the north wall includes 37 figures and 14 divine beasts and mounts, painted during the Yuan Dynasty, reflecting the typical 'thousand officials in procession' composition rule of the Yuan Dynasty. Notably, the Great Vidyaraja Acala reveals a kind and compassionate Buddha face by pulling apart the fierce and evil Vidyaraja mask, the only Vidyaraja to show his true face, which is also a unique feature of the Yong'an Temple murals. The water and land dharma assembly murals on both sides employ a comparative painting method, that is, hiring two competing teams of painters. Although the overall appearance is similar, the painters on the east side pursue detail and beauty, while those on the west emphasize the whole and order. Opening Hours 08:00-18:00 Admission Ticket 20 yuan Transportation to the Site Get off at the post office stop from Hunyuan Bus Station and walk there Accommodation Nearby Local accommodation is not expensive, around two hundred or so, I chose Hengshan Hotel Dining Hunyuan cold noodles are a local specialty Parking Suggestions There is a free parking lot on the left side of Yong'an Zen Temple Guided Tour Service 200 yuan per group (1~10 people), high-quality explanation Personal Experience The water and land dharma assembly is overwhelming, leaving one unable to take it all in at once. Many people focus on the interior of the hall, but the calligraphy and architectural style outside are also rare gems, not to be missed. If you find the guided tour expensive, just tag along. Contact Information (including but not limited to public accounts, websites, apps) Public Account: Yong'an Temple

After visiting the Hanging Temple, head straight to the nearby Yong'an Zen Temple. Among the many ancient buildings and temples in Datong and its surroundings, Yong'an Zen Temple seems too low-key, but here you can enjoy the unique and huge Yuan Dynasty Shuilu (water and land) assembly murals up close! (To see the Ming Dynasty murals in Beijing's Fahai Temple, you need to make a reservation, and there are restrictions on the number of people and time.) Highlights: 1. The temple was originally built during the Jin Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty. While most temples have one or three gates, Yong'an Temple's mountain gate has five openings, which is rare in Buddhist temples. 2. The four walls of the Chuanfa Zhengzong Hall are painted with heavy colors, gold leaf, and depictions of the Shuilu assembly and the ten great Ming kings (following the guide's UV flashlight, you can see the protruding gold leaf) The total area of the murals reaches more than 180 square meters. The north wall is lined with the ten great Ming kings of Tibetan Buddhism, and the other three walls are divided into three layers, depicting the 'procession of humans and gods,' with a total of 882 Shuilu figures and 135 Shuilu stories. The characters are delicately portrayed, lifelike in form, and despite hundreds of years, the colors remain vibrant, giving a strong visual impact and artistic appeal. Especially the fourth picture, where a Ming king tears off his mask to reveal kind and compassionate eyes... it is truly mysterious, eerie, and captivating. I feel that here one can see all the gods, Buddhas, bodhisattvas, immortals, demons, emperors, generals... It is not easy for these murals to have been preserved so intact over hundreds of years, especially since in the 1960s, this place was used as a granary. Although the Buddha statues were removed from the hall, the murals were preserved (due to the need for mural protection, the light inside the hall is dim, but there are replicas of the murals in the eastern and western side halls, which can be appreciated more clearly).

Yong'an Zen Temple is an extremely magnificent and spectacular group of classical buildings. The layout of the temple is neat, simple and spectacular, with majestic halls and exquisite murals. Locals also call it the 'Great Temple'.

Several years ago, I lost my soul here. Now, revisiting the old place, Although I still get goosebumps, I felt a sense of melancholy when leaving. The temple that was not open to the public back then Now attracts many visitors. There is also a professional guide, And after listening to the detailed introduction of the murals, I gained a new understanding. The ten great Ming Dynasty kings depicted in the murals of the Mahavira Hall are: The Buddha of the Great Sun Tathagata The Buddha Amitabha of the West Samantabhadra Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Horse-Headed Guanyin Manjushri Bodhisattva The Buddha Akshobhya of the East Vairocana Bodhisattva (another name is Aksayamati) The Buddha Ratnasambhava of the East An emanation of Maitreya Bodhisattva These ten great kings are depicted in the murals of Yong'an Temple with wrathful expressions, upright hair, three heads and six arms or eight arms, fierce faces, angry eyes, and bared fangs, but with kind hearts, aiming to educate sentient beings and exorcise demons. The murals on the east and west sides, with 882 figures, blend Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism harmoniously with their vivid and natural expressions and gestures. It is a grand collection of Chinese religious deities and an extremely precious ancient painting masterpiece. — Initial E

