[2025 Pingyao Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhenguo Temple (Updated Apr)

✨ A Complete 2025 Guide to Pingyao Ancient City | Avoiding Crowds with Unique Travel Tips + Photography Guide ✨ (Including transportation, hidden photo spots, must-try food - everything you need to explore this "living Ming-Qing Dynasty city"!) 🚗 Transportation Guide - Perfect for Lazy Travelers 1⃣ By High-Speed Rail - Pingyao Ancient City Station: Direct high-speed train access, 15-minute taxi ride (CNY 20) to the ancient city or take Bus 108 to the North Gate - Only 30 minutes from Taiyuan South Station to Pingyao Ancient City Station, perfect for exploring Jinzhong 2⃣ By Car - Route: Beijing/Xi'an → Beijing-Kunming Expressway → Pingyao Exit, navigate to "Pingyao Ancient City East Gate parking lot" (CNY 30/day), 5-minute walk to the ancient city - Traffic tip: Arrive before 9am on weekends to avoid peak hours 3⃣ By Air - Taiyuan Wusu Airport: Take airport bus to Taiyuan South Station, then high-speed rail to Pingyao (about 2 hours total) 🌿 Must-Visit Spots + Hidden Tips 1. Rishengchang Draft Bank & Xietongqing Money Shop - Highlights: China's first draft bank, interactive "old banker writing bills" experience, impressive underground vault - Hidden tip: Touch the "lucky ingot" in Xietongqing's underground vault, take photos with the God of Wealth 2. Pingyao City Wall - Photo spots: Climb South Gate (Yingxun Gate) for sunset silhouettes, use wide-angle lens to capture the "turtle city" panorama - Walking bonus: 1.5-hour walk around the wall, overlooking 72 watchtowers and 3,000 battlements 3. Pingyao County Government Office & City God Temple - Activities: "Magistrate Court Session" performances at 9:30/11:00/15:30 daily, wear Hanfu for photos with NPCs - Cultural must-see: City God Temple's "Triple Stage" and Confucian Temple's "Top Scholar Bridge" for academic blessings 4. Shuanglin Temple & Zhenguo Temple (Highly recommended nearby attractions) - Shuanglin Temple: Over 2,000 colored statues in the "Eastern Treasury of Colored Sculpture Art," impressive Thousand-Hand Guanyin suspended sculpture - Zhenguo Temple: Five Dynasties wooden structure without nails or rivets, Ten Thousand Buddha Hall's bracket systems bloom like lotus flowers 5. Ming-Qing Street Night Tour - Features: Lantern-lit "China's Wall Street," wear Shanxi merchant costumes for night photos, try street-side honey osmanthus cake (CNY 5/piece) 📸 Photography Guide - Outfits & Timing 1⃣ Outfit Suggestions - Rent Shanxi merchant costumes (around CNY 80/day including styling) in dark blue/burgundy, accessorize with abacus or oil-paper umbrella - Modern outfit option: beige/khaki trench coat to contrast with ancient gray bricks 2⃣ Golden Hours - 7:00-9:00 AM: Empty South Street shots, sunlight filtering through signboards onto stone paths - 5:30-6:30 PM: Sunset and chimney smoke from west city wall, time-lapse the changing light 3⃣ Hidden Photo Spots - Ma Family Courtyard Tower: Aerial shots of symmetrical courtyard, using window frames as foreground - Market Tower Corner: Frame with lanterns and shop signs for authentic "millennium-old commercial town" atmosphere 🍜 Food Guide - Foodie Must-Tries 1⃣ Inside Ancient City - Hongwuji Restaurant: Yellow rice cold cake (CNY 18), beef braised in aged vinegar (CNY 58), around CNY 50/person - Jinsheng Food Shop: Two-person set with 12 Shanxi snacks (CNY 98), try knife-cut noodles, bowl holders, and Taolulu 2⃣ Night Market Treats - Yogurt Shop: Sea buckthorn yogurt (CNY 15), sweet and sour palate cleanser - Mr. Liang's Stir-fried Yogurt: Must-try aged vinegar flavor (CNY 10) 3⃣ Souvenir Recommendations - Guanyun Pingyao Beef: Look for intangible cultural heritage label, vacuum-packed (CNY 50/500g) - Tuiguang Lacquerware: Jewelry boxes (from CNY 200), beautiful hand-painted gold designs

4-day tour in Jinzhong | Come to Jiexiu to see the thousand-year-old colored glaze Jiexiu's low-key and luxurious style is all hidden in the ancient glazed buildings. 🗺️My 4-day tour route Day 1: Taiyuan ➡️Yuci Old Town (about 50 minutes by car) ➡️Qiao Family Courtyard (about 50 minutes by car) ➡️Zhenguo Temple (about 40 minutes by car) ➡️Pingyao Ancient Town (about 25 minutes by car) Day 2: Strolling around the ancient city Day 3: Pingyao Ancient City ➡️Shuanglin Temple (about 15 minutes by car) ➡️Wang Family Courtyard (about 40 minutes by car) ➡️Jiexiu accommodation Day 4: Hou Tu Temple ➡️ Cheng Huang Temple ➡️ Jiexiu Museum ➡️ Zoroastrianism Tower ➡️ Taiheyan Glazed Archway (about 30 minutes by car) ➡️ Back to Guangzhou 🌈Hou Tu Temple ⏰Visit time: 1h Glass art ceiling‼ ️The peacock blue glazed chiwen and hanging statues of gods in the main hall are stunning. The colored glaze on the roof of the stage is rich in color, and there are purple colored glaze in the shape of grapes on the sides. On sunny days, the glazed tiles reflect the luster of gemstones, and every shot is a great one. ✅There is a large statue made of glass in the temple, which is very beautiful 🌈Chenghuang Temple The Ming Dynasty architectural complex is well preserved, and the stage caisson is intricate and exquisite. The scale is small, but the roof is made of glazed tiles. 🌈Jiexiu Museum ⏰Visit time: 1h ✅Jiexiu Museum is the best place to learn about Jiexiu glass culture. The colored glaze exhibition in the museum displays the original colored glaze components of Hou Tu Temple and Zoroastrian Temple. In addition, the Jie Zitui Cold Food Festival Cultural Exhibition vividly reproduces the story of "cutting one's own flesh to serve the emperor" through interactive installations ✨Tips: The three temples are closed from 12:00 to 14:30 at noon, but the Jiexiu Museum does not close at noon. After lunch, you can visit the museum. 🌈Zoroastrianism Tower ⚠️Next to the museum, a short walk The only ancient Zoroastrian building in China, with a three-story wooden pavilion with a glazed roof, corner brackets like blooming lotuses, and glazed auspicious beasts on the eaves with rich details 🌈Taiheyan Glazed Archway The whole body is made of yellow, green and blue colored glaze. The cranes, unicorns and couplets are all made of colored glaze, which is dazzling in the sun. ✅The old lady at the gate sells glass refrigerator magnets, it’s not easy to get them, so you can buy some. There is also a shop next door that sells more exquisite glass refrigerator magnets and ornaments. ✨Practical tips 1️⃣ The colored glaze attractions in Jiexiu are relatively concentrated. Except for the Taiheyan colored glaze archway, the rest are in the urban area. 2️⃣ All attractions are free of charge, but most of them require a mainland China ID card, so remember to bring it 🍜Food recommendations Jiexiu Old Restaurant: Pork bone sticks, braised beef brisket with aged vinegar, and fried eggs with Thai peppers are all delicious

