[2025 Taiyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Shuangta Temple (Twin Pagoda Temple) (Updated Jun)

Guys👫, come to Taiyuan in February to experience the unique charm of this ancient city. It's amazing! There are many historical attractions and mouth-watering delicacies. Follow my guide and start your journey! Itinerary Day 1: Yingze Park - Liuxiang - Food Street Morning: After arriving in Taiyuan, go to the hotel to drop off your luggage, and then head to Yingze Park🌳. As the largest comprehensive park in Taiyuan, Yingze Park is a beautiful place. If you're lucky, you can see the beautiful scenery of the snow in February. Stroll around the lake and mountains and enjoy the tranquility of winter. Noon: Exit from the east gate of Yingze Park and walk a few minutes to Liuxiang, where there are many delicious foods. Have a bowl of authentic Da Lu Noodles🍜. The noodles are chewy and the sauce is rich, full of Shanxi flavor. Afternoon: Visit Liuxiang, the most prosperous commercial street in Taiyuan, with various shopping malls and small shops. Enjoy shopping🛍️. Evening: Go to Food Street and taste various local snacks, such as Tou Nao, Yang Za Ge, and Wan Tuo. Every bite is super satisfying🥘. Day 2: Jinci Temple - Shanxi Museum Morning: Head to Jinci Temple, the earliest existing royal garden in China, known as "If you don't visit Jinci Temple, you haven't been to Taiyuan". Admire the exquisite ancient architecture and feel the weight of history🏛️. Noon: Taste Guo You Rou at a restaurant near Jinci Temple. It is a traditional dish in Shanxi, fragrant, tender, and smooth. Afternoon: Visit Shanxi Museum, which has a rich collection of cultural relics from ancient times to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It will take you through the historical changes of Shanxi. It is definitely a cultural feast🎨. Evening: Return to the city center, find a barbecue restaurant, eat skewers, drink Tai Steel soda, and end a wonderful day🍗. Day 3: Twin Pagoda Temple - Return Morning: Visit Twin Pagoda Temple, where two brick towers from the Ming Dynasty stand tall. It is one of the landmarks of Taiyuan. There are also large areas of peonies in the temple. Although you can't see the peonies in full bloom in February, the ancient buildings are also worth seeing🗼. Noon: Have a bowl of Dao Xiao Mian nearby and experience the unique charm of Shanxi noodles. Afternoon: Pack your luggage and prepare to return home with beautiful memories of Taiyuan. Travel Guide 🚇Transportation: Taiyuan's buses and subways are very convenient. Download the "Metro Tai Tong Xing" app and scan the code to take the bus. You can take bus No. 308 to Jinci Temple and subway line 2 to Shanxi Museum. 🏠Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Liuxiang, which is convenient for travel and has many delicious foods and shopping malls nearby. 💰Cost: The ticket prices for attractions are relatively low, about CNY 80 for Jinci Temple, free for Shanxi Museum (reservation required), and about CNY 30 for Twin Pagoda Temple. Including transportation, food, and accommodation, the budget for three days is about CNY 1,500 - 2,000 per person.

⛱City Introduction: Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, boasts a long history and profound cultural heritage as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Blending ancient traditions with modern urban vibes, it’s the perfect destination to explore Jin culture. ⛱Must-Visit Attractions: 🏯Jinci Temple: A landmark of Taiyuan, renowned for its millennia-old history and rich cultural relics. Highlights include the Temple of the Marquis of Jin, the Holy Mother Hall, and the scenic source of Jin River. 🌳 🏮Chunyang Palace: A Taoist temple dedicated to Lü Dongbin, radiating mystical charm. Its exquisite murals and carvings make it a treasure trove for Taoist culture studies. 🎋 🌊Fen River Scenic Area: The "Mother River" of Shanxi, this riverside park offers leisure, music fountains, and themed gardens—a delightful escape for locals and visitors alike. 🚶‍♂ 🏰Taiyuan Ancient County Town: Well-preserved ancient walls and streets exuding timeless charm, standing as a testament to the city’s history. 🏘 🌅Jinyang Lake: Taiyuan’s largest urban lake, with breathtaking sunset views over its vast waters. 🌄 🍜Food Guide: 1⃣Shanxi Daoxiao Noodles: Famous for their hand-shaved texture. Try them at "Lao Doufu Daoxiao Noodles." 🍜 2⃣Taiyuan Lamb Paomo: A local specialty—tender lamb stew with soaked flatbread. 🐏 3⃣Grilled Cold Noodles: A crispy-yet-chewy street snack. Head to "Shuangta Temple Snack Street" for the best. 🥢 🏨Accommodation Tips: ①Shanxi Hotel: Central location, great value. ②Bingzhou Hotel: Near the train station, ideal for rail travelers. ③Taiyuan Wanda Realm Hotel: Luxurious stay in the business district. 💗Extra Tips: 1. Jinci Temple: ¥40/person, 8:00-18:00. Bus routes: No. 2, 804. 2. Chunyang Palace: ¥30/person, 9:00-17:00. Bus routes: No. 27, 865. 3. Fen River Scenic Area: Free, open 24/7. Bus routes: No. 105, 825. 4. Taiyuan Ancient County Town: ¥40/person, 8:30-18:00. Bus routes: No. 55, 838. 5. Jinyang Lake: Free, open 24/7. Bus routes: No. 804, 856.

