[2025 Taiyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Chunyang Palace (Updated Mar)

#chinatravelitinerary Taiyuan is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a peaceful atmosphere and stunning historical landmarks. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back trip with a bit of history and nature. 🌿🏯 🌟 Day 1: Beijing → Taiyuan (Arrival & City Exploration) 🏙️🌼 Morning: Travel to Taiyuan 🔹 8:00 AM – Catch a high-speed train to Taiyuan (about 3-4 hours) or a flight to Taiyuan (around 1.5 hours). 🚄✈️ 🔹 12:30 PM – Check into your hotel and relax for a while. 🏨 Afternoon: Visit Historic Sites 🔹 2:00 PM – Head to the Jinci Temple, an ancient temple complex known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful setting. 🏯🌸 🔹 4:00 PM – Take a leisurely stroll around Taiyuan’s Yingze Park, a lovely park with lakes, gardens, and plenty of walking paths. 🌳🌊 Evening: Dinner & Relax 🔹 6:30 PM – Enjoy a Shanxi-style dinner with local specialties like hand-pulled noodles and sour vinegar at a local restaurant. 🍜🥢 🔹 8:00 PM – After dinner, take a peaceful walk along Taiyuan’s Wang’s Family Mansion, a quiet area with beautiful old architecture. 🌙🏰 🌟 Day 2: Culture, Nature & Relaxation 🌿🕌 Morning: Cultural Exploration 🔹 8:00 AM – Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at your hotel. 🍞☕ 🔹 9:00 AM – Visit Shanxi Museum, one of China’s best provincial museums, with fascinating exhibits on Shanxi’s rich culture and history. 🏺📜 🔹 11:00 AM – Stop by the Twin Pagoda Temple, which offers beautiful views of Taiyuan from the pagodas. 🏯🌄 Afternoon: Nature & Scenic Views 🔹 1:00 PM – Have a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant. 🍽️ 🔹 2:30 PM – Head to Mount Wutai, a serene mountain and Buddhist site, where you can take a peaceful walk and enjoy nature. (Around 1.5 hours drive from Taiyuan, so a half-day trip.) 🏞️⛰️ 🔹 5:00 PM – Relax at Mount Wutai with its stunning views and temples. 🏯🌿 Evening: Peaceful Dinner & Rest 🔹 7:00 PM – Return to Taiyuan and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the city. 🍜 🔹 8:30 PM – Head back to your hotel for a peaceful night of rest after a day of exploration. 🛏️ 🌟 Day 3: Historical Sites & City Strolls 🌷🏙️ Morning: More Cultural Exploration 🔹 8:00 AM – Breakfast at your hotel. 🍞☕ 🔹 9:30 AM – Visit Chunyang Palace, a beautiful and historic palace that offers both cultural insight and scenic views. 🏯🌳 🔹 11:00 AM – Take a relaxed walk through Taiyuan Old Street and enjoy the traditional shops, old architecture, and local snacks. 🛍️🍡 Afternoon: Relaxing Time 🔹 12:30 PM – Have a peaceful lunch at a local restaurant. 🍽️ 🔹 2:00 PM – Visit the Wang’s Family Mansion, one of Taiyuan’s most famous historical homes, offering a peek into ancient life and stunning architecture. 🏰 🔹 3:30 PM – Take a stroll around Taiyuan’s Central Park, a beautiful green space with flowers, lakes, and walking paths to relax and reflect. 🌿🌼 Evening: Return to Beijing 🔹 5:00 PM – Catch your train or flight back to Beijing. #travelingchina #china #travel

#favouriteitinerary **Shanxi Province (山西) 🏯🌄 | A Cultural and Historical Journey** Shanxi Province, located in northern China, is a treasure trove of ancient temples, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Here’s a summary of five must-visit attractions: **Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟)**, **Huayan Temple (华严寺)**, **Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (应县木塔)**, **Chongshan Temple (崇善寺)**, and **Chunyang Palace (纯阳宫)**. --- ### **1. Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) 🗿✨** Located in Datong, the Yungang Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most famous Buddhist cave complexes. Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty (5th-6th centuries), the grottoes feature over 51,000 statues and intricate carvings, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Central Asian art. --- ### **2. Huayan Temple (华严寺) 🏯🌸** Also in Datong, Huayan Temple is a masterpiece of Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture. The temple is divided into upper and lower sections, with the **Huayan Pagoda** offering panoramic views of the city. Its grand halls and exquisite Buddhist statues make it a spiritual and cultural highlight. --- ### **3. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (应县木塔) 🏯🌿** Located in Yingxian County, this pagoda is the oldest and tallest all-wooden pagoda in the world, dating back to the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD). Standing at 67 meters, it is a marvel of ancient Chinese engineering and architecture, with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. --- ### **4. Chongshan Temple (崇善寺) 🕉️🏯** Situated in Taiyuan, Chongshan Temple is one of Shanxi’s most important Buddhist temples. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it houses precious artifacts, including ancient scriptures and statues. The temple’s peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot for reflection. --- ### **5. Chunyang Palace (纯阳宫) 🏯🌸** Also in Taiyuan, Chunyang Palace is a Taoist temple dedicated to Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. Known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens, the palace offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Taoist traditions. --- **Why Visit Shanxi?** Shanxi Province is a cultural and historical gem, offering a unique blend of spirituality, art, and natural beauty. These five sites—Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Chongshan Temple, and Chunyang Palace—are perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and spiritual seekers. Don’t miss this journey through China’s ancient past! 🏯🌄✨

