2025 Yuanping Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Hidden within the Yunzhong Mountain, Tusheng Temple in Yuanping, Shanxi, was originally built during the Tang Dynasty and has undergone multiple renovations. Most of the current buildings are newly constructed, but the Sacred Tooth Pagoda of the Buddha and the stone bridge crossing the ravine in front of the temple are relics from the Jin Dynasty. The temple faces south and consists of a single courtyard. Along the central axis are the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall. The Hall of Heavenly Kings is a pavilion-style building with five bays and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. The lower level houses statues of Maitreya Buddha and Skanda Bodhisattva, while the upper level serves as a spacious opera stage. The main hall is the Mahavira Hall, which enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The side halls on the east and west respectively enshrine Guanyin and Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattvas. The most precious feature of Tusheng Temple is the Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda in front of the temple, built during the Jin Dynasty. It is a brick-built, multi-eaved pagoda with an octagonal, four-story design that imitates wooden structures. The pagoda body is stout with a short pinnacle, majestic and solid. The first level has an arched door housing a Buddha statue inside. Around the waist of the pagoda are carvings of various flowers, plants, and animals. Wind chimes hang from the top eaves, ringing melodiously through the valley when the wind blows. This pagoda enshrines a sacred tooth relic of Shakyamuni Buddha, hence its name. The first level of the pagoda body is large, with the second and third levels gradually tapering inward. The fourth level is extremely recessed, giving the pagoda an unbalanced proportion. However, on the fourth level, there are four brick-arched doorways on each side, said to contain bronze Buddha statues, but these are completely invisible from below. At the top of the pagoda eaves sits a small stupa in the shape of an inverted bowl. Next to the pagoda is a deep and narrow ravine filled with wild grass and trees on both sides, easily overlooked if not observed carefully. Spanning the ravine is a stone bridge, an ancient masterpiece named the Immortal Crossing Bridge. Parking is convenient here, and the site is currently a key cultural relic protection unit in Shanxi Province.

In the previous post, someone joked about whether I was taking a stinky poop hahaha Let me share with you a lesser-known spot for autumn foliage viewing The ancient ginkgo trees at Huiji Temple and Huayan Temple in Pukou, Nanjing, are must-visit places every autumn! Compared to the bustling popular ginkgo spots in the city, these two places are much quieter, truly hidden gems for autumn viewing in Nanjing. The ginkgo leaves here have already turned yellow and are now at their best viewing period. ✅ Ancient Huiji Temple Three tall ancient ginkgo trees, over 1,000 years old, still lush with leaves. When the ginkgo leaves turn yellow in late autumn, the beauty is indescribable! Sunlight filters through the leaves, filling your eyes with the poetry and beauty of autumn. ✅ Huayan Temple Originally called Huayan Nunnery, the temple is located on an ancient Zhou dynasty cultural site. In front of the temple stands a tall, majestic ancient ginkgo tree with dense branches and leaves, a spectacular sight. Standing under the tree feels like traveling through a thousand years of time—an indescribable sensation. • Ancient Huiji Temple and Huayan Temple are 9 kilometers apart and can be visited on the same day. Both have free admission and free parking. 🅿️ Ancient Huiji Temple 🚌: Bus route 608 🚗: Self-driving is recommended, with free parking available for photos 🎫 Admission: Free Tips: The sunlight before 11 a.m. or between 2-3 p.m. is the softest, and you can avoid crowds. Pick up a few fallen leaves as props to instantly enhance the atmosphere.