Shanxi Travel | Must-see attractions in Jinzhong❗ 🌈We've already shared travel guides featuring must-see attractions in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Hunan, Guizhou, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Guangxi. ✅This time, we'll bring you the third installment of the "Must-See Attractions" series in Shanxi Province—Jinzhong City🎉🎉 1️⃣ Zhangbi Ancient Castle 📍Address: Zhangbi Village, Longfeng Township, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–20:00 💴Tickets: 75 CNY/person, discount tickets 37 CNY 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 301 ✅Recommended reason: A well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty castle with a unique military defense system and architectural style. 📌Tip: You can visit the tunnels inside the castle and experience the wisdom of the ancients. 2️⃣ Yuci Old Town 📍Address: Fuxing Road, Yuci District, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–18:00 💴Tickets: 49 CNY, discount tickets 29 CNY 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 18/901 ✅Recommended reason: A well-preserved ancient city from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with many ancient buildings and traditional handicraft shops. 📌Tip: You can taste the local specialties in the old town. 3️⃣ Mianshan Scenic Area 📍Address: Nanhuaizhi Village, Mianshan Town, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–19:00 💴Tickets: 110 CNY/person, half-price tickets 55 CNY 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 302/tourist line ✅Recommended reason: A scenic area integrating natural scenery, historical culture, and Buddhist temples. 📌Tip: You can choose to take the cable car up the mountain to save energy. 4️⃣ Zhenguo Temple 📍Address: Pingyao County, Shanxi Province ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–19:00 💴Tickets: 25 CNY/person, students 10 CNY, children/seniors free 🚎Transportation: Pingyao Bus No. 203 ✅Recommended reason: One of the oldest existing wooden structures in China, the temple houses many precious cultural relics. 📌Tip: Pay attention to protecting the cultural relics and do not touch the ancient buildings. 5️⃣ Wang Family Courtyard 📍Address: Lingshi County, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–18:00 💴Tickets: 50 CNY/person 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 1/7 ✅Recommended reason: A large-scale residential complex from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, known as the "Forbidden City of Chinese Folk Houses". 📌Tip: You can hire a tour guide to better understand the history and culture of the Wang Family Courtyard. 6️⃣ Shuanglin Temple 📍Address: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–19:00 💴Tickets: 35 CNY/person, students 15 CNY, children/seniors free 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 15 ✅Recommended reason: A well-preserved Buddhist temple with many exquisite murals and sculptures. 📌Tip: Pay attention to protecting the cultural relics and do not touch the murals and sculptures. 7️⃣ Pingyao Ancient City 📍Address: No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: Open all day 💴Tickets: 125 CNY/person for a pass, discount tickets 65 CNY 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 15/17 ✅Recommended reason: One of the four best-preserved ancient cities, featuring Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural styles. 📌Tip: You can choose to visit the ancient city at night, as the night view is very beautiful. 8️⃣ Qiao Family Courtyard 📍Address: Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Qi County, Jinzhong City ⏰Opening hours: 08:00–17:30 💴Tickets: 115 CNY/person, discount tickets 58 CNY 🚎Transportation: Bus No. 6/15 ✅Recommended reason: A famous residential complex from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, showcasing traditional Shanxi architectural style and culture. 📌Tip: It is recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid queuing.

My dears, in addition to the ancient city of Pingyao, Zhenguo Temple is definitely a treasure attraction that you cannot miss! This is a thousand-year-old wooden structure without iron nails, a ceiling with colorful sculptures from the Five Dynasties, and a photo-taking paradise with few people and beautiful scenery... Even "Black Myth: Wukong" came here to film, and every shot is a historical blockbuster! Keep this guide and unlock the hidden oriental architectural aesthetics of Jinzhong! Zhenguo Temple·A time capsule that travels through thousands of years ▫️ The low-key "World Heritage" was built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties (963 AD). It was originally named Jingcheng Temple and was renamed Zhenguo Temple during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. In 1997, it was listed on the World Cultural Heritage List together with Pingyao Ancient City and Shuanglin Temple, but because it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the ancient city, it remains a niche secret. ▫️ A textbook of wooden structure miracles. The entire temple building is spliced ​​with mortise and tenon joints, without any iron nails! The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in China. Its roof is supported by 12 eaves columns, with an eaves of nearly 3 meters. The brackets spread out like an umbrella. Its simple shape has remained stable for thousands of years, and it can be called the "ceiling of oriental architectural mechanics." ▫️ The swan song of Five Dynasties colored sculptures There are 11 Five Dynasties colored sculptures in the Wanfo Hall, the only one in the country that is completely preserved! The main Buddha Shakyamuni has a compassionate face, the Bodhisattvas dance in graceful robes, the warriors have angry eyes and are majestic, and even the details such as the nail patterns are clearly visible. The colored sculptures inherit the realistic style of the Tang Dynasty, and they are both realistic and vivid, and can be called "the frozen aftertaste of the prosperous Tang Dynasty" 🎫Tickets: 23 yuan, which can be purchased on site or booked online in advance. 🕙Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00 🚗Transportation: If you are driving🚗, navigate directly to Zhenguo Temple If you choose public transportation🚌, you can first go to Pingyao Ancient City, and then take a rural bus to Zhenguo Temple from Pingyao Ancient City or take a taxi. It takes about 30 minutes by taxi. You can experience the local customs by taking the rural bus, but the number of buses may be less, so remember to plan your time in advance. 🏯 Must-visit guide 1️⃣ Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas: Five Dynasties wooden ceiling * Nail-free magic: The entire hall is only connected with mortise and tenon joints, and the seven-layer brackets are like blooming lotus flowers, with an eaves of nearly 3 meters. When the light and shadow fall, it seems to travel through thousands of years. * Treasure colored sculptures: 11 colored sculptures from the Five Dynasties stand quietly in the hall. The main Buddha, Sakyamuni, has a compassionate face, and the attendant Bodhisattvas dance in graceful robes. The details are so exquisite that even the nail lines are clearly visible. * Light and shadow aesthetics: On a sunny afternoon, the sun shines through the lattice windows onto the paintings. The mottled light and shadows come with filters, and you can take photos with your mobile phone! 📸 2️⃣ Heavenly King Hall: The rugged beauty of Yuan Dynasty architecture * Four Heavenly Kings: The 3-meter-tall guardian statues are angry and majestic, symbolizing "good weather and good harvests". The wide-angle shot gives a full sense of oppression. * Painted relics: The Yuan Dynasty painted patterns on the beams are still clear even though they have faded. The lotus patterns on the archways are simple and vivid. Remember to take photos from above to take details! 3️⃣ Ksitigarbha Hall & Guanyin Hall: Exquisite Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture * Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: The Ksitigarbha Hall on the west side of the backyard enshrines the Ten Kings of Hell. The murals depict cause and effect and reincarnation, full of mystery. * Secret camera position: The round hole door in the backyard frames a corner of the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. The frame composition creates a sense of dialogue between ancient and modern times, which is niche and high-end! There is no noise here, only the thousand-year-old whispers of mortise and tenon joints and colored sculptures. If you are tired of the crowds in Pingyao Ancient City, you might as well come here and touch the true soul of oriental architecture!