| Chunyang Palace: A Thousand Years of Taoist Charm, Enjoy a Tranquil Retreat. Taiyuan's Chunyang Palace is an ancient architectural complex that combines temple and garden styles. Here's a detailed introduction: I. Basic Information • Address: No. 1 Qifeng Street, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm), closed on Mondays; open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on New Year's Day, Lunar New Year, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day. II. History • Chunyang Palace, also known as Lü Zu Temple, was originally built to enshrine the Taoist deity Lü Dongbin, a Tang Dynasty Taoist. The name "Chunyang" comes from Lü Dongbin's Taoist title. • The palace was first built in the Yuan Dynasty, renovated during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620), and further repaired and expanded during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1736–1795). • In 2003, the Shanxi Art Museum was established in Chunyang Palace, and some of the courtyards were renovated. • On March 5, 2013, Taiyuan Chunyang Palace was designated as a seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. • On April 13, 2020, the Shanxi Academy of Ancient Architecture and Mural Protection (Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum) was officially established in Taiyuan, with its location at Chunyang Palace. III. Architectural Layout • Chunyang Palace covers an area of approximately 10,000 square meters and consists of five courtyards. Along the central axis from south to north are the Gate of Morality, the Offering Hall, the Lü Zu Hall, the Nine Kilns and Eighteen Caves, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion. • In front of the gate stands a four-pillar, three-story wooden archway with distinctive shape and colors. • The main buildings within the palace include the Lü Zu Hall, the Covered Walkway Pavilion, the Grand Pavilion, side rooms, brick-arched cave dwellings, and the Guan Gong Pavilion. The Lü Zu Hall, the main hall of Chunyang Palace, is located in the center of the courtyard. It has three bays and houses statues of Lü Dongbin, Wang Chongyang, and Qiu Chuji. IV. Cultural Value • The carvings, tiles, and other details in Chunyang Palace reveal the ingenuity of the ancients. The carvings on the archway, in particular, vividly depict mythological stories, leaving a lasting impression. • The palace preserves a large number of ancient steles, murals, sculptures, and other cultural relics. These relics are not only an important legacy of Taoist culture but also treasures of ancient Chinese culture. • Chunyang Palace serves as an important reference for the study of Chinese Taoist architecture and culture, showcasing distinct Taoist architectural features. V. Visiting Experience • Chunyang Palace is located near Liu Xiang Street, a famous commercial area in Taiyuan, making it convenient to visit both. • Visitors can appreciate the unique charm of Shanxi's ancient architecture and experience the rich history of the Sanjin region. In summary, Taiyuan Chunyang Palace is an ancient architectural complex with significant historical and cultural value. It is a worthwhile destination for Taoist believers, history buffs, and art enthusiasts alike.