🌄【Must-Visit Reasons】—— What makes Tianya Mountain so stunning? 1. Geological Marvel: Glacial landforms shaped by Precambrian glacier relics, peaks standing like jagged dog teeth, the breathtaking Stone Drum rock, and listen to the natural symphony of the "wind blowing the stone drum sound shaking the sky"! 2. Cultural Treasure: Yuan Dynasty Stone Drum Shrine, millennium-old poetry and inscriptions, loyalty and filial piety cultural theme area, a strong sense of history, touching the pulse of a thousand years. 3. Scenic All Year Round: Enjoy blooming mountain flowers in spring, cool summer retreats, colorful autumn forests, and a winter ice and snow kingdom—each season offers a unique picturesque view! 4. Nearby Attractions: Adjacent to Hutuo River Wetland and Tongchuan Pear Garden, easily connect for an in-depth "mountain, water, and culture" tour with rich activities! 🚗【Transportation Guide】—— Easy access to Tianya Mountain! ✅ Self-driving: - From Taiyuan: Take the Erguang Expressway → Yuanping exit → Provincial Road 310, 1.5 hours direct, clear scenic area signs. - From Beijing/Shijiazhuang: Take Jingkun Expressway to Erguang Expressway, smooth highway all the way. ✅ Public Transport: - High-speed rail to "Yuanping West Station," then a 20-minute taxi ride (about 30 RMB). - From Taiyuan/Xinzhou bus stations, take a bus to Yuanping, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (ticket 10 RMB). 🅿️ Parking: Free parking at the south gate of the scenic area, ample spaces available. 🎫【Tickets and Opening Hours】 - Tickets: 60 RMB/person in peak season, 40 RMB in off-season (includes Stone Drum Shrine, Lotus Peak, and other core attractions). - Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 (recommended to enter before 10:00 to avoid crowds). - Free Admission: Seniors over 60, children under 1.2 meters free, student ID holders half price. 🌄【Must-Check Spots】—— Unlock the essence of Tianya Mountain! 1. Stone Drum Wonder 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Must experience: Strike the natural rock shaped like a giant drum, listen to the ethereal echoes, check in at the Yuan Haowen poetry inscription, and feel the grandeur of "stone drum sounds moving Yanmen Pass." 2. Lotus Peak 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Summit challenge: Climb 1,200 stone steps to the main peak at 1,100 meters elevation, overlook the entire Hutuo River plain, and enjoy the "Tianya snow sweeping" spectacle in winter. 3. Hulu Spring 🌟🌟🌟 - Clear spring check-in: The emerald spring water and Stone Drum Mountain create a "mountain-water temple" painting, taste the natural sweet spring water in summer, perfect for fresh photos! 4. Loyalty and Filial Piety Cultural Area 🌟🌟🌟 - Immersive experience: Statue of Jie Zitui, filial piety culture corridor, let children feel traditional Chinese virtues, wear Hanfu for instant ancient-style photo shoots. 5. Northern Jiangnan Garden 🌟🌟 - Leisure stroll: Artificial lake, cascading waterfall, antique-style pavilions, enjoy lotus flowers in summer and snow in winter, a great place for family walks. 🍜【Food Guide】—— Taste the flavors of Xinzhou! 1. Must-try list: - Lamb Offal Soup: A warming magic! Rich broth paired perfectly with fried dough, recommended at "Old Zhang Lamb Offal Restaurant" near the south gate. - Yuanping Guokui: Golden crispy flatbread stuffed with braised meat, a satisfying bite, try it at "Wang’s Guokui Shop." - Youmian Kaolaolao: Served with lamb meat sauce soup, authentic Xinzhou flavor, available at local farmhouses in the scenic area. 2. Souvenir Recommendations: Chili sauce, glutinous corn, instant knife-cut noodles, thoughtful gifts for friends and family! 🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】—— Stay at the foot of the mountain and sleep under the stars! 1. High-end Hotels: - Yuanping Yellow River Capital Hotel: 9.5 km from the scenic area, 4.6-star rating, well-equipped, family-friendly. 2. Unique Homestays: - Deyuan Farmhouse: Next to the scenic area, try farmhouse stews, about 80 RMB per person, experience rural life. - Starry Sky Cabin: Newly opened inside the scenic area, romantic atmosphere for stargazing at night, reservation required. 🗓️【2-Day Itinerary Recommendation】—— Deep exploration without rushing! Day 1: - Morning: Arrive at Tianya Mountain → Climb Lotus Peak → Check in at Stone Drum Wonder - Noon: Eat lamb offal soup near the scenic area - Afternoon: Experience Loyalty and Filial Piety Cultural Area → Stroll Northern Jiangnan Garden - Evening: Stay at a homestay, taste farmhouse stew, stargaze at night Day 2: - Morning: Bike ride at Hutuo River Wetland / Flower viewing at Tongchuan Pear Garden (seasonal) - Noon: Try Guokui in Yuanping city - Afternoon: Return trip or extend to Mount Wutai ⚠️【Practical Tips】 1. Gear suggestions: Hiking shoes, sun hat (summer), non-slip shoes + warm clothes (winter). 2. Avoid pitfalls: Some trails closed due to snow in winter, check scenic area announcements in advance. 3. Photo spots: Lotus Peak summit overlook, beside Stone Drum rock, red walls at Loyalty and Filial Piety Platform, wear bright clothes for better photos! 4. Family activities: Let kids play in Hulu Spring water, join the scenic area’s "Filial Piety Culture Interactive Class." ✨【Why keep coming back to Tianya Mountain?】 - Fusion of nature and culture: Glacier landforms + loyalty and filial piety culture, double experience in one trip! - Hidden gem: Avoid crowds, enjoy peaceful mountain views, uninterrupted photo opportunities. - Healing for body and mind: The magnificent view from the summit instantly erases city worries. 💥Final call to action: Save this guide and set off this weekend! At Tianya Mountain, encounter billion-year geological legends and millennia-old cultural stories, let your soul resonate with nature!

