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

1⃣The things over there were so good that I felt nothing at all when I saw Yuan Gou in the end, my heart was as calm as still water. 2⃣The places are really too remote. Sometimes you can only see one attraction after driving on the national highway for more than an hour. You need to have expectations for the intensity of the trip. 3⃣ If you don’t have enough time, you can either drive yourself or charter a car or join a tour group. Taking public transportation is too unrealistic. ⭕️We stayed in Yuncheng, Linfen for four days. I had planned to visit many places, but I was limited by my physical strength and time. For example, Hou Tu Temple (I still had time to go on the third day, but I felt I didn’t have the energy to go back to Yuncheng), Yongle Palace (I originally planned to go on the fourth day, but I didn’t want to move after lying in the hotel. Fortunately, I had visited it a year ago, so I don’t regret it) 🔥The entire journey takes four days (the fourth day can be basically ignored) 1⃣At 10:18, we arrived at Linfen West, picked up the car and headed straight for Xiaoxitian. Seeing that it would take more than 50 kilometers to take the highway, we took the Linyan Line. There were a lot of large trucks in the first half of this road, so we must pay attention to safety. We took this route back again, and visited the Dongyue Temple in Pu County (very worth it), and also went to Fenshang Village which I accidentally saw when passing by (a pleasant surprise on the self-driving trip). 2⃣At 9 o'clock, we went to Dayun Temple to see the Iron Buddha Head, and then to Guangsheng Temple (the stay time seriously exceeded expectations, and the original plan to stay in Jishan did not come true). After a simple fast food meal in Hongdong County at around 2 o'clock, we rushed to Xinjiang. It was almost 6 o'clock when we finished visiting Fusheng Temple and Longxing Temple. Considering physical strength and time, we stayed in Xinjiang. 3⃣ Give up other attractions in Xinjiang, start from Baitai Temple, Dafo Temple, Jishan Jiwang Temple, Fawang Temple, Macun Brick Sculpture, Qinglong Temple one by one, and finally go to Wanrong Jiwang Temple and stay in Jishan. The attractions on this day are very close and not far apart, but most of them are country roads and village roads, so the time on the road is not short. What we saw at the tourist spots that day were basically a group of tourists. From the high-spirited people at the beginning to the people holding their waists and beating their legs at the end, you can imagine how intense the exercise was. In fact, it was just past 4 o'clock when we finished visiting the Wanrong Jiwang Temple, and we were fully qualified to go to the Houtu Temple. However, our energy was only enough to go there, not to go back. The accommodation there seemed to be a little worse, so we gave up and went back to Yuncheng directly. 4⃣ We didn’t go to Yongle Palace as originally planned. We visited Chishen Temple and Guanwang Temple in Yuncheng and returned to Xi’an early. ✅The total mileage of this trip is about 600 kilometers, and I almost never took the highway (only 24 hours on the highway). The total time on the road is about 11 hours, which means an average of 4 hours and 200 kilometers per day. Those who have self-driving plans can refer to this. I feel that it is very sunny and windy there these days. It is cold if I take off my coat, and stuffy with my coat on. It is easy to catch a cold if I am not careful. If I catch a cold, it will greatly affect my travel condition (don’t ask me how I know). The road conditions are generally good, but some village roads may be too wide, so you need to pay attention. Although Gaode often directs you to unnamed roads, it is generally reliable and can be trusted.

Drive to Xinjiang County and visit Longxing Temple, where four must-see attractions await: the Biluo Stele, the main hall sculptures, the Longxing Temple Pagoda, and the Song-Jin Tombs. The Biluo Stele is a national treasure from the Tang Dynasty, inscribed with calligraphy in various scripts, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Longxing Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, features a surviving main hall from the Yuan Dynasty, housing seven exquisite Yuan Dynasty painted sculptures. The Longxing Temple Pagoda offers a thrilling challenge, equipped with hanging ladders for visitors to climb. As you ascend using both hands and feet, the passage narrows. The pagoda's details are incredibly intricate, with stone inscriptions on each level, such as "One Pillar Supporting the Sky," "Two Immortal Palms," and "Three Leaps at the Dragon Gate." The base of the pagoda is shaped like an iron gourd and features a couplet inscribed by magistrate Wu Jin: "Rain or shine, watch the changes of the Dragon Gate from a ruler's distance; green clouds connect remotely, vying for the height of the Wild Goose Pagoda." From the top of the pagoda, you can overlook the entire Xinjiang County, experiencing the weight of history and the vibrancy of the present. The Song-Jin Tombs boast beautiful brick carvings. From atop Longxing Pagoda, you'll spot a large cathedral in the distance, a Catholic church built during the Republic of China era and one of the four major Catholic churches in the country. It's surprising to find such a grand and beautifully constructed church in a small county.