#chinatransit The 240-hour transit policy of Taiyuan refers to the fact that eligible foreign passengers who transit to a third country at Taiyuan Wusu International Airport can stay in Taiyuan and surrounding areas for no more than 240 hours without a visa. This policy was implemented from December 17, 2024 and is applicable to citizens of 54 countries such as Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Applicable countries: Citizens of 54 countries such as Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Applicable ports: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is one of the 21 new ports, with a total of 60 ports applicable to visa-free persons in transit. Stay time: Foreign travelers can stay in Taiyuan and surrounding areas for no more than 240 hours. Activity area: Short-term activities such as travel, business, visits, and family visits in Taiyuan and Datong Cities. Day 1: After arriving in Taiyuan, you can visit Taiyuan City. It is recommended to go to Hanwang Park and Shuangta Park to feel the city's natural scenery and historical sites. Day 2: Go to Wutai Mountain to feel the influence of Buddhist culture.Wutai Mountain is a famous Buddhist holy place in China, with a rich historical and cultural background. Day 3: Visit Shanxi Museum and Hedong Yixiang Pavilion to learn about Shanxi's history and culture. Day 4: Visit Taiyuan Art Museum and Taiyuan City Museum to learn more about Shanxi's art and history. Day 5: Go to Jinci Museum and Jinyang Lake Park to admire the ancient architecture and natural scenery. Day 6: Visit in Taiyuan City. It is recommended to go to Chunyang Palace and Yongzuo Temple to feel the cultural atmosphere of Taoism and Buddhism. Day 7: Go to the ancient city of Pingyao, visit Shuanglin Temple and Qingheyuan, and experience the charm of the ancient city. Day 8: Go to the ancient City of Datong, visit Yungang Grottoes and hanging Temples, and experience the ingenuity of nature. Day 9: Continue your tour in Datong. It is recommended to go to Yingxian Pagoda and Laoniu Bay Castle. Day 10: End the journey, return to Taiyuan, and end this unforgettable trip to Shanxi. Food recommendation During your trip to Taiyuan, you can taste local cuisine.It is recommended to try specialty snacks such as Gaomana donkey meat fire roast, Shimenhou·Shimen Wonton Hou, Xiangyang Sheep Soup, etc. In addition, Taiyuan's night market and snack street would also be unforgettable experience.

Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan was first built in the Tang dynasty to commemorate Lü Dongbin (also known as Chunyangzi), the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism. Lü Dongbin is one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism and is revered as "Lü Zu," holding a high status in Taoist beliefs. During the Yuan dynasty, Song Defang, a Taoist priest of the Quanzhen School, presided over the renovation of Chunyang Palace, making it one of the important venues for the Quanzhen School in the north. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Chunyang Palace underwent several renovations and expansions, gradually forming a large architectural complex. The Jiugong Bagua Courtyard of Chunyang Palace is very distinctive. The courtyard is square in layout, with eight sides, built according to the Taoist Bagua directions of "Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui." All eight sides are brick-vaulted caves, and with the addition of a "three-room, two-story pavilion" in the middle, it forms the Jiugong, with corridors connecting the pavilions. Maybe it's because I haven't seen much, but I've never seen anything like this before, and I instantly felt like I was in a paradise. It's worth a visit!

😜 Today, I'm going to introduce you to a super mysterious place - Chunyang Palace! 🤩 It's full of Chinese fantasy vibes, as if you can travel to a wonderful world. 🎇 The architecture of Chunyang Palace is unique and magnificent, making you marvel at the wisdom and creativity of the ancients! 👏 Here, you can feel a sense of tranquility and peace, as if all your troubles can be left behind. 💆‍♀️ Come to Chunyang Palace and feel it for yourself!

| 3-Day Autumn Tour Guide. Taiyuan | 3-Day Autumn Tour Guide✨ 📍Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, is a city with a rich history and culture. Travel Essentials 👚Clothes: The temperature difference is large in autumn, so bring long-sleeved sweaters and coats. 👟Shoes: Comfortable shoes for walking. 🌞Sunscreen: The sun is still strong in autumn. ☔Umbrella: Be prepared for sudden rain. 📷Camera: Capture the beautiful scenery. 💊Others: Bring medicine, cups, and paper. 3-Day Itinerary Day 1️⃣: Morning: Arrive in Taiyuan and visit Shanxi Museum. The golden leaves add color to the courtyard, and the cultural relics are dazzling. Travel through history and enjoy the aroma of fried pork. Afternoon: Visit Jinci Temple. The ancient buildings and nature complement each other, and the colorful leaves are different. The beams of the Holy Mother Hall are exquisite. Stay near the temple for a relaxing trip. Day 2️⃣: Morning: Visit Mengshan Buddha. The beautiful scenery in the mountains and the majestic Buddha are impressive. The stone carvings are artistic. Enjoy a delicious farmhouse meal. Afternoon: Visit Donghu Vinegar Garden. Explore the craftsmanship and culture, and taste the vinegar. Evening: Enjoy delicious food on Food Street. The lamb offal soup and head soup are delicious. The lively atmosphere is enjoyable. Return to the city for a sweet dream. Day 3️⃣: Morning: Visit Yongzuo Temple and enjoy the city view. The morning sun shines on the tower, and the scenery is lush. Overlook the city and enjoy the view. Afternoon: Visit Chunyang Palace. The ancient buildings are exquisite, and the culture is rich. Buy some local specialties. Evening: Pack up and return home. Taiyuan Cuisine 🥩Fried Pork: Tender and fragrant pork slices. 🥘Lamb Offal Soup: Lamb soup with vermicelli and green onions. 🧠Head Soup: Astragalus, lotus root, and lamb for breakfast. 🍡Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a sweet and sour taste. 🥔Buckwheat Noodles: Smooth buckwheat noodles with rich seasoning. Travel Impressions Taiyuan in autumn is charming, with ancient buildings and natural scenery. The food and culture are impressive, and the history and customs are unforgettable. The 3-day trip is memorable and impressive. Taiyuan is a city with both ancient and modern charm, with beautiful autumn scenery and delicious food.💖

