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

Nestled in the southeastern foothills of Ziyun Mountain, 22 kilometers from Changzi County in Changzhi, Shanxi, lies a thousand-year-old temple—Chongqing Temple. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this serene and secluded site is truly a hidden gem. Though modest in size (about 1,650 square meters), it houses national treasure-level artistic masterpieces! In 1996, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. A Thousand-Year Legacy with Song Dynasty Charm Chongqing Temple was founded in the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era during the Northern Song Dynasty (1016). Its key sculptures were completed in the second year of the Yuanfeng era (1079). Despite later renovations, the most precious essence of Song Dynasty art still quietly shines here. Compact Layout, Concentrated Treasures The temple faces south and features two small courtyards. On the central axis are the Tianwang Hall (Mountain Gate) and the main hall, Qianfo Hall. The western side houses the San Dashi Hall (Arhat Hall), which is the absolute highlight! The Dizang Hall in the northwest corner also holds treasures. The Temple's Crown Jewel: Priceless Song Dynasty Clay Sculptures The most awe-inspiring aspect of Chongqing Temple isn't its architecture but its well-preserved Northern Song Dynasty clay sculptures, especially the eighteen Arhats in the San Dashi Hall: 1️⃣ Qianfo Hall: Features one Buddha, two Bodhisattvas, and a seated Guanyin, exuding ancient Song charm. 2️⃣ Tianwang Hall: Displays the Four Heavenly Kings, radiating majesty. 3️⃣ Dizang Hall: Houses sculptures of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings, masterpieces from 1079 with exquisite craftsmanship. 4️⃣ The Highlight of Highlights: Arhat Hall! - Central figures: Guanyin (riding a mythical beast), Manjushri (seated on a lion), and Samantabhadra (mounted on an elephant), all grand and dignified. - Side walls: Eighteen life-sized Arhat statues (about 1.6–1.7 meters tall), the true "stars" of the temple! Core Value: These are the only existing Song Dynasty Arhats in China with a confirmed "birth certificate"! The hall's inscriptions provide solid evidence: they were sculpted in the second year of the Yuanfeng era (1079). Despite enduring a millennium, the Song Dynasty artistry still captivates. Artistic Highlights: - Realism: Robust physiques and lifelike facial features make them seem like Song-era "real people" meditating here. - Dynamism: Clothing folds are sculpted with raised clay strips, showcasing fluidity and movement. - Spirit: Each expression is unique—thoughtful, smiling, solemn—imbued with distinct personalities, as if the artisans infused their souls into the work. - Excellence: A blend of realism and spirituality, solemnity with human warmth, epitomizing Eastern aesthetics. Why You Must Visit❓️ This set of Song Dynasty Arhats, the only ones with a confirmed date, serves as a golden benchmark for studying Chinese sculpture history! Their exceptional craftsmanship, vivid individuality, and seamless fusion of religious sanctity with worldly charm make them a true national treasure. Travel Tips: ⛳ Location: Southeastern foothills of Ziyun Mountain, Changzi County, Changzhi, Shanxi (recommended to drive or hire a car). 👀 Highlights: Head straight to the Arhat Hall to experience the awe of thousand-year-old Song sculptures. Don't miss Qianfo Hall and Dizang Hall either.

🌟My love for ancient Chinese architecture was awakened, and I avoided the super popular Taiyuan and the crowded tourist spots of Datong. Instead, I discovered Changzhi, which also preserves ancient buildings dating back thousands of years.👏👏 It has over a thousand well-preserved historical sites, with its history tracing back to the Tang Dynasty. Each attraction carries a thousand years of history. Changzhi has many unique and unparalleled (in the country) reliefs, painted sculptures, murals, and various ancient buildings!🔥🔥 Follow my route and embark on this wonderful journey through thousands of years to feel the weight and depth of history. 🌟: Changzhi 2-Day Tour Guide! (The destinations are relatively scattered, so I recommend driving or renting a car.) 👉 Day 1: Chongqing Temple → Xiahuo Huguo Lingkuang Wang Temple → Guanyin Hall (Must-see) → Faxing Temple → Zhongzhang Fuxi Temple → Zhengjue Temple Food recommendations: Cat ear noodles, donkey meat flatbread, Changzi pig head meat, ghee sesame cake, stir-fried pancake, Huguan mutton 👉 Day 2: Zhuozhang River Valley: Tiantai Temple → Yuanqi Temple → Dayun Temple → Fotou Temple → Chunhua Temple → Huilong Temple → Xia Yu Shrine → Longmen Temple 🙇: There are very few places to eat here, so I recommend bringing your own food for each day. Stay in the city at night, otherwise you'll have to eat instant noodles like I did. 👍👍Top recommendations Longmen Temple - An unparalleled ancient architecture museum, with one courtyard spanning five dynasties. Tickets are 20💷. Tiantai Temple - One of the few remaining wooden Guanyin halls from the Later Tang and Five Dynasties periods in the country - a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It is also an important filming location for Black Myth: Wukong. Chongqing Temple - Northern Song Dynasty sculptures, the Eighteen Arhats are lifelike. Dayun Temple - The only remaining Five Dynasties murals in temples and Taoist temples in China.