Shanxi has many scenic spots, but they are scattered, with many located in county towns and villages. I came to the Jiyi Temple to see the murals. It is located in Yangwang Town, 20 km southwest of Xinjiang County, Shanxi Province. An elderly gentleman is the permanent gatekeeper, and he opened the door for us upon our arrival. Entering the temple, I immediately felt the trip was worthwhile. It was breathtaking. The gentleman also acted as a guide, explaining the stories depicted in the murals. Similar to the murals in the Yongle Palace, the east and west walls of the hall are covered with murals, spanning an area of 130 square meters. The murals are well-preserved, with the east and west walls laid out in a stepped arrangement, 8.23 meters wide and up to 6.18 meters high. The entire mural depicts over 400 figures, both human and divine, centered around the theme of Houji and Boyi. It portrays the three realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld, with various small stories interspersed with landscapes, creating a unified and harmonious picture. The south wall originally had three statues, which were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Fortunately, the villagers used the temple as a warehouse, filling it with various items. The lower part of the mural was somewhat damaged due to salt seepage from stored salt. Although painted during the Ming Dynasty, the murals of the Jiyi Temple inherit the traditions of Yuan Dynasty murals. They use ink lines to outline figures and clothing, employing cinnabar for coloring, along with malachite green, azurite blue, white, and yellow, creating rich layers of color. The warm and cool color combinations, contrasts, and reflections in the figures' clothing are both vibrant and harmonious, showcasing exquisite painting techniques. Thanks to Shanxi's dry climate, the murals have been preserved in such vivid condition. The east wall depicts a pilgrimage scene, with the Three Emperors seated in the hall, surrounded by numerous attendants. Officials, military officers, and farmers come to pay their respects. The figures in the painting are in various poses, holding grains, carrying farming tools, or shouldering game, tying up locust demons, holding ants, or carrying fruit platters and jugs, vividly showcasing scenes of ancient agricultural life. The west wall depicts mythological figures such as Dayu, Houji, and Boyi, as well as activities like burning fields, hunting, slaying dragons, logging, farming, harvesting, and offering sacrifices. Every detail in the painting is full of life, demonstrating the ancient people's reverence for nature and their emphasis on agricultural production. Particularly noteworthy is the locust-catching scene on the east wall. In the picture, a burly farmer is holding a man-sized locust, which struggles to escape as the farmer holds it tightly. This picture vividly depicts the scene of a farmer fighting a locust, reflecting the tenacious spirit of ancient people in their struggle against natural disasters. Opposite the Jiyi Temple is a stage. For centuries, people have come here to offer performances to the deities who protect them, providing spiritual strength to the villagers. The elderly gentleman has a small, four-eyed local dog at the entrance. The little fellow was very excited to see us, wagging its head and tail, its short legs scrambling in excitement. This is a scene of daily life in Shanxi that has played out for thousands of years.

Longxing Temple is located in the heart of Xinjiang. It takes only 20 minutes by train from Yunchengbei Station to Houmaxi Station, then another 10 minutes by taxi. We will see a beautiful and ancient Buddha statue. Although it is somewhat damaged, it looks sacred and majestic. There is a pagoda behind it, and finally an ancient tomb from the dynasty. You can crawl into the tomb to take pictures up close. It is very impressive. There are guides in the temple to provide information and knowledge. Nearby attractions include Wenmiao and Sangong Miao, which can be reached on foot.

Xinjiang County, formerly known as Jiangzhou, boasts historical sites such as the Jiangzhou Grand Hall, the Three Towers of Jiangzhou, the Jiangshou Garden Pond, and Longxing Temple. The Jiangzhou Grand Hall, initially constructed during the Tang Dynasty, served as the administrative center for successive dynasties. The existing structure, built during the Yuan Dynasty, features a facade of seven bays and a depth of eight rafters. Its column bases are in the inverted lotus petal style, some of which are relics from the Tang Dynasty. This grand hall, a representative example of Yuan Dynasty prefectural architecture in Shanxi, exudes a simple yet majestic atmosphere. The Three Towers of Jiangzhou refer to the bell tower, drum tower, and music tower within the ancient city of Xinjiang, all of which are remnants from the Ming to Republican periods. The Jiangshou Garden Pond, commonly known as the "Sui Dynasty Garden," was first built during the Sui Dynasty and underwent several renovations during the Tang, Song, and later dynasties, gradually losing its original Sui and Tang appearance. Longxing Temple, originally named Biluo Temple, was first built during the Tang Dynasty. Among the existing structures, the Mahavira Hall is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty. The temple pagoda, commonly known as Jiang Pagoda or Tang Pagoda, originally had eight stories. Due to age-related collapse, it was rebuilt twice, in the 42nd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1777) and in the 30th year of the Republic of China (1941). The original pagoda was encased in blue bricks and increased to thirteen stories, forming an octagonal, multi-storied structure standing 43.7m tall. The temple houses the Biluo Stele, erected in the first year of Xianheng's reign during Emperor Gaozong of Tang (670 AD) by Li Xun, Li Yi, Li Zhuan, and Li Chen, sons of Li Yuanjia (the Prince of Han and eleventh son of Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan), to pray for blessings for their deceased mother, Lady Fang. The inscription, written in seal script, consists of 21 lines with 32 characters per line, totaling 630 characters excluding blank spaces. This stele is considered a treasure by calligraphers throughout history.

In the 48th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1620), an Italian priest built the first church in Jiangzhou, Shanxi Province. In 1937, Dutch priest Kong Zhaoming built a large Catholic church in Gothic style and named it Xinjiang Catholic Church. It is known as one of the four major Gothic churches in China along with the churches in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Qingdao. Looking up, the church building is majestic and distinctive with its spire. The bell towers on both sides are about 43 meters high. Catholic crosses are erected on the triangular tops of the bell towers and the top of the church, which are particularly eye-catching among the blue sky and white clouds. The interior of the church is 52 meters long and 28 meters wide. The church is a huge arched building without any pillars in the middle. It has a bold, ingenious and beautiful design! The figures on the European stained glass windows are lifelike and vivid! Taking photos in front of the church feels like traveling in Europe! Address: No. 18, Damen Road, Longxing Town, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Opening hours: Winter (October 1st to April 30th) 10:00-18:00, Summer (May 1st to September 30th) 10:00-19:00. Free admission.

