[2025 Hunyuan Attraction] Travel guide for Yong'an Temple (updated Dec)

Last year, the game "Black Myth: Wukong" made Shanxi popular, and this year I finally came during the National Day holiday. There are no direct flights from Dalian to Datong, so my route was Linfen - Pingyao - Datong - Taiyuan. 📍Day 1 (6th) Landed in Linfen the night before on the 5th, stayed near the Drum Tower. The next day, I hired a car to visit Hukou Waterfall + Xiaoxitian + Guangsheng Temple. Highly recommend my driver, a powerful female driver from Linfen. It was Hao’s husband who took us there. The car was spacious and comfortable, no smoke smell, smooth driving, very thoughtful and attentive! Took the high-speed train to Pingyao that evening. 📍Day 2 (7th) Early morning took the high-speed train to Lingshi East, 16 minutes, then taxi to Wang Family Courtyard. Joined a live guided tour, just a quick look around, saw brick carvings, stone carvings, and wood carvings. Shared a ride back to Pingyao and headed straight to Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple. Be sure to get a guide for both temples: Shuanglin Temple for the polychrome sculptures, Zhenguo Temple for the architecture. Strolled around Pingyao Ancient City in the evening. 📍Day 3 (8th) Took the high-speed train to Datong, stayed at the Orange Hotel outside the ancient city, highly recommended! Newly opened in 2024, rooms are super large! Clean and quiet! Arrived at noon, went to eat at Longjuxiang! In the afternoon visited Datong Museum (booked seven days in advance), and walked around Datong Ancient City at night. Xijin Dao is super delicious! 📍Day 4 (9th) Hired a car to first visit Hanging Temple, smoothly got the climbing ticket seven days in advance, then went nearby to see Yong’an Zen Temple, after that headed straight to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, and finally visited Jingtusi Temple. Had Shanxi copper hotpot at Yunjinhui in Datong Ancient City for dinner, so delicious! A full pot, very satisfying! Then went to stroll around Dongnanyi. Strongly recommend driver Mr. Niu! Enthusiastic and attentive, great driving skills, spacious and clean car! We took our time to explore at our own pace! 📍Day 5 (10th) Morning at Yungang Grottoes, afternoon at Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple. Also recommend guide Mr. Leng from Datong! We had a male guide, very knowledgeable, lively and interesting explanations, easy to understand! Had lunch at Liu Laolao Doumian, dinner at Zini 369! I’m still savoring Datong’s food: crispy sweet and sour pork tenderloin coated in sweet and sour sauce, yellow millet cold cake, shaomai, and the flavorful knife-cut noodles from Xijin Dao. Took the high-speed train to Taiyuan at night. 📍Day 6 (11th) Visited the Northern Qi Murals Museum in the morning (walk-in booking), a museum built on an ancient tomb, with free guided tours once in the morning and once in the afternoon on non-holidays. Listened to the guide first, then explored on my own. In the afternoon, went to Shanxi Provincial Museum (booked three days in advance), official guide costs 38 RMB per person, the explanation was excellent! Had dinner at Xinghualang, delicious! 📍Day 7 (12th) Early morning took a taxi to Jin Temple, be sure to hire a guide! Continuing to recommend guide Mr. Tian! Very knowledgeable, well-versed in history and culture! Jin Temple is beautiful, fun to explore, and great for photos! (Guides for Shuanglin Temple and Jin Temple are both selected by Xiaoyaoyou Wenbo) In the afternoon, headed straight to the Botanical Garden, only had time to visit the indoor pavilion, the popular big elevator is super photogenic! It’s just a 40-minute subway ride to Taiyuan Airport, trip ended! Sorry Shanxi, I came late! Shanxi can’t be fully explored in one trip, I will definitely come back!

Datong is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage, featuring famous attractions such as the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. Chartering a car to tour Datong and its surrounding areas is a very convenient choice. —————————————————— ➤【Vehicle Options】 ▫ Economy 5-seater, suitable for small family trips, accommodates 4 people, luggage space for 2 pieces, energy-saving and eco-friendly cars like the Geely Emgrand New Energy, perfect for short trips! ▫ Comfortable 5-seater, ideal for comfortable family tours, accommodates 4 people, luggage space for 2 pieces, equipped with cars like the Honda Accord🚘, spacious and comfortable seats, not tiring for long drives, making family outings more enjoyable! ▫ Business 7-seater, accommodates 6 people, luggage space for 4 pieces, Buick GL8 business vehicle, spacious with a strong business vibe, perfect for receiving clients with style! ▫ 9-seater minibus, accommodates 8 people, luggage space for 5 pieces, recommended SAIC Maxus V80 business vehicle, suitable for small group tours, excellent cost performance! —————————————————— ➤【Hanging Temple Routes】 ☑️ Hanging Temple half-day tour ☑️ Hanging Temple + Mount Heng 1-day tour ☑️ Hanging Temple + Yungang Grottoes 1-day tour ☑️ Hanging Temple + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Pure Land Temple 1-day tour ☑️ Hanging Temple + Yong’an Temple + Yuanjue Temple + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Pure Land Temple —————————————————— ➤【Yungang Grottoes Routes】 ☑️ Yungang Grottoes half-day tour ☑️ Yungang Grottoes + Datong Ancient City 1-day tour ☑️ Yungang Grottoes + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Pure Land Temple 1-day tour ☑️ Yungang Grottoes + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Hanging Temple 1-day tour ☑️ Yungang Grottoes + Great Wall No.1 Tourist Road 1-day tour —————————————————— ➤【Yanmen Pass Routes】 ☑️ Yanmen Pass + Daixian Ancient City 1-day tour ☑️ Yanmen Pass + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Pure Land Temple 1-day tour ☑️ Yanmen Pass + Ying County Wooden Pagoda + Hanging Temple 1-day tour —————————————————— ➤【About Us】 ▫ A local licensed travel agency in Shanxi, booking through the platform is guaranteed ▫ Provides charter services around Taiyuan and Pingyao, with guided tours of Pingyao Ancient City ▫ Various vehicle types, male and female drivers available, pure sightseeing charters with no shopping stops —————————————————— ➤Our solemn promise ▫ All drivers are native to Datong, the fleet has many years of operation experience, ensuring every minute of your itinerary is precise⏰ ▫ Carefully selected representative attractions of Datong, with diverse combination options, your exclusive itinerary is in your hands, creating a unique and special journey ▫ Professional guides accompany the entire trip, providing 24-hour attentive butler-style service, responding promptly to any questions, ensuring you a worry-free and smooth travel experience👔