🌈 Zhen Guo Temple: The Charm of a Thousand-Year-Old Temple · Temple Highlights: Zhen Guo Temple, originally named "Jingcheng Temple," was built in the 7th year of the Later Han Dynasty (963 AD) during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It was renamed "Zhen Guo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The Wanfo Hall in the courtyard is its core building and one of the three existing wooden structures from the Five Dynasties period in China, retaining its general appearance from 1,200 years ago. Zhen Guo Temple faces south and consists of two courtyards, one in front and one behind. The buildings along the central axis are arranged in an orderly manner, and the surrounding buildings are rich and diverse. As it does not have a separate main gate, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings also serves as the main gate. The Wanfo Hall is one of the oldest existing wooden buildings in China, and ink inscriptions from the Five Dynasties period can still be seen. · Address: Zhen Guo Temple, Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City (about 12 km from Pingyao Ancient City) · Public Transportation: Take Pingyao Bus No. 209, which passes through multiple stops such as the South Gate and North Gate of Pingyao Ancient City. Buses run approximately every hour. It is recommended to check the return trip schedule in advance. A taxi from Pingyao Ancient City costs about 30 yuan, but it may be difficult to find a taxi for the return trip. · Ticket Information: Tickets are 25 yuan. Opening hours are 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Holders of the Shanxi Cultural Tourism Annual Pass enjoy a half-price discount. 🗺️ 3-Day Tour Itinerary for Pingyao and Surrounding Areas 📌 Day 1: Zhen Guo Temple - Pingyao Ancient City (South Street and surrounding areas) · Morning: Visit Zhen Guo Temple, a thousand-year-old temple, and experience its unique historical and cultural atmosphere. Focus on visiting the Wanfo Hall to admire the architectural style of the Five Dynasties period and the precious cultural relics. · Afternoon: Return to Pingyao Ancient City and get off at the South Gate. Stroll along South Street, admire the bustling scene of the ancient street, and visit Yamen Street, Chenghuang Temple Street, and the small attractions along the street. Don't forget to watch the Pingyao Yamen performance to experience the majesty and mystery of the ancient Yamen. · Evening: Watch the large-scale live performance "Meet Pingyao Again" for an immersive experience of the historical and cultural charm of Pingyao Ancient City. 📌 Day 2: Shuanglin Temple - Pingyao Ancient City (North Street and surrounding areas) · Morning: Visit Shuanglin Temple, a treasure trove of art, and admire the exquisite painted sculptures and unique architectural style. · Afternoon: Return to Pingyao Ancient City and get off at the North Gate. Visit the attractions on North Street, East Street, West Street, and the surrounding small streets to experience the unique charm of the ancient city. 📌 Day 3: Zhaoyu Ancient City - Qiao Family Compound · Morning: Take a bus to Zhaoyu Ancient City and explore this ancient city full of historical charm, appreciating its unique architectural style and cultural heritage. · Afternoon: After visiting Zhaoyu Ancient City, take a bus to the Qiao Family Compound. Visit the buildings and exhibitions of the Qiao Family Compound to learn about the glorious history of Shanxi merchant culture. · Return Trip: After the tour, if returning to Pingyao, you can take the appropriate transportation. If going to Taiyuan or Jinzhong, you can arrange your itinerary according to your needs. Please note that there are more buses or ride-sharing options from the Qiao Family Compound back to Pingyao, while returning to Pingyao from Zhaoyu Ancient City requires taking a train, which is relatively more inconvenient. If you have luggage and need to return to Pingyao after visiting Zhaoyu Ancient City, it is recommended to visit Zhaoyu Ancient City first, as there is a direct bus from Zhaoyu Ancient City to the Qiao Family Compound. 💡 Travel Tips · Check the opening hours and performance times of each attraction in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. · Most of the roads in Pingyao Ancient City are paved with stone slabs, so comfortable shoes are recommended. · When visiting temples and ancient buildings, please follow the rules of the scenic area and protect the cultural relics. Zhen Guo Temple, Pingyao Ancient City, and the surrounding attractions are rich and diverse. A 3-day tour will allow you to fully appreciate the charm of Shanxi's ancient architecture and historical culture. Come and embark on this unique journey! 😉

Zhenguo Temple is located in Haodong Village, 15 kilometers northeast of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province! It was first built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty (963 AD) and is one of the three extant Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples. It is also one of the filming locations of "Black Monkey King", but it is often forgotten in Pingyao tourist attractions 🀄️, because its significance lies in the building itself, so few people will pay attention to it. - 🚗Transportation: 1️⃣ It is recommended to drive by yourself, which takes about 20 minutes, and there is a free parking lot at the door! It is also very convenient to call 2️⃣By bus, you can take bus No. 9 (or No. 209) and get on the bus in the north direction at the intersection of Pingyao East Gate. The journey takes about 40 minutes and the fare is 4 yuan. - After nearly a thousand years of continuous renovation, the temple layout during the Five Dynasties period can no longer be verified. The existing temple is a collection of buildings from the Five Dynasties, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple has exquisite colored sculptures and murals, which are exquisite - 🔵Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall: This is the essence of Zhenguo Temple. It was first built in the Northern Han Dynasty, more than 1,000 years ago. It basically retains the structure of the initial construction during the Five Dynasties and the Northern Han Dynasty, full of ancient charm. There are no golden pillars in the entire Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, and the pressure of the roof is borne by the eaves columns. The colored statues in the main hall are authentic ones from the Five Dynasties. Although they are more than a thousand years old, the oil paint is still shining, and the murals on the walls are also lifelike, forming a spectacular "Thousand Buddhas Surrounding the Preaching Picture". - 🔴Tianwang Hall: A building from the Yuan Dynasty, it was renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The original statue of the Bodhisattva of the Temple in the center was destroyed, but the four heavenly kings on both sides remain majestic. - 🟡Three Buddha Building: It was probably built in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. It adopts the architectural style of "lower kiln and upper house". The hall on the second floor preserves 52 murals of Buddhist stories based on "The Origin and Evolution of Buddhism" and 7 colored sculptures. The murals are still clearly visible. I heard from the guide that the outside was added later, and it is obviously not as exquisite as the inside of the temple. - Zhenguo Temple does not have bustling crowds, but it is a microcosm of the great Tang Dynasty's decline from prosperity. Living in the Five Dynasties, the Tang style was still there. It is worth your visit to Pingyao to see this neglected "World Cultural Heritage" - 🍃Attractions: Zhenguo Temple 📍Address: Haodong Village, Pingyao County ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (open until 19:00 from April 28 to October 8) 🎫Tickets: Adult tickets 23, student tickets half price 🤵🏻‍♀️Explanation: 50 yuan/time