I went to Xiahuo Village in Changzi County under Changzhi to visit the Huo Huguo Lingquan King Temple. I arrived too late and couldn't enter the main hall, but the light was very good in the evening. As soon as I entered the temple, I saw the sunlight shining on the wall sculptures in the main hall. It was like I had accidentally encountered a corner of the mythological world, and I felt that the trip was worthwhile. The construction date of Xiahuo Huguo Lingfuwang Temple is unknown. It is a temple dedicated to Houyi. Houyi was named "King of Guardian of the Country" during the Northern Song Dynasty and was revered as "Three Lords" in the Shangdang area. This was not only because the ancients had the concept of hero worship, but also because according to legend, Houyi could bring rain and stop hail, which was an important folk belief in the local area. It is said that there are many temples dedicated to Houyi in Changzhi and its surrounding areas. However, the scale of this Xia Huo Huguo Lingquanwang Temple is relatively large, which may be related to the official background at that time. As the seventh batch of national protected relics, the most important relic in the Xiahuo Huguo Lingquanwang Temple is the wooden structure hall of the Jin Dynasty. The hall is three bays wide and six rafters deep, with a hip roof and tiled roof. The beams and brackets are very gorgeous and basically original. According to investigation, the characteristics are close to those in the "Yingzaofashi", and it has extremely high research value, making it very suitable for professionals to count the brackets. As a non-professional, it is easier to be attracted to wall sculpture at first. On both sides of the gables of the main hall are the four gods of wind, rain, thunder and lightning. The three-dimensional sense brings a strong visual impact, and it always feels like they can pull you up to the clouds with just a stretch of your hand. The reliefs on both sides of the offering hall are also very interesting. One group is Houyi shooting the sun and beheading monsters, and the other group is Chang'e flying to the moon. However, the Chang'e flying to the moon here tells a different version of the story: Chang'e abandoned Houyi because she was forced by the bad guys... (I only understood it after I went home and looked up the information 😎) In addition to this hall, another major attraction here is the stage. It is rare to see three stages in one temple. One is a pair of stages facing each other. It is said that this is called "singing opposite plays", that is, in order to express sincerity to the gods, two troupes compete in singing... Involution is indeed a belief engraved in our genes 😭Singing opposite plays is to repay the gods, and people and gods can enjoy together, while the other stage inside is for praying to the gods, and the repertoire is very particular, and only a small number of people can watch it with the gods. A series of activities such as burning incense, worshipping, singing operas to thank the gods, etc. are the famous folk traditions here called "welcoming the gods and holding festivals". Xiahuo Huguo Lingquanwang Temple is also one of the most influential "welcoming gods and holding festivals" venues in Changzi County. [○]Tips: Tickets are currently free. But it’s best to check the opening hours, otherwise you’ll miss the main hall like I did.

📍 Attraction Introduction Chongqing Temple, a thousand-year-old temple nestled on the slopes of Ziyun Mountain in Changzi County, Changzhi, Shanxi Province, was first built in the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (1016) and was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1996! Not only is it a filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong," but it is also a "living museum of Song Dynasty painted sculptures." Surrounded by mountains on three sides and embraced by pine and cypress trees, the temple boasts a compact layout resembling a courtyard house. The Song and Ming Dynasty architecture complements the painted sculptures, making it a true "gem of ancient Chinese architectural art." ✨ Must-See Highlights 1️⃣ The Pinnacle of Song Dynasty Painted Sculptures: The 18 Arhat statues from the Northern Song Dynasty (the earliest dated group of Arhat statues in China!) in the Hall of the Three Great Bodhisattvas are renowned for their realistic muscle lines and lifelike expressions, earning them the title of "Crown of Song Sculptures" by experts! The statues of Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra, riding their divine beasts with flowing robes, are breathtakingly detailed. 2️⃣ Marvels of Ming Dynasty Hanging Sculptures: The hanging sculptures of the Ten Kings of Hell and the Buddhist realm in the Ksitigarbha Hall are vibrant in color and bursting with three-dimensionality! The wrathful and majestic figures of the Kings of Hell and their judges, along with the celestial maidens in the upper pavilions, transport you to a mythical world. 3️⃣ Millennium-Old Wooden Architectural Miracle: The main hall, the Thousand Buddha Hall, retains its original Northern Song Dynasty structure, featuring a hip-and-gable roof, angled pillars, and Song Dynasty glazed windows. Its intricate beam structure is so precise that not a single nail is superfluous, a delight for ancient architecture enthusiasts! 📖 Historical Stories The temple has weathered the storms of a thousand years, miraculously surviving even the "Cultural Revolution," thanks to the desperate protection of the local people. During the Ming Dynasty restoration, artisans left behind "time codes" in the form of glazed inscriptions, allowing us to clearly read the construction records from the Jiajing period. 💭 Personal Experience Stepping into the temple is like pressing the pause button on time! The eyes of the Song Dynasty Arhats seem to pierce your soul, and every corner of the Ming Dynasty hanging sculptures tells a story. Here, there is no commercial hustle and bustle, only the tranquility of Zen under the shade of ancient pines, where even your breath carries the dust of history. 🚗 Practical Information Location: On the slopes of Ziyun Mountain, Ju Village, Setou Town, Changzi County, Changzhi City. Navigate to "Chongqing Temple." Tickets: 25 yuan, free during certain periods. Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00.

Preview My second trip to Shanxi, I chose Jindongnan Weekend trip (2 days) Day 1 Changzhi Guanyin Temple Changzhi Changzi County Chongqing Temple Changzhi Changzi County Faxing Temple Jincheng Gaoping Kaihua Temple Day 2 Jincheng Gaoping Tielu Temple Jincheng Zezhou Yuhuang Temple Jincheng Zezhou Qinglian Temple This trip is the best place to see painted sculptures Transportation: Study tour, bus

Changzi, Shanxi: The 18 Arhats of Chongqing Temple . Chongqing Temple is only 5 km from Faxing Temple. It was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1996 and is a treasure trove of art. . The rear temple of Chongqing Temple was built in 1016 during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song. It faces south and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. It consists of two courtyards. The central axis is lined with the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas. The east and west side halls are called the Hall of the Reclining Buddha and the Hall of the Three Bodhisattvas. The northwest corner is the Hall of Ksitigarbha, and the northeast corner is the Fangshi Courtyard. . The temple is famous for the 18 painted clay Arhats in the west side hall, which are considered the best of their kind in the Song Dynasty. . According to the inscription on the brick carvings, the painted clay Arhats were created in 1079, the same year as the Hall of the Three Bodhisattvas. The Arhats are very realistic and lifelike, which makes them more relatable to viewers. The Arhats are of different ages and ethnicities, and each has a unique expression and posture. Some are preaching, some are meditating, some are weathered, and some are innocent and devout. They look so real that they seem to bridge the gap between humans and Buddhas. If you find the right angle, you might even feel like they are looking at you! . In the past, there was a saying in the Chinese painted clay sculpture community: "There are two and a half halls of Arhats in the world." The "two and a half halls" refer to one hall in Lingyan Temple in Jinan, one hall in Zijin Temple in Suzhou, and half a hall in Baosheng Temple in Luzhi. This saying is attributed to Liang Sicheng, and the painter Liu Haisu, who participated in the restoration of Baosheng Temple, also praised it. However, Liang Qichao said this because transportation was inconvenient at the time, and there were not many painted clay sculptures that could be easily seen. There were many painted clay sculptures in Shanxi that had not been "discovered." As Chongqing Temple entered the academic field, the Arhats also gained a high artistic status, comparable to the "two and a half halls." Therefore, another saying emerged: "Liang and Liu did not know Chongqing Temple, so there are three and a half halls of Arhats in the world!"

