Little Western Paradise

The Little Western Paradise Scenic Area (Xixian Little Western Paradise) in Shanxi is a unique destination that combines natural beauty and cultural history. Little Western Paradise, formerly known as Thousand Buddha Monastery, is located on the summit of Fenghuang Mountain, 1 km northwest of Xixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. It was founded in 1629, during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty. Initially named "Thousand Buddha Monastery" due to the thousand Buddha statues in the Mahavira Hall, it was later renamed "Little Western Paradise" to distinguish it from another Ming Dynasty temple, "Great Western Paradise," located south of the city, and because of the inscription "The Path to Western Paradise" above the main gate. The temple is built on the mountainside, featuring ornate and elegant painted beams and brackets. The Ming Dynasty colored clay sculptures in the Mahavira Hall are hailed as "a swan song in the history of Chinese sculpture art." Highlights: Clay Sculpture Art: The Mahavira Hall of Little Western Paradise is filled with wooden-framed clay sculptures. Covering an area of just 169.6 square meters, they account for over 4% of the Ming and Qing Dynasty colored sculptures in Shanxi Province. These sculptures are vivid and colorful, as if narrating touching Buddhist stories. The Buddha statues are serene and benevolent, with lifelike expressions, creating a scene of a heavenly Buddhist kingdom. Architectural Layout: Although not large in scale, the temple boasts a compact and well-arranged layout. Built against Fenghuang Mountain, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides, opening to the south. The upper courtyard centers around the Mahavira Hall, flanked by the Manjusri and Samantabhadra Halls. The lower courtyard houses the Beamless Hall, Weituo Hall, Banyun Pavilion, and other structures, forming a complete and harmonious complex. Suggested Itinerary: Wishful Lake: Upon entering the scenic area, the beautiful Wishful Lake greets visitors with its clear water reflecting the surrounding trees. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. Mountain Steps: A short walk along the lakeside path leads to the 226 steps leading to Little Western Paradise. These steps resemble a stairway to the Buddhist kingdom, inspiring awe as you ascend. Little Western Paradise Gate: After climbing the steps, you arrive at the gate of Little Western Paradise. The inscription "The Path to Western Paradise" above the gate exudes strength and power, conveying a sense of solemnity and sacredness. Manjusri Hall and Samantabhadra Hall: Entering the gate, you first encounter the Manjusri Hall and Samantabhadra Hall, which house statues of Manjusri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, inspiring reverence with their solemn atmosphere. Mahavira Hall: The Mahavira Hall is the central structure of Little Western Paradise. The hall is filled with large colored clay sculptures. Five interconnected shrines line the front, each housing a principal Buddha statue, with ten disciples standing on either side. The hall also features a 33-tiered heavenly palace, adorned with brightly colored paintings and ornate beams and brackets. Address: Little Western Paradise Scenic Area, Xixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. Opening Hours: Summer: 08:00-17:30, Winter: 08:00-17:00. Ticket Price: Adult ticket: CNY 35/person/visit, Half-price ticket: CNY 18/person/visit. Free or half-price admission is available for children under 6 years old (excluding 6 years old) and under 1.2 meters tall (including 1.2 meters), seniors aged 60 and above (including 60 years old), people with disabilities, and active military personnel.