Tianya Mountain stands majestically on the land of Yuanping, with its towering peaks shrouded in mist. As you ascend the winding stone path, flanked by towering trees, the sound of your footsteps harmonizes with the chirping of birds. Upon reaching the summit, a panoramic view unfolds before your eyes: undulating mountains stretch endlessly, and towns and fields spread out like a grand, picturesque scroll. The name 'Tianya' (meaning 'horizon' or 'the ends of the earth') seems to suggest that those who climb it can gaze as far as the horizon. Standing atop the mountain, a sense of openness fills my heart, as if all worldly worries are carried away by the wind. The mountain is not only a symbol of nature but also a sanctuary for the soul. Tianya Mountain teaches us that while life's journey may be long, every climb to a higher vantage point is a transcendence of the inner self.

⛰[Attraction Guide] 📍Detailed Address: 114 County Road, Yuanping City, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province 🚗Transportation Guide: 16 km southwest of Yuanping City, approximately 22 minutes by car 🕙Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00–19:00 💰Ticket Price: Free 🌟Highlights and Features: Huiji Temple is a historic temple founded in the Tang Dynasty, rebuilt in the Song Dynasty, and renovated several times during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As a seventh-batch national key cultural relic preservation site, Huiji Temple attracts many visitors with its unique architectural style and rich cultural relics. The temple complex faces south, covers an area of about 3,600 square meters, and has a rectangular layout. Preserved within the temple are structures and artifacts such as the Wenshu Hall, the South Hall, the East and West Side Halls, the Bell Tower, and five stone steles. 📌Tips: Parking is available in front of the temple.

In Gangyang Town, Yuanping, Shanxi Province, lies the Puji Bridge, the most complete existing stone arch bridge from the Jin Dynasty in my country. After five major renovations in 800 years, it is still a daily commuting route for locals! Founded: the third year of Taihe in the Jin Dynasty (1203 AD); Rebuilt: the sixth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1373); Rebuilt: the 20th year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1755); Rebuilt: the tenth year of Daoguang (1830). Renovation: The second year of Guangxu (1876) Renovation: The fifth year of Guangxu (1879) 🔍Highlights guide: ✅16 "Reliefs of Gods": Dragon King worshipping the city + Jiang Taigong fishing + Lei Gong and Dian Mu...a large collection of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism elements. These reliefs vividly show the folk beliefs of the ancient multicultural integration. ✅Unique mechanical design: The arch of the bridge was specially raised when it was rebuilt after being destroyed by floods in the 10th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty, creating a unique half-moon shape ✅Photography Tips: The dragon carvings in the bridge hole are the most delicate. There are stone carvings of peaches, pomegranates, Buddha's hands and other fruits on the top of the four pillars on the bridge. It is recommended to wear Hanfu and stand on the stone steps on the side of the bridge to take pictures. 📍Navigation: South Gate of Gangyang Town (free to visit) 🚗It takes 2 hours to get there from Taiyuan, and can be combined with Huiji Temple and Zhu's Archway for a one-day tour ❗The ancient bridge is still open to traffic, please be careful when taking photos

The Twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment are an important group of deities in Esoteric Buddhism, with their names and practices originating from the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment, translated by Buddhatrata during the Tang Dynasty. This sutra records that twelve bodhisattvas took turns asking the Buddha for teachings, and the Buddha expounded the practice of the "Mahayana Perfect Enlightenment Pure Realm," covering core doctrines such as wisdom, compassion, and vows. The order of the twelve bodhisattvas implies a sequence of practice, progressing from the awakening of wisdom to the perfection of enlightenment. What are the Twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment? "Perfect Enlightenment" means perfect enlightenment, referring to the inherent pure Buddha-nature of all sentient beings. The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment emphasizes that if one can comprehend the "original source of the mind," one can transcend samsara and attain the state of a Tathagata. The twelve bodhisattvas symbolize twelve methods of practice, serving as both a guide for individual cultivation and a manifestation of the wisdom of the Dharma. The Meaning and Symbolism of the Twelve Bodhisattvas 1. Manjushri Bodhisattva: Symbolizes wisdom, wielding the sword of prajna to cut through ignorance, ranked first, representing the need for wisdom to lead the way in practice. 2. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva: Symbolizes vows, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel or lotus, emphasizing post-enlightenment practice and the broad salvation of sentient beings. 3. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva: Observes sentient beings with compassion, with eyes lowered in compassion, holding a pure vase or willow branch, embodying the combination of compassion and wisdom. 4. Vajragarbha Bodhisattva: Holds a vajra, symbolizing indestructible wisdom and the power to protect the Dharma, dispelling wrong views. 5. Maitreya Bodhisattva: The future Buddha, holding a cloth bag or stupa, symbolizing tolerance and future salvation. 6. Pure Wisdom Bodhisattva: The embodiment of wisdom with pure six senses, often forming a mudra, helping sentient beings to be free from afflictions. 7. Majestic and Free Bodhisattva: Combines majesty and compassion, with a dignified appearance that deters demons and protects practice. 8. Sound Discerning Bodhisattva: Skilled in spreading the Dharma through sound, holding a musical instrument or scripture, symbolizing the diversity of Dharma dissemination. 9. Pure Karma Bodhisattva: Holds a ritual implement or forms a mudra, eliminating karma and paving the way for liberation. 10. Universal Enlightenment Bodhisattva: Insight into the nature of life and death, guiding sentient beings to awaken. 11. Perfect Enlightenment Bodhisattva: The embodiment of perfect enlightenment, often in a meditative posture, symbolizing the ultimate goal of practice. 12. Virtuous and Good Leader Bodhisattva: The leader in doing good deeds and accumulating merit, holding a scripture or jewel, symbolizing the inheritance of good deeds and teachings. The Guanyin Hall of Huiji Temple in Yuanping, Shanxi, preserves twelve Ming Dynasty painted sculptures of the Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment, arranged along the east and west walls, blending Song and Ming styles, vividly displaying the characteristics of the bodhisattvas' appearances: East Wall Sequence: Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, Majestic and Free, Pure Karma, Perfect Enlightenment. West Wall Sequence: Samantabhadra, Vajragarbha, Pure Wisdom, Sound Discerning, Universal Enlightenment, Virtuous and Good Leader.