The treasure of Fusheng Temple - the hanging sculpture of Guanyin crossing the sea is really beautiful🤩 This Guanyin statue is made in high relief, with the sea water and auspicious clouds shaped from far to near, layer by layer, showing the ups and downs of the waves and cleverly highlighting the dynamics of the characters, giving people a strong visual impact and aesthetic enjoyment. Guanyin wears a phoenix hat, a long silk robe, her dress fluttering in the wind, and her figure is plump and dignified, as if she is crossing the sea from Mount Putuo to save all living beings. The images of the surrounding boy Sudhana, Dragon King, and Vajra King together interpret vivid Buddhist stories. One has to admire the outstanding skills and extraordinary creativity of ancient craftsmen. ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 📍Address: North of Guangcun, Zezhang Town, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province 🚗Transportation: It is recommended to drive by yourself and navigate to "Fusheng Temple" ⏰Time: 8:30-17:30

[RedHeart] Must-see: Longxing Temple Pagoda, Song and Jin Dynasty Painted Sculptures, Biluo Stele, Song and Jin Brick Tomb Xinjiang County has preserved the ancient city of Jiangzhou, and there is a temple with a pagoda in the ancient city, which is Longxing Temple. Longxing Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty. Because it housed a statue of Biluo Tianzun, it was named Biluo Temple. Later, in the first year of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (670), it was renamed Longxing Temple. At that time, the temple buildings were very majestic and large in scale. By the fifth year of the Huichang reign of the Tang Dynasty (845), all the buildings in the temple were destroyed, with only the Pagoda Temple surviving. During the Song Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin lived here and converted the temple into a palace. Later, monks occupied the place and restored the name of Longxing Temple. Facing north and south, the existing buildings mainly include the Main Hall and the Longxing Pagoda. [PurpleHeart] Biluo Monument When you enter the gate of the scenic area, there are stele corridors on both sides. There are many ancient steles in the east stele corridor, which record the renovation history of Longxing Temple. After climbing 108 steps, you will see the Biluo Monument Pavilion, inside which is the nationally renowned calligraphy art monument "Biluo Monument". This stele is 2.26 meters high and 1.03 meters wide. It was erected in the third year of the Zongzhang reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (607) by Li Xun, Li Yi, Li Zhuan and Li Chen, the sons of Han Yuanjia, the eleventh son of Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan, to pray for their deceased mother, Fang. The characters and structure of the inscription are a mixture of scripts from bells and tripods, ancient Zhuan, and small seal script. Based on the ancient calligraphy of previous generations, they are simplified and adapted to create a new ancient seal script with graceful posture and unique style. It looks neat and natural, comfortable and elegant, and has always been a treasure valued by epigraphers and calligraphers. The stele is now protected. The main body of the stele is covered with a rubbing version and sealed with glass to prevent weathering. [PurpleHeart] Main Hall The existing Main Hall was built in the Yuan Dynasty and was renovated in the Qing Dynasty. It is five bays wide and has a single-eaved hanging roof. There are colored sculptures from the Song and Jin dynasties on the altar in the hall, including Rinpoche, Sakyamuni Buddha, Vairocana Buddha, and the attendant Guanyin, Ksitigarbha, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra. Above the colored sculptures, there is a group of suspended sculptures in the same position and sequence on the beams, which are miniature versions of the Three Bodies of Buddha and Four Bodhisattvas, but some of the statues have been lost or damaged. The beams are painted with colorful paintings, and there is also a group of exquisitely carved stone lions and statues in the hall. There is a side hall on each side of the Main Hall, which was newly built on the original site in the later period and has now been transformed into an exhibition hall with information about the history of Longxing Temple. [PurpleHeart] Longxing Temple Pagoda Behind the main hall is the famous Longxing Temple Pagoda (also known as the Jiang Pagoda). According to the inscriptions on the stele, this tower originally had eight floors. In the 40th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1784), it collapsed due to age, so it was re-covered and increased to its current 13 floors. The tower is octagonal in shape, about 40 meters high, and is made entirely of polished blue bricks with an imitation wooden structure. There are inscriptions on each level of the tower. The first level has a pillar supporting the sky and a couplet. You can climb the tower, but be careful as the steps are narrow and some are slippery. From the windows on the tower floor, you can look out and take in the surrounding scenery and the features of the ancient city of Jiangzhou. [PurpleHeart] Song Dynasty Gold Brick Tomb In addition, in the temple, below the tower, two Song Dynasty gold brick tombs were discovered in 1996 from Duzhuang Village, Wan'an Town and Beisu Village, Zezhang Town and moved here. On the left is a Song Dynasty imitation wooden structure brick-carved tomb built with blue bricks. The tomb door is narrow, and lotus brick carvings form a Sumeru base. The upper part is a courtyard layout, with brick carvings of peacocks playing with peonies and bonsai peonies. Facing flying celestials form ten pairs of brackets and are carved with unicorns delivering children and fairies scattering flowers, reflecting the tomb owner's long-cherished wish of admiring wealth and becoming an immortal and ascending to heaven to enjoy wealth and glory after death. On the right is a Jin Dynasty brick-carved tomb, where a large number of Jin Dynasty opera brick carvings were unearthed, vividly reproducing the appearance of Jin Dynasty opera and the scene of singing and dancing. [Rainbow] Travel tips: [Sun] Attractions: Longxing Temple Pagoda, Song and Jin Dynasty painted sculptures, Biluo Stele, Song and Jin Dynasty Brick Tomb [RoundNails] Level: National Protection, AAA-level scenic spot [AsiaAustralia] Location: On the high cliff at the top of Chengbei Street, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City [Shrine] Tickets: 10 yuan/person, 5 yuan for visiting the Song and Jin Dynasty Tomb. [TaxiFront] Transportation: Bus: Take No. 1 bus to Binglingqiao South Station, then walk about 800 meters to arrive. It is very convenient to take a taxi in the county town. [Tent] Accommodation: The scenic area is in the county town, which has various types of hotels and inns, which is very convenient. [Clink] Delicacies: Jiangzhou hotpot, Guokui, Beisu Village mutton soup, pork rolls, baked steamed buns, casserole, crispy meat, egg twists, fermented glutinous rice, etc. [Sunflower] Recommended places nearby: Jiangzhou Office, Jiangzhou Third Floor, Jiangshouju Garden, Xinjiang City God Temple, Xinjiang Catholic Church, Sanguan Temple, Jiangzhou Confucian Temple