2024.11.23 - 12.1 From the warm sun of Lingnan to the cold winter of the North, a super "ancient architecture special forces" trip crossing Hebei, Shanxi, and Beijing. Walking 20,000 steps daily, measuring millennia with every step. 📍 1 ｜ Zhengding Ancient City · A City Viewing Tang and Song Dynasty Pagodas ▪ Fly from Foshan to Shijiazhuang, head straight to Zhengding in the afternoon ▪ Explore Kaiyuan Temple for Tang Dynasty vibes, the Sumeru Pagoda is solemn and simple, the giant Tang Dynasty Bixi stele base is full of historic charm ▪ Briefly pass by other ancient temples in the city, climb the city wall at dusk to wait for the sunset 📍 2 ｜ Shijiazhuang · A Strike of Song Dynasty Aesthetics ▪ Longxing Temple Must-see: Mani Hall praised by Liang Sicheng + the “Eastern Goddess of Beauty” inverted Guanyin colored sculpture ▪ Hebei Museum Highlights: Changxin Palace Lantern, gold-inlaid Boshan incense burner ▪ Check in at the “Rock Home Town” rock music landmark 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Taiyuan in the evening, enjoy skewers and sweet-sour spicy mix for a late-night snack 📍 3 ｜ Taiyuan · Jin Temple Gardens and Twin Pagodas Lingxiao ▪ Jin Temple, China’s earliest royal garden: ▫ Holy Mother Hall, Song Dynasty wooden structure, vividly carved wooden dragons on the corridor ▫ Song Dynasty maid colored sculptures, each with different expressions ▪ Twin Pagoda Temple, successfully climbed both Ming Dynasty brick pagodas, panoramic view of Taiyuan with a full experience ▪ Night tour of Bell Tower Street pedestrian street 📍 4 ｜ Museum Day · From Taiyuan to Datong ▪ Shanxi Museum 🚄 Take the noon high-speed train north to Datong ▪ Head straight to Datong Museum, first-class exhibition design ▪ First experience of -15°C extreme cold! 📍 5 ｜ Hanging Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda · The Soul Moment of the Trip ▪ Hanging Temple, climb the cliffside Buddhist temple ▪ Yingxian Wooden Pagoda — the long-cherished Liao Dynasty masterpiece! Look up at the all-wood structure with no nails or rivets ▪ Visit Jingtusi and Yong’an Temple, only remember the roaring tiger and dragon feeling 📍 6 ｜ Datong Ancient Temples + Yungang Grottoes · The Glory of Liao and Jin Dynasties ▪ Huayan Temple, see large wooden structures from the Liao Dynasty, the ceiling of the Buddhist hall is stunning ▪ Shanhua Temple, female bodhisattva colored sculptures, gentle expressions and flowing robes ▪ Climb the Drum Tower to overlook the ancient city, lunch with wild garlic noodles and fried pork ▪ Yungang Grottoes, accompanied by a guide 🚄 Take the evening high-speed train to Beijing 📍 7 ｜ Beijing · National Museum Treasure Hunt and Chang’an Street Night Walk ▪ Focus on the “Ancient China Exhibition,” kept exploring until closing time and still not finished ▪ Evening stroll at Tiananmen Square + Wangfujing for food and drinks 📍 8 ｜ Beijing Stroll · Climb High and View the Past ▪ Sleep in naturally, climb Jingshan Park to overlook the Forbidden City panorama ▪ Temple of Heaven, feel the solemn ritual system in the blue tiles and white stone of the sacrificial architecture ▪ Dinner at Fuyuan South Gate for lamb hotpot ▪ Overnight at Daxing Airport 🛫 9 ｜ Return to Foshan

Hidden in the city of Hunyuan, Datong, Yong'an Zen Temple is a dazzling relic of Yuan Dynasty Buddhist art! Nestled amidst mountains and water, the temple features layered halls, ancient cypress trees, and a serene, solemn atmosphere emanating from its red walls and black tiles, earning it the nickname 'Little Dunhuang of North China.' Far from the hustle and bustle, with wafting incense and gentle Buddhist chants, this is a pure land to experience ancient Zen and admire artistic treasures, allowing visitors to find inner peace in this thousand-year-old temple.