🎉 Changzi Chongqing Temple Travel Guide 🎉 📍 Location: Chongqing Temple is located at the foot of Ziyun Mountain, 22.5 km southeast of Changzi County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. 📅 Opening hours: Summer 7:30 am–7:00 pm, winter 7:30 am–6:00 pm. 🎫 Ticket price: Adult ticket CNY 50/person, half price for students. 🚌 Transportation guide: There is no direct bus from Changzhi City to Chongqing Temple, but you can take bus No. 11 to "Cilinshan Coal Mine", walk 1 km to Faxing Temple, and then take the direct tourist bus from Changzi County to Jucun at the foot of Chongqing Temple, and finally walk 500 m to the visitor center. There is a direct tourist bus from Changzi County Bus Station to Chongqing Temple, passing by Faxing Temple, with departure times at 8:15 am, 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, 3:15 pm, and 5:15 pm. 🚶 Tour route: 1. Dashi Hall: This is the core area of Chongqing Temple, where Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva are enshrined, and the statues are lifelike. 2. Qianfo Hall: The main hall is a relic of the Song Dynasty, with an ancient and elegant architectural style. 3. Ten Halls of Yama Clay Sculpture Area: The figures here are vivid, as if you are in a real world. 4. Other historical sites: You can also explore other sites such as the stone stele forest. 🍽️ Food recommendation: There are many restaurants and snack bars near Chongqing Temple, where you can taste local specialties such as Changzi fried cake and stewed meat cake. 💡 Tips: Try to go early to avoid the peak crowd and enjoy the tranquility of the temple. Pay attention to sun protection and rain protection, and bring an umbrella and water bottle. Respect cultural relics, keep the environment clean, and travel in a civilized manner. 🌟 Highlights: The Song Dynasty clay sculptures of Chongqing Temple are known as the "Crown of Song Sculptures", especially the eighteen Arhat statues in the Three Dashi Hall, which show the exquisite skills of Song Dynasty sculpture art. 🎉 Have a great trip to Changzi Chongqing Temple! 🎉

👈🏻 Faxing Temple is a must-see temple when visiting Changzhi. It was first built in the 2nd year of the Kaiyun period of the Later Jin dynasty of the Five Dynasties (945), and was rebuilt in the 4th year of the Yuanfeng period of the Northern Song dynasty (1081) after years of change. It was repaired many times during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. 👈🏻 The original site of Faxing Temple was located in the mining area of Cilinshan Coal Mine. In the mid-to-late 20th century, the foundation subsided, the walls cracked, and the beam structure was severely deformed. To protect the cultural relics, the cultural relics department moved the entire temple to Cuiyun Mountain in 1984, and the Yuanjue Hall was also relocated and rebuilt. This was done to protect the cultural relics. Highlights 1️⃣ Tang dynasty stone stupa: Also known as the "stone hall," it is made of sandstone slabs. The tower is square-shaped, with a double-eave pavilion style. The tower eaves are stacked in three layers, and the interior is composed of a square caisson. The four slopes are covered with purlins and rafters, and the eaves are supported by brackets, with a spire and a jewel top at the four corners. The lower layer can be circled around, so it looks like a tower but not a tower, like a hall but not a hall. It is a unique existence among the ancient towers in China! Highlights 2️⃣ Song dynasty painted sculptures: The Yuanjue Hall, built in the 4th year of the Yuanfeng period of the Northern Song dynasty, has statues of the 12 Bodhisattvas. The 12 Bodhisattvas are evenly arranged, sitting on waist-high altars, with free forms and calm expressions. The hair of the Bodhisattvas can still be seen, and the clothing is simple and elegant, with a soft and delicate texture. Every detail reveals the ingenuity of Song dynasty craftsmen. The Song dynasty painted sculptures in the Yuanjue Hall are the most precious part, praised by art historians as the "crown of Song dynasty Bodhisattva sculptures" and "a unique Oriental painted sculpture." These painted sculptures vividly demonstrate the superb level of Song dynasty sculpture art! Highlights 3️⃣ Yuanjue Hall: The hall is a typical Song dynasty architectural style, with a clear structure, regular materials, and a simple and grand shape, representing the high level of Song dynasty temple architecture. The hall is three bays wide, six rafters deep, with a single-eave hip roof. 👈🏻 Faxing Temple is currently free to visit. Not far away is another must-see temple, Chongqing Temple, which is a must-visit. For those who love ancient architecture and painted sculptures, Faxing Temple is a must-visit!

Xiahuo Huguo Lingkuang King Temple 👍Most recommended: [Star][Star][Star][Star] 🌟Highlights: The Huguo Lingkuang Temple is located in Xiahuo Village, Danzhu Town, Changzi County, Changzhi, Shanxi Province. The year of construction is unknown. It was rebuilt in the 41st year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (AD 1720). The main hall and the Xian hall on the central axis are the main buildings in the existing temple. The main hall is a relic of the Jin Dynasty. It is built on a sandstone platform about half a meter high. It is three rooms wide and six rafters deep, with a single eaves hanging from the top of the mountain. The column capitals under the eaves are decorated with single arches and double arches, with six pavilions at the bottom. There are certain differences in the shapes of the three pavilions: in the Ming Dynasty, there are single arches, double arches and six pavilions at the head. In the east room, double arches and single pavilions are used. The first six pavilions of mandarin ducks and mandarin ducks with their heads raised and split bamboos are used as oblique arches. In the west, a single bamboo pole with two lower heads and a mandarin duck with its heads raised and its heads raised as mandarin ducks are used as oblique arches. The brackets and horizontal arches under the eaves are all oblique, which is obviously contemporary. On the east and west gables of the main hall, there are four relief statues of wind, rain, thunder and lightning. The carvings are exquisite, dynamic, vivid and fascinating. The Xian Hall is a relic of the Qing Dynasty. It has a sandstone platform, five bays in width and four rafters in depth. It is rectangular in plan. It has a hard top with a rolling shed. The four corners are plastered with ribbed sandstone pillars. The front eaves and capitals are decorated with lanterns and foreheads with wooden chessboards. When jumping out, the beam head is made of a bucket, and the beam frame is made of natural bent materials. There are also gray brick high-relief statues on the east and west gables of the Xian Hall, with themes of Hou Yi shooting the sun and Chang'e flying to the moon. As the physical carrier of the Sanjun faith in the southeastern Shanxi region, the Huguo Lingkuang King Temple, which is responsible for drought prevention and rain prayers, is deeply trusted and respected by the local people.