8-Day Winter Tour of Linfen, Jinzhong, and Xinzhou: A Heartwarming Guide! Avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the three places. Save this guide now! -------- 🏃Itinerary: D1: Depart for Zhengzhou, check in to your hotel, and get ready to start your journey in Shanxi! D2: Yuncheng Mountain Scenic Area, explore the ancient mountains and rivers, and enjoy the natural scenery. D3: Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area, feel the grandeur and magnificence of the Yellow River. D4: Qiao Family Courtyard, experience the culture of Shanxi merchants and learn about the historical heritage. D5: Tianya Mountain Scenic Area, climb high and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and rivers. D6: Hanging Temple, visit the ancient temple and feel the charm of religious culture. D7: Imperial City Xiangfu, go deep into history and listen to the stories of the ancient houses. D8: End your pleasant journey in Shanxi and return home with a full heart! -------- Travel Essentials: 🎒Traveling to Linfen, Jinzhong, and Xinzhou? Don't forget to bring these things! 👚Clothing: The temperature in Linfen, Jinzhong, and Xinzhou in December is moderate. You can wear a light jacket during the day and a down jacket at night. Jeans are versatile and warm, so don't forget to bring them. 🎒Accessories: Hats and scarves are warm and stylish, and sunglasses are a must for sun protection. Comfortable sneakers are perfect for walking. Power banks and data cables will keep your phone charged. 🆔Documents: ID card and bank card are essential for travel. Prepare your e-tickets in advance and don't forget your attraction tickets. 🧴Personal Care and Other: Sunscreen and lip balm are essential for skincare. Bring some common medicines with you to ensure your health. Snacks and water will keep you energized and full. -------- The depth of Linfen, the charm of Jinzhong, and the style of Xinzhou are all in this three-city tour! 🌈The roads you have traveled and the scenery you have seen are all beautiful memories in your heart.🌟

😌 New discovery in Shanxi 🧭— Unveiling the beautiful ancient temple 🔍 ❶. Hello, everyone! I'm back again～🏃‍♀️ This time, I'm not taking you to eat, drink, and have fun 💰 shopping mode 🔛 Instead, I'm bringing you a mysterious attraction in Shanxi that's hidden deep but definitely worth a visit 📖💕   ❷. Speaking of Lingshi County in Jinzhong, Shanxi 🍀 this unremarkable small county hides an ancient temple with a long history 😍 It is Huiji Temple, known as one of the "First Scenic Spots of Shanxi" ✨ ❸. It is said to be the place of Manjushri Bodhisattva 🌟 and an important hub on the ancient Silk Road 📚 So, let's unveil its mystery together! 👍 ❹. 🌿 Temple Overview     Huiji Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty (627–649 AD), initially named Nanshan Temple, later renamed Pujisi, Yanxisi, and other names until the present Huiji Temple. Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters, the architectural complex is well laid out and magnificent. The main buildings are arranged along the central axis, forming a typical symmetrical pattern of ancient China ⏳. Entering the gate, you will see the majestic Mahavira Hall and the Bell and Drum Tower 🕒, followed by the Sutra Pavilion, which houses a large number of scriptures and Buddhist statues, a treasure trove of cultural relics that is breathtaking! 🐉 ❺. 📸 Recommended Photo Spots In addition to the ancient historical buildings and rich cultural connotations, there are several excellent photo spots waiting for you to unlock 🙋‍♂️ ① On the wide square in front of the Mahavira Hall, there are several exquisite bronze statues that seem to tell the vicissitudes of history, allowing you to easily take photos with an ancient style ✌️ ② The Yao Shi Pagoda on the central axis is tall and elegant, becoming one of the best backgrounds for tourists to take photos 🏞️ ③ In the courtyard of the temple, there is a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree with lush branches and leaves, which is particularly dazzling in autumn, attracting countless photography enthusiasts to capture this beautiful moment 💫 ❻. 🎡 Tour Route Guide If you want to fully appreciate the charm of this Buddhist holy place, it is recommended to visit in the following order to get the best viewing experience ~🏥 ❼. ⃣ First, come to the mountain gate, where you will be greeted by several majestic stone lions and lifelike statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, which will show you the unique charm and artistic value of traditional Chinese culture, making you linger 😲 ❽. ⃣ Follow the stone-paved road to reach the Guanyin Hall, where you can admire the solemn image of Guanyin Bodhisattva and feel the strong religious atmosphere and Zen-like aura surrounding you 💆‍♀️ ❾. ⃣ Further ahead is the Rain Flower Pavilion, where believers pray for blessings in the rain. It is also one of the important landmark buildings of the temple, symbolizing the beautiful meaning of rebirth and nirvana 🙏 ❿⃣ Finally, you will reach the core area, the majestic Stupa, which stands quietly there, witnessing the practice of countless monks and carrying the reverence for all things in the world and the endless hope for the future...