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Hunyuan Ancient City is actually more stunning than the Hanging Temple and Mount Heng of the Northern Five Great Mountains. It's definitely not because of Langlang Mountain, just the ordinary, everyday afternoon sunlight—the calm and gentle atmosphere of the ancient city quietly awaits your discovery. The wind-watching bird at Yuanjue Temple, over 800 years old, still stands tall in the wind. In front of the main hall of Yong'an Temple, Langlang Mountain seems to be right before your eyes. Because it's the weekend, at the ancient city's cultural square, people are playing basketball, sunbathing, playing badminton, and enjoying various sports under the soft afternoon sunlight. The direct shuttle between Datong and Hunyuan is very convenient. Since I couldn't buy tickets online to visit the Hanging Temple, I had to take the first bus at 6:30 to rush there offline. Arriving at the Hengshan Visitor Center at 7:40, I successfully bought tickets and was among the first group to visit, with fewer people and a great experience. After finishing, I took the shuttle to Hengshan, changed buses to Hengzong, and started hiking up the mountain. After checking in at the summit, the descent was quick. After all, Hengshan is the easiest of the Five Great Mountains to climb, and the scenery on the front mountain is average. Looking forward to the opening of the back mountain soon. Taking a taxi to Hunyuan Ancient City is very close and convenient.

Main itinerary (Xiamen - Datong): 1. Transportation 1. The entire trip lasts 3 days and 2 nights, with the main flight route being Xiamen - Shanghai (transfer) - Datong - Shanghai (transfer) - Xiamen. For the outbound trip, it is recommended to take the 16:55 Shanghai Hongqiao - Datong Yungang flight. The return trip requires selection. 2. During the weekend two-day itinerary in Datong, transportation methods include chartered car (Day 1: Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda), taxi (Day 2: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and travel within the ancient city), and walking. Shared bikes are scarce and the weather is quite cold, so biking is not recommended. 2. Detailed 3-day 2-night schedule Day 1: Arrive on a late flight, head to the homestay (taxi, walking) After arrival, take a taxi to the homestay (about 30-35 minutes from Yungang Airport to Datong Ancient City), drop off luggage, then go to Longjuxiang for dinner. After dinner, you can take a walk in the ancient city. Day 2: Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (chartered car) Chartered car was booked in advance. Depart at 8:30 AM according to the route. First visited the Hanging Temple (arrived at the shuttle bus around 10:20, started queuing to climb at 10:39, began climbing around 11:40). After the Hanging Temple, went to eat Xiaoxifu Liangfen near Yong'an Temple. After eating liangfen, a short walk leads to Yong'an Temple (large temple) and Yuanjue Temple (small temple). The murals in Yong'an Temple must be seen, especially the flaming Vajra King riding a blue lion (the eyes change color). Yuanjue Temple is very small; if pressed for time, you can just look outside and listen to the wind chimes. From Yong'an Temple, it takes about half an hour on the highway to reach Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Because more time was spent at Yong'an Temple than expected, the highway was chosen to rush to the pagoda before the closing time (off-season ticket checking stops around 4:30 PM). Exiting the east gate of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda leads to the road to Jingtusi Temple. Walking straight ahead, you will see the visitor center, and Jingtusi Temple is on the left. Day 3: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple (taxi, walking) Take a taxi directly from the city to Yungang Grottoes, about 20-25 minutes. After visiting, you can buy a shuttle bus ticket to the exit. There is a post office at the exit where you can buy postcards and get the grotto stamp. Take a taxi back to the city for a meal. Huayan Temple can be reached by walking directly. From Huayan Temple, walk about one kilometer to Shanhua Temple. 3. Ticket reservation and attraction opening hours Check the ticket reservation times for each place in advance. Except for Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the attractions mentioned in this article generally require booking 7 days in advance. During the off-season, there is no need to rush for tickets. ⚠️ Pay attention to the opening hours of each attraction!!! 4. Food in Datong Mainly ate at several highly recommended places: 1. Longjuxiang (recommended: knife-cut noodles, shumai, fried pork, and the milk skin is a personal favorite and also recommended) 2. Xiaoxifu Liangfen (liangfen, big knife beef) 3. Xijindao (minced meat noodles) 4. Zini 369 Whole Grain Season (traditional sweet and sour pork, boiled meat) ⚠️ Portions are relatively large for people from the south. Two girls basically never finished the meals throughout the trip, so order accordingly. ⚠️ Be sure to add vinegar! It really tastes great! ⚠️ Xijindao has multiple branches; you need to get a number offline. If there is a queue, you can choose another time or another branch. It is very cold outdoors in winter, so keep warm.

It allowed me to spend a perfect 4 days in Datong, with no need to rush for tickets, no queues for anything, and almost every attraction was like having the whole place to myself, so I could take my time to enjoy and soak it all in! When I went to Taiyuan last year, I said that if my first trip to Shanxi was because of the Mayday concert, then the next time would definitely be for Shanxi itself! Shanxi really has so many ancient buildings and so much worth seeing; 18 photos are not nearly enough to capture it all! I’ll go again in the off-season next time! The inn I stayed at this time was excellent. For someone who has trouble sleeping, quietness is really important! Plus, it was within walking distance to Fahua Temple, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Dai Wang Mansion, Guan Di Temple, and Chunyang Palace. I just strolled slowly to all the attractions inside the ancient city. The inn’s auntie treated me like family, and staying there felt just like being at home. I’ll definitely stay there again! On the second day, I went to Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Yong’an Temple, and Yuanjue Temple. Because they were farther apart, I chose to hire a car. The driver was really nice, drove steadily, and didn’t smoke. I slept on the way there and back, and I had prepared bottled water and a power bank. Next time, I’ll definitely ask for him again! I hired a guide for the Yungang Grottoes, and the three-hour tour was packed with valuable information. The guide really filled the entire three hours, explaining while showing us things on an iPad, with no skimping at all. Best of all, it was only 80 yuan per person. My friends all said it was really worth it! Thank you, autumn holiday, for also letting me experience traveling in the off-season!

