I thought Datong was beautiful until I went to Linfen

I once thought that Datong’s ancient charm had reached its peak, but when I stepped into Linfen, I realized what true shock meant. Those ancient buildings that Liang Sicheng mentioned repeatedly in his book now stood right before my eyes, so beautiful that my eyes were wet. During the half month in Shanxi, I traveled between many ancient sites, but the soul-shaking impact brought by Linfen's ancient buildings is still as clear as yesterday. I can’t wait to give you a three-day and two-night guide to Linfen. I suggest you save it as a collection! Three days and two nights itinerary - Day 1: Xiaoxitian→Guangsheng Temple→Dongyue Temple - Day 2: Huozhou Guanyin Temple → Wahuang Temple → Qianfo Cliff → Catholic Church → Drum Tower - Day 3: Fencheng Ancient Buildings → Fusheng Temple Attractions Highlights and Photography Guide Xixian Xiaoxitian - Must-see: It is considered the pinnacle of Chinese suspended sculpture! The main hall is filled with golden hanging sculptures of gods and Buddhas that appear lifelike, so shocking that one is speechless. - Recommended seats: - The two sides of the hall are shot symmetrically from above. It is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to fully capture the grandeur of the hanging sculptures. - Under the lotus platform, shoot the reflection of the hanging sculpture at a low angle. The unique perspective brings a different kind of beauty. Guangsheng Temple - How to play: It is divided into the upper temple (Feihong Tower) and the lower temple (Water God Temple Yuan Dynasty murals). The colored glaze craftsmanship of the Feihong Tower in the upper temple is amazing, and the murals in the lower temple carry a rich historical and cultural heritage. - Feihong Tower Fairy Seat: - Take the incense burner in front of the tower as the foreground and shoot the glazed tower from above to highlight the main subject and add a sense of layering to the picture. - Go around the Feihong Tower and take photos of the Liuli Lux at the corners to capture the exquisite details. Dongyue Temple - Unpopular treasures: There are sculptures of the twenty-eight constellations that are as lively as emoticons, as well as the majestic Panlong Pillar. Every detail shows the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients. - Photo suggestion: Wear Hanfu and take panoramic photos on the platform. The red walls and green tiles complement the Hanfu, making the photos look great and like traveling back to ancient times. Huozhou Guanyin Temple - Highlights: Ming Dynasty hanging sculptures paired with gilded murals. It is small and quiet. If you are lucky, you can enjoy a private tour and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of history and art. Wahuang Temple - Surprise Easter Egg: It has the only mural of the emperor and empress in the country. The colors of the mural are still bright despite the passage of time, and the story behind it is fascinating. Thousand Buddha Cliff - Secret experience: Explore the statues made by the Tang Dynasty donors on the banks of the Fen River and feel the piety accumulated over the years. - Shooting recommendation: Using an aerial perspective can perfectly combine the magnificence of the Thousand Buddha Cliff and the beauty of the Fen River, bringing an extremely shocking visual effect. Huozhou Catholic Church - A fusion of Chinese and Western styles: The magical mix of glazed roof and Gothic architectural style creates a unique artistic spark that is both unique and eye-catching. Fencheng Ancient Buildings - Walking guide: Walk along the route of City God Temple → Confucian Temple → Drum Tower → County Government Office, and feel the fireworks atmosphere and historical charm of this "living ancient county town". - Street photography position: - Capture the crowds passing by at the Drum Tower intersection, capturing the moment where the past and present merge. - Use the reflection of the Panchi in the Confucian Temple to take beautiful photos with symmetrical composition, creating a peaceful and harmonious picture. Fusheng Temple - The ultimate Easter egg: This ancient temple from the Jin Dynasty hidden in a wheat field is like a paradise on earth. The hanging sculpture of Guanyin Crossing the Sea is exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful. - Photo angle: Take a photo of Guanyin from a kneeling angle. It is recommended to wear solid-colored clothes to create a beautiful silhouette effect. Personal tips 1. The interior space of the ancient building is relatively small, so be sure to bring an ultra-wide-angle lens to fully display its style. 2. The scenic spots are scattered, so chartering a car can save time and allow you to explore Linfen more freely. 3. Prepare more cash as some temples only accept paper tickets. 4. Prepare a pair of comfortable shoes, because you will be walking almost every day. Food Guide - Xixian Yulu Pear Juice: sweet and delicious, full of local flavor. - Huozhou New Year’s Steamed Buns: With various shapes and a chewy texture, they are a representative of local traditional cuisine. - Wu's smoked pork with noodle soup: the smoked pork is rich and the noodle soup is smooth, it is super satisfying in one bite. - Fried sugar-fried pancakes at the entrance of Guangsheng Temple: The freshly fried sugar-fried pancakes are fragrant and crispy and sweet when you take a bite.