Another filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong" is in Fusheng Temple in Xinjiang County, Yuncheng. Facing south and sitting north, Fusheng Temple was founded during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty (627-649). According to the reconstruction stele in the temple, it was renovated in the 11th year of the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty (1498) and has been repaired many times throughout the dynasties. The existing buildings, the Amituo Hall and the caves in the lower part of the rear hall, are relics of the Yuan Dynasty, and the rest are relics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are 32 colored sculptures and hanging sculptures from the Song, Jin and Ming dynasties preserved in the Amitabha Hall and the rear hall. [One] Amitabha Hall After entering the mountain gate, you will find the Heavenly King Hall. Currently, you only need to register your information here to enter for free. On both sides of the Heavenly King Hall are the bell tower and the drum tower. After crossing the Heavenly King Hall, you will see the main hall and side halls of Fusheng Temple. The Amitabha Hall is five rooms wide and five rooms deep, with corridors all around it and a porch at the back with a double-eaved hip roof. The brackets are five-layered and double-angled, and the beams are relics of the Yuan Dynasty. There are more than 20 colored sculptures and hanging sculptures from the Song, Liao, Yuan and Ming dynasties in the hall. [Two] Rear Hall The northernmost is the rear hall, a two-story structure located at the northernmost end of the temple. It is five bays wide and two bays deep, with a gable roof and a brick-wood mixed structure. The upper level is the Sutra Repository. There is no bracket under the eaves. The beam frame consists of three beams. The single-step beam on the front eaves has three columns connecting the eaves. A statue of Confucius is enshrined inside. Standing on the second floor and looking north, you can see other ancient buildings in Guangcun and the Guangcun ruins (provincially protected). The lower level is a three-arch cave, called the Three Buddha Caves, which is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty. There are three statues of the Three Buddhas and six Bodhisattvas in the cave, but it is temporarily under protection and repair and cannot be entered. [Three] Colored hanging sculptures In the center of the Amitabha Hall, there is a 1-meter-high altar with a statue of the main Amitabha Buddha, and two attendants, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, standing on either side. On the back are hanging sculptures of Avalokitesvara, the boy Shancai, the Vajra King, and donors. All of them are original works from the time the hall was built, and are in the style of the Song Dynasty. On the east and west sides of the hall, there are Buddhist altars surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats and Four Heavenly Kings sculpted in the Ming Dynasty. The sculptures are exquisite and the modeling is superb. The hanging sculpture of Guanyin Crossing the Sea behind the throne is known as "the most beautiful statue of Guanyin Crossing the Sea in China". Both the colored sculptures and the hanging sculptures have inscriptions and written records. [100] Tour Guide [Pushpin] Tour Highlights: Yuan Dynasty Architecture, Colored Sculptures, Guanyin Crossing the Sea [Sunflower] Level: National Protected Unit [Sakura] Location: Northwest corner of Guang Village, Zezhang Town, Xinxiang County, Yuncheng City [Shrine] Tickets: None [Car] Transportation: Public transportation is not very convenient. You need to take a taxi or charter a car, or drive yourself and navigate directly to Fusheng Temple. [Rainbow] Recommended places around: Guang Village has a history of more than 3,000 years. Now the whole village retains a large number of Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyards. It is a "Famous Historical and Cultural Village in China". You can walk around the village and admire the ancient buildings. To the north of the village is the "Guangcun Site" from the Neolithic Age, a provincially protected site, where unexpected discoveries may be made. There is also the ancient building Qiaogoutou Jade Emperor Temple around it. [Sun] Warm reminder: It is not easy for ancient buildings to be preserved as cultural relics. Please protect the cultural relics. If you don’t understand something, you can consult the cultural relics protectors or staff, even the villagers, and you can hear some interesting stories.

Guang Village, where Fusheng Temple is located, is said to have existed for 3,000 years. The village's history can be traced back to the Northern Qi Dynasty, and it was once the residence of the descendants of Lian Xiangru. Fusheng Temple also has the "Ergong Temple," with the east and west halls housing statues of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, a pair of sworn brothers. Although Guang Village itself is a village with a rich history and many places to visit, the most worthwhile place to visit is Fusheng Temple, a national treasure temple. Fusheng Temple was built during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, and the existing buildings are mainly from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Although it is not very large, it has a distinctive style. Passing through the archway-style mountain gate, along the central axis are the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Amitabha Hall, and the Rear Hall, which are staggered and varied in height, making it quite interesting. The must-see is the colored sculptures. The two Ming King statues that appear in Black Myth: Wukong were filmed at Fusheng Temple, but the most outstanding is the Guanyin Crossing the Sea on the same wall as the Ming King statues. The location is a whole set of Yuan Dynasty hanging sculptures behind the screen wall of the Amitabha Hall. On the green waves, there are Guanyin, Shancai Boy, Ming King, Dragon King, Turtle Prime Minister, and Catfish Spirit. It is said that there should have been Tang Monk and his disciples, but they disappeared at some point. It seems that Fusheng Temple and Sun Wukong have a cross-time connection. This Guanyin Crossing the Sea is indeed beautiful, with a plump and gentle appearance, slender eyebrows and eyes with a slight smile, and fluttering clothes as if blown by the sea breeze. The boy at her feet is cute and well-behaved, and the whole picture is very gentle and peaceful. No wonder this Guanyin is known as "the most beautiful Bodhisattva in China." In fact, all the colored sculptures in Fusheng Temple give me a very gentle feeling, even the Four Heavenly Kings are different from the fierce appearance in general temples, more realistic. A slight regret is that a set of Yuan Dynasty statues in the Three Buddha Caves of the Rear Hall is temporarily closed to the public. However, the cultural relics protection uncle on duty that day enthusiastically showed us the photos on his phone, and the colors are well preserved. I hope to see the real thing one day.