🚄 Transportation: Sleeper + High-speed train transfer combo to save time Outbound: Z56 (Lanzhou—Taiyuan South) ➡️ D2782 (Taiyuan South—Datong) Return: D2809 (Datong South—Taiyuan) ➡️ Z55 (Taiyuan—Lanzhou) 🚌 Local transportation: ride-hailing + direct shuttle to Datong scenic spots There are shuttle buses running back and forth between attractions, very convenient. Taxi in the city is also affordable. (Taxis outside the train station will ask if you want to rent a car. To avoid being scammed, we chose the shuttle bus. If you find it troublesome, you can also rent a car.) DAY 1 Huayan Temple + Southeast Post Station + Nine-Dragon Wall 👉🏻 Huayan Temple | Feels like being in a little Kyoto, perfect for photos. Avoid the official scenic area guide. 👉🏻 Southeast Post Station | Open cultural and creative street with many atmospheric small shops. 👉🏻 Nine-Dragon Wall | Personally, you can see it well through the fence, no need to pay 10 yuan. DAY 2 Hanging Temple + Yong’an Zen Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Pure Land Temple 👉🏻 Hanging Temple | If you don’t climb it, the 10 yuan ticket is unnecessary. You can see it from outside. 👉🏻 Yong’an Zen Temple | Very close by taxi from Hanging Temple. The background like Langlang Mountain is not the highlight. The murals of water and land are more worth seeing. The fierce king tearing his face and the color-changing mount are amazing surprises. Be sure to find a guide, otherwise it’s like watching a show blindfolded. 👉🏻 Yingxian Wooden Pagoda | Nearly a thousand-year-old ancient building, breathtaking. You can walk around it carefully. There are many kittens in the courtyard. 👉🏻 Pure Land Temple | The coffered ceiling is a masterpiece, super beautiful. DAY 3 Yungang Grottoes + Datong Ancient City 👉🏻 Yungang Grottoes | Recommend hiring a local guide who actively approaches at the entrance, 50 yuan per person for a two-hour in-depth explanation. Self-tour is just seeing big stones from afar and up close. After visiting the four major grottoes, my ranking is Yungang Grottoes & Mogao Caves > Longmen Grottoes > Maijishan. 👉🏻 Datong Ancient City | You can fill in any missed spots like Shan Hua Temple or other attractions, or find a shop to sit and rest. Both are good choices. This itinerary references a sister’s guide, sharing for your use.

🕰️-Itinerary- D0 2215-0020 Hangzhou Xiaoshan - Taiyuan Wusu, stay near Taiyuan Station D1 1007-1146 Taiyuan Station - Datong South Station 1300-1400 Datong - Yingxian: Wooden Pagoda, Jingtu Temple 1600-1700 Yingxian - Datong 1900-2130 Datong Ancient City: Huayan Temple, Bell and Drum Towers, Nine-Dragon Wall, Southeast City D2 830-900 Datong - Yungang Grottoes 1100-1230 Yungang - Hunyuan: Hanging Temple, Yong'an Zen Temple, Yuanjue Temple 1530-1645 Hunyuan - Datong South Station 1719-1936 Datong South Station - Taiyuan South Station 2120-2320 Taiyuan Wusu - Hangzhou Xiaoshan 🚘-Transportation- Main transport: flight from Hangzhou to Taiyuan, high-speed train from Taiyuan to Datong, car rental at the parking lot after arriving in Datong, pick up and return at the same location. ⛰️-Attractions- Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: pure mortise and tenon wooden pagoda, ticket 50 RMB, shuttle bus between parking lot and attraction 10 RMB. Stunning, a highly representative ancient building and pagoda in northern Shanxi. Jingtu Temple: next to the Wooden Pagoda, ticket 15 RMB, the caisson ceiling in the Mahavira Hall is very beautiful and worth seeing. Yungang Grottoes: the main focus of this trip, ticket 100 RMB. Extremely impressive, very well preserved, caves 3 to 20 are large in scale, dating from the Northern Wei dynasty to present, some have later painted decorations, can be complemented with documentaries for repeated appreciation. Hanging Temple: entrance ticket 15 RMB, climbing ticket 100 RMB. Did not plan well and did not buy the climbing ticket in advance, so could only walk around below in the strong wind before leaving. Currently off-season, with low traffic, parking is available at the entrance parking lot. Yong'an Zen Temple: ticket 20 RMB. A simple and ancient temple, the wall painting of Acala in the Mahavira Hall is beautiful, with a nice atmosphere. Yuanjue Temple: ticket 20 RMB. The pagoda inside the temple is beautiful. 🍚-Food- A breakfast in Taiyuan at Old Mom’s Da Lu Noodles, delicious. Two meals of knife-cut noodles and one meal of Shaomai in Datong, also delicious. 💻-Summary- 1. The temperature in Datong dropped several degrees below zero on the second day, combined with biting cold wind, so be sure to keep warm and prepare hats, especially at the Hanging Temple where the valley wind is very strong. 2. The overall difficulty of self-driving is low, highways are basically three lanes with light traffic. The most notable caution is coal trucks with large trailers overtaking recklessly, especially be careful. 3. The night view of Datong Ancient City is beautiful, but Shanhua Temple and Huayan Temple inside the ancient city should be visited during the day (not enough time on this trip). 4. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda can be combined with Hunyuan attractions for a one-day loop (originally planned this way, but time was insufficient on this trip). 5. This trip was indeed off-season, even the busiest Yungang Grottoes were not crowded, providing a very good experience. Yes, the charm of off-peak travel for special forces shows. p1-3 Ancient City and Huayan Temple entrance p4-5 Yingxian Wooden Pagoda p6 Jingtu Temple caisson ceiling p7-13 Yungang Grottoes p14-15 Yuanjue Temple p16-18 Yong'an Zen Temple