The fifth self-driving trip to Shanxi during the National Day holiday, The second day, the first stop: Huiji Temple in Yuanping, Xinzhou City👍. 🌺 One of the highlights of this self-driving trip to Shanxi is ~ Yuanping Huiji Temple. Huiji Temple is small but very splendid. It was founded in the Tang Dynasty. Originally it was just a small temple with two entrances in a remote mountain village, but it has survived because of its remoteness. Unfortunately it was not able to escape the thieves in the past few years, and the heads of seven of the nine statues in the main hall were stolen. Special Annotation Figure 3: When Huiji Temple was being built in the Tang Dynasty, Aunt Cao, a girl from the village, participated in the work of carrying water all day. . . When the work was completed, he suddenly passed away. To show her merits, later generations placed her real body in the west corner of the main hall so that she could share the incense with other gods. 🌺 Free.

Duration of stay: 1 Day Travel Option: Slow Train: 大同南 Datong Nan - 原平西 Yuanpingxi Price: 56 Yuan Duration: 1:20 Hours Transport inside of the city: In Yuanping, I used the Public Transportation and Taxi. The public transportation is very convenient. Just use AliPay Transport Feature and import the City Yuanping Places Visited: 1.Hiking in the following mountain: 天涯山 Depends on how many mountains you want to hike. You can also do one and it doesn’t take so long. There is also a park next to the mountain where you can groom around. Recommended Food: 大刀面片 (Price: 7.3 Yuan) Restaurant Name: 开发小饭铺 猪肉面条（Price: 10 Yuan) 猪肉面 + 肉圆 （Price:10 Yuan + 4 Yuan) #Yuanping #china #village #mountain #hiking #travel

|A special ancient temple. Yuanping Huiji Temple is located in Lianjiagang Village, 15 kilometers northeast of Yuanping City, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. The temple faces south and is composed of buildings such as the mountain gate, Wenshu Hall, Bell Tower, Jialan Hall, Big Buddha Hall, and East and West Corridors. There are 15 existing colored sculptures and a group of murals in the Guanyin Hall. Among them, the twelve round enlightened bodhisattvas are all secular female gentle and elegant images, with neat sculptures, beautiful shapes, and vivid postures. They are very exquisite, and you can see the traces of "religious secularization". The murals of Guanyin's rescue of the eight difficulties on both walls have high value in terms of subject matter, painting skills, and originality. It can be seen that the Guanyin Hall has also been brutally attacked. The whereabouts of the Guanyin's left and right attendants are unknown. The head of a bodhisattva was cut off. Fortunately, the head of the bodhisattva was not stolen because the temple administrator found it in time. In this ancient temple of a thousand years, there is actually a flesh statue of a 16-year-old girl. After a thousand years, the statue is well preserved as a whole, and even the bones in the statue are clearly visible. On major holidays, locals will worship it. Because of this temple, it is said that the county party secretary who protected these clay sculptures at that time was later implicated and stepped down and criticized. Without the protection of these people, these remaining historical cultures may become history.

Huiji Temple in Yuanping is located in Lianjiagang Village, Zhongyang Township, northeast of Yuanping City, about 10 kilometers from the city. The temple was founded in the Tang Dynasty, rebuilt in the Song Dynasty, and repaired in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The existing main building, Wenshu Hall, was built in the Ming Dynasty, and the rest were built in the Qing Dynasty. Huiji Temple in Yuanping is relatively well preserved as a whole. The architectural form of Wenshu Hall is unique and has important historical value. The existing colored sculptures and wood carvings in the temple also have high artistic value. It is also one of the scenes of Black Myth: Wukong. From around August 20th, people have been coming to Huiji Temple in Yuanping to check in. Fortunately, I was born in Yuanping and I am proud of the beautiful Yuanping!