Energy Field in Downtown Taiyuan: Chunyang Palace Taiyuan has many places with strong energy fields, and Chunyang Palace is undoubtedly one of the most unique. It is hidden in the bustling downtown area next to May Day Square. Although it is not very popular, it exudes a charming charm. Chunyang Palace, a typical Taoist building, is dedicated to the Pure Yang Immortal Lü Dongbin. Today, it has two other identities - Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum and Shanxi Art Museum. The moment you step into the courtyard, a wonderful feeling comes over you, as if the hustle and bustle of the modern city is isolated by an invisible wall, leaving only the tranquility and etherealness of the ancient buildings. The Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Courtyard, Nirvana Transformation Stele, and Changyang Tianzun Statue here are known as the "Three Wonders" and are famous far and wide. Recently, the "Where There is a Dragon, There is Spirit - Shanxi Dragon King Theme Mural Exhibition" and the "French Style · Preserving the Truth: Chinese Ancient Architecture Surveying and Mapping Exhibition" have added a lot of popularity to it. Unfortunately, the much-anticipated "Five Dragons Holding the Saint" mural was withdrawn on November 4 and returned to Yongle Palace in Ruicheng. If you are interested in ancient architecture, then the "Chinese Ancient Architecture Surveying and Mapping Exhibition" is definitely not to be missed, as it offers a glimpse into the wisdom and exploration of the ancients in the field of architecture. 💰Ticket price: CNY 30, free admission with Taiyuan Tourism Card. 🕙Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 - 17:00.

Also known as the Temple of Lü Dongbin, Taiyuan Chunyang Palace is located at No. 1 Qifeng Street, Qifeng Street Community, Liuxiang Subdistrict, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters. Originally built to worship the "immortal" of Taoism, Lü Dongbin, a Taoist priest of the Tang Dynasty, Chunyang Palace is named after Lü Dongbin, as "Chunyang" is Lü Dongbin's courtesy name.

Visiting the Taoist temple - Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan, Chunyang Palace, also known as Lvzu Temple, was originally built to enshrine the ancestor of the Quanzhen School of Taoism and the Taoist priest Lv Dongbin of the Tang Dynasty. Lv Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese folklore, occupies an important position in Taoism. The name of Chunyang Palace comes from Lv Dongbin's Taoist name "Chunyangzi". Shanxi is the hometown of Lv Dongbin. As the essence of local culture, Shanxi has built three Chunyang Palaces. These three Taoist temples are located on a central axis. Among them, Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is called "Zhonggong", Yongle Palace in Ruicheng is called "Nangong", and Chunyang Palace in Datong is called "Beigong". Out of a strong interest in history, I had the opportunity to visit these three famous palaces and temples one by one on this trip to Shanxi. Each of them has its unique charm and historical background, which has brought me a lot of gains. Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is located in the most prosperous commercial district of Taiyuan, the northwest corner of May 1st Square, and is an ancient temple standing in the downtown area. Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is the only Jiugong Bagua Courtyard building in the country. The date of its construction is unknown. It is said to have been built during the Song and Jin Dynasties and was rebuilt during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. In the twelfth year of Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty, it was expanded to form the existing scale. Chunyang Palace is a five-entry courtyard integrating temples and garden styles. The main buildings include a four-pillar three-story wooden archway, a hard-top original palace gate, Lvzu Temple, a square single-shoulder corridor pavilion, Lingbao Temple, Qianzhen Cave, and Jade Emperor Pavilion. There are matching rooms and brick kiln caves around. The ancient buildings of Chunyang Palace are arranged along the central axis. The four characters "Dao De Zhi Men" in variant characters are engraved on the top of the single-eave Xieshan-style three-door archway, and the couplets on both sides of the palace gate are engraved with "Dao He Haotian, the first immortal class in the sky, and the temple opens Jindi, the unparalleled cave in the ground". Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The current Chunyang Palace is the Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum and the location of the Shanxi Provincial Art Museum. The big hidden in the city, the downtown hidden cave. Chunyang Palace has three eye-catching national treasures - Changyang Tianzun Statue, Nirvana Change Stele, Jiugong Bagua Courtyard, known as the "Chunyang Three Jue". A statue, a stele, a courtyard, each line is a historical imprint, each story is a persuasive penetration, each piece of tile is a cultural condensation... Yuncheng, Shanxi