Located in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, the Hanging Temple is an ancient temple suspended on the cliff of Mount Hengshan, with a history of over a thousand years. Here is a travel guide: Basic Information - Opening Hours: Peak season (May to October) 08:00-17:00, last admission at 16:30; Off-season (November to April) 08:30-16:30, last admission at 16:00. - Tickets: Basic ticket 15 RMB, climbing ticket 100 RMB, combined ticket 115 RMB. Free admission for seniors over 60; students and minors under 18 enjoy half price with valid ID. Transportation Guide - From Datong City: Take the direct shuttle bus to the scenic area, tickets available on the official website for 16 RMB per person, about 1.5 hours travel time; private car hire costs 200-300 RMB per vehicle. For self-driving, navigate to "Hengshan Visitor Center" and transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, fare 20 RMB per person. - From Hunyuan County: Take the "Hunyuan-Hanging Temple" special line bus, fare 3 RMB, every 30 minutes; taxi costs about 15 RMB, 10 minutes travel time. Tour Suggestions - Photo Spots: The square in front of the temple offers panoramic views of the Hanging Temple; the hanging plank road is great for shooting bracket structures and wood carvings; the Wanshou Pagoda is ideal for close-ups. Additionally, the western viewing platform and the right turn at the suspension bridge are also excellent photo locations. - Tour Route: After entering the scenic area, first go to the opposite viewing platform for a panoramic shot, then enter the temple to focus on the Three Teachings Hall, Chunyang Palace, and Leiyin Hall. - Clothing and Gear: It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and carry a light backpack. Nearby Recommendations - Food: Hunyuan cold noodles are a local specialty; visit the old shop "Little Wife Cold Noodles" to taste them. You can also try dishes like astragalus stewed native chicken and oat noodles. - Attractions: Yong'an Temple, 5 kilometers from the Hanging Temple, features Yuan Dynasty murals "Procession of Humans and Gods" and is worth a visit; the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest existing wooden pagoda in the world, is about an hour's drive from the Hanging Temple and can be visited on a private car day tour.

With the lingering popularity of "Black Wukong," the ancient architectural treasures once hidden deep in the Loess Plateau of Shanxi have come into the public eye. Upon arriving at Taiyuan Wusu Airport, a huge "Travel Shanxi with Wukong" themed poster immediately catches your eye, clearly marking all the Shanxi ancient architecture locations referenced in the game design. It’s amazing to see how cultural output from the virtual world has become the best promotional window for traditional architecture. In early August, taking advantage of a friend's wedding in Taiyuan, I embarked on a 9-day pilgrimage of Shanxi’s ancient architecture. Arranged from south to north, it connects the most exquisite ancient architectural clusters in Shanxi: Day 1-2: Taiyuan to attend a friend’s wedding Day 3: Tracing the origins of Jin culture - Shanxi Museum — Systematic understanding of Sanjin civilization - Jin Temple — The earliest existing royal sacrificial garden in China Day 4: The Twin Gems of Pingyao - Zhenguo Temple: A wooden structure treasure from the Five Dynasties period - Shuanglin Temple: Known as the "Treasury of Eastern Polychrome Sculpture Art" - Pingyao Ancient City photoshoot (Key spots: City Wall → Erlang Temple → Rishengchang → City Tower → Xietongqing → County Government Office → City God Temple → Confucian Temple) Tips: County Government Office court performance times at 9:00/11:00/15:30; Xietongqing’s underground treasury is uniquely special Day 5: Dialogue between the Yellow River and Hanging Sculptures - Hukou Waterfall Shanxi side (closer to the waterfall core than the Shaanxi side, offering a more magnificent view) - Xiaoxitian (Recommended to visit earliest or latest to avoid crowds and appreciate the essence of Ming Dynasty hanging sculptures) Day 6: Tang Dynasty Wooden Architecture Pilgrimage (If time permits, visit Guangsheng Temple first) - Nanchan Temple: The oldest existing Tang Dynasty wooden structure in China - Foguang Temple: Praised by Liang Sicheng as "China’s Number One National Treasure" - Xinzhou Ancient City Xiurong Academy - 8:20 PM Iron Flower performance on the ancient city wall (see previous guides for details) Day 7: Liao and Jin Dynasty Architectural Feast - (Stop by Chongfu Temple when passing through Shuozhou) - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: The tallest and oldest wooden pagoda in the world - Jingtusi Temple: The pinnacle of coffered ceiling art - Yong’an Zen Temple: Yuan Dynasty mural treasures - Hanging Temple (See previous articles for ticket and climbing tips) Day 8: Northern Wei Artistic Peak - Datong Museum - Yungang Grottoes: The first royal Buddhist grottoes in the eastward spread of Buddhism Day 9: Datong Ancient City Finale - Huayan Temple: A model of Liao and Jin dynasty temple architecture - Shanhua Temple: Well-preserved Liao and Jin architectural complex - Datong Ancient City photoshoot In-depth Experience Suggestions: 1. Knowledge Preparation: Shanxi’s ancient architecture contains rich historical, religious, and artistic connotations. It is recommended to review background information of each site before the trip to understand the core highlights. Focus on history, architectural features, sculpture styles, and mural themes. 2. Guided Services: Professional guides are strongly recommended at the following places: - Shanxi Museum (systematic overview of Shanxi civilization) - Jin Temple (interpretation of 3,000 years of sacrificial culture) - Xiaoxitian (unveiling the art of hanging sculptures) - Yungang Grottoes (the rise and fall of the Northern Wei regime, understanding the sinicization of Buddhist art) 3. Photoshoot Experience: Ancient cities in Shanxi offer traditional costume photoshoot services with significant price differences: - Pingyao is the most affordable (basic package starting at 88 RMB) - Datong, Xinzhou, Taiyuan ancient cities start around 199 RMB Choose based on itinerary and preferred shooting style; costume and makeup quality are similar 4. Shanxi Cuisine Highlights: Don’t forget to taste these authentic delicacies during your trip: - Kingdom of noodles: Wantuo, Tijian, Youmian, Dao Xiao Mian... - Classic dishes: Guoyou Rou (oil-fried pork), Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Pingyao Beef - Specialty breakfast: Tounao (Taiyuan traditional medicinal cuisine), Shaomai