The main body of Zhenguo Temple consists of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, and the Hall of Three Buddhas. The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a relic of the Northern Han Dynasty, with huge dougong brackets and far-reaching eaves, which are very open in the Tang style. The internal beam-lifting structure and the bright structure are even more exemplary of large woodwork~ The bodhisattva is gentle and graceful, with a self-satisfied expression, elegant and pleasant~ The back of the Water Moon Guanyin is free and comfortable, and it is indeed the Guanyin Bodhisattva~ The elephant head on the pillar of the Hall of Three Buddhas adds to the viewing interest~ It is worth savoring~👍

The crowds in Pingyao Ancient City made it difficult to move... So I decided to go to Zhenguo Temple, and it turned out to be a wise decision - Zhenguo Temple is sparsely populated and quiet, suitable for people who like to appreciate ancient temples carefully and stroll around slowly, which is very pleasant... As a well-known world cultural heritage, Pingyao Ancient City actually includes not only Pingyao Ancient City, but also Shuanglin Temple and Zhenhai Temple. However, there are very few tourists going there to visit... Especially Zhenguo Temple, which is a neglected world cultural heritage. Zhenguo Temple is located in Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. It was built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. It was originally named "Jingcheng Temple". It was renamed "Zhenguo Temple" in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and has been used to this day. It is the third batch of national key cultural relics protection units announced by the State Council. The temple has been renovated and rebuilt many times through the ages. It is a binary courtyard and is known as a "millennium treasure". It is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in China. The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas was built in the Northern Han Dynasty during the Ten Kingdoms Period. It is three bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eaved nine-ridged roof. It adopts the most complex architectural style in the "Yingzaofashi". There is still an inscription on the ridge beam: "Built in the third month of the seventh year of Tianhui in the Han Dynasty." The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in China. It was built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty. Although it has been rebuilt many times, it still retains the style of the Five Dynasties. It is one of the three existing Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples. The fourteen colored sculptures in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas are the only Five Dynasties works preserved in temples and halls across the country. Useful Information 🚦Location: Zhenguo Temple, Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province ⏰Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 🎫Tickets: 25 yuan for adults, half price for students 🚘Transportation We took a taxi from Zhangbi Ancient Castle to Zhenguo Temple, which cost 80 yuan and took 65 minutes. Pingyao Ancient City-Zhenguo Temple. The taxi costs 45 yuan and 12 kilometers takes about 30 minutes. There are fewer taxis on the return trip, so you don't have to worry about not getting a taxi during the peak tourist season. 🚌Bus: Take bus No. 108 and change to bus No. 209. The frequency is long and inconvenient.

Zhenguo Temple is a royal temple First built in the Northern Han Dynasty Formerly known as "Kingcheng Temple" During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed "Zhen Guo Temple" and has been used ever since. It is famous for its wooden structures from the Five Dynasties period and its colorful sculptures from the Five Dynasties period. It is about half an hour away from Pingyao Ancient City. You must come here to see it when you arrive in Pingyao .

👀 Hey guys, today I want to share Zhen Guo Temple in Jinzhong! It's a gem of Northern Han architecture and clay sculpture art ✨, and the ancient buildings and murals inside are simply amazing! 👍 However, there is a small downside, the transportation is really not very convenient 🚗. But trust me, when you see those exquisite buildings and art, you'll feel it's all worth it! 💖

Compared with the hustle and bustle of the ancient city, Zhenguo Temple is indeed much quieter. But like Shuanglin Temple, it is definitely a treasure trove for lovers of ancient architecture art. Zhenguo Temple was first built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty (963 AD). It was originally named Jingcheng Temple and was renamed Zhenguo Temple during the Ming Dynasty. It has undergone repairs during the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Although it has been rebuilt many times, the overall style of the Five Dynasties period is still retained. Most temples and monasteries have a construction date, but there are not many that can preserve buildings and cultural relics from the same period. Almost all of them were rebuilt or renovated in later generations. The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Zhenguo Temple is the original building from the Northern Han Dynasty, and the colored sculptures inside are also from the same period. It is truly rare that it has been preserved for more than 1,000 years. Zhenguo Temple

Every trip brings new experiences, but my visit to Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple was truly unforgettable. Zhenguo Temple's rich history is awe-inspiring. Built in 962, it has been rebuilt many times over the years. The 22 buildings, 56 painted sculptures, 100 murals, 20 steles, and iron bell are all witnesses to history. Shuanglin Temple is even more unique, with its side halls more impressive than the main hall. In the small, dark space, the statues seem to tell stories of the past. The painted sculptures in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas are especially exquisite. Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple are like two pearls, leaving visitors reluctant to leave. The buildings and sculptures are rich in cultural connotations, showcasing the charm of ancient Chinese culture and art. If you want to experience the unique charm of ancient Chinese culture and art, don't miss Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple. Start your cultural journey today!

Shanxi, China If you go to Shanxi, you must visit Zhenguo Temple. The temple was originally named Jingcheng Temple, and was renamed Zhenguo Temple during the Jiajing period of the Ming dynasty. It has been in use ever since. The temple was first built during the Five Dynasties period, and has a long history.

🥰Attraction name: Zhenguo Temple (Although it is very ordinary, many people may have searched for it when they went to Pingyao, but it is really worth going to. It is about a 20-minute drive from the ancient city.) 📍Attraction address: Located in Haodong Village, 15 km northeast of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province, it was built in the 7th year of the Tianhui period of the Northern Han Dynasty in the Five Dynasties. It is a World Heritage Site and a rare cultural relic protection unit. 🚗Attraction transportation: You can take a taxi from Pingyao Ancient City, or you can charter a car to go together, and you can also visit the nearby Shuanglin Temple, which is very convenient. 👍️Must-see: 1. Wanfo Hall. Although it has been rebuilt many times in successive dynasties, it still retains the style of the Five Dynasties. It is one of the three existing Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples. It is all wooden and very rare, and it is well preserved. The colored sculptures inside are the only Five Dynasties works preserved in the temples in China, which are very precious! 2. Dizang Hall. I personally prefer this building, which was built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Inside the hall, the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sits cross-legged, with a calm and deep expression. The unique delicate face of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is also very charming. The statues of the ten Yama Kings on both sides are either gentle and refined or furious, all very vivid. 🎟️Ticket information: CNY 23

Some friends complain that the bus to Zhenguo Temple is hard to catch, so here's a bus schedule to make your trip easier. 📍[Shuanglin Temple] Near Pingyao Ancient City Station, in the southwest corner of the ancient city, take Bus 108 North Line for CNY 1, about every 30 minutes. 📍[Zhenguo Temple] In the northeast of Pingyao Ancient City, take Bus 209 for CNY 3, about every 1 hour. Bus company departure times: 7:00, 8:00, 8:55, 9:50, 10:50, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:20, 16:10, 17:00, 18:00 Zhenguo Temple return times: 9:05, 10:00, 11:55, 13:05, 15:35, 16:25, 18:05, 19:20 📝Tips: 1. It's recommended to visit Zhenguo Temple in the evening, when the sunset light on the buildings is beautiful. 2. During holidays, a special Shuanglin Temple–Zhenguo Temple line will be opened, and normal lines may be changed due to traffic jams. Any bus driver will know the new route, so don't trust the map. 3. There are two train stations in Pingyao. Pingyao Station is a regular station near the ancient city, and Pingyao Ancient City Station is a high-speed railway station. Don't get them mixed up. 4. To get from Shuanglin Temple to Zhenguo Temple, don't transfer at the bus company. Choose the north gate of the ancient city, except during holidays.