After visiting more than a dozen temples in Taiyuan for 5 days, Chunyang Palace really amazed me. Even if I went on the last day, it was really too low-key. There were not many tourists in the afternoon. Chunyang Palace, also known as Lüzu Temple, was originally built for the Taoist Lü Dongbin, and is now the Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum. Chunyang Palace is a five-entry courtyard integrating temples and gardens, and most of the buildings are relics from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 🪷However, the most amazing thing about Chunyang Palace is that the national treasure-level cultural relics are just displayed like this, at most circled, with a sign prohibiting touching, without even a glass cover, and no one is watching. Chunyang has three unique features: Jiugong Bagua Courtyard, Nirvana Bianxiang Stele and Changyang Tianzun Statue. Since it is called the Ancient Architecture Museum, let's see what's special: 🪷First Entry Courtyard Han Dynasty Stone Tiger, Yuan Dynasty Guan Gong Statue. The national treasure-level Nirvana Bianxiang Stele is displayed naked in the corridor, which is a relic of Dayun Temple in Linxi County. 🪷Second Entry Courtyard Ming Dynasty Palace Gate, Maitreya Bronze Statue. 🪷Third Entry Courtyard In the middle is the Lüzu Temple built in the Ming Dynasty, with extremely high specifications. The murals of "There are dragons and spirits" are displayed in the side rooms on both sides. 🌸🌸The first room on the right quietly displays the true trace of the restored version of the Five Dragons Holding the Holy Picture of Xuandi Temple in Yongle Palace. (It is also displayed naked, with only signs prohibiting touching and taking pictures, and I can't believe it is a true trace at all) 🪷Fourth Entry Courtyard The most exquisite Jiugong Bagua Courtyard. There is a Ming Dynasty copper gilt Vairocana Buddha statue on the first floor, and a Ming Dynasty Zhenwu Emperor bronze statue on the second floor. 🪷Fifth Entry Courtyard Han Dynasty portrait stone is displayed naked Inside the Qianzhen Cave, there is a statue of Changyang Tianzun, one of the "Three Unique Features of Chunyang", which was carved in the seventh year of Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty. 🪷Chunyang Palace Address: 50 meters west of the intersection of Qifeng Street and May 1st Square Ring Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, north of the road Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, stop admission at 16:30 (closed on Monday) Ticket: 15 yuan/adult Because there are few tourists, it is also very convenient to take pictures!