🌟 Jiyi Temple, also known as Yangwang Temple, is located in Yangwang Village, Yangwang Town, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It is a temple with a long history and profound cultural heritage. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but according to inscriptions, it was rebuilt during the Yuan Dynasty (1264-1294). The temple mainly worships two historical figures, Houji and Boyi. Houji was an agricultural official during the Yao and Shun periods and was revered as the "God of Agriculture," while Boyi was famous for assisting Yu in controlling floods. The temple faces south, and the original complex included the mountain gate, offering pavilion, stage, and main hall, but now only the stage and main hall remain. In 2001, Jiyi Temple was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council. 🎫 Ticket price: CNY 20 per person ⌚ Opening hours: Jiyi Temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ✅ Location: Yangwang Village, Yangwang Town, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province ☀ Personal experience: Walking into Jiyi Temple feels like traveling through time and space, immersing oneself in ancient agricultural civilization. Standing in front of the main hall, looking up at the three-colored glazed tile roof shining in the sunlight, a sense of awe arises. Inside the hall, the eye is drawn to the murals on the walls, colorful and lifelike, telling stories of Houji, Boyi, and ancient agricultural life. The characters in the murals, whether worshiping, working, or hunting, seem to convey their love for life and reverence for nature. In the details of the murals, many lively scenes can be found, such as farmers carrying hoes and holding grains, hunters with knives and bows. These images not only showcase the wisdom and diligence of ancient people but also reflect their longing and pursuit of a better life. Standing in front of these murals, I seem to hear their laughter while working and feel their anticipation for a bountiful harvest and gratitude to nature.

|A photo spot that maintains its historical appearance. Beichi Ji King Temple was built to commemorate Hou Ji, the ancestor of human agriculture. Beichi Ji King Temple is a north-facing courtyard with a south-facing entrance. The temple is grand, with a complete layout, simple design, and luxurious decorations, maintaining its original historical appearance. The main buildings include the Ji King Hall and the stage from the Ming Dynasty, as well as the Land Temple, east and west side halls, and ear halls from the Qing Dynasty. The layout and form of the buildings are very asymmetrical, with a hammer on the east and a mallet on the west. The Ji King Hall is the main hall, with three rooms, six rafters, a single-eave gable roof, glazed tile edges, glazed tile ridge decorations, three single-eave brackets under the front eaves, and a flat bracket in each room. The inner walls of the main hall of Beichi Ji King Temple have a large portrait of Chairman Mao and the "Three Old Articles"; the back wall of the stage has a brick carving shadow wall of about 9 square meters. Address: Beichi Village, Yangwang Town, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Self-driving: Drive from the People's Government of Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province to Beichi Ji King Temple, about 30.5 km, about 59 minutes. Opening hours: Contact the cultural relics protection officer

|Let’s take a look at the official gardens of the Sui Dynasty. Jiangshouju Garden is located on the high wall in the northwest of the city. It was a place for the prefect, his wife and officials of the prefecture to relax and play. It was built in the 16th year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty (596 AD) and has a history of more than 1,400 years. It is the only existing official garden of the Sui Dynasty in China. During the Tang and Song dynasties, many literati such as Cen Shen, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, and Mei Yaochen came here to chant poems and compose essays, leaving behind a large number of famous couplets. Fan Zhongyan, a great politician and writer in the Northern Song Dynasty, praised gardens with the beautiful sentence "The tranquil environment is like a fairyland, and the coldness is dissipated without feeling the heat." Address: Auxiliary Road, Zhengping Street, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Ticket: RMB15