🌟🌟Travel Route Day 1: Taiyuan Famous Food Street (Zhonglou Street Branch) → Liuxiang → Old Taiyuan Restaurant (Zhonglou Street Branch) Day 2: Long Tuan Zhai → Shanxi Museum → Donghu Vinegar Garden → Double Pagoda Temple → Taotao Noodle Restaurant (Wangfu Building Branch) → Taotao Noodle Restaurant (Victory Street Branch) → Tongle BBQ (Xinghualing Residential Area Branch) → Taotao Noodle Restaurant (Taoyuan Branch) → Maizi Oil-Splashed Noodles → Bingzhou Grand Restaurant (Bingzhou Road Branch) → Food Street (Mao'er Alley) Day 3: Jinjiang Inn (Taiyuan Liuxiang Fuxi Street Subway Station Branch) → Lao Liu Steamed Dumplings · Halal Restaurant → Little Western Paradise → Shanxi Yellow River Hukou Waterfall Tourist Area → Linfen → Bai Wa · Small Stewed Meat Noodles (Station Street Branch) Day 4: Xingchen Business Hotel (Linfen Chengchun Central Park Branch) → Pingyao Ancient City → Pingyao Ancient County Government Office → Tongxing Security Escort Agency → Rishengchang Exchange Shop → Ma Family Courtyard (Pingyao Ancient City) → Lao Zhao's Shanxi Copper Hot Pot BBQ (Ancient City Branch) Day 5: Yijingxuan Boutique Inn (Pingyao Ancient City County Government Branch) → Shuanglin Temple → Jinci Museum → Xiao Jian Zhan Skewers → Chunyang Palace → Xinzhou Ancient City → Xinzhou Ancient City Tang-Jin Style Iron Flower Show Day 6: Rongxin Courtyard (Xinzhou Ancient City Branch) → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda → Datong Ancient City → Huayan Temple → Shanhua Temple → Drum Tower Day 7: Doumian Laohao Liu Laolao (003 Branch) → Yungang Grottoes → Ten Thousand Buddha Cave (Cave No. 15) → Datong Coal Museum → Ren Ji Qi Zhong Knife-Cut Noodles (Main Branch) → Datong Fahua Temple → Nine Dragon Screen → Datong Ancient City Wall → Kaige Restaurant (Caochang City Branch) Day 8: Gaodu Boutique Hotel (Datong Ancient City Huayan Temple Branch) → Hanging Temple → Guanghua Temple → Mount Wutai Day 9: Wuye Temple → Great Manjusri Temple → Puhua Zen Temple → Dailuoding → Shuxiang Temple → Xiantong Temple → Guangren Temple → Shifang Hall Day 10: Mount Wutai Huayuan Pavilion Guesthouse → Foguang Temple 🧳Recommended places to visit: Yungang Grottoes Pingyao Ancient City Shanxi Yellow River Hukou Waterfall Tourist Area Jinci Museum Hanging Temple 💡Tips:

Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, boasts a rich history spanning over 2,500 years. Situated along the Fen River, this city is a significant cultural and economic hub in northern China. Taiyuan offers a blend of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, making it an intriguing destination for travelers. Getting There Taiyuan is easily accessible by air through Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, which connects to major Chinese cities. The city is also well-linked by high-speed trains to cities like Beijing and Xi'an. Once in Taiyuan, visitors can use taxis or buses to explore the city. 📍Address: Taiyuan is located in the heart of Shanxi Province, with its main attractions spread across the city and surrounding areas. Key sites include the Jinci Temple and the Shanxi Museum. 🏖️BAmbiance/Facilities: - Jinci Temple: A historic temple complex featuring ancient halls, pavilions, and pagodas, known for its blend of Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist influences. It includes the famous "three wonders" of the temple: a 3,000-year-old cypress tree, the Nanlao Spring, and painted clay figures of maidens in the Holy Mother Hall. - Shanxi Museum: Offers a comprehensive look at Shanxi's history and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts, including exhibits on Buddhism and local opera. - Twin Pagoda Temple (Shuangta Si): Known for its architectural interest and religious significance. - Mount Wutai: A sacred Buddhist site located nearby, famous for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. 💰Average Price per Person: - Meals: ¥20–¥50 (~$3–$7 USD) per meal at local restaurants. - Accommodation: ¥200–¥500 (~$30–$75 USD) per night for mid-range hotels. - Attractions: ¥20–¥50 (~$3–$7 USD) for most temples and museums. 💞Reasons to Recommend: 1. Cultural Heritage: Explore ancient temples like Jinci and learn about Shanxi's history at the Shanxi Museum. 2. Natural Beauty: Visit Mount Wutai for its stunning landscapes and Buddhist sites. 3. Historical Significance: Discover Taiyuan's role as a strategic military and economic center in northern China. Tips - Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather. - Use local transportation like buses or taxis to explore the city efficiently. - Respect local customs when visiting temples. Conclusion Taiyuan is a captivating city that combines historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, visiting museums, or enjoying the scenic views of Mount Wutai, Taiyuan promises an enriching experience for all visitors. #discoverchina #trip #travel #china

I've been to Taiyuan at least three times, and each time I discover new and fun places. During the recent Qingming Festival, we chose to visit Taiyuan again, among Taiyuan, Yi County, Xingtai, and Handan. This time, my brother wanted to see the Taiyuan Botanical Garden, which has an entry fee of 50 RMB. We explored a corner of the botanical garden and didn't see many impressive old trees. Also, Taiyuan's altitude is a bit higher, so the temperature wasn't quite right, and not many flowers were in bloom. As a result, there weren't many people wandering around the edges of the botanical garden. Most people were gathered in the three greenhouses and at the sightseeing elevator—where the 50 RMB experience is concentrated! In the hour before closing after sunset, the line for the sightseeing elevator was dozens of meters long. Personally, I didn't find it very amazing, and it was crowded. When buying tickets, we also got a combo ticket for a theater performance. Unexpectedly, the 10 RMB performance felt like it was worth 50 RMB. Qiqi kept excitedly shouting, "Wow, this is so wonderful! This is the first time I've seen a theater performance, it's so good..." This time, we also made impromptu visits to the Twin Pagoda Temple and Taiyuan Ancient County, a large park and a newly built ancient attraction. Both were very uncrowded! And this was during the Qingming holiday, when everyone goes out for spring outings! Yongzuo Temple, also known as Twin Pagoda Temple, has been expanded into the Twin Pagoda Park, which is free to enter. The Twin Pagoda Museum inside charges admission. Taiyuan Ancient County is very large, and you could easily spend a day there. Perhaps there are too many places to visit in Taiyuan, or maybe the newly built ancient county doesn't have much appeal, but there were very few visitors. Except for the main street, the alleys were empty and a bit deserted. We went there for the Jinyang Archaeological Museum, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The Jinyang Archaeological Museum is located near the north gate of the ancient county. The exhibition tells the 2,500-year history of Jinyang Ancient City (ancient Taiyuan). The exhibition is well-organized, and the 3D dome effect makes you feel like you're there. The staff in the exhibition hall were also very helpful. Knowing that we had originally planned to visit the Northern Qi Mural Museum but couldn't get a reservation, they said that no reservation was needed and we could enter on the spot. The curator there especially welcomes guests who come from afar. Well, time is limited, so we'll visit Taiyuan again next time. I've been to Taiyuan at least three times, and each time I go to different places. Based on the attractions I've visited, here's a simple Taiyuan travel guide: Attractions: 1. The Shanxi Museum, Shanxi Museum of Natural History, and China Coal Museum are not far from each other, but because there is a lot to see, you can plan for 2 days. 2. Jinci Temple, Taiyuan Botanical Garden, and Taiyuan Ancient County are relatively close to each other, all located in the southwest corner of Taiyuan, and you can plan for 2 days. 3. Twin Pagoda Park and Taiyuan Northern Qi Mural Museum are close to each other, and you can plan for 1 day. 4. Taiyuan Art Museum, Taiyuan Museum, Shanxi Science and Technology Museum, and the library are all next to each other, and you can plan for 1 day. In addition, the Jin Merchant Museum, Chunyang Palace, Stele Forest Park, Mengshan Scenic Area, Longshan Scenic Area, and Juweishan Mountain are on my list, and I'll visit them when I have the chance in the future. Accommodation: Accommodation is cheap. We almost always stay in the city center, and chain hotels are only a little over 100 RMB. I feel that it's very cost-effective for a provincial capital city. Travel Time: It takes about 3 hours to drive from Shijiazhuang to Taiyuan, and about 2 hours by train. It's a distance that can be covered in a two-day weekend trip. The above is for your reference.