🙋 Hi, I am ILee, this is the 9️⃣th travelogue of my trip to northern Shanxi Hunyuan Ancient City It is a 1-hour drive from Datong City, at the foot of Hengshan Mountain. I believe that many people who come to Hunyuan County only visit the Hanging Temple and Hengshan Mountain. Pass by the ancient city of Hunyuan, which has 7 national protected sites Oops, you are confused. 📍Where is Hunyuan Ancient City? Located in Hunyuan County, Datong City, 10 minutes’ drive from the Hanging Temple 🚶 Tour route (half day recommended) Hunyuan Ancient City: Yong'an Temple - Yuanjue Temple - Hunyuan Confucian Temple - Li Yumei Mausoleum 🔍The above 4️⃣ national treasures are all open. Please pay attention to the closing time. The first 3️⃣ are inside the ancient city. Li Yumei's tomb is outside the ancient city. You can rent an electric car at the gate of the ancient city and reach it in 10 minutes. ①Eian Temple The first of the "Ten Ancient Buddhist Temples" in Hunyuan, it was first built in the Jin Dynasty. The three walls of the hall are painted with unique water and land paintings of the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, filled with figures from the heavenly Buddha world, the divine world and the human world. Because it was once used as a granary, the murals in the hall have been preserved to this day. 🎫20 ② Yuanjue Temple The ancient pagoda of the Jin Dynasty has an iron phoenix with its wings spread out on the top. This so-called "flying phoenix" is actually an ancient weather vane and a very precious object for studying ancient meteorological instruments. ③Confucian Temple First built in the Liao Dynasty, it has a history of a thousand years. The Dacheng Hall has a single-eaved hip roof and yellow-green glazed tiles, retaining the structural features of the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. ④ Li Yumei's Tomb Li Yumei was the governor of the Hedong River during the Daoguang period, and was responsible for the management of the Yellow River. 💌Tips: 1️⃣There are three other national treasures, namely the Lulü Temple, Dayun Temple and Hanging Temple. The first two are far away from the ancient city and are closed. 2️⃣ At the entrance of Li Yumei's mausoleum, every summer evening, you can see men, women, young and old in the county starting a multi-person shuttlecock kicking sport, with extraordinary moves. 3️⃣ It is recommended to rent an electric car after visiting the ancient city and stroll around the ancient city. You can see the majestic Hengshan Mountain, old-style residential bungalows, and local people returning from shopping. It is very peaceful. 4️⃣There are many places to eat around the ancient city, and the little wife jelly is a must. 5️⃣Recommend half a day in the ancient city, one day in the Hanging Temple and Hengshan

Hunyuan County of Datong, Shanxi Province, not only has the well-known Hengshan Mountain and the Hanging Temple, but there are also many treasure-treasure attractions in the ancient city of Hunyuan at the foot of the mountain. Among them, the one that I especially recommend everyone to visit is the Yong'an Temple. . Yong'an Temple was first built in the Jin Dynasty, experienced war and was rebuilt in the second year of Yanyou in the Yuan Dynasty. It can be said that it has gone through many vicissitudes. The Authentic Hall of Dharma Transmission, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mountain Gate, the East and West Halls, and the side halls were all rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Authentic Hall of Dharma Transmission was built in the Yuan Dynasty. It is located on a high platform and is a group of buildings with a width of five rooms and a depth of three rooms, with a single-eaved hip roof. At first glance, it feels simple and heavy. . The Buddha statues in the Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall were destroyed in the 1960s. The most precious thing now is the water and land murals covering the walls. The murals are divided into 135 groups with 895 figures, covering an area of ​​more than 186 square meters. On the left and right sides of the north wall door are painted ten great kings with three heads and eight arms, five on each side. They are tall in stature and are the best works of Ming Dynasty murals. In addition to the murals, the colored glaze and caisson ceiling paintings in the main hall are also worth seeing. The mountain gate is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and the east and west sides are decorated with glazed components of two dragons playing with a pearl. The roof of the Authentic Hall of Dharma Transmission is also covered with royal yellow glazed tiles, with a ridge decorated with piled flowers and two facing gargoyles on the ridge, which is magnificent. The carved celestial palaces and ceiling caissons between the beams in the main hall are also relics from the Yuan Dynasty and are well worth a closer look. In addition, a plaque with the words "The Hall of the Authentic Dharma Transmission" is hung in the center under the eaves in front of the Hall of the Authentic Dharma Transmission. This was written by the monk Xue'an, who was a calligrapher in the early Yuan Dynasty. . There are not many tourists in Yong'an Temple, which is very quiet. You can visit it slowly and feel it quietly. The heavy history and the passage of time have left deep traces in Yong'an Temple. It is recommended that you must visit it if you have the opportunity to go to Datong! . 💟Visiting tips: ✅Ticket price: 20 yuan (free for those over 60 years old) ✅Visiting time: recommended to be around 2 hours ✅If you want to have a deeper understanding of Yongan Zen Temple, you can ask for professional explanations at the entrance. ✅Photography is strictly prohibited in the Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall. The murals and caisson can only be appreciated with the eyes. However, there are replicas of the murals in the side halls on both sides, which can be viewed and photographed up close. ✅You can also visit Yuanjue Temple, Confucian Temple, Hunyuan Prefecture Office, Drum Tower, etc. nearby. 🚗Transportation: It is recommended to drive by yourself, or you can share a car in Datong or take a long-distance bus. . I am Yilan, a photographer who loves traveling. Come with me to explore new and interesting places ❤