Zhenguo Temple, hidden in the quiet northeast of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province, is a Buddhist holy place with a thousand-year history. Built during the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties, it has withstood the test of time and still retains the architectural style of the Five Dynasties, making it a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture. The temple is divided into two parts: the front and rear, with the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall in the front and the Three Buddha Hall in the back. Entering the temple, you will find ancient trees towering and a serene and elegant atmosphere. The Ten Thousand Buddha Hall, as the core building of the temple, showcases exquisite wooden construction techniques and grandeur, reflecting the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The painted sculptures in the temple are unparalleled, with vivid Buddha statues in various shapes and colors, seemingly telling Buddhist stories from a thousand years ago. Zhenguo Temple is not only a pilgrimage site for Buddhist believers but also an important place for studying ancient Chinese architecture, sculpture, and Buddhist culture. Every brick, tile, plant, and tree here exudes a sense of history and cultural charm, attracting countless visitors. Strolling through Zhenguo Temple feels like traveling through time to an ancient and mysterious era, experiencing the profoundness of Buddhist culture.

| Shanxi Pingyao | Zhenguo Temple. The temple buildings of Zhenguo Temple face south, and are divided into two courtyards. Along the central axis from south to north, there are the Heavenly King Hall (with a bell tower and drum tower on both sides), the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall and the Three Buddha Hall. In the backyard, there are the East Side Hall Guanyin Hall and the West Side Hall Dizang Hall, with a total construction area of 1,702 square meters. The existing buildings in the temple, except for the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall, all retain the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 💫The Ten Thousand Buddha Hall was rebuilt in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty (963 AD), and was built by the emperor. It has a rigorous layout and is one of the very few Five Dynasties buildings in China. It is also a wooden building from the Ten Kingdoms period that is contemporary with the Five Dynasties. The Ten Thousand Buddha Hall is three rooms wide and three rooms deep, with a nearly square plane, a single eave and a hipped roof. The flying eaves and brackets are tall and high, and the height of the paving is 187 cm, accounting for more than half of the height of the column! It is similar to the height and proportion of the paving and columns of Tang Dynasty buildings. However, because the overall building of the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall is not high, you can watch the brackets at close range, which is very shocking and an unprecedented experience! The 11 Buddha statues in the hall are also works of the Five Dynasties and have high cultural relic value. It is interesting to observe different statue styles under different aesthetic influences. The four walls and eye walls of the hall are painted with Ten Thousand Buddha Pictures (810 statues), all of which are works of the Qing Dynasty. 💫The Three Buddha Tower was created in the Ming Dynasty, and the hall houses Ming Dynasty colored sculptures and murals. Although the statues are damaged, they are beautifully shaped. The backlight woven with copper wire shows the excellent craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty. It is a typical early Ming Dynasty work. The two mountain wall murals are in the form of comic strip murals, depicting the life of Sakyamuni, with simple and sophisticated techniques and complete preservation. 【Practical Information】 ⛳️Address: Zhenguo Temple, Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City (about 12 kilometers from Pingyao Ancient City) 🕰️Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 🎫Admission ticket: ¥23 🚘Transportation: ① It costs about 30 to take a taxi from Pingyao Ancient City; ② Bus No. 108 to No. 209 (the bus is long and inconvenient) 🕰️Recommended tour duration: 1-2 hours

Pingyao Zhenguo Temple Travel Guide Black Myth Wukong Filming Location 🎫Tickets: Adults: 23 yuan, seniors/children/people with disabilities/active military personnel/retired military personnel/public security police officers, etc. free, guided tours: 50 yuan. ⏰Opening hours: Opening hours during summer time: 8:00-19:00 Winter opening hours: 8:00-17:30 🚘Transportation: Self-driving: Navigate to "Pingyao Zhenguo Temple Parking Lot" directly, parking is free. High-speed rail/train: Take bus No. 209 directly from the station. 🌟Two highlights: 1. Architectural and artistic value: The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is one of the three existing Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples and is known as a "thousand-year treasure." 2. The eleven colored sculptures from the Five Dynasties in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. 🌟Overview: Zhenguo Temple was first built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty (963 AD). It was originally named "Jingcheng Temple" and was renamed "Zhenguo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. It is divided into two courtyards, front and back. On the central axis are the Heavenly King Hall, Ten Thousand Buddha Hall and Three Buddha Hall. On both sides are the bell and drum tower, Guanyin Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall and other buildings. The tour lasts about 1 hour. 1⃣️Tianwang Hall: This hall is the mountain gate of the temple. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty. After several renovations, it still maintains the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. It is a single-eaved hanging mountain-style Yuan Dynasty building. There are four heavenly kings on both sides of the hall, symbolizing "wind, harmony, rain, and smoothness" respectively. 2⃣️Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall: This hall is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in China. It is three bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eaved hip roof. There are 12 eaves columns and no interior columns in the hall. There are eleven original colored sculptures from the Five Dynasties in the hall. These sculptures have plump faces and soft bodies, which are extremely valuable. The continuous sitting Buddhas on the four walls of the hall are also its unique feature. 3⃣️Three Buddha Building: Founded in the Ming Dynasty, the building preserves Ming Dynasty colored sculptures and murals, which enshrine the three bodies of Dharma, response and retribution in Buddhism. 🌟Clear the Wendie and the token: You can collect both the Wendie and the token at the Zhenguo Temple. You will see the collection point as soon as you enter the ticket gate. There are not many people there. We went there at 12:30 noon on October 1st. You can collect it directly without queuing. The Wendie was collected around 2:30 pm, but the token was still available. 🔔Note: Shuanglin Temple, Zhenguo Temple and Pingyao Ancient City can be arranged on the same day. Shuanglin Temple is in the west of the ancient city, and Zhenguo Temple is in the east of the ancient city.

Zhen Guo Temple is located in Haodong Village, 15 kilometers northeast of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. Originally named Jingcheng Temple, it was built in the seventh year of the Tianhui period of the Northern Han Dynasty during the Five Dynasties (963 AD). It was renamed Zhen Guo Temple during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and has been used ever since. Zhen Guo Temple faces south and is composed of two courtyards, covering an area of 10,892 square meters and a building area of more than 5,000 square meters. The ancient buildings in the temple are mostly Wanfo Hall, which was built during the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. It is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in China and has important historical and artistic value.