[WorldMap] Yuncheng, Shanxi Province is a perfect place to showcase the beauty of ancient buildings in Shanxi and even China. It has 102 nationally protected cultural relics! No. 1 in the country! [One] Yuncheng holiday 5-day travel route: D1 Yuncheng: Yuncheng Museum - Jiezhou Guandi Temple - Changping Guandi Temple - Chishen Temple D2 Ruicheng: Yongle Palace - Guangrenwang Temple - Ruicheng City God Temple D3 Wanrong: Feiyun Tower - Jiwang Temple - Houtu Temple - Li Family Courtyard D4 Xinxiang: Longxing Temple - Jiangzhou Office - Fusheng Temple - Jiyi Temple D5 Jishan: Macun Brick Carvings - Qinglong Temple [Two] 8 tips for traveling in Yuncheng: ❶ Go to Yuncheng Museum first to preview. There are 1:1 scale murals of Yongle Palace and Jiyi Temple. You can take pictures at will. ❷ In the Tang Dynasty, the salt pond god was named Lingqing Gong. The 100 square kilometers of salt pond were once enclosed by a wall, and only 30 kilometers of it remain today. ❸Jiezhou Guandi Temple is the earliest and largest Guandi temple complex in my country. It was built according to the imperial regulations. Don't miss the chrysanthemum caisson in Chunqiu Building. ❹The Yongle Palace was built over a century ago. It is a model of official construction in the Yuan Dynasty. The mural "Zhao Yuan Tu" is a rare treasure, and its technique can be traced back to Wu Daozi. ❺The Guangrenwang Temple, one of the three Tang Dynasty structures, is near the Yongle Palace, and its surrounding area is a popular site for ancient buildings. ❻The Hou Tu in Huang Tian Hou Tu is the goddess Hou Tu worshipped here. The emperors of Han, Tang and Song dynasties all came to worship in person. In the Yuan Dynasty, sacrifices were moved to the Temple of Earth in Beijing. ❼ Feiyun Tower has as many as 345 sets of brackets, like countless blooming flowers, and is an outstanding example of Chinese wooden pavilion architecture. ❽If you still have time: you can go north to Taiyuan and then to Datong [Three] Transportation: Self-driving is more suitable in Shanxi. But in recent years, public transportation has become increasingly powerful. Most of the scenic spots in Yuncheng can be reached by the "Yuncheng City View Pass", and the ticket is extremely cheap, only 3 yuan, but you must make an appointment in advance [Four] Food: Yuncheng big plate chicken is popular. There are several restaurants that serve Afanti Big Plate Chicken and Xiaoshulin Big Plate Chicken that you can try. Xiezhou Wangjian mutton soup is a must-try, and the mutton soup and pancake specialties are all delicious! [Five] Accommodation: You can visit all the scenic spots on the same day. It is better to stay in Yuncheng as the conditions there are the best and it is not expensive.

|Check in at historical attractions. Jiangzhou Three Towers refers to the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Music Tower. It is located on the high wall in the west of Xinjiang County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were many city towers in the prefecture and county towns, commonly known as Drum Towers. Only the three towers of Jiangzhou stand side by side, arranged in a north-south pattern, with the Bell Tower in the south, the Music Tower in the east, and the Drum Tower in the north. [The Bell Tower] was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and was rebuilt in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. It is now a relic of the Ming Dynasty. Inside the tower hangs a 10,000-jin iron bell, which was cast in the third year of Jin Tiande (1151). It is the heaviest and oldest bell in the country. [The Music Tower] is a relic of the Ming Dynasty and was repaired in 1983. It has two floors, five rooms wide, and two rooms deep. [The Drum Tower] was built in the Zhizheng period of the Yuan Dynasty. The existing wooden structure is a relic of the Ming Dynasty. It was repaired and painted in 1994. Location: No. 1, Yapo Shang, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🚗Transportation: About 1 hour drive from [Yuncheng City] or [Linfen City]

|Brick carving art masterpieces. There is a Song and Jin ancient tomb on a slope next to Longxing Temple, which are tombs from the late Northern Song Dynasty and early Jin Dynasty. This is not the original site of the ancient tombs, but was discovered, excavated, and relocated here in 1996 from Duzhuang Village, Wanan Town, Xinjiang County, and Beisu Village, Zezhang Town. The brick carvings in the tomb are simply like the Twelve Girls Band! Twelve women with round faces, some dancing with flowing silk ribbons, some waving drumsticks, some playing the pipa, and some blowing the lusheng, panpipes, and flute, all with fluttering clothes, natural movements, and vivid expressions. The brick carving craftsmanship of that era 1,000 years ago had already reached such a high level! Address: Inside Longxing Temple, No. 2 Longxing Road, Jiang County (North Side) Tickets: CNY 3 to enter the ancient tomb

|Panlong protects the temple. Huguo Shanqing Temple is located in Xiguan Village, Chengguan Town, Xinjiang County. It was built in the 34th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. Although it was damaged many times during the special period, fortunately, six hanging gilded dragons are still intact on the roof beams of the main hall of the temple, the Great Hall. These six hanging dragons are made of wood and clay, exquisitely carved, and covered with gold and color. They are colorful, exquisite, and lifelike, as if they are ready to fly away at any time. They can be called the best of clay dragon sculptures. Legend has it that a treasure thief broke into the temple and attempted to rob it at night, but the gilded dragon carved in the temple appeared to protect the temple. When the storm subsided and the morning light filtered through the temple, the golden dragon quietly returned to its position and became a still sculpture again. What we see now, whether small, delicate, exquisite or unique, really seem to be still telling the story of the merits of protection. Address: On the cliff along the Nanbao of Xiguan Village, Chengguan Town, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City Tickets: Free

| See the most beautiful Guanyin statue. Fusheng Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty, and was repaired during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and also during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Amitabha Hall is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty, and it contains more than 30 painted and hanging sculptures from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Among them, the most beautiful hanging sculpture of Guanyin is particularly eye-catching. However, the head of the Arhat painted sculpture in the hall was stolen, and has been repaired in recent years. There is the "most beautiful Guanyin in China", Guanyin is behind the statue of Amitabha, lying on the door to look, the glass is also reflective, only to see the Guanyin's feet, the cute and lovely boy. The main hall is a double-eave Xieshan-style building, which enshrines the three saints of the West: Amitabha, Mahasthamaprapta, and Guanyin, all of which are original works when the hall was built. These statues are exquisitely crafted and have solemn expressions. It is particularly difficult for large clay sculptures to be preserved in the original site of the Buddha Hall. The whole group of statues is beautiful in shape, smooth in lines, harmonious in proportion, rich in color, and elegant in style, which can be traced back to the Tang and Song Dynasties. Address: Guangcun, 17 km northwest of Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Transportation: Take bus No. 12 to Beisu Village, and then walk for 5 minutes to get there. Tickets: Free

|Simple beauty. Guangcun Jade Emperor Temple is located on a high hill in the northwest corner of Fusheng Temple, Zezhang Town, Xinjiang County. It is a cultural heritage site with a long history. According to the inscription, the temple was first built during the Yuan and Liao dynasties. The oldest existing building is the main hall from the Ming dynasty, which has high historical value. The main hall is the core building of Guangcun Jade Emperor Temple, showcasing the characteristics and style of Ming dynasty architecture. Guangcun Jade Emperor Temple is currently undergoing restoration. The entire main hall is simple and elegant, retaining the charm of history. There are no grand statues of Bodhisattvas or Buddhas inside, but the paintings on the beams give a sense of historical weight. Fusheng Temple is not far from Guangcun Jade Emperor Temple and can be visited as an additional attraction.