[Jinshan Jinmei: Changzi: Huguo Humin, Lingfeng Lingyu] On the way to two other important historical sites in Changzi County, take a small detour to see a small temple in the village. Kuang Wang is a name given to the ancient god Hou Yi by later generations. This is a temple dedicated to Hou Yi, a pure folk belief. The main hall is a relic of the Jin Dynasty, with tall dougong and faint patterns on the stone pillars. In front of the main hall are four exquisite sculptures of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning! The people only hope for good weather and peace! 🌟 Highlights: Four high-relief sculptures of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning 📝 Tips: No admission fee, the main hall is sometimes closed

Chongqing Temple is located in Ju Village, Setou Town, Changzi County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. According to the inscriptions in the temple, the temple was founded in the ninth year of Dazhong Xiangfu of the Song Dynasty (1016), and then the Ten Emperor Hall was rebuilt in the 27th year of Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty, the Heavenly King Hall was rebuilt in the third year of Tianqi, and the Guandi Hall was rebuilt in the third year of Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty. In 1996, it was announced by the State Council as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The Song Dynasty statues in the Three Dashi Hall on the west side are the most exciting. In the center of the hall are Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra, who are on their mounts, and around them are the painted sculptures of the Eighteen Arhats. The Eighteen Arhats statues were from the second year of Yuanfeng in the Northern Song Dynasty (1079), and they are the earliest known Eighteen Arhats statues with a definite year. The craftsmen combined the images of monks in reality and used their imagination to create secular and life-like Arhat images. There are more than 200 Song and Ming painted sculptures in the temple, 18 Ming painted sculptures, etc. These painted sculptures all have high artistic value and provide valuable physical materials for the study of the painted sculpture art of temple and tower buildings in China.

Tianwang Temple is located on the east side of South Street in Changzi County. Only the main hall and rear hall remain. Experts have identified the temple as a Jin Dynasty building based on the beam structure and bracket set components. The bracket set of the main hall is particularly noteworthy, with the inner part visible from the outside. The column head is curled and the beam head is larger than the column circumference. The temple has great archaeological value and is a typical example of a Jin Dynasty building. It is a highlight of Chinese architectural history and a testament to the hard work and wisdom of ancient laborers. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit. To the south of Tianwang Temple, a wide cultural square has been built, forming a landmark in the center of Changzi County. It is also an important place for locals to relax and have fun. Looking around, all the surrounding buildings have been demolished, leaving Tianwang Temple like an island. In the future, a street of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings will be built around Tianwang Temple, making the ancient county even more dazzling. Tianwang Temple

Faxing Temple, the original site is located in the Cilin Mountain depression in Zhangzi County, and was built in the first year of the Shen Ding period of the Later Liang Dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period (401 AD). The current site is located on Cui Zhuang Cuiyun Mountain in Cilin Town, southeast of Zhangzi County, Shanxi Province, covering an area of 40,000 square meters. In 1984, the Faxing Temple relocation and reconstruction project broke ground, and the reconstruction project was completed in October 1996. Faxing Temple faces south, and the existing layout is characterized by the Tang Dynasty. The sutra building and the pagoda are in front of the hall. The central axis is lined with the mountain gate, the stupa, the Yuanjue Hall and the Bodhisattva Hall, and the two sides are the Guan Gong Hall, the Jialan Hall and the Stele Gallery. There are 6 stone pagodas in the temple, all of which are relics of the Tang Dynasty. There are 17 existing inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, which record the history of the temple and the establishment of the temple. The stupa, also known as the stone hall, was built in the fourth year of Xianheng in the Tang Dynasty (673 AD) and was constructed entirely of sandstone slabs. The whole shape is like a tower but not a tower, like a hall but not a hall. It is a unique example of the existing Tang Dynasty ancient pagodas in China. The burning lamp tower was built in the eighth year of the Tang Dynasty (773 AD), and the whole body was built of bluestone, small and exquisite, with an ancient shape, also known as the Changming lamp and the lamp tower. According to relevant records, there are only three burning lamp towers in the shape of a sutra tower in China. The beautiful shape and exquisite carving are its external beauty, and the reasonable windproof function is its internal skill. It is said that the burning lamp lights the Buddha lamp, no matter the wind blows from the east, west, south, or north, the Buddha lamp will never go out. The name of the Changming lamp comes from this, which is a unique feature of Faxing Temple. In 1988, Faxing Temple was announced by the State Council as the third batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Faxing Temple

Chongqing Temple is a temple with a long history and important cultural and artistic value. Chongqing Temple is located in Ziyun Mountain, 22 kilometers southeast of Zhangzi County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. It is built on the mountain and faces the valley, with a beautiful environment. The temple was built in the early years and is now the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The main cultural relics in the temple are rich and diverse. Among them, the Thousand Buddha Hall is a model of small-scale Xieshan-style wooden buildings in the early Northern Song Dynasty. The eighteen Arhat colored sculptures in the Dashi Hall are even more famous as the "crown of Song sculpture". These colored sculptures are slightly the same size as real people, with plump muscles, strong bones, smooth and smooth clothes, and vivid and natural expressions. In the 1990s, thieves stole some of the heads of the Arhat statues. Although they were later recovered and repaired, three of the Dashi statues were still damaged. The three Dashi statues in the hall are now reshaped according to the data. In addition, the Ten Emperor Hall built from the tenth to the twenty-seventh year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1531-1548) is also quite distinctive. There are statues of the gods of the underworld in the hall and the background hanging sculpture "Yin Cao Difu". At the same time, the only existing and larger Ming Dynasty Heavenly King colored sculpture in Changzhi area is also located here. With the popularity of the game "Black Myth: Wukong", the highly restored Chongqing Temple in the game scene has also attracted a lot of attention and attracted tourists from all over the country to visit. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of ancient architecture at close range and appreciate the exquisite Chinese aesthetics and colored sculpture art. The opening hours of Chongqing Temple are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, the ticket is 25 yuan, and the ticket price for the uphill car is 10 yuan (the price information is for reference only). If you are interested in ancient architecture and colored sculpture art, Chongqing Temple is a good place to visit. During the tour, you can not only appreciate the charm of ancient architecture, but also feel the magic and beauty of nature. It should be noted that the cultural relics in the temple have extremely high historical and artistic value. Please visit the temple in a civilized manner and do not touch or damage the cultural relics. At the same time, respect the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of the temple.