The only remaining Buddha statue from the Five Dynasties period in China, with a history of over 1,000 years, Zhenguo Temple has no pillars. Zhenguo Temple is located in Haodong Village, northeast of Pingyao County. It was first built in the 7th year of the Tianhui era of the Northern Han Dynasty and was rebuilt in the 21st year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty. Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao is an ancient wooden structure that is only later than Nanchan Temple and Foguang Temple. It is an ancient temple from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and a unique and precious architectural and colored sculpture relic. The existing Wanfo Hall on the central axis, Five Dynasties sculptures, Jin Dynasty iron bell, Yuan Dynasty building gate, and Sanfo Tower colored sculptures and murals Wanfo Hall It is one of the three existing Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples and has a history of over 1,000 years. The colored sculptures in the hall are the only remaining Five Dynasties sculptures in the country. The flying eaves of the main hall are nearly 2 meters, and the hall as a whole presents a precise beam structure from the Five Dynasties period. It is three rooms wide and deep, with a single eave and nine-level hip roof. The 12 hall pillars are wrapped in the wall, presenting a visually pillarless hall. There are 14 precious statues in the hall, 11 of which are works from the Five Dynasties period. They have been preserved for a thousand years and the colors are still vivid. The statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is in the center, surrounded by disciples. The colors are strong and still clearly visible today. It is the only remaining Five Dynasties work in Chinese temples. Heavenly King Hall This Zhenguo Temple gate was built in the Yuan Dynasty, and the two sides of the hall are decorated with colored sculptures of the Four Heavenly Kings. Sanfo Tower was built in the Ming Dynasty, and the tower houses Ming Dynasty colored sculptures and murals. Admission: CNY 23 Transportation: Route 209, CNY 3

✨Locals sincerely recommend everyone that Pingyao’s Zhenguo Temple is definitely a treasure place that cannot be missed! This place has a profound historical heritage and amazing cultural treasures. Every time I come here, I can make new discoveries and be moved. 🌟【Precipitation of history】 Zhenguo Temple was first built in the seventh year of Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties (963 AD), which is a very long time ago! It is one of the three existing Five Dynasties temple buildings and was originally named "Jingcheng Temple". When you step into this land, you can feel the ancient atmosphere blowing towards you, as if you have traveled through a time tunnel thousands of years ago and returned to that glorious era. Every brick and stone and every corner seems to be telling a story from the past, making people immersed in it and feeling the weight of history. 🌈【The shock of national treasure-level colored sculptures】 There are 11 colorful statues in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas of Zhenguo Temple, which is amazing! They are the only works from the Five Dynasties that have been preserved in temples and halls across the country. They are simply rare treasures in the art world! Each statue is lifelike, with extremely delicate facial expressions. The compassion and wisdom revealed in the eyes seem to be able to touch the depths of your soul. Standing in front of them, I was truly shocked by the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient craftsmen. Their dedication to art and devotion to religion were all condensed in these colored sculptures. They are not only works of art, but also witnesses of history. They have witnessed countless changes over the years, but they still emit light quietly and guard this sacred land. 🧐【The mysterious story of the half-broken monument】 There is also a half-broken stele from the Five Dynasties period in the temple. Although it is incomplete, it still has a mysterious charm. The text on the stele records the struggle of the Northern Han Dynasty. Those blurred handwritings are like mysterious symbols, waiting for us to decipher. Every stroke seems to whisper about the changes in the past, making people feel as if they are traveling through time and space and feeling the magnificence of that turbulent era. It is like a living history textbook, which gives us a deeper understanding of that distant era and makes us cherish the present peace and tranquility even more. 🔔【The sound of the thousand-year-old cast iron bell】 The thousand-year-old cast iron bell from the fifth year of Huangtong in the Jin Dynasty (1145) is also a highlight of Zhenguo Temple! When the bell rings, the melodious sound seems to penetrate the soul and echo into the ancient times. Every collision seems to awaken dormant historical memories, making people feel awe. Amid the melodious sound of the ancient bell, you can calm down, feel the passage of time, and appreciate the sedimentation and tranquility of this temple that has lasted for thousands of years. Its voice is like a dialogue between Zhenguo Temple and us across time and space, telling its story and conveying its wisdom. 🌳【Enjoy the most beautiful scenery】 In addition to the rich historical culture and precious cultural relics, the scenery of Zhenguo Temple is also intoxicatingly beautiful! The temple architecture complements the natural environment. The quaint buildings appear particularly peaceful and tranquil against the backdrop of green trees and blue sky. The flowers, plants and trees in the courtyard present different beautiful scenery with the changing seasons. In spring, the blooming flowers add a touch of life and vigor to the ancient temples; in summer, the shady green trees provide a cool place for tourists to rest; in autumn, the golden leaves fall, as if laying a golden carpet for the temples; in winter, the temples covered in silver have a solemn beauty. Here, you can stroll through the courtyard, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and feel the inner tranquility and peace. Whether you take photos or appreciate it quietly, you will be intoxicated and linger there. 🎬That’s right! I also heard that this is one of the filming locations for "Black Myth: Wukong"! Just imagine that those wonderful game scenes may include the shadow of Zhenguo Temple. Wouldn’t it feel cooler? This also adds a magical touch to Zhenguo Temple, attracting more people to explore its charm. A trip to Zhenguo Temple is not just a simple tour, but also a deep dialogue with history, culture and nature. There is a story in every corner and every scenery is intoxicating. I hope that when you come to Pingyao, you will not miss the treasure of Zhenguo Temple. Come here to start your own wonderful travel story and leave an unforgettable memory! I believe that you will be deeply attracted by its charm like me and fall in love with this place full of historical charm.

Zhen Guo Temple, a thousand-year-old temple hidden in Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province, quietly tells the story of the vicissitudes and glory of the years with its long history and profound cultural heritage. It is not only a holy place in the hearts of Buddhist believers, but also a location for Black Myth: Wukong! 【Attraction Highlights】 ✓Zhen Guo Temple is famous for its well-preserved Five Dynasties architecture, especially the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which is known as the "treasure of ancient Chinese architecture". Its bucket arch structure is exquisite, showing the superb skills of ancient Chinese architecture ✓The Buddha statues in the temple are of various shapes and lifelike, whether it is the compassionate Guanyin or the majestic Sakyamuni, it makes people feel the profoundness and breadth of Buddhist culture ✓The murals in the temple are colorful and smooth, vividly depicting Buddhist stories and historical legends, and are rare physical materials for studying ancient Chinese painting art 【Check-in Recommendation】 ✓Standing in front of Zhen Guo Temple, overlooking the entire temple, the simple architecture and the surrounding green trees are interesting, forming a picture of tranquility and harmony, which is an excellent place to take ancient style photos ✓Walk into the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, admire the exquisite bucket arch structure and simple Buddha statues up close, feel the solemnity and mystery of the thousand-year-old temple, and the photos taken are full of historical charm ✓Stroll in the corridors and courtyards of the temple, feel the tranquility and peace, take some detailed photos, such as carved window lattices, simple steles, which can add a cultural atmosphere to your circle of friends