I visited Yongzuo Temple, also known as Shuangta Temple. Built in 1599, it is an important cultural heritage and the only brick-built temple in the country. It is famous as China's Twin Towers, and you can also enter the towers. The peonies are said to be beautiful, but in early March, the trees were bare. I would like to come again in a better season. The back of the ticket was a cute postcard. You can purchase it by showing your passport. It is also close to the high-speed rail station.

#ancienttownvibes Twin Pagoda Temple, located in Shanxi Province, is a stunning architectural marvel that captivates visitors with its intricate design and historical significance. Known for its two towering pagodas that rise gracefully against the skyline, the temple complex showcases exquisite craftsmanship, featuring detailed carvings and vibrant murals that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. As you wander through the serene grounds, the peaceful ambiance invites moments of reflection and appreciation for the artistry of ancient builders. Climbing to the top of the pagodas offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, providing a unique perspective on the beauty of Shanxi’s natural scenery. The temple is not just a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that tells the story of the area’s history and traditions. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to enjoy a tranquil escape, Twin Pagoda Temple is a must-visit destination that leaves a lasting impression.

The Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan, also known as the Twin Pagodas of Yongzuo Temple, are a landmark of Taiyuan. How can you not come to visit? I took a taxi directly to the west gate of Twin Pagoda Park. The park is built in an ancient style, with pavilions and terraces, and ancient buildings, which left a deep impression on me. It is free of charge, which is typical of the people of Shanxi. I give it a thumbs up. The brand-new building complex blends perfectly with the ancient temple, without any sense of incongruity. I think that in the spring, when the water flows, it will be another beautiful scene. I walked around the wall of Yongzhou Temple to its north gate, which is also the main gate of Yongzhou Temple. After entering, I first came to the mountain gate, where there is a broken-armed lion. The story goes: during the Republic of China, this place was occupied by Japanese invaders. A Japanese officer dreamed of being chased by these two lions, so he cut off the legs of the two lions. He was so frightened that he died suddenly, and the Japanese army withdrew from the temple. When I walked into the courtyard, I saw the famous peony flowers, the peony fairy, and the peony of the Ming Dynasty, but it was not the flowering season. Normally, peony flowers only last for decades, but not for a hundred years. This one is several hundred years old, which is extremely rare. Unfortunately, it is not spring, so I did not get to see its gentle and luxurious beauty. It is one of the treasures of Yongzuo Temple. In the Mahavira Hall, there are three Buddha statues enshrined inside, and the building is beamless, which reminds me of the beamless hall in Nanjing. I climbed up the low city wall and saw the Buddha enshrined on the second floor. In addition to the Mahavira Hall, I kept going forward, and on the right side is a place called Baoxian Hall, where there are famous calligraphy works. I lack appreciation, so I just passed by in a hurry, which was a bit hasty. On the east side, there are the famous Twin Pagodas, the Sarira Pagoda and the Wenfeng Pagoda. The Sarira Pagoda is currently open to the public. I went up to the second floor and came down. The stone steps can only accommodate one person. These two pagodas were built during the Ming Dynasty. The Wenfeng Island and the Sarira Pagoda each have 8 corners and 13 floors, with blue glazed pagoda eaves, which give a strong sense of historical vicissitudes. The Wenfeng Pagoda was the first to be built because the terrain in the southeast of Taiyuan was low, which was not conducive to the emergence of literary talents, so this high pagoda was built. It is not open to the public now. I took pictures of the pagodas from different angles. I heard that the most beautiful time is at sunset. I think there is no need to wait for the sunset, as they are beautiful, and their historical posture is the most unforgettable.