[Sunflower] Huiji Temple, located in Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, China, is an ancient temple with a long history and cultural heritage. In recent years, Huiji Temple has once again attracted worldwide attention due to the launch of the game "Black Myth: Wukong". However, we hope that people will not only understand this ancient temple from the perspective of the game background, but also deeply explore the cultural and historical value behind it. The History of Huiji Temple [Flower] Huiji Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty, and has undergone renovation and expansion in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties to form its current size. The temple preserves a large number of precious cultural relics and historical sites, such as Tang Dynasty stone pagodas, Song Dynasty sutra pillars, Ming Dynasty murals, etc. These are important physical materials for studying ancient Chinese Buddhist culture. The architectural style and artistic value of Huiji Temple [Leaf] Huiji Temple has a unique architectural style that combines the characteristics of Han Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. The Buddha statues in the temple have various shapes and are lifelike, demonstrating the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. In addition, the murals, stone carvings and other artworks in the temple also have high artistic value, reflecting the religious beliefs and aesthetic concepts of the society at that time. The connection between Black Myth: Wukong and Huiji Temple [Seeding] "Black Myth: Wukong" is a game based on ancient Chinese mythology. Huiji Temple is one of the game scenes, presenting players with a mysterious ancient temple. The launch of the game has made more people aware of the existence of Huiji Temple and has also brought new vitality to this ancient temple. Respect the culture and history of Huiji Temple [Tree] Although the game has brought Huiji Temple back into people’s attention, we cannot just regard it as a game background. As an ancient temple with a history of thousands of years, Huiji Temple carries rich cultural and historical information. We should respect and inherit these precious cultural heritages, so that more people can understand and participate in the protection and research of ancient temples. [MapleLeaf]Xinzhou Huiji Temple is not only a beautiful ancient building complex, but also a living history book. While enjoying the visual feast brought by the game, let us not forget to deeply understand the culture and historical connotations behind Huiji Temple and jointly protect this precious cultural heritage.

The old city of Gangyang is located in Gangyang Town, Yuanping County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. Gangyang Town was the seat of the former Gang County. In the third year of Yuanding in the Western Han Dynasty (114 BC), Yuanping County was established. In the second year of Yongxing in the Northern Wei Dynasty (410 AD), Yuanping County was renamed Shicheng County. In the tenth year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty (590 AD), Shicheng County was abolished and Pingkou County was moved from the present-day Dingxiang County to Gangyang Town. In the second year of the Sui Dynasty (606 AD), Pingkou County was renamed Gang County. In December 1958, Gang County was renamed Yuanping County, and the county seat was moved to Yuanping Town. In 1993, Yuanping was changed from a county to a city. As the county seat for more than 1,300 years, the old city of Gangyang has a long history and cultural heritage. It still has national key cultural relics protection sites such as the Gangyang Confucian Temple and Puji Bridge, as well as several city gates. Regarding the old city of Gang County, the Ming Jiajing edition of "Gang County Chronicles" records: "The foundation is grand, the gates and alleys are still there, and the current city government is in its western corner." The Qing Dynasty county chronicles briefly describe: "It was built at the end of the Yongjia period of Emperor Huai of Jin Dynasty, facing Tuoshui River in the east and spanning the current city in the west. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, Chahan Zhiyuan built its western corner due to the division of the old city." Today, the north gate "Ningyuan" and the south gate "Jingming" city gates remain. Although the city walls are no longer as strong as they used to be, they are still simple and solemn, showing the glory of the past. Ticket information: Free Opening hours: All day Transportation information: Drive 18 kilometers north from Yuanping City to arrive.