Pingyao Shuanglin Temple Travel Guide 🎈 ✨ Shuanglin Temple is one of the key Buddhist temples in the Han Chinese region and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site along with Pingyao Ancient City and Zhenguo Temple. It is renowned as the "Treasure House of Oriental Painted Sculptures," with its exquisite painted sculptures leaving visitors in awe. 📍 Location: Qiaotou Village North, Zhongdu Township, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. 🕙 Opening Hours: 08:00-19:00 (Ticket sales stop 15 minutes before closing time). 🎫 Tickets: Full price ticket 35 RMB. 🚗 Transportation: • 🚌 Bus: You can take Pingyao Bus Line 108 North Line or Pingyao Bus Line 108 South Line to Shuanglin Temple Bus Stop and walk to the temple. • 🚕 Taxi: A taxi ride from Pingyao County costs about 20-30 RMB. 🌟 Main Attractions: • Hall of Heavenly Kings: Upon entering the castle-like arched main gate of the temple, the first sight is the Hall of Heavenly Kings, with a vertical plaque reading "Heavenly Realm of Tianzhu" hanging under the eaves. Under the eaves of the Hall of Heavenly Kings are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, each about 3 meters tall, vividly lifelike. These statues break the usual terrifying and glaring image of temple guardians, instead portraying them with "human" characteristics of boldness and grandeur. • Shakyamuni Hall: In the hall, Shakyamuni sits high in the center, flanked by Manjushri and Samantabhadra. The walls of the hall depict the story of Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, from his birth to his nirvana and enlightenment, and his teachings to save all beings. Over 200 figures with different identities and expressions are intricately designed. Behind the screen wall of Shakyamuni Hall, there is a statue of Guanyin sitting on a red lotus platform surrounded by waves, a typical example of Shuanglin Temple's painted sculptures. • Mahavira Hall: The tallest building in the temple. Rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty using the original foundation, but not as grand as before. The main statues in Mahavira Hall are the "Three Buddhas," with Manjushri and Samantabhadra on either side. In front of the Three Buddhas stands a centuries-old iron-cast and clay-covered "Welcoming Buddha" statue, leaning forward, well-preserved. • Thousand Buddha Hall: The east wing is the Thousand Buddha Hall, a suspended mountain-style building with over 500 painted sculptures inside. Among them, the "Free Guanyin" has a plump and beautiful face, a relaxed and pleasant demeanor, breaking the traditional calm and reserved image. On either side of Guanyin are statues of Weituo and Yaksha. The Weituo statue on the left has an "S"-shaped body, combining strength and softness, dynamic in stillness, full of vigor and power. 💡 Travel Tips: • The painted sculptures in Shuanglin Temple are very precious. Do not touch, carve, or damage them during your visit. • It is recommended to learn some Buddhist cultural knowledge in advance to better understand the meaning behind the temple's architecture and sculptures. • Consider hiring a guide or renting an audio guide to gain a deeper understanding of Shuanglin Temple's history and cultural background. A guide costs about 20 RMB and provides detailed explanations. • Plan to spend 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the temple's architecture and painted sculptures. 📸 Nearby Attractions: • Pingyao Ancient City: About 6 kilometers from Shuanglin Temple, it is a World Cultural Heritage site and a national 5A-level tourist attraction with a long history and rich cultural heritage, including the ancient city wall, Rishengchang Exchange Shop, and the county government office. • Zhenguo Temple: Also a national key cultural relic protection unit, its ancient buildings and painted sculptures are of high artistic value, forming an important cultural landscape of Pingyao County along with Shuanglin Temple.

Black Myth is coming in hot, follow Wukong to tour Shanxi and appreciate the ancient architectural beauty behind the game. The eighth stop, explore Zhen Guo Temple, leisurely tour Pingyao. 🔥 Check-in Scenic Spot: Zhen Guo Temple 📍 Location: Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 🎫 Ticket: 25 RMB 🚗🚗 How to get to the scenic spot? ✅ Self-driving: Take the Dayun Expressway and exit at Pingyao, then navigate🧭 directly to Zhen Guo Temple. ✅ Public transportation: Take bus No. 9🚌 in Pingyao County to Zhen Guo Temple. 🌟🌟 Explore Zhen Guo Temple: ✅ One of the filming locations in the Black Myth game is Pingyao, and one of them is Zhen Guo Temple. The unique architectural style and profound historical heritage of the temple are evident in the game. In reality, it is even more awe-inspiring👍. ✅ When visiting Zhen Guo Temple, you can follow the central axis, which includes the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the Hall of Three Buddhas, along with the Guanyin Hall and Dizang Hall, and the Bell and Drum Towers. The highlight is the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which retains the style of the Five Dynasties period, and the colored sculptures inside, especially the golden body of Shakyamuni. ✅ The wooden structure of Zhen Guo Temple is also a marvel. The temple is entirely connected using mortise and tenon joints, showcasing unique ingenuity and wisdom. 📝📝 Travel Tips: ✅ Pingyao is truly a treasure city. While visiting Zhen Guo Temple, it is recommended to also check out nearby attractions such as Pingyao Ancient City, Shuanglin Temple, and Qiao Family Courtyard. ✅ Don't forget to taste Pingyao's special delicacies, such as Pingyao Bowl Cake, Taigu Cake, Fish and Sheep Bun, and Peach Blossom Noodles... 📣 Thank you for liking❤️, collecting, and following. For more notes🉑️, visit my personal homepage🔍. Shanxi Travel | Jinzhong Must-Visit | Filming Location Check-in

🪷In 1997, Pingyao Ancient City was listed as a "World Cultural Heritage List" by the United Nations, but what is easily overlooked is that the definition list at that time was "one city and two temples", namely Pingyao Ancient City, Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple. There are only five remaining temple buildings from the Five Dynasties in China. Except for Hualin Temple in Fujian, the remaining four are all in Shanxi, namely the Great Buddha Hall of Dayunyuan in Pingshun, the West Side Hall of Longmen Temple in Pingshun, Tiantai Nunnery in Pingshun, and Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao. Zhenguo Temple was originally named "Jingcheng Temple". It was renamed "Zhenguo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and has been used to this day. The existing temple has two courtyards and faces south. Zhenguo Temple was listed as the third batch of national protected sites in 1988. 🔭The highlights of Zhenguo Temple are summarized as follows: 1️⃣Tianwang Hall: It is the mountain gate of the temple. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty and has a simple style. The mountain gate is also called the three gates. A temple usually has three gates, one large and two small, symbolizing the "Three Gates of Liberation" of the gate of emptiness, the gate of no form, and the gate of no action. The Buddhist world and the secular world meet here. Entering the three gates of liberation can lead to liberation. 2️⃣Bell Tower: There is an iron bell from the Jin Dynasty inside. The body of the bell is decorated with inscriptions and flowers, and a hanging button of Pulao (the fourth of the nine sons of the dragon, who loved voice and roar. The dragon-shaped animal button on the huge bell is its portrait). It is the oldest bell in existence in Pingyao County. 3️⃣Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall: It is the main hall of Zhenguo Temple. It was built during the Tianhui period of the Northern Han Dynasty (963 AD) and is the earliest building of Zhenguo Temple. Although it has been renovated many times, it still retains the original style of the Five Dynasties. The huge seven-layer bracket set is connected with mortise and tenon structure without using a single nail. The exquisiteness of the bracket sets is second only to that of Foguang Temple in Mount Wutai (this is just my personal opinion). P7 The 12 pillars of the temple are all enclosed in the wall, without any general beams. They are rare treasures among the wooden structures of Chinese temples and can be called "millennium treasures". There are 14 colored sculptures in the hall, 11 of which are works from the Five Dynasties, the only Five Dynasties colored sculptures preserved in temples and monasteries across the country, and three were sculpted in the Qing Dynasty. The 11 colored sculptures are of a Buddha, two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, two attendants, two Vajras and two donors. In the center is a Sumeru throne with Sakyamuni in the middle, and on the sides are fan-shaped statues of his two disciples, Kasyapa and Ananda, as well as Samantabhadra, Manjusri, attendant Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors and donor boys. This combination form is the inherent pattern of the layout of statues in temple halls during the Tang and Five Dynasties. The fan-shaped arrangement seems to give a sense of intimacy and inclusiveness. The last three statues are located on the back of the main statue. They are Guanyin, Shancai and Longnu. All three are painted with heavy oil colors from the Qing Dynasty. In fact, most Guanyins from Shanxi or the Song and Yuan dynasties sat like this, observing the mind at ease, being Guanyin at ease. At present, except for a small number of Five Dynasties colored sculptures still preserved in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Five Dynasties colored sculptures in Zhenguo Temple are the only works in the country. 4️⃣Half-Broken Stele: Because the stele is incomplete, it is named Half-Broken Stele. This stele is the tombstone of Liu Jiqin, grandson of Liu Chong, King of Northern Han. Although it is only a half-broken stele, it is of extremely high value. 5️⃣Three Buddha Building: Founded in the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty colored sculptures and murals in the hall are typical early Ming Dynasty works. The murals on both sides mainly depict the life of Sakyamuni. 6️⃣Dragon Sophora japonica: The Dragon Sophora japonica in front of the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is more than 1,000 years old. Although the trunk is old and hollow, the upper part is still lush and green. 🚘Transportation: 30 minutes by car from Pingyao Ancient City, bus No. 209. 🎫Tickets: Included in the Pingyao 125 ticket package, 25 for a single ticket