| The first Christian church in Shanxi. The cathedral of the Xinjiang (Yuncheng) Diocese is located on a high cliff at the end of Beijie Street in Xinjiang County. Xinjiang was the first place in Shanxi Province to receive Catholicism. In 1620 (the 48th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty), Italian priest Giulio Aleni came to Jiangzhou and established the first Catholic church in Shanxi Province. Although Xinjiang Catholic Church is not as famous as the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou or the Xujiahui Cathedral in Shanghai, and there are not many tourists visiting, it is the first Catholic church in Shanxi, and it is located in a county with a long history and many national-level protected ancient buildings, which makes it very significant. When visiting Longxing Temple and Jiangzhou Office in Xinjiang, you can also visit this niche attraction. Since the county is not large, you can walk to these attractions by following the navigation. Address: No. 18, Damendao, Longxing Town, Xinjiang County, Shanxi Province Tickets: Free

|An ancient temple with a long history. Baitai Temple, also known as Puhua Temple, is one of the earliest temples in the Hedong region. Most of the buildings in the temple were built during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. With a long history and prominent early style, the temple is home to statues from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, making it a rare and precious historical site. The main existing buildings include Fazang Pavilion, the east and west side halls, Shijia Hall, the rear main hall, and the west wing room. All other buildings have been destroyed. Enter Fazang Pavilion and you will see three clay statues of Buddha. The Medicine Buddha is enshrined in the middle, with the Sunlight Bodhisattva and Moonlight Bodhisattva on either side. These statues have plump skin and beautiful shapes. Each one exudes a solemn and sacred aura that will leave you in awe. Address: Over 200 meters southwest of Guangma Village, Quanzhang Township, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Transportation: Take a taxi from Yuncheng Zhangxiao Airport. The journey is about 90.4 km and takes about 1 hour and 57 minutes.

|Why the pagoda emits smoke. Longxing Temple in Xinjiang is laid out symmetrically along a central axis, with the following buildings from south to north: the mountain gate, 108 steps, Biluo Stele, Mahavira Hall, east and west side halls, Longxing Pagoda, and Song and Jin dynasty ancient tombs. Longxing Pagoda is a landmark building in Jiangzhou, and the ancient pagoda is famous mainly for the mysterious phenomenon of smoke rising from the pagoda. According to the 1941 "Stele Inscription on the Reconstruction of Longxing Temple in Xinjiang," in the first year of the Guangxu period (1875), "smoke rose from the top of the pagoda, straight up into the sky, as a sign of success in the imperial examinations." On the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1971, every day near dusk, wisps of blue smoke rose from the top of the pagoda, circling around the top of the pagoda, lasting for about half an hour before disappearing on its own. The smoke could be clearly seen from 300 to 400 meters away from the pagoda, and it continued for more than ten days before stopping, with no less than a thousand people watching every day. According to the Xinjiang County Museum, from August 21 to 28, 1993, for eight consecutive days, smoke rose from the pagoda every day near dusk, with varying durations, and the cause is still to be scientifically verified. In addition, the temple preserves the "Biluo Stele" and nine valuable steles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as six stone lions. Below the steps southeast of the pagoda are two Song and Jin dynasty brick chamber tombs relocated in 1995. Address: No. 2 Longxing Road, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City Opening hours: Summer 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Winter 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Admission: Ticket price: CNY 10 per person; Pagoda ticket: CNY 5 per person; Ancient tomb ticket: CNY 3 per person; Guide fee: CNY 30 per time

Xinjiang County in Shanxi has preserved many ancient buildings. ‌Jiangzhou Office: Located in the northwest corner of Xinjiang County, it is a representative ancient government office building. ‌Xinjiang Ancient City: With a history of over 1,400 years, it still retains the Tang Dynasty style and has high research value. ‌Longxing Temple: Located in Xinjiang County, it is home to the famous Longxing Pagoda. ‌Catholic Church: Located in Xinjiang County, it is a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, with Gothic spires and facade decorations, as well as traditional Chinese cultural elements and patterns. It is very beautiful.

Fusheng Temple is located in Guangcun, 17 kilometers northwest of Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Fusheng Temple was founded during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty (627-649). During the Tianhui period of the Jin Dynasty (1138-1140), Fusheng Temple was rebuilt. In the third year of the Jin Dynasty's Dading reign (1163), it was named Fusheng Temple. In the 11th year of the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty (1498), Fusheng Temple was renovated. The Amitabha Hall of Fusheng Temple is located on a 5-meter-high thick platform and is a Yuan Dynasty building. There are colored sculptures from the Yuan Dynasty in the Amitabha Hall, with Amitabha Buddha in the middle and standing statues of Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on the left and right respectively. The colorful hanging sculpture of Guanyin Crossing the Sea from the Yuan Dynasty is known as the most beautiful Guanyin.