Pujie Bridge, formerly known as 'Ying'en Bridge' and also called 'Guozhou Bridge,' was first built in the third year of the Jin Taihe period (1203 AD) by a wealthy man named You Wan. This open-shoulder, round-arched stone bridge is constructed with chiseled and carved stones. The main bridge is 30 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 7 meters high. Each end has an approach bridge, with the north approach bridge being 34.5 meters long and the south approach bridge being 28.5 meters long. Both sides of the bridge body are equipped with solid stone railings, with 20 balusters and 19 railing panels. The tops of the square balusters are adorned with stone carvings of fruits such as peaches, pomegranates, and Buddha's hand. The railing panels are made of whole stones with rolled edges and floral carvings. The stone bridge body consists of a single long arch and four small arch holes. The main arch spans 19 meters and is 6.5 meters high; the second largest arch spans 3.1 meters and is 3.2 meters high; the small arch spans 1.7 meters and is 1.8 meters high. All the arches are made of horizontally rotated stones, with beautifully shaped and exquisitely crafted stone reliefs on the arch frames and arch lintels. Besides the water-fetching mythical beast heads carved on both sides of the main arch, there are 16 relief panels depicting story characters. The small arch sides are carved with patterns such as dragons emerging from the water and nine-needle designs. All the carvings are elegant and delicate, with smooth lines, vivid and lifelike, and deeply meaningful. The bridge deck is paved with stone slabs, divided into three pathways, separated by two upright stone strips embedded in the same direction as the bridge body. Pujie Bridge is one of the oldest stone bridges in China. On August 18, 1986, it was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Hebei Province by the Hebei Provincial People's Government, recorded in the 'History of Ancient Chinese Bridges,' and praised as the 'Little Zhaozhou Bridge.' On October 16, 2019, the State Council of the People's Republic of China announced it as a national key cultural relic protection unit. Ticket Information: Free Opening Hours: All day Transportation Information: Drive 18 kilometers north along Jingyuan North Road and Jingkun Line.

The low-key Guoyang Town, an uncommercialized pure land|||🔻Guoyang Town is located about 18 kilometers north of Yuanping City in Shanxi. This place was established as a county during the Northern Dynasties and was named Guo County during the Sui Dynasty. It remained a small core of the surrounding area until 1959, when the county seat was moved south to the present-day Yuanping, leading to its gradual decline. As a result, Guoyang has preserved many ancient buildings that surpass its status. Additionally, because it is no longer a political and economic center, its development has been slow, and it has not undergone extensive modern renovations. This fortunate circumstance allows us to see these authentic ancient relics. Pujie Bridge, located outside the south gate of Guoyang, was first built in the third year of the Jin Taihe period (1203). Its current appearance likely reflects repairs from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Large vehicles can no longer pass, but pedestrians and electric vehicles can still traverse it. It is listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in the eighth batch. Guoyang Confucian Temple, first built during the Yuan Dade period, was once very grand. Now, only some buildings along the central axis remain. Unfortunately, it is currently under renovation and not open to the public. One can only glimpse it through climbing walls and various gaps. The Ji Gate is believed to be from the Yuan Dynasty, and the Dacheng Hall from the Ming Dynasty. It is listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in the eighth batch. Guandi Temple, with its main hall rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, is well preserved. It is a county-level cultural relic protection unit in Yuanping City. Guoyang City Wall, first built during the Ming Wanli period, now only has a few gates and remnants of walls left. However, the brickwork remains intact and very original. It is a cultural relic protection unit in Xinzhou City. The Catholic Church, built in the thirteenth year of the Republic of China (1924) by Italian priest Gao Yuqian, still has his memorial monument. It is a county-level cultural relic protection unit in Yuanping City. 🔻Shanxi has many ancient cities and towns, such as Xinzhou Ancient City, Yuci Ancient City, and Taiyuan Ancient County, which have been highly commercialized. After renovation, it is often difficult to distinguish between new and old buildings. Guoyang Town, with its many preserved ancient relics and almost no tourists, retains its original flavor and is quite rare. It is well worth a visit.

Guoyang Confucian Temple, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty's Dade period, was renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is one of the few remaining prefectural-level Confucian temples in Shanxi. In 2019, Guoyang Confucian Temple was listed as the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units. Guoyang Confucian Temple consists of a three-entry courtyard, facing south. Along the central axis, there are structures such as the screen wall, Lingxing Gate, Pan Pond, Ji Gate, and Dacheng Hall. Due to its distinct and authoritative functions of venerating Confucius, promoting education, and moral cultivation, it has been highly revered by countless scholars. The existing Dacheng Hall is a relic from the Ming Dynasty, while the other buildings are from the Qing Dynasty. 🌈Highlights: ✅ The temple houses one stele from the Yuan Dynasty and six steles from the Qing Dynasty. The architectural layout reflects the educational features of rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics, making it a sacred place of Confucianism in Yuanping's history. ✅ The Dacheng Hall has a width of seven bays and a depth of five bays, reaching a height of over five zhang. It features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow, green, blue, and white glazed tiles. The hall's two ends have double flying eaves, with dense dougong brackets, exuding grandeur. The hall doors are made of 20 carved panel doors, intricately decorated with patterns of plum blossoms, mugwort leaves, crabapple flowers, and lanterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. ✅ The paifang-style Lingxing Gate has a wooden plaque inscribed with the words 'Sacred Gate' on the back. It has eaves on both sides, with five bays and six pillars supporting the top. Stone pillars are placed in front and behind the wooden columns, with diagonal struts for support. The purlins are layered, with six extended dougong brackets, and the five tops are covered with multicolored glazed tiles, presenting a unique and grand structure. 🎫Ticket: Free 🚗Transportation: Navigate 🧭 and drive by yourself

