Shanxi Fenyang Houtu Shengmu Temple: A Visual Feast of Ming Dynasty Murals

Basic Information • Address: East of Tiancun Village, Lijiazhuang Township, Fenyang City, Shanxi Province • Opening Hours: It is recommended to confirm in advance (usually open during the day, may be closed during certain periods) • Admission: Free (ID registration required) • Suggested Visit Duration: 1 hour 🚗 Transportation Guide • Self-driving: Navigate to "Fenyang Houtu Shengmu Temple," about 3 km from Fenyang city center, approximately 10 minutes by car. • Public Transport: Take a rural bus from Fenyang city center to Tiancun, then walk to the temple. If coming from Taiyuan, you can plan a day trip including Xinghuacun and Taifu Temple. 🏯 Must-See Highlights 1. Ming Dynasty Mural Treasures o The east, west, and north walls inside the main hall preserve 59.46 square meters of Ming dynasty murals, depicting "Yan Music Scene," "Welcoming the Emperor," and "Imperial Tour." o The murals use meticulous heavy-color painting and powder-gilding techniques, portraying the daily life and patrol scenes of the Holy Mother, featuring hundreds of figures in splendid costumes, showcasing the style of Ming dynasty court life. o The north wall's "Yan Music Scene" vividly shows maidens playing music and warming wine; the east wall's "Welcoming the Emperor" features a majestic Azure Dragon sedan chair procession; the west wall's "Imperial Tour" depicts stern divine generals guarding. 2. Architecture and History o The main hall is a Ming dynasty structure with a single-eave Xieshan roof and green glazed tile edging. o Founded in the Tang dynasty, rebuilt in the 28th year of Jiajing in the Ming dynasty (1549), and repaired several times during the Qing dynasty. It is now a key cultural relic protection unit in Shanxi Province. 3. Polychrome Sculptures and Details o The hall enshrines statues of the Houtu Holy Mother and her maidens, blending styles from the Tang and Song dynasties. o The front eaves feature exquisite dougong bracket carvings, and the lattice doors retain Ming dynasty forms. 📝 Practical Tips • Visit Order: Focus on the main hall murals, carefully observe the north wall → east wall → west wall, and pay attention to the painted door gods in the corridors. • Photography Suggestions: o The hall is dimly lit; flash photography is prohibited. o You may photograph mural details (such as musicians’ instruments and sedan chair processions). • Notes: o The site may close for lunch breaks; it is recommended to visit in the morning or afternoon. o Please protect the murals and do not touch them. • Nearby Attractions: o Taifu Temple (15 minutes by car): Jin dynasty Taoist architecture with exquisite suspended sculptures. o Xinghuacun Fenjiu Distillery: Experience the Fenjiu liquor brewing process.