Located on the north side of Bai Song Peak, Ziyun Mountain, Ju Village, Setou Town, the Ju Village Huguo Lingkang Temple is a municipal-level key cultural relic protection unit. According to folklore, Houyi used ten five-color (black, white, yellow, green, red) arrows tied with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple ribbons to shoot the sun. He used nine arrows to shoot down nine suns, and the last arrow with a purple ribbon was inserted into the front slope of this mountain. Later, the arrow turned into a white pine, and the purple ribbon turned into the purple cloud in the mountain. Since then, this mountain has been respectfully called Ziyun Mountain. Later generations built a temple here to worship him in memory of Houyi's merits in shooting the sun to save the people. The Huguo Lingkang Temple faces south and has two courtyards. According to the Song Dynasty stele "Ziyun Mountain New Lingguan Temple", the temple was built in the fourth year of Xuanhe in the Northern Song Dynasty (1122). The existing main hall and rear hall are relics of the Ming Dynasty, and the rest of the buildings are relics of the Qing Dynasty. There is a stele in the temple that was built in the fourth year of Xuanhe in the Northern Song Dynasty, and seven steles were rebuilt after the Song Dynasty. Due to years of disrepair and theft, the Huguo Lingkang Temple is severely damaged. The cultural relics department allocated funds for repairs in 2012, and at the same time, professional religious sculptors reshaped the statues in the temple based on the records of the Qing Dynasty Shunzhi nine-year reconstruction stele. The entire group of buildings is arranged from south to north with the mountain gate, moon platform, main hall, and palace as the longitudinal axis, and the east and west side buildings, corridor rooms, and corner halls are arranged on both sides, with two courtyards in the front and back, forming an inwardly enclosed space. According to the stele "Ziyun Mountain New Lingguan Temple" in the fourth year of Xuanhe in the Song Dynasty (1122), in ancient times, the Huguo Lingkang Temple was not only an important place for villagers to pray for "annual grains, timely rain, drought relief, and plague relief", but also a place for many influential folk gods. Free visit here... Sanjun Temple

Changzhi, as Su Shi said, "Shangdang has always been the ridge of the world." It is not only the backbone of the natural landscape of the Taihang Mountains, but also a fertile ground for history and humanity. The following is a classic ancient visiting route that I have taken several times. Let’s appreciate the beauty of Shanxi’s ancient architecture together. Since most of the colorful sculptures of ancient buildings are scattered in the mountains and countryside of Shanxi, public transportation is extremely inconvenient. In addition, I have high requirements for flexibility in my itinerary, so I chose Didi to charter a car for this trip. The driver was waiting downstairs on time before departure. Help me place the big and small shooting equipment, and set off after confirming the destination! 📍Starting from Changzhi City, the first stop: Guanyin Hall (Pictures 3, 8, 9 One of the shooting locations of "Black Myth: Wukong", in the small hall, there are more than 500 hanging sculptures, which blend Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. They sit on the altar, stand against the gable wall, and hang between the rafters. They have different shapes. , dizzying. 📍Second stop, Faxing Temple (Pictures 6, 11, 12 The wooden buildings, colored sculptures, inscriptions, and colored glazes are integrated into the ancient building complex. It is known as the "Three Wonders of Faxing Temple". The Tang stone stupa, the burning lighthouse, and the Song Dynasty sculptures of the Twelve Yuanjue statues have long been famous. The graceful, peaceful and wonderful appearance is filled with compassionate and affectionate motherly love, and is praised by the art historian community as "the crown of the Song Dynasty sculpture Bodhisattva". The mountain roads are rugged, and since I don’t have to drive myself, I enjoy admiring the scenery outside the window and browsing the images I just took before arriving at Chongqing Temple. 📍The third stop, Chongqing Temple in Ziyun Mountain (Pictures 2, 4, 7 "The world doesn't know Chongqing Temple, there are two and a half Arhats in the world." Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it towers like a screen. It is also the filming location of "Black Myth: Wukong". The texture and skin of each of the Eighteen Arhats sculpted in the Song Dynasty have remained intact for nearly a thousand years, and they surround the three great warriors with different expressions. The hanging sculptures of the Ten Emperors Hall are also the epitome of Ming Dynasty craftsmanship. The brightly colored pavilions and pavilions are all amazing. 📍The last stop, Wufeng Tower (Pictures 1, 5, 10 It was about 20 kilometers from our last destination to Wufenglou. I chatted with the master on the way. The master drove very steadily along the way. When he got tired from chatting, he would squint for a while. He is a stable middle-aged man, and his car is very clean. He cooperated with my route throughout the whole journey, making the trip to ancient times super smooth. We arrived at Wufeng Tower in time for sunset, during the blues moment with excellent shooting effects. Four-cornered wings fly and five phoenixes spread their wings. There are surprises here that cannot be seen elsewhere: 1️⃣. Mulberry trees are deciduous trees, and the wood is rough and difficult to become useful. However, Wufeng Tower has a 7.13-meter-high mulberry wood ladder, which is more than 500 years old. 2️⃣. Jingmu beams, deciduous shrubs in the mountains, have messy branches and are difficult to form the main trunk. However, the north and south beams on the second floor of Wufeng Tower are two 7.39-meter-long wattle trees. The average age of the trees is more than 400 years old. It is difficult to find a third one even if you search all over the world. I am very happy to explore Changzhi’s historical and cultural monuments with you. The above is a classic guide for visiting ancient times in the Zhuozhang River Valley. I hope it can help you.