From the Yuanping expressway exit, head east for 5 kilometers to reach the local's backyard garden, Tianya Mountain, commonly referred to by locals as Shigu Temple, because there is a huge rock protruding at the top of the mountain. The rock is large at the head and thin at the tail, stretching out from the cliff and spanning more than 20 meters, forming a huge hollow in the middle, making the two ends very small support points, resembling a drum, suspended in the air, seemingly about to fall, leaving an impression of earth-shattering momentum, hence the name Shigu Mountain. From a distance, it looks unimpressive, but up close, the mountain's treacherous terrain and the difficulty of climbing are evident. The altitude is about 1100m, with the mountain being approximately 200m high, steep and offering a sense of adventure. Tianya Mountain is composed of Tianya Peak and Lotus Peak, with undulating peaks. Opposite to it is Wufeng Mountain, and the two mountains facing each other are steep and difficult to climb, hence some people call Wufeng Mountain 'the end of the earth' and Shigu Mountain 'Tianya'. Next to Shigu Mountain is the Shigu Shrine, which contains Yuan Dynasty murals, and in the courtyard, there is a jujube tree from the Tang Dynasty, estimated to be over 1000 years old. The first courtyard has a passing hall to the north, a stage to the south, and Zen rooms on both sides; the second courtyard has a main hall with three rooms, hanging a plaque that reads 'Utmost Loyalty and Pure Filial Piety'. According to legend, in the early years of the Yuan Dynasty, a couple with the surname Yan heard a series of cries through their window late at night, and when they inquired, they were told it was Jie Zitui stationing troops. Deeply believing it to be divine, they built Jie Zitui's palace here, and since then, Jie Zitui has become the mountain god of this place. Around the Shigu Shrine, there are also landscapes such as the Stone Man Waterfall, Hutuo Devouring, Early Planting Late Harvesting, Tianya Sweeping Snow, and so on, each with its own charm throughout the four seasons.

This ancient village in Shanxi has been around for more than 700 years, and now only the elderly are left behind, and the ancient houses are already in ruins. The trip to Shanxi has become a great pleasure for many tourists. Here they can see different scenery, whether it is ancient architecture or special food, which makes tourists linger. In Shanxi, there is an ancient village that has been around for 700 years. Now only the elderly are left behind, and the ancient houses are in ruins. This ancient village is Dongyanzhuang Village, located in Yuanping City, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province. Because it is located in the hilly area, as early as the Hongwu years of the Ming Dynasty, the Fan family moved from Hongdong to settle here. The village temple and the stage have almost become important buildings closely related to people's daily life in every village in Shanxi. Today's visitors to Dongyanzhuang Village can still see several ancient temples preserved in the village and two ancient stages. It is known that the ancient stage is a relic of the Qing Dynasty, presented in a west-facing east form, with a width of three rooms, and an eight-character wall is built on both sides. On the big beam, you can see the inscriptions repaired during the Tongzhi and Jiaqing years. Once prosperous Dongyanzhuang Village, with the passage of time, can no longer see the lively scene of the past. Now the tourists who come to Dongyanzhuang Village can only see a dozen elderly people left in the village and the abandoned old houses. It can also be seen that this place has almost become an empty nest village that no one cares about. The changes of the times have made the lively scene here no longer findable. The lively scene of the past can only become the history of Dongyanzhuang Village. Here you can review the bits and pieces of people's lives here before. And the painstaking efforts of these ancient builders.

On the lunar calendar August 13, 2023, in the sound of drums and music, the newly completed Xi Cheng Temple in Tongchuan Town, Zhu Dong Society Village was consecrated. Believers from all around came here early to watch the consecration by the high monks of Wutai Mountain. This is a personal initiative to rebuild a temple. It is a measure to promote Buddhist culture by repairing and maintaining the original foundation.

Tianya Mountain Scenic Area is located in Yuanping City, Xinzhou, adjacent to Wutai Mountain in the east, Luya Mountain in the west, Yuwang Cave in the south, and Yanmenguan in the north. It is also an indispensable part of the tourist route. Although Tianya Mountain does not have flying waterfalls and strange caves, the mountainous terrain here is worth seeing with overlapping peaks, strange peaks and cliffs. After entering the gate of the scenic area, you can feel the magnificence of Tianya Mountain, with a series of strange rocks and peaks in sight. There are few plants on the mountain, and the entire mountain range of sandstone is exposed. After climbing Shigu Mountain, you can feel the fresh air. The adjacent Lotus Mountain should not be missed. It is named for its shape like a lotus. There is a lake under Lotus Mountain, and the scenery is beautiful. After descending the mountain, you can rest in the unique pavilions and corridors, appreciate this beautiful scenery, and feel this comfortable climate.