Discovered a treasure route in Shuo Zhou, Shanxi! Check in two national treasure-level buildings and two low-key ancient temples in one day, definitely filling your phone memory with photos without getting tired～ 📸 One-day photo treasure route: In the morning, rush to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in the world (remember to book tickets one day in advance), then just a 5-minute walk to the neighboring Jingtusi Temple to see the art of the coffered ceiling. For lunch, have a bowl of sour and spicy cold noodles at the time-honored "Ernv Liangfen Shop" in Yingxian (Address: next to the Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area, Yingtaxi Street). In the afternoon, head straight to the Hanging Temple. It is recommended to spend 100 yuan on the admission ticket to experience the temple (not for those afraid of heights!). Afterward, don’t miss the Yong’an Zen Temple 3 kilometers away, where Yuan Dynasty murals and the plaque "Hall of Authentic Dharma Transmission" are hidden gems. If you return to the Hanging Temple parking lot before 5 PM, you can capture the stunning cliffside ancient temple under the sunset! 💡 Tested Tips: 1️⃣ You can now only climb the first floor of the Wooden Pagoda; bring a wide-angle lens to capture the entire pagoda. 2️⃣ The gatekeeper at Jingtusi Temple will actively explain the story of the coffered ceiling; remember to prepare cash change. 3️⃣ Remember to wear non-slip shoes at the Hanging Temple! The climbing passage is very narrow, follow the staff’s instructions. 4️⃣ Photography is prohibited for murals at Yong’an Zen Temple, but you can ask the elderly guard to turn on the lights for a closer look. 5️⃣ Hiring a private car is the most convenient (we found a local driver for 500 yuan/day). 🍜 Food bonus: When returning to Shuo Zhou city, be sure to try "He Laoda Yangza" (No. 276 Shanyang Street, Shuocheng District). The stir-fried lamb offal with yellow cake is amazing! Next door, "Sannu Liangfen" has chili oil that is fragrant but not overpowering, and you can buy canned to take away～

Day 1｜Arrive in Datong, Feel the Pulse of the Ancient City 🚄 Arrive in Datong at 14:00~ ✅ Datong Museum (Free) 🎫 Booking tips: Book in advance via the official WeChat account! Don’t worry if you miss out, refreshing multiple times on the day usually gets extra tickets~ 💡 Guided tours: The 15:00 public tour is the most popular🔥 (also available at 9:30/10:00/14:30) ➡️ Enter at 15:00 for an immersive 2-hour visit to get a head start on Datong’s history and culture for your later check-ins! 🛒 Nearby stalls sell small Buddha souvenirs, don’t hesitate to bargain🙏 😋 Dinner: Longjuxiang Shaomai (Average ¥63 per person) Thin skin, generous filling, super delicious! Must order the three-flavor and lamb fillings~ ✅ Yongtai Gate Square Night Tour 💡 The music fountain show starts promptly at 20:10⛲️ (half an hour of amazing spectacle) ✅ Stroll along East Drum Tower Street Creative shops + snack street, super lively! The main street is bustling, side streets are quiet and perfect for photos📸 📅 Day 2｜Travel Through a Thousand Years ✅ Huayan Temple (¥50) + Chunyang Palace (Free) ➡️ Spend 1.5-2 hours deeply exploring Huayan Temple, the Liao and Jin dynasty architecture is stunning! Join a live guided group for more value~ Quick 20-minute check-in at Chunyang Palace🉑 😋 Lunch: Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season (Average ¥39 per person) Yellow millet jelly is a classic! ✅ Yungang Grottoes (¥120) 🚕 Taxi directly to the park for 16:00 entry It’s recommended to buy a round-trip sightseeing bus ticket for ¥15💰 ➡️ Follow the official guide for a 2-hour fast track to the essential caves (Caves 5-13 are a must-see) 🚌 Return tip: Take bus route 3 → then taxi from the terminal back to the ancient city 😋 Dinner: Tianyuan Northern Wei Family Banquet (Average ¥41 per person) The Hu Bing flatbread is finger-licking good👆 📅 Day 3｜A Day of Cultural Wonders 🚗 Private car with a treasure-recommending driver! Accompanying you from 8:00 to 19:30👏 ✅ Ying County Wooden Pagoda (¥50) + Pure Land Temple (¥15) Spend 1-2 hours deeply exploring the Wooden Pagoda, quick 0.5-hour check-in at Pure Land Temple 😋 Lunch: Authentic noodle shop in Hunyuan County (Average ¥8 per person) Cheap and hearty🍜 ✅ Yong’an Zen Temple + Yuanjue Temple (¥20 each) A tranquil Buddhist sanctuary in the county✨ ✅ Hanging Temple (¥15 + ¥100 for climbing) 💡 Can’t get a climbing ticket online? You can buy it offline on the day! The shock factor is off the charts💥 (Worth it whether you climb or not) 😋 Garden Hotel (Average ¥50 per person) Safe choice, no risk! Small portions available, very thoughtful❤️ 📅 Day 4｜Ancient City Photo Shoot Day ✅ Ancient style photo shoot experience ⚠️ Time management: Reserve 2.5 hours! 1.5 hours for makeup and styling + 20 minutes for shooting (photographer delivers photos super fast📷) 🚄 Head home in the afternoon with beautiful photos~ 🏠 Accommodation recommendation: Hanting Youjia (South Gate of Ancient City branch) Excellent location, walking distance to everywhere👣 💰 Expense summary: Average ¥2200 per person to fully enjoy Datong (including food, accommodation, transport, and sightseeing)

