Hidden in Fenxi is a Tang Dynasty Guanyin Pavilion built on a mountainside—free to visit!

About 10 kilometers north of Fenxi County in Shanxi Province lies a village called Lianzhuang. Within this village stands a renowned ancient structure known as Guanyin Pavilion. 💡 This place has quite a history! Originally, it wasn’t called Guanyin Pavilion but “Xingyuan Temple,” built during the Tang Dynasty (Note: The existing structures mainly date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties or were reconstructed during those periods). The temple is built on a mountain slope, featuring three courtyards: front, middle, and rear. Front Courtyard: Admire the Guanyin statue and elegant pavilion As you enter the front courtyard, the main building, “Baoge,” stands directly before you. Inside Baoge is a seated statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva on a lotus pedestal. The pavilion itself is worth appreciating for its sturdy structure, simple yet elegant design, and intricate details. Middle Courtyard: Statues and a miraculous spring Passing through the front courtyard leads to the middle courtyard, which houses three brick-built cave rooms: - Two of the rooms contain statues of Taishang Laojun and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. - The highlight is the third cave room, where a spring flows from the limestone crevices behind it. Locals call this spring “Dragon Spring Water,” believing it has healing properties (Note: This belief is based on local folklore and has not been scientifically verified). Many visitors come specifically to collect this water. Rear Courtyard: A mysterious cave and legends Continuing upward brings you to the rear courtyard. Above, you’ll see four large brick-carved characters reading “Lingquan Baoge” and a plaque under the eaves inscribed with “Shen Dong” (Sacred Cave). The “Sacred Cave” is a naturally formed limestone cavern with a tall and wide entrance (about three meters high) and an interior that stretches into darkness. The most intriguing feature is the constant sound of wind echoing from within the cave. A local legend claims this cave is an underground passage leading to Wutai Mountain, spanning 800 li (approximately 400 kilometers)! The entrance is adorned with an ancient couplet referencing this tale: > “Guanyin Sacred Cave spans 800 li, facing the northern peak of Wutai Mountain.” > (The meaning roughly translates to: The Guanyin Pavilion’s mystical cave stretches 800 li, with its exit aligned with the northern peak of Wutai Mountain.) *Note: This couplet and legend are part of local cultural heritage, with no geological evidence supporting the existence of such a long natural passage.