The Millennium Glazed Tower — Feihong Tower of Shanxi

Introduction to Guangsheng Temple Feihong Tower Address: Guangsheng Upper Temple, 17 km north of Hongtong County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province Opening Hours: Winter 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM), Summer 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) Tickets: 55 RMB/person (additional ticket required for Feihong Tower) Introduction: Originally built in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the current structure was rebuilt in the 6th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1527), with a ground floor corridor added in the 2nd year of the Tianqi reign (1622). It is the most complete large ancient glazed tower in China and was certified in 2018 as the "World's Tallest Multicolored Glazed Tower." The tower stands 47.31 meters tall, with thirteen octagonal levels. The body is made of blue bricks embedded with yellow, green, blue, purple, and white glazed components, decorated with patterns of coiled dragons, strongmen, and auspicious beasts. Under sunlight, it shines brilliantly like a flying rainbow. The tower is hollow inside, with a zigzag staircase allowing visitors to climb to the top. Each eave corner hangs a golden bell that rings with the wind, creating a profound atmosphere. Recommended Tips 🌟 Must-See Highlights Feihong Tower Glazed Wonder: The best time to photograph the "Buddha Light Flying Rainbow" is during early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight slants and refracts colorful halos on the tower’s glazed surface; visitors can climb inside the tower to closely admire the glazed relief details. Site of the "Zhaocheng Jin Cang": Guangsheng Temple once discovered the rare Buddhist scripture "Zhaocheng Jin Cang," considered one of the "Four National Library Treasures" alongside the Yongle Encyclopedia. The Sutra Repository has related historical exhibits. Yuan Dynasty Murals in the Water God Temple: The murals in the Ming Yingwang Hall of the Water God Temple in the Lower Temple were painted in 1324. They include China’s earliest surviving theatrical performance scenes ("Da Xing San Le Zhong Du Xiu Zai Ci Zuo Chang") and Yuan dynasty social life depictions such as "Scattered Tea" and "Pounding Pills," with very high artistic value. 🚗 Transportation Guide From other cities: Take high-speed rail to Hongtong West Station, then taxi to the scenic area for about 25 RMB (20 minutes); Within the province: Take a bus from Linfen city to Hongtong County (10 RMB/person), then transfer to bus route 301 to Guangsheng Temple stop (3 RMB/person). 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions County chain hotels: Home Inn, Hanting, etc., 150-200 RMB/night, clean and convenient, near snack streets; Guesthouses near the scenic area: 80-120 RMB/night, with windows overlooking temple incense, quiet environment. 🍜 Local Cuisine Hongtong Crispy Pork: tender and juicy, 25 RMB per serving; Bo Gao (steamed glutinous rice cake): glutinous rice wrapped with vegetable filling and pan-fried, 5 RMB for 2 pieces; Lamb Offal Stew: fresh, spicy, and warming, 15 RMB per bowl; Buckwheat Jelly: refreshing in summer, 8 RMB per serving (available at old shops outside the scenic area, 20-30 RMB per person for a full meal). ⚠️ Notes Reservation Tips: Feihong Tower climbing spots are limited; it is recommended to arrive early to queue; flash photography is prohibited in the Water God Temple mural area. Safety Tips: The tower’s staircase is steep and narrow; watch your step when climbing and wear non-slip shoes. Best Photo Spots: Shoot upward from the incense burner stone steps in front of the tower (wide-angle lens enhances the dramatic effect), and the red wall in front of the Mahavira Hall with the millennium-old ginkgo tree (especially beautiful in golden autumn, perfect for Hanfu photography). Hidden Experiences: On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, relics may be displayed at the tower top; check with the scenic area in advance. The nearby Huo Spring has clear water, where you can experience local "spring water tea brewing." 📍 One-Day Tour Route Reference Morning: Arrive at the scenic area → Upper Temple (Feihong Tower → Mahavira Hall → climb tower for views); Noon: Enjoy Hongtong snacks outside the scenic area; Afternoon: Lower Temple (Water God Temple murals → Huo Spring → Sutra Repository) → Return. Guangsheng Temple combines ancient architecture, glazed art, and Buddhist culture, making it a "national treasure-level" destination not to be missed for deep travel in Shanxi, especially suitable for travelers who enjoy exploring niche ancient sites and cultural mysteries.