|A record of ancient agricultural civilization. Jiyi Temple is a temple dedicated to Houji and Boyi. Legend has it that Houji was an agricultural official during the reign of Yao and Shun, the ancestor of the Zhou Dynasty, and the founder of Chinese agricultural civilization. He was worshiped as the "God of Agriculture" by later generations. Legend has it that Boyi was an official of Dayu, and the ancestor of the Ying family of the Qin royal family. His main achievement was "helping Dayu control the flood". Jiyi Temple was built in the Song and Jin Dynasties, and was rebuilt and expanded in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The theater and the main hall are relics of the Ming Dynasty. The murals of Jiyi Temple are treasures of ancient Chinese mural art. Most of the content is ancient Chinese myths and legends, praising the deeds of Dayu, Houji, and Boyi in teaching people to farm and benefiting the people. There are "Pilgrimage Map", "Houji Birth" Map, "Teaching People to Farm" Map, including "Burning Map", "Plowing and Harvesting Map", "Logging Map", "Hunting Map" and other contents. It shows the indomitable spirit of the ancient people in conquering natural disasters. There are more than 400 people, gods, and ghosts in all the murals, interspersed with landscapes, trees, flowers, birds, and beasts. They are integrated, with clear layers and novel artistic ideas. They are masterpieces of ancient painting art. Address: S232 (Linxia Line), Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Transportation: Take Xinjiang Bus No. 16, get off at Nantou Village Station, and walk to the destination Opening hours: 08:00-17:00

Visiting late at night is a bit abrupt, and I can't help but feel a little nervous. Speaking of Taoist holy places, the temple is a place to worship immortals, and its sacredness and solemnity are awe-inspiring. Xiangu Temple in Cuiling Village, Gujiao Town, was built in the early Yuan Dynasty, and after many vicissitudes, it was rebuilt in its original form during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. Although it is not large, it is famous for its imitation wood brick carvings, which are extremely rare. The temple enshrines Xiangu Tongzhenzi, and its solemnity is awe-inspiring. Xiangu Tongzhenzi, whose surname is Ma and whose name is Shouming, is known as Tongzhen. Her life story is recorded in the twelfth volume of the Guangxu edition of the "Zhi Li Jiangzhou Zhi" (Annals of Jiangzhou, Zhili). As for her era, the stele says it was the early Yuan Dynasty, while the Guangxu County Annals places it in the Southern Song Dynasty, which may be the mystery of history. She was originally from Xizhou, but the stele and the county annals are divided into Xixian and Yonghe, adding to her legendary color. Xiangu practiced Taoism and was compassionate, often saving people from suffering. She once built the Fengxian Palace here to worship the gods and pray for the people. Behind the statue in the center of the temple is a beautiful brick carving of Xiangu holding a peach, symbolizing her ability to grant longevity and health to the people. In the hearts of the local villagers, Xiangu Tongzhenzi is no less important than the Medicine King Sun Simiao. Although the statue on the altar is newly sculpted, it is lifelike, as if it can see through all the suffering in the world. On either side of the side doors stand two maids, holding pomegranates and peaches, with their upper bodies exposed, graceful in shape, adding a touch of vitality to the temple. Although the late-night visit was a bit of a disturbance, I felt honored to be shocked by such a sacred and solemn temple.

A small temple in a small alley in Xinjiang, Yuncheng, which looks very inconspicuous, is actually a national treasure from the Yuan Dynasty! The Sanguan Temple was built in the first year of the Zhizheng period of the Yuan Dynasty (1341), and was rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It used to be called the Gourd Temple, but unfortunately, the big stone gourd in front of the door has been destroyed. Does this remind you of anything? The staff said that this is the prototype of the Gourd Temple in "Dream of the Red Chamber". The two clay sculptures on the left side of the entrance are so damaged that they are unrecognizable (Figure 8), but they are a bit cute and adorable. In fact, two of the statues in the hall are replicas of their original appearance. Do you think they look a bit like they used to? There are also many exquisite Yuan Dynasty clay sculptures in the hall. The faces of the main sculptures of the "Heaven, Earth, and Water" statues have been restored, but due to poor craftsmanship, they appear stiff and clumsy. On the contrary, several small statues may not have been restored because they were not valued, and they retain their original charm and are very vivid. The folds and sleeves of the painted sculptures are beautiful, and the luster of the mineral pigments can still be faintly seen, which is incomparable to chemical pigments. Address: Sanguan Temple, Xinjiang, Yuncheng, Shanxi It just opened on May 1 this year, so don't miss it! You can take photos, but don't use the flash.

Longxing Temple (Photos 1–10) is not far from the Jangzhou Office and the Catholic Church. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and was originally called Biluo Temple. Zhao Kuangyin, the first emperor of the Song Dynasty, once lived here and renamed it Longxing Temple. It is a national protected site and the Yuncheng Annual Tourism Pass is accepted. Main attractions include: Biluo Stele (Photo 3), a Tang Dynasty stele with unique calligraphy, a national first-class cultural relic and calligraphy treasure. Yuan Dynasty painted sculptures in the Mahavira Hall (Photo 5). Longxing Pagoda (Photo 7), a landmark of Jangzhou, also known as "Jangzhou Pagoda," was built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. You can climb the pagoda for a distant view. Each floor has a four-character inscription. Song and Jin Dynasty brick-carved tombs (Photos 8–10), moved from elsewhere, two in total, small and exquisite, with a separate charge of CNY 5, and an old man as a part-time guide. There are two "Women Opening the Door" carvings, which are very interesting. Jangzhou Confucian Temple (Photos 11–17), a national protected site and the Yuncheng Annual Tourism Pass is accepted. The existing main buildings are relics of the Ming Dynasty. The glazed brick carvings on the outer wall of the Dacheng Hall are very beautiful (Photo 17), but unfortunately, some are damaged.