|Zhen Guo Temple in Pingyao. Shanxi Travel | Zhen Guo Temple in Pingyao Zhen Guo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, and Pingyao Ancient City jointly applied for World Cultural Heritage status. When traveling to Jinzhong, Shanxi, in addition to Pingyao Ancient City, Zhen Guo Temple and Shuanglin Temple are also worth visiting. Each has its own unique charm and historical and cultural value. Zhen Guo Temple is known for its profound historical heritage and ancient architectural style, while Shuanglin Temple is famous for its unique artistic style and exquisite Buddhist statues. Zhen Guo Temple is located in Haodong Village, 15 kilometers northeast of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. It was built in the seventh year of the Tianhui period of the Northern Han Dynasty during the Five Dynasties (963 AD). It was originally named "Jingcheng Temple" and was renamed "Zhen Guo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, a name that has been used to this day. The temple has been rebuilt and renovated many times during the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The existing temple has two courtyards, facing south. Architecture: The Wanfo Hall is the main hall of the temple and the essence of the entire temple. It is nearly square in shape, with three rooms wide and three rooms deep. There is no moon platform in front of the hall, and the platform is relatively low. It has a single-eave hip and gable roof, large bucket arches, and deep eaves. The main room has a door, and the second room has a window sill. The shape is simple and it is an excellent ancient building from the Five Dynasties. Colored sculpture: The 11 colored statues in the Wanfo Hall are all original works from the Five Dynasties. In addition to a small number of colored sculptures from the Five Dynasties preserved in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the colored sculptures of the Five Dynasties in Zhen Guo Temple are the only remaining works in China. They occupy a high position in the history of Chinese art and sculpture and are of great value. The 11 statues from the Five Dynasties in the Wanfo Hall include one Buddha, two disciples, two bodhisattvas, two attendants, two vajras, and two donors. Each statue is lifelike. The main statue is the Buddha Sakyamuni, who is dressed in gold, looks natural, and is full of majesty and sanctity.

Zhenguo Temple was first built in the seventh year of Tianhui during the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties period (963 AD). Initially named 'Jingcheng Temple,' it was renamed 'Zhenguo Temple' during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and has retained this name to the present day. The temple has undergone multiple renovations and reconstructions during the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The existing temple complex consists of two courtyards, facing south with the main structures oriented north. Among the existing wooden structures in China, Pingyao's Zhenguo Temple is second only to the Nanchan and Foguang Temples on Mount Wutai, making it one of the oldest wooden structures in China. The earliest building in the complex is the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Despite numerous renovations over the centuries, it still retains the style of the Five Dynasties period and is one of the three existing Five Dynasties structures in Chinese Buddhist temples. The colored sculptures within are the only surviving Five Dynasties works in temple halls across the country. The eaves of the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas extend nearly 2 meters. The hall's overall 'beam frame' structure is meticulously crafted, preserving the wooden architectural framework from over a thousand years ago during the Five Dynasties period (907-960 AD). Inside the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, visitors can admire 14 precious statues, 11 of which date back to the Five Dynasties period. Despite the passage of a millennium, these statues remain vividly colored and are masterpieces of ancient sculpture art. Among these statues, four statues of Bodhisattvas are particularly unique. Two seated Bodhisattvas are dressed in tightly fitted garments, with full cheeks, serenely seated on lotus pedestals; the other two Bodhisattvas stand casually to the side, with full figures and graceful 'S'-shaped curves, exuding a sense of freedom and embodying the delicate femininity characteristic of ancient women. This form contrasts sharply with the traditional, dignified image of Bodhisattvas, resembling more a graceful dancer. In the middle tower in front of the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, there is an iron bell from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234 AD). It is said that the bell's sound can be heard dozens of miles away in Pingyao City. The walls of the Three Buddhas Hall behind the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas are covered with vivid and detailed Buddhist story paintings from the Ming Dynasty.

If you are interested in ancient architecture, Buddhist culture, and historical relics, Zhenguo Temple is a good place to visit. Transportation: Bus: You can take bus 209 from the north gate of Pingyao Ancient City to the entrance of Zhenguo Temple, 4 yuan per trip, one bus every 40 minutes (the noon bus interval is doubled). Visiting Time: Zhenguo Temple is not large, generally, it can be toured in 1-3 hours. Main Attractions: 1: Tianwang Hall: Located at the front of the temple, it is a wooden structure building from the Yuan Dynasty. 2: Wanfo Hall: The main building in the front yard, it is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in China. Although not large in scale, it is majestic and imposing. 3: Sanfo Tower: The main building in the backyard, built in the Ming Dynasty, and still has murals from the Ming Dynasty. 4: Murals.

💖Recommendation Reason: Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao, Shanxi, was built in the seventh year of the Tianhui era of the Northern Han Dynasty (963 AD) by royal decree. The Ten Thousand Buddha Hall is a relic from the Five Dynasties period. Despite undergoing multiple renovations, it still retains the style of the Five Dynasties. It is one of the three existing Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples. The colored sculptures inside are the only surviving Five Dynasties works in temple halls nationwide. Its structure is unique, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and the mechanical principles are ingenious. It is one of the earliest existing wooden structures in China, built entirely with mortise and tenon joints without a single nail, making it the best in the country. It is hailed as an immortal work in the history of ancient architecture worldwide. On December 3, 1997, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee listed the "Ancient City of Pingyao" in the World Heritage List, with Zhenguo Temple being one of the items. 📍Address: Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province 🚖Transportation: Zhenguo Temple is 15 kilometers away from the Ancient City of Pingyao. However, it is not easy to get a car here, so it is recommended to hire a car from the Ancient City of Pingyao. 💰Cost: The entrance fee is 25 yuan per person, which is very cost-effective. Two hours is enough to tour inside.