📖📖Itinerary Route Day 1: Jinci Museum → Yingxian Guoli Holiday Hotel (Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area Branch) Day 2: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area - Fogong Temple → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area - Little Western Heaven → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area - Ksitigarbha Hall → Pure Land Temple → Hunyuan Ancient Town → Hanging Temple → Yuanjue Temple Brick Pagoda → Hunyuan Confucian Temple → Yong'an Temple → Datong KK E-Sports Smart Hotel (Datong Ancient City Branch) Day 3: Yungang Grottoes Day 4: Shuxiang Temple → Dailuo Peak (Little Chaotai) → Wuye Temple → Yunjianyue Homestay (Wutai Mountain Wuye Temple Branch) Day 5: Wutai Mountain (Grand Chaotai) Day 6: Red Flag Canal → Anyang Huaqiang Novartis Court Hotel (Sports Center Stadium Branch) Day 7: Yinxu Palace and Temple Ruins → Yinxu Museum 🚗Must-Visit Attractions: Jinci Museum: Built during the Western Zhou Dynasty with 3,000 years of history. The murals above the main hall entrance are particularly noteworthy. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area: One of the world's three ancient wooden pagodas, nearly a thousand years old. Pure Land Temple: A monastery preserving its original architecture, featuring three-dimensional pavilions and a caisson ceiling with a "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl" design worth close observation. Hanging Temple: Experience the feeling of "reaching for the stars." Yong'an Temple: Home to Ming Dynasty murals of the Ten Great Wisdom Kings. Yungang Grottoes: Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, showcasing diverse styles, cultural fusion, and awe-inspiring grandeur. Wutai Mountain: Shuxiang Temple, Little Chaotai, and Grand Chaotai (hiking across all five peaks of Wutai Mountain). Red Flag Canal: Memorial Hall and Youth Cave. Yinxu Museum: Simuwu Ding, Simuxin Ding, and Tao Santong pottery. ⚠️Tips: Transportation is convenient in Shanxi's tourist areas. For Red Flag Canal, prioritize taking taxis.

Hunyuan is located in northern Shanxi Province, southeast of Datong City, and is a small city at the foot of Mount Heng. However, this small city has become a popular tourist destination due to its many cultural and historical attractions. How to visit Hunyuan? What to eat in Hunyuan? Where to stay in Hunyuan? Let me tell you. 📍City Transportation: 🛵Hunyuan County is not big. There are bus lines in the urban area, but shared electric bicycles or walking are more convenient. 🚗From Datong City to Hunyuan, you can take the Hunyuan Line 901–1 or the direct bus to the scenic spot. 🏝️Attraction Guide: [One] Yong'an Temple: 💰20 The Hall of the Orthodox Transmission of the Yuan Dynasty, with Ming Dynasty murals inside, including the Face-ripping Ming King. [Two] Round Enlightenment Temple Brick Pagoda: 💰20 A Jin Dynasty brick pagoda with exquisite carvings and an iron phoenix on top that moves with the wind. [Three] Hunyuan Ancient City: Free Quaint and antique, brightly lit, with many snacks and abundant local products. [Four] Hanging Temple: Entrance 💰15, climbing 💰100 A great wonder of the world. The number of climbing tickets is very limited. You can get up early that day and queue at the visitor center to wait for the tickets to be released. [Five] Mount Heng: 💰45 One of the Five Great Mountains. 👍🏻Food Features: As the saying goes, people who live near mountains live off the mountains, and people who live near water live off the water. Hunyuan not only retains the flavor of Datong Shanxi cuisine, but also has the characteristics of wild Hengshan dishes. ✨Hunyuan Jelly: A well-known snack. It is recommended to try the Little Daughter-in-law Jelly and Pang Sao Diliu Jelly restaurants in the city center. ✨Astragalus Mutton: Hunyuan's specialty is astragalus, and Datong's mutton is delicious. Astragalus mutton is a must-try. Beiyue Hengshan Village in Hunyuan City is worth a visit. [House] Where to stay: Hunyuan City is not big, and accommodation is concentrated near the ancient city block. You can also choose the Hengshan scenic area, which is closer to the Hanging Temple. I recommend Hunyuan Apple Light Luxury Hotel (Hunyuan Ancient City Branch). 💗Other tips: ✨Hunyuan is located in a mountainous area with low temperatures, so pay attention to keeping warm. ✨Hunyuan is a popular city during the holidays, with a large number of people, so it is recommended to go to the scenic spot during off-peak hours. ✨Prepare motion sickness medicine to prevent motion sickness.