🎈Chongqing Temple in Shanxi, a treasure trove preserved by time. 😍 Stepping into the temple gate, the heavy sense of history is overwhelming. Chongqing Temple, which was built in the ninth year of Dazhong Xiangfu in the Northern Song Dynasty, still exudes unique charm after years of baptism. The colored sculptures in the temple are known as the "crown of Song Dynasty colored sculptures". They incorporate spiritual connotations in realism, have distinctive personalities, unique decorations, and are full of national characteristics. 😉 The Daxiong Hall, as one of the largest existing Song Dynasty wooden structures in China, is even more magnificent. Standing in front of the hall, it seems to hear the echo of history. 💫 Every brick and tile here, every statue, carries the wisdom and hard work of the ancients. If you love history and culture, Chongqing Temple is definitely not to be missed. Come and feel the charm of Shanxi's national treasure! 💖

🌈Scenic Features: Changzhi Chongqing Temple is located at the foot of Ziyun Mountain in Changzi County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. It was built in the Northern Song Dynasty in 1016 and has a history of a thousand years~ Chongqing Temple faces south, surrounded by mountains on the east, west, and north sides, standing like a screen. The southern part of the temple has undulating mountains and intersecting ravines. Backed by the dragon vein of Ziyun Mountain, with protective mountains on both sides, its geographical location is very exquisite👍🏻 The Song Dynasty colored sculptures in Chongqing Temple have a distinct style and exquisite shapes. The statues are lifelike, from expressions to movements to clothing and decorations, they are very characteristic😍 Specifically, focus on the following three places👇🏻 Qianfo Hall Three Great Bodhisattvas Hall Dizang Hall 🎟️Ticket Information: Adult ticket 25 yuan 🕐️Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, the midday break has been canceled 💗Other Tips: 🚗Transportation: Recommended to drive or take bus No. 11 to Chongqing Temple Station 🅿️There is a parking lot, easy to park ❤️There are also Song Dynasty peonies in the temple, which are said to bloom in May according to the staff

In the ancient charm of Jin Dongnan, I embarked on a journey through the time of the Tang and Song dynasties. 🚶‍♂️🏰 Faxing Temple, this name echoes in the long river of history. It is not just a temple, but a cultural heritage. 📍【Visit Changzhi Faxing Temple】 Address: Cuiyun Mountain, Cuizhuang Village, Cilin Town, Changzi County, Changzhi City Ticket: Only 15 yuan to appreciate the thousand-year-old Tang and Song charm Opening hours: 9:00 - 11:30; 14:00 - 17:30 🚗【Travel Tips】 - Free parking, but you need to walk to the temple gate along the long steps, feeling the weight of history. 🏰【Historical Overview】 - Built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, it has gone through the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with each generation leaving its mark. From Cilin Temple to Guangde Temple, and then to Faxing Temple, each renaming is a witness to history. 🏯【Temple Layout】 - The original site was relocated to the southern slope of Cuiyun Mountain due to geological changes. It is situated by the mountain and water, facing north to south, with a two-entry courtyard. Every step on the central axis echoes history. 👀【Must-See Highlights】 1️⃣ Tang Dynasty Stone Relic Pagoda - A unique piece among unique pieces, a square two-story stone pagoda, each stone slab tells the story of the Tang Dynasty. 2️⃣ Tang Dynasty Lantern Pagoda - An octagonal single-story stone pagoda, with auspicious beasts, inscriptions, and doors and windows, every detail showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Tang Dynasty sculpture. 3️⃣ Yuanjue Hall and Song Dynasty Sculptures - Rebuilt in the Song Dynasty, imitating the Song Dynasty reconstruction, the cycle of history is reflected here. 22 colored sculptures, each one is awe-inspiring, especially the Water-Moon Guanyin, with its elegant posture and serene expression, as if it can transcend time and space. 📸【Special Tips】 - You can take photos now! 🎉 Capture the thousand-year-old ancient charm with your camera!

✅️ In Changzhi, Shanxi, there is a county with a long history. It is the hometown of Emperor Yan, the birthplace of King Yao, the fief of Dan Zhu, and the hometown of Jingwei. It was also the capital of the Western Yan state. The name of Changzi is also related to Dan Zhu, the eldest son of King Yao in ancient times, who was enfeoffed here, hence the county name. ✅️ Throughout its long history, this place has always been a gathering place for culture and talent. The ancestor Emperor Yan tasted hundreds of herbs here, and the well-known legend "Jingwei Fills the Sea" was also born here. In 2007, it was named a "Millennium Ancient County" by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names. ✅️ Due to its long history, it preserves rich ancient relics, among which 13 national cultural heritage sites are the most precious. For example, Faxing Temple and Chongqing Temple are located within Changzi. Today, I want to share the relatively lesser-known Tianwang Temple. Image ✅️ The so-called Tianwang Temple originated from the worship of the military god "Bishamonten" during the Tang and Song dynasties. From the late Warring States period as a strategic location, to the Qin and Han dynasties as the governance site of Shangdang County, and the capital of the Western Yan state, Changzi has always been a military stronghold. Thus, the "Military God Temple"—Tianwang Temple—came into being, becoming the only temple relic dedicated to the military god in the area. Tianwang Temple in Changzi is located within Changzi County. According to the Ming Dynasty's "Changzi County Chronicle • Temple Records": Tianwang Temple was founded by the monk Hongman during the Yonghui period of the Tang Dynasty. Master Hongman was also the supervising monk for the construction of the Faxing Temple relic pagoda. After undergoing repairs during the Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it has formed the current scale of the mountain gate, middle hall, rear hall, and the east and west side halls. The middle hall and rear hall are relics from the Jin Dynasty, while the other buildings are imitations of ancient architecture. The main reason why Tianwang Temple in Changzi has been preserved is that it was used as a granary during special periods, allowing it to survive to this day. Because of this, the dougong brackets and beams have undergone various degrees of modification and painting. ✅️ After passing through the mountain gate, you can immediately see the middle hall, a single-eaved hip-and-gable roof building with three bays in width and six rafters in depth. The purlins extend out, and the dougong brackets are single-step, single-eave, five-bracket sets with heavy brackets. The eaves are false eaves with a qin face, and the inner turns are double-step, with the second jump brackets supporting the beams without intermediate brackets. ✅️ After opening the door and entering the hall, it is relatively dark, and you need to wait for a while for the hall to gradually brighten. At this moment, you will find mold on the columns, which is somewhat heartbreaking. The central columns form a dividing groove, a unique column arrangement style among the existing Song and Jin wooden structures in Changzi. You will also see the remaining murals and inscriptions on the walls, but they are not well preserved and the shapes are unclear. ✅️ Next, let's look at the rear hall, a five-bay wide, six-rafter deep building with a suspended gable roof. The column heads are single-step, single-eave, five-bracket sets with qin face false eaves, horizontal brackets with oblique cuts, and locust-shaped eaves heads. ✅️ After viewing the rear hall, there isn't much else to see at Tianwang Temple. Although it may not seem rich in content, its unique form and Jin Dynasty architecture make it worth the visit, especially when combined with other national heritage buildings in Changzi, enriching the experience. 🚗: Regarding transportation to Tianwang Temple in Changzi, if you are not driving, public transportation is very convenient. You can take the Changzi bus from Changzhi City, with frequent and convenient schedules. There are also other ancient buildings in Changzi city, such as the Guandi Temple and the Confucian Temple, which can be visited along the way.