I have visited Taiyuan many times this year (2024), but I have never had the chance to visit Chunyang Palace! Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Taiyuan again and was fortunate enough to tour Chunyang Palace. I am sharing this experience with my friends! Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan, also known as Lüzu Temple, is located at No. 1 Qifeng Street, Qifeng Street Community, Liuxiang Subdistrict Office, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters. It was originally built to honor Lü Dongbin, a Taoist immortal from the Tang Dynasty. The name 'Chunyang' comes from Lü Dongbin's title, and the palace is named after him. Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is a five-courtyard complex that integrates temple and garden styles, with pavilions and towers within the courtyard. Along the central axis from south to north are the Gate of Morality, the Offering Hall, the Lüzu Hall, the Nine Kilns and Eighteen Caves, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion. In front of Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan, there is a wooden archway with four pillars and three floors, featuring unique shapes and colors. The main buildings inside include the Lüzu Hall, the Corridor Pavilion, the Wei Pavilion, the Side Rooms, the Brick Vaulted Caves, and the Guan Gong Pavilion. The main building, Lüzu Hall, has three bays and originally housed a statue of Lü Dongbin. Behind the hall are two courtyards, each with pavilion-style buildings of varying heights. The Wei Pavilion in the rear courtyard is the tallest building in the palace. Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is an excellent example of Taoist architectural culture, with distinctive Taoist architectural features, providing important references for the study of Chinese Taoist architecture and culture. The exact founding date of Chunyang Palace in Taiyuan is unknown. It is said that Song Defang, a disciple of Qiu Chuji, a famous Taoist of the Yuan Dynasty, once presided over the palace (a stone coffin still exists). Therefore, the founding date would not be later than the time of Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty. The existing buildings were expanded by Zhu Xinchang and Zhu Bangzuo, brothers of the Jin branch of the Ming Dynasty, during the Wanli period (1573-1620). During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1736-1795), Taoist Gao Lianchang added three floors to the Wei Pavilion. It is now the second part of the Shanxi Provincial Museum, housing special exhibitions of unearthed and other cultural relics from Shanxi Province. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, rockeries, the Guan Gong Pavilion, and the Stele Gallery were added, forming the current scale. The first courtyard was formed after the founding of the People's Republic of China by enclosing the open space outside the original palace gate. In the center of the courtyard stands a graceful and ingeniously structured wooden archway with four pillars and three floors. The plaques in front and behind the archway, 'Lü Tianxian Temple' and 'Penglai Wonderland,' reveal the essence and scenery of the place. On the east side of the first courtyard is a stone mountain made of Taihu stones. Climbing the steps along the path, you can see the stone coffin of Xuantong Hongjiao Piyun Zhenren and a bronze statue of Guan Gong from the Ming Dynasty at the top of the mountain. On the west side, along the wall, is the Stele Gallery, with more than twenty ancient steles embedded, including stone Buddhas, stone beasts, and stone scriptures from the Han and Tang Dynasties. Among them, the Nirvana Transformation Stele is a relic from Dayun Temple in Linyi County, carved in the second year of the Tian Shou period of Wu Zhou (691 AD). Passing through the 'Gate of Morality,' you enter the second courtyard. On both sides of the gate are stone couplets written by the famous Taoist Sun Yiyuan of the Ming Dynasty. Above the back wall of the second courtyard gate is inscribed with the nine-fold seal script 'Penghu Jiarui.' In the second courtyard, ancient trees tower, with lush branches and leaves. Bypassing the Maitreya statue in the second courtyard, you come to the third courtyard. The Lüzu Hall in the center of the courtyard, built in the Ming Dynasty, is the main hall of the palace. This building, with its simple and robust yet delicate and exquisite design, is of high standard and is a precious example of existing Ming Dynasty architecture. The gate of the fourth courtyard is the 'Void Cave,' with the brick-vaulted archway inscribed with 'Void Cave' and 'Another World' above it. The plaque 'Yingzhou Wonderland' hangs under the eaves of the cave. Chunyang Palace has more than seventy halls, with the most exquisite part being the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Courtyard in the fourth courtyard. The entire courtyard layout is square, with chamfered corners forming eight sides, built according to the Taoist Eight Trigrams 'Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, Dui' directions, plus a 'square three-bay two-story pavilion' in the center, forming the 'Nine Palaces System.' Each of the eight sides of the courtyard has brick-vaulted caves, commonly known as 'Nine Kilns and Eighteen Caves,' reflecting the Taoist pursuit of 'cave heavens' and 'blessed lands.' Since 'immortals prefer to live in towers,' Taoist buildings often have pavilions. The upper layer of the 'Nine Kilns and Eighteen Caves' is a wooden structure, with four towers and four fan-shaped corner pavilions, connected by corridors. In the two-story corridor pavilion of the fourth courtyard, the first floor houses a gilded bronze statue of Pilu Buddha from the Ming Dynasty, and the second floor houses a bronze statue of Zhenwu Emperor from the Ming Dynasty. The fifth courtyard features a building that integrates caves, towers, and pavilions, with wooden two-story buildings on the east and west sides. Inside the Qianzhen Cave below the building is a statue of Changyang Tianzun. The statue of Changyang Tianzun is one of the 'Three Treasures of Chunyang.' It is said that 'Changyang Tianzun' is Laozi, the founder of the Taoist school of thought in the late Spring and Autumn period. In legend, he is also known as 'Taishang Laojun.' Because the Tang royal family had the surname Li, they recognized Laozi (Li Er) as their ancestor, built Taoist temples, and created Taoist statues. Taoism flourished during the Tang Dynasty. The statue of Changyang Tianzun, one of the Three Treasures of Chunyang Palace, was sculpted in the Kai period of the Tang Dynasty (719 AD), with a total height of 2.56 meters and a statue height of 2.2 meters. It consists of three parts: the stone statue, the base, and the pedestal. The stone statue is made of white marble, while the base and pedestal are made of gray limestone. Tianzun wears a lotus-shaped crown, with a plump face, narrow eyes slightly closed, a long beard hanging down to the chest, and a serene expression, typical of Tang Dynasty statue styles. Tianzun holds a fan and a duster in his right hand, and rests his left hand on a table. He wears a wide Taoist robe and sits cross-legged on a rectangular stone seat. The front of the base is inscribed with a twenty-two-line inscription and preface of Tianzun's statue, with the sides and back engraved with images of disciples and donors' names. The surroundings are engraved with lotus flowers, honeysuckles, and cranes. The statue of Changyang Tianzun is one of the first 64 cultural relics prohibited from being exhibited abroad. The Nirvana Transformation Stele, one of the Three Treasures of Chunyang Palace, is located in the Stele Gallery of Chunyang Palace. The Stele Gallery houses inscriptions from the Han, Northern Wei, and Tang Dynasties, many of which are national first-class cultural relics. The Tang Dynasty 'Nirvana Transformation Stele,' with a dragon head and turtle base, has a top carved with a heavenly palace and Mount Sumeru. This stele depicts the scenes before and after the Buddha's death and the story of the Buddha teaching and saving people. The central relief on the front of the stele shows the disciples mourning the Buddha's death. The upper part depicts 'Final Instructions,' 'Coffin Placement,' 'Cremation,' and 'Funeral Procession,' while the lower part shows the offering scene of Chunda. The back of the stele depicts the construction of a stupa in the heavenly realm and the division of relics by the Eight Kings, with the lower part showing the three Maitreya statues and inscriptions. The sides are carved with heavenly kings, children, and lions. The inscription on the stele reads, 'This Nirvana Transformation Stele was respectfully created by Dayun Temple for the Holy and Divine Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty.' It is said that the purpose of depicting the Nirvana story was to align with the prophecy in the 'Great Cloud Sutra' that a Pure Light Heavenly Maiden would descend to rule the world after the Buddha's Nirvana, thereby creating public opinion for Wu Zetian to ascend the throne as the female emperor. This stele was originally a relic from Dayun Temple in Linyi County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province. The temple was long destroyed, and the stele was moved here in 1957. In 2002, as a national first-class cultural relic, the 'Nirvana Transformation Stele' was listed by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as one of the first 64 cultural relics prohibited from being exhibited abroad.