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, also known as Yingxian Fogong Temple Sakyamuni Pagoda, is located in the Fogong Temple in the northwest corner of Yingxian County, Shanxi Province. It was built in the second year of Qingning in the Liao Dynasty. (1056), it has a history of more than 970 years. The tower is 67.31 meters high. The tower body is a loft-style building with an octagonal plan and five floors and six eaves. There is not a single iron nail in the entire tower. It is made entirely of 54 types of brackets that are riveted and stacked together. The structural design is scientific and rigorous, which is amazing. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is one of only eight remaining Liao Dynasty wooden structures in China. It is also the oldest and tallest existing all-wooden high-rise tower building in the world. It is known as one of the "Three Greatest Towers in the World" along with the Eiffel Tower in France and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Tickets: 50 yuan Public transportation travel guide: High-speed rail station: Yingxian West Station: Arrive at the exit of Yingxian West Station and take the shuttle bus to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The fare is about 5 yuan and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Arrive at the Liao Dynasty Cultural City, walk about 400 meters north to the south entrance of the Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area Ying County Station: Arrive at the exit of Yingxian Station and take the shuttle bus to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The fare is about 5 yuan and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Arrived at the Liao Dynasty Cultural City, It costs about 5 yuan and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Arrive at the Liao Dynasty Cultural City, walk about 400 meters north to the south entrance of the Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area Shuttle bus operating hours: Yingxian West Station/Yingxian Station-Liao Dynasty Cultural City: 07:19-20:30 Yingxian Bus Station-Yingxian West Station/Yingxian Station: 06:30-19:30 PS: The off-season will be adjusted according to passenger flow Direct bus from Datong to scenic spots (reservation required in advance): Datong Ancient City->Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (the pick-up point and Niushun Hotel opposite Yangmen Square) Ticket price: 39 yuan Departure time:7:30/8:30/13:20 Yungang Grottoes 1>Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (stop at Datong Ancient City) Ticket price: 39 yuan Departure time:12:55 Hengshan Visitor Center - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Ticket Price: 29 Yuan Departure time: 11:10/12:30/13:55 PS: There will be extra buses during peak season Datong through train travel guide: Travel to the Hanging Temple, Hengshan Mountain, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (Pure Land Temple), Yungang It is best to have 2 days to visit these attractions in the grottoes Two-day through train tour: D1: Arrive at Yungang Grottoes at 9 am, take a direct bus to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda at 12:55 pm, visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Jingtu Temple, and take a direct bus back to Datong D2: Take a direct bus from Datong Ancient City to the Hanging Temple, visit the Hanging Temple and Hengshan Mountain, and then take a direct bus back to Datong. If you want to visit Hunyuan Ancient City, Yong'an Temple, and Yuanjue Temple, take the intercity bus from Hunyuan to Datong for the return trip One-day tour by direct train: In the morning, take a bus from Datong Ancient City to the Hanging Temple, visit the Hanging Temple and Hengshan Mountain. In the afternoon, take a direct bus to Yingxian at 13:55, visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and the Pure Land Temple, and take a direct bus back to Datong In short: Datong Ancient City - Hanging Temple, Hengshan - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Pure Land Temple - Datong Ancient City

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

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

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

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

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

Located in Hunyuan County, Datong, Yong'an Temple 🛕 is known to more people because of Black Myth: Wukong. The temple's well-preserved large-scale Yuan Dynasty murals 🌠 depicting the Water and Land Dharma Assembly left the deepest impression on me during my trip to Datong. 🛕 Yong'an Temple 📍 Address: Yong'an West Street, Yong'an Town, Hunyuan County, Datong 🎫 Admission: CNY 20 🕗 Hours: 08:00–18:00 ✅ Yong'an Temple is not large, but its biggest highlight is the large-scale Yuan Dynasty murals 🖼️ with a total area of more than 180 square meters, depicting the Water and Land Dharma Assembly and the Ten Great Kings, with nearly 900 Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist figures in various forms. Most of the murals are well-preserved and still brightly colored, 👍 with extremely high artistic value. ✅ The murals are very detailed, so it's recommended to hire a guide 👩‍💼. You can make an appointment with the staff at the ticket check-in entrance, and the fee is 💰 CNY 200. If you are visiting on your own, it is recommended to visit the east and west side halls first, where the murals have been completely reproduced with 📝 text annotations. You can first read the introduction and then go to the main hall to see the original works. ✅ The plaque outside the hall was originally written by Xue'an Monk ✍️, a Yuan Dynasty court calligrapher, but unfortunately it has been lost, and the current one is a reproduction. ✅ On the left and right sides of the outer wall of the main hall are the words "Zhuang" and "Yan", which were written by Monk Yuexi, the abbot in the early Yuan Dynasty. The words are powerful, and the two places at the entrance have also become one of the popular photo 📸 spots in Yong'an Temple. In addition, on the outer wall at the back of the main hall, there is an inscription by the Qing Dynasty calligrapher ✍️ "Tiger Roaring and Dragon Singing", so don't forget to take a look. ✅ The caisson on the top of the main hall retains the style of the Yuan Dynasty, and was repainted in the Qing Dynasty, but still retains the charm of the Liao Dynasty. In addition, the glazed tiles and chiwen, the Eight Immortals glazed statues, etc. on the roof are 👍 exquisitely made. ⭕️ Other 1️⃣ The main hall where the murals are located is illuminated by ☀️ natural light. Photography 📷 is allowed, but please do not use flash to protect the murals. 2️⃣ Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, and the Earth Forest ⛰️ are on the same route, so you can arrange to visit these attractions in one day from Datong.

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

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

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

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

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

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