The construction of the Taiyuan Twin Towers began in the 27th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1599). However, the Taiyuan Twin Towers were not built at the same time. The first tower to be built was the East Tower, the Wenfeng Tower. Although the two towers were built at different times, they are both octagonal 13-story pavilion-style brick towers. The tower surfaces imitate wooden structures, with bricks carved into brackets, arches and eaves rafters. There are stairs inside the towers that lead to the top. The two tall towers are located in the same temple. From the architectural features, the East Tower and the West Tower have the same era characteristics. The structure and shape of the brackets, and the cutting and polishing of the eaves, rafters, columns and beams are all similar. Although the two towers are of the same height, similar appearance and made of the same material, their functions are completely different and their shapes and decorations are also slightly different. The East Tower, also known as Wenfeng Tower, is 54.3 meters high and has a side length of 4.36 meters at the bottom. The eaves of the tower are all made of blue bricks carved into hook and drip patterns, which are simple and solemn, showing the vicissitudes of time and the weight of history. The tower body tapers layer by layer, with soft and smooth curves, showing a unique rhythmic beauty. The top of the tower is made of blue bricks in an octagonal spire style, and the base is made of octagonal iron. The three sections of the treasure gourd on the base are shining brightly, and the top two sections are made of copper, which makes it more noble and elegant. The West Pagoda, also known as the Xuanwen Pagoda, is 54.78 meters high and has a side length of 4.16 meters at the bottom. The eaves of the tower are decorated with turquoise colored glaze edges, forming a sharp contrast with the East Tower. The tower is larger at the bottom and smaller at the top, with a distinct taper, making it appear taller and more handsome. In the center of the tower top there is a waisted Sumeru pedestal and a stupa seat, with a copper lotus platform and precious beads placed on top as embellishment, adding a bit of sacredness and solemnity.

Twin Pagoda Temple, Taiyuan: Twin Pagodas of Lingxiao Reflecting Shanxi, Ancient Charm and Modern Style Introduction Twin Pagoda Temple, Taiyuan, originally named Yongzuo Temple, is located in the southeast of Taiyuan City. It was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty and is famous for its twin pagodas, which are a landmark of Taiyuan. The twin pagodas are both octagonal, thirteen-story brick pagodas with a beautiful shape, like twin sisters. The Wenfeng Pagoda is 54.76 meters high and is a feng shui pagoda, intended to revitalize the literary style; the Xuanwen Pagoda is 54.78 meters high and has a ladder inside that can be climbed. From the top of the pagoda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Taiyuan City. The temple also preserves many steles, among which the "Baoxian Hall Collection of Ancient Calligraphy" and the "Ancient Baoxian Hall Calligraphy" are treasures of calligraphy art, providing valuable materials for the study of ancient calligraphy. At the same time, the peonies in the temple are famous for their variety. From late April to early May, the peonies are in full bloom, complementing the ancient buildings and attracting many tourists. Travel Guide Opening Hours and Tickets The opening hours are generally from 08:30 to 17:00. The ticket price is affordable and can be purchased on the official WeChat account or on-site. It is recommended to check online in advance for any special events or closure notices. Transportation There are several bus routes to the Twin Pagoda Temple Station. If you choose to drive, there is a parking lot around the temple, but parking spaces may be tight during holidays. Tour Route Enter through the mountain gate, and the first thing you will see is the brick carving screen wall from the Ming Dynasty, with exquisite patterns. Walk to the Mahavira Hall and feel the ancient and solemn architectural style. Then go to the twin pagodas to admire their unique structure up close. You can climb the pagoda (pay attention to the opening hours and safety). Next, visit the stele gallery and appreciate the charm of calligraphy. Finally, stroll through