Chunyang Palace is a famous Taoist temple, originally built to honor Lü Dongbin, also known as Lüzu Temple, and is a national key cultural relic protection unit. The architectural style of Chunyang Palace is unique. The main building, Lüzu Hall, has three rooms in width and is magnificent. Inside the hall, there was originally a statue of Lü Dongbin. The palace houses many precious cultural relics, such as wood carvings, stone carvings, and bronze statues, which can be viewed up close. The layout of Chunyang Palace follows the layout of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. Chunyang Palace is not very large, with only a few courtyards. About an hour is enough to tour the place. Transportation: You can take a bus to Wuyi Square, take bus routes 3, 4, or 5, and walk to the palace after getting off.

Every time I transit through Taiyuan, I stay at Yingze Hotel. I had heard about a Chunyang Palace nearby, and this year I finally arrived in Taiyuan early in the afternoon, so I managed to visit before it closed. The place has very few visitors; although it is next to the Wuyi Square roundabout, it is exceptionally quiet, truly a hidden gem. Chunyang Palace is a seventh batch national key cultural relic protection unit. The "Nirvana Transformation Stele" and the "Statue of Changyang Tianzun" in the courtyard are among the first batch of cultural relics prohibited from being exhibited abroad. The entire scenic area has eight national treasure-level cultural relics. Moreover, the courtyard structure itself is also very particular, with the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Courtyard being the essence of Chunyang Palace. The base is a chamfered square, with eight sides being brick-vaulted caves, meticulously built according to the positions of the Eight Trigrams: Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui. High towers are built on four sides of the cave tops, and nine-cornered pavilions stand at the four corners, connected by corridors between the towers and pavilions. The "three-room two-story pavilion" in the center of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Courtyard, combined with the surrounding four towers and four pavilions, forms the Nine Palaces layout, symbolizing the division of the heavenly palace into nine equal parts. The cave buildings on the first floor are the "Nine Caves and Eighteen Holes". Besides the main caves in the east, south, west, and north, the corner caves are connected to corner caves, efficiently utilizing the corner spaces, corresponding to the eight positions of the Eight Trigrams. Chunyang Palace is now also known as the Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum and the Shanxi Art Museum, often hosting special exhibitions. "Chunyang Palace," you have such treasures, yet you never mention them! July 19, 2024, Chunyang Palace live update (tickets are still half price) — although some buildings are still under renovation, the five courtyards are fully open, the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Courtyard can be accessed up to the second floor, and the Statue of Changyang Tianzun is also available for viewing! The Nirvana Transformation Stele, a Tang Dynasty stele inscription and one of the first batch of cultural relics prohibited from being exhibited abroad, can be viewed up close! However, viewing is self-disciplined, and everyone must watch in an orderly manner and refrain from touching. The mural exhibition runs until August 31, with two halls displaying original works, each with individual explanations. The "Five Dragons Supporting the Sage" and the "Dragon King Hall Murals of the Five Gods Temple" can all be viewed up close. Since there are no glass barriers, please be very careful! Do not touch with your hands. Taiyuan's hidden treasure: Chunyang Palace A mysterious place next to Wuyi Square As a native of Taiyuan, whenever someone mentions "Chunyang Palace," my first reaction is: "Hmm, what is that?" However, after delving into it, I realized it is an invaluable treasure buried in obscurity! A Taoist building in the form of Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams This is the central palace among the three major Taoist temples in Shanxi dedicated to Lü Dongbin. The temples, courtyards, and gardens, every brick and tile, every plant and tree, are filled with historical traces, as if whispering the stories they have experienced. Five courtyards, a world of its own Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum I heard that Chunyang Palace will reopen to the public on New Year's Day 2024. For someone like me who loves exploring, this is undoubtedly great news! A beautiful encounter between the pedestrian street and Chunyang Palace While enjoying the tour of Chunyang Palace, you can also stroll through Taiyuan's authentic pedestrian streets, such as Liuxiang, Zhonglou Street, and Food Street, to enjoy some local snacks. It's simply perfect! Travel tips Want to easily reach Chunyang Palace? The nearby Wuyi Square Station is extremely convenient and well-connected. Chunyang Palace awaits your visit! Tickets: Full price 30 yuan, half price 15 yuan, free with Taiyuan All-in-One Card. Friends traveling to Taiyuan, don't miss this hidden treasure!