Chongqing Temple in Shanxi is a unique architectural marvel that blends Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. Founded during the Six Dynasties period, the temple remains well-preserved to this day and is considered a gem of Chinese Buddhist architecture. The most awe-inspiring feature is the Mahavira Hall, which combines architectural elements from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, standing majestically like a masterful piece of art. The temple also houses numerous precious stone carvings and painted murals, showcasing the essence of Chinese Buddhist art. Walking through Chongqing Temple feels like traveling through a time tunnel, immersing oneself in China's long-standing religious culture. Universally praised, this Buddhist architectural marvel is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction.

Chongqing Temple, a fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units, is located on the southern slope of Ziyun Mountain, north of Ju Village, Setou Town, 22 kilometers southeast of Changzi County. The temple is built against the mountain and faces the valley, with beautiful surroundings. The exact date of its establishment is unknown. I once saw a statement that the three most artistically representative groups of Chinese colored sculptures are Chongqing Temple, Faxing Temple, and Jinci Temple in Shanxi. This time, I finally had the opportunity to visit Chongqing Temple in Changzhi! However, even if you come for the colored sculptures of Chongqing Temple, you must not miss the Song Dynasty architecture in the temple! Chongqing Temple was built in the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1016 AD), and it was repaired many times during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 1996, it was announced by the State Council as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The Song Dynasty sculptures in Chongqing Temple are relatively well-preserved, and the most splendid ones are in the Hall of the Three Great Beings, also known as the Arhat Hall~ The colored sculptures of the Eighteen Arhats here are truly wonderful! The size and proportion of the Eighteen Arhats are similar to real people. Besides the smooth and flowing folds of their clothes, the most important aspect is the natural and vivid depiction of the Arhats' expressions. Many times, you can see a trace of familiarity on the faces of the Arhats, perhaps resembling someone you have seen in your life, a certain moment, or a certain expression. As an important representative of Song Dynasty sculptures, the Arhat statues here can fully let you feel how the sculptors used facial depictions and character actions to echo each other, thereby more profoundly expressing the characters' psychology. Ancient architecture expert Chai Zejun once said that the Song Dynasty Arhat statues in Chongqing Temple are not only precisely dated but also superbly crafted. They inherit the robust and vigorous style of Tang Dynasty Arhats and greatly develop the realistic style, making them a masterpiece of their time, extremely precious. Another hall, the Dizang Hall, is also not to be missed! As the name suggests, Dizang Hall showcases another world of the underworld. It was built in the Ming Dynasty, and the glazed tiles on the roof and the doors and windows are all relics from the Ming Dynasty. Inside the hall, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is enshrined, flanked by the Ten Kings of Hell, with six judges sculpted on the side walls. The surprising part here is that above each colored sculpture, the craftsmen used a combination of comic strip and stage layout techniques to create pavilions, towers, and various character stories of the underworld with suspended sculptures. Therefore, when you come to Chongqing Temple, you can not only see the heavens but also the earth! Moreover, you can see all beings in the Song Dynasty Arhat statues! Chongqing Temple

[Jinshan Jimei·Changzhi·Ziyun Mountainside Gathering of Immortals] After watching Bodhisattva and Arhat, Southeast Jinxi is so awesome. Chongqing Temple, located on the mountainside of Ziyun Mountain, is small and even a little cramped. It feels a bit like a courtyard with several small halls scattered among it. It may seem unprepossessing, but inside it is a collection of masterpieces of colorful sculptures from different periods including the Song and Ming dynasties. Among them, the most famous one is the colorful statue of the Eighteen Arhats in the Dashi Hall. This is a statue with a clear date. It was built in the early Northern Song Dynasty, nearly a thousand years ago. Compared with the calm and beautiful Bodhisattva of Beoxing Temple that I just visited, the image of Arhat is more three-dimensional and diverse. They are fat or thin, sitting or standing, with rich gestures and expressions. Ancient craftsmen were always able to perfectly express their inner thoughts through sculptures, which were actually expressions of their own outlook on life and values ​​in the world. I met another study tour group, listened to it, and benefited a lot. In addition, the Ming Dynasty colored sculptures and hanging sculptures in the Ten Emperors Hall next to it are not to be missed, they are quite exciting. Chongqing Temple YYDS! 📝Note tips: The current entrance fee to Chongqing Temple is 25 yuan, you can drive up directly

[Jinshan Jimei, the eldest son, Ruhui Sifei, the Crown of Song Dynasty] Accompanied by the drizzle, visit Faxing Temple with the charm of Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Faxing Temple has three unique features: first, the Tang Dynasty relic pagoda, which looks like a pagoda but not a pagoda, and looks like a palace but not a palace. It is simple and elegant. It is said that 37 Buddha bone relics were once enshrined in it. Secondly, the lighthouse built in the Tang Dynasty is now protected by a glass cover, and the light inside can burn forever. Thirdly, and most importantly, the Yuanjue Hall, which was rebuilt in the Song Dynasty, contains the twelve colorful sculptures of Yuanjue in the Song Dynasty, which are praised by the domestic art circles and are known as the "Crown of Song Sculpture". It happened that a study tour group visited here, listened to the teacher's wonderful explanation, and then admired these beautiful sculptures, my whole body and mind became quiet. When we walked out of Faxing Temple, the rain had stopped, but in my mind, these beautiful painted sculptures were still shining brightly after thousands of years of wind and rain. Faxing Temple YYDS! 📝Note tips: It is currently free to visit and you can take photos📷

[Jinshan Jigmei·Changzi·Protect the country and protect the people Lingfeng Lingyu] On the way to two other important historical sites in Changzi County, I turned a small corner and saw a small temple in the village. King Kuang is the name given by later generations to the ancient god Hou Yi. This is a temple dedicated to worshiping Hou Yi, a pure folk belief. The main hall is a relic of the Jin Dynasty, with faintly visible patterns on the tall brackets and stone pillars. In front of the main hall, there are four sculptures of wind, rain, thunder and lightning, which are lifelike and very wonderful! Good weather, peace and prosperity for the country, that's all the people hope for! 📝Note tips: No tickets, the main hall is sometimes closed

