Chongqing Temple in Changzhi | A Sacred Site of Song Dynasty Aesthetics Across a Millennium

📍 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.