Things to do in Xiaoyi

The Wang Family Compound, with its centuries-old history and grand scale, is often referred to as the "Folk Palace," bearing witness to the achievements of the Wang family. The currently open area represents only a small portion, yet it is still awe-inspiring!

What makes it special is that it's rare to find a temple that worships all three emperors together. The stage inside has a glass panel, hence its name, the "Glass Stage." However, the ticket price is quite expensive, making it not very cost-effective.

In November, I brought my family of three to Pingyao Ancient City. Avoiding the crowds, the ancient city possessed a unique tranquility characteristic of early winter. We parked near the Shangxi Gate and Yongding Gate; the surrounding trees were ablaze with vibrant colors, perfectly complementing the blue sky and creating a beautiful late autumn atmosphere. Stepping out of the car, we explored the cobblestone streets and weathered city walls. Red lanterns added a special charm to the cool air. Since my child had just returned from studying abroad, they were very interested in the ancient architecture, so we leisurely explored the buildings and listened to stories of Shanxi merchants, without any rush. Our love for ancient architecture was undeniable; the sheer number of buildings was overwhelming, and we decided to stay another day! The first night we watched "Encounter Pingyao Again," and the second night we saw the light show! A friend helped us book the Fanzhai Inn near the Shangxi Gate. The inn itself is a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard house with nearly two hundred years of history, a key cultural relic under protection, and is managed by the descendants of the Fan family. The exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings throughout the courtyard exude the charm of Shanxi merchants. The cave-dwelling rooms are warm in winter and cool in summer, preserving traditional earthen beds and antique wardrobes while undergoing thoughtful modern renovations. Latex mattresses, separate wet and dry bathrooms, and hot water are all provided, ensuring uncompromising comfort. The location is quiet yet convenient, not far from the "Encounter Pingyao" theater, the county government office, and the city wall. In November, the area is less crowded and tranquil, allowing you to leisurely stroll and enjoy tea in the courtyard, watching the red lanterns illuminate the gray tiles and experiencing the unique serenity of the ancient city. The owners are warm and attentive, even offering helpful suggestions for sightseeing routes, making for a very pleasant experience. If you want to deeply experience Pingyao and authentically immerse yourself in the culture of Shanxi merchants, a stay at Fanzhai is highly recommended.

Free admission. Most of the buildings date back to the Ming Dynasty, with some from the Yuan Dynasty. This is a massive Taoist architectural complex with resplendent glazed tile roofs. The integrated architectural style of the Sanqing Hall, stage, and offering hall is extremely rare. The conjoined temples of Lü Zu, Guan Yu, and the Earth God are unique in China. These features alone are enough to make a detailed visit worthwhile. It's a fantastic place for taking photos; five-star recommendation! Scenery: The buildings and glazed tile roofs are incredibly beautiful. Fun: A perfect spot for taking photos. Value for money: Extremely high.

Shuanglin Temple comprises three courtyards and ten halls arranged in a staggered layout. The temple houses over two thousand painted clay sculptures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, encompassing round sculptures, suspended sculptures, and wall sculptures, earning it the title of "Oriental Treasure House of Painted Clay Art." Each painted clay sculpture is exquisitely lifelike, especially the Four Heavenly Kings in the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Weituo and Guanyin statues in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas—these are considered classic examples. The sculptures are vividly expressive and remarkably realistic. Unfortunately, the gloomy weather prevented me from fully enjoying them!

Such ingenious engineering from 1600 years ago deserves only admiration. The wisdom of the ancients is evident in their site selection, their harmony with nature, their ability to see through the soil, and their masterful use of natural forces. The ancients learned wisdom, and of course, only the most exceptional individuals could truly grasp it. We modern people learn knowledge. Wisdom, however, transcends boundaries; it is a profound and unbiased understanding.

I specifically called the Culture and Tourism Bureau beforehand and was told it was open as usual, but when I arrived, I found I couldn't go in. There was a notice posted at the entrance stating that due to some peeling paint caused by summer rains, the building had been closed for repairs since November 4th. So I could only look at it from the outside!

Although this place is still some distance away from the main urban area, there are buses to get there, or you can choose other ways to get there like I did. The entire archway is still very shocking. When you walk in, you will feel your own insignificance and the greatness of the wisdom of the ancients. The person looking at the archway is an aunt, who is sometimes a little like a rocket compared to the people outside.

Mianshan Mountain is definitely worth a visit. It boasts stunning natural scenery and numerous historical and cultural sites. However, there are many attractions, and they are quite far apart, making it difficult to see everything in one day. Accommodation is available within the scenic area, and staying overnight might be a better option. Two points to note: 1. When dining at Shuitaogou, avoid the temporary stalls near the drop-off point. Walk towards the entrance of Shuitaogou Scenic Area; there are larger self-service restaurants and food stalls there. 2. Plan your energy and time carefully to avoid running out of time or being unable to keep up. Take the elevator whenever possible to save energy and time. Accommodation booking phone numbers are shown in the image for your reference.