Regret! Behind the death penalty, the difficult cultural preservation case of the theft of colored sculptures from Chongqing Temple in Changzi County, Changzhi City, China in the last century. In December 1991, Liu gathered Zhao and others to steal 12 heads of colored sculptures from the key cultural relic protection unit of Changzi Chongqing Temple twice, damaging 3 statues. After the case was solved, the main culprit Liu was sentenced to death, and all the stolen cultural relics were recovered and restored. The damaged ones were the three Bodhisattvas in the hall with the Eighteen Arhats, national-protected Song Dynasty sculptures, shattered into pieces on the ground. In the rapid development now, phenomena such as damaging historical relics, changing the environment, and destructively developing ancient sites still exist. Perhaps the restoration was too good, the heads had no saw marks, and the mounts of the three Bodhisattvas were still the original ones: the green lion, the white elephant, and the golden-haired roar. Their bodies still contained original fragments from the Northern Song Dynasty, respecting the original appearance, restoring the old as the old. But this article still hopes to let more people know about this past event, to serve as a warning, and to create a good environment for cultural relic protection. Chongqing, Changzi County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, southeast of the village, halfway up Ziyun Mountain, surrounded by pines and cypresses, there is a very peculiar forest of white pines, many of which are over a hundred years old. I went twice in the same summer two years apart. In the afternoon, entering from the small gate on the right side of the mountain gate, the garden scenery was magnificent. Three little dogs each occupied a piece of shade for a nap. The remaining time was solely yours. It is difficult to describe that atmosphere and feeling. The moment you step in, your eyes will briefly adapt to the bright sky outside. I felt that light had a tangible medium at that moment. In the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the Song Dynasty, a thousand years have passed, but the time here remains tranquil. When traveling to Shanxi, you should not only know about Wutai, Datong, and Yuncheng but also remember Changzhi. This is a crucial point in the Taihang Mountain area and the plains, controlling the north-south traffic, the Zhuozhang River Valley. The soil foundation here makes Shanxi's heritage even deeper.

Similarly located in the coal mining area of Changzi County, Changzhi, Faxing Temple is well-known and was relocated to its current site due to coal mining. Above the 60 steps, there are the Three Wonders inherited from the Tang and Song dynasties: The first wonder is the Relic Pagoda, built during the Tang dynasty, with its body entirely constructed from sandstone slabs, simple and unadorned, with few carvings, and not tall or beautiful in shape. The second wonder is the Lamp-Lighting Pagoda, protected by a glass cover, resembling the stone lamps commonly seen in temples, but this one is exquisitely designed and carved, said to be one of the three remaining stone lamps from the Tang dynasty in China. It is said that the Lamp-Lighting Pagoda, when lit with a Buddha lamp, will never extinguish regardless of whether the wind blows from the east, west, south, or north, hence it is known as the 'Ever-Bright Lamp.' The third wonder is the most beautiful set of Song dynasty colored sculptures of the Twelve Yuanjue Figures. The 12 Yuanjue Bodhisattvas have nearly identical female features, with the same style of makeup and clothing, yet each has a distinct posture, embodying both the plumpness of the Tang and the elegance of the Song, conveying a sense of transparency between heaven and earth, and a calm and leisurely spirit, matching the term 'Yuanjue.' This group of sculptures is also acclaimed as the crown of Song dynasty Bodhisattva sculptures. Personally, I feel that these sculptures, along with those of the Song dynasty maidservants at Jinci Temple, share a similar temperament—delicate, pure, restrained, and subdued—or perhaps, this is the cultural tone of the entire Song dynasty. Faxing Temple

|The colorful sculptures here witness the universe and all beings!. There is a saying that there are three groups of the most artistically representative colored sculptures in China: they are Chongqing Temple, Faxing Temple, and Jinci in Shanxi We have talked about the Twelve Yuanjue Bodhisattva statues of Faxing Temple, and last year we also appreciated the maid sculptures of Jinci during our visit to northern Shanxi. This year, we finally had the opportunity to come to Chongqing Temple in Changzhi! Even if you come for the colored sculptures of Chongqing Temple, don't miss the Song Dynasty architecture in the temple! Chongqing Temple was founded in the ninth year of Dazhong Xiangfu of the Northern Song Dynasty (1016 AD) It was renovated many times during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1996, it became the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Originally, there were thousands of suspended Buddha statues on all four walls in the Buddha Hall, but now only more than 160 statues remain on the west wall~ still exquisite. This hall still retains the original Song Dynasty structure, with a width of three bays and a depth of three bays, a single-eaved Xieshan roof, and a square floor plan. What's interesting in this hall is that, behind the backlights of the two attendant Bodhisattvas on the altar, there is a standing statue of Pure Bottle Guanyin each, this type of statue is very rare, and it is said that there is only this one example in Shanxi! The Song Dynasty sculptures preserved in Chongqing Temple are relatively complete and quite splendid, especially the Three Great Sages Hall! Also known as the Arhat Hall~ The eighteen Arhat sculptures here are really wonderful The size ratio of the eighteen Arhats is similar to that of real people, not only are the folds of their clothes smooth and flowing, but more importantly, the expressions of the Arhats are very naturally and vividly depicted, Often, you can see a familiar shadow on the face of an Arhat Perhaps it resembles someone you've seen in life, a moment, or an expression. As an important representative of Song sculptures, the Arhat statues here can fully let you feel how the sculptor uses facial depictions and the actions of the characters to echo each other, thereby more profoundly expressing the characters' psychology. Ancient architecture expert Chai Zejun once said, the Arhat statues of Chongqing Temple not only have a precise date but also superb sculpting skills, they inherit the robust and vigorous charm of the Tang Dynasty Arhats, and greatly develop the realistic style to form a generation of fine works, which is very precious. In the Arhats, you feel the figures of all beings. Q Another hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, should not be missed either! The Ksitigarbha Hall, as the name suggests, displays another world of the netherworld. The Ksitigarbha Hall was built during the Ming Dynasty, and the glazed tiles on the roof and the doors and windows are relics of the Ming Dynasty. The hall enshrines Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, with the Ten Kings of Hell on the left and right, and the six judges are sculpted on the side walls. The surprising part here is that, above each colored sculpture, the craftsmen use a series of painting and stage layout techniques, to create the pavilions, towers, and character stories in the netherworld with suspended sculptures. Therefore, coming to Chongqing Temple you can not only see heaven but also see earth! And on the bodies of the Song Dynasty Arhat statues, you can see all beings! Wonderful! Wonderful!