✨Hello, everyone! Today, I'm recommending a great place for a weekend getaway—Taiyuan, Shanxi! This unassuming provincial capital boasts a rich historical heritage and a wealth of delicious food. Let's check it out together! 🚩Two-day trip itinerary: Day1: Qinghe Yuan (taste brain, mutton shaomai, leeks) - Chunyang Palace (admire the Nirvana Transformation Stele, Statue of Changyang Tianzun) - Shouyi Gate - Taiyuan Normal University Affiliated High School (view the exterior of the old Shanxi University Hall) - Taiyuan Confucian Temple (now the Shanxi Archaeological Museum) - Yiyuanqing Vinegar Workshop (purchase health vinegar) - Shanxi Provincial Museum (visit the 'Jin Soul' themed exhibition, admire cultural relics such as the Marquis of Jin's bird vessel) - Taoyuan South Road (eat gravy noodles) - Wenyin Park (appreciate cultural relics) Day2: Nanxiaowall Meatball Soup (paired with scallion pancakes) - Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum - Jinci (admire ancient trees, architecture, such as Shuijing Platform, Huixian Bridge, Jinren Platform, Duyue Archway, Xian Hall, Fish Pond Flying Bridge, Holy Mother Hall, etc.) - Taiyuan Ancient County (optional, visit the Jinyang Ancient City Archaeological Museum, filming location of 'Man Jiang Hong') 🍜Food recommendations: - Qinghe Yuan: brain (a medicinal snack with mutton and distiller's grains), mutton shaomai, leeks - Taoyuan South Road Gravy Noodles: eggplant gravy noodles - Nanxiaowall Meatball Soup: meatball soup, scallion pancakes - Shanxi cuisine: Xinghua Hall (South Central Ring branch) for sweet and sour meatballs, braised meat with sea cucumber, Qiao's Mansion Vinegar Fish, yellow rice cake, bubble rice cake; Old Taiyuan, Binhe Taste 💡Tips: 1. Chunyang Palace has two nationally prohibited artifacts from leaving the country, the Nirvana Transformation Stele and the Statue of Changyang Tianzun, representing the outstanding carving skills of the Tang Dynasty, as well as the 'Pillar' exhibition by Liang Sicheng and the Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture. 2. The Shanxi Provincial Museum currently has over 500,000 items in its collection, with the basic display themed 'Jin Soul,' and one of the museum's treasures, the Marquis of Jin's bird vessel, is worth a look. 3. Jinci has many ancient trees, including more than a dozen with a thousand years of age, and a Zhou cypress that is 3,000 years old. The three treasures of Jinci are the Jin Dynasty Xian Hall, the Northern Song Dynasty Fish Pond Flying Bridge, and the Holy Mother Hall. 4. Before visiting Jinci, you can learn some information about ancient architecture, or hire a guide at the entrance. 5. Taiyuan Ancient County is a reconstructed ancient site with a great night scene atmosphere, containing the Jinyang Ancient City Archaeological Museum and the filming location of 'Man Jiang Hong' (admission fee required). 💕Taiyuan is a city full of historical and cultural charm. Start your weekend getaway now, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Chunyang Palace is located next to May Day Square. The second courtyard is currently under renovation, so the ticket price is half off at 15 yuan. I went there on a weekday morning, entered through the main gate, and first climbed up the artificial hill on the right side, where there is a tomb. At the top, there is a pavilion with a statue of Guan Yu on horseback, as well as several large cannons. I then followed the signs to the very back of Chunyang Palace and toured it in reverse order. The palace has a long history and is a Taoist site. The stone carvings inside are very exquisite, spanning various dynasties. The most famous part is its main building, which serves both as a pavilion and a bridge passage. Its unique architectural style and form were a first for me to see. Inside, there are exhibitions related to the architecture, especially the contributions of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin to ancient Chinese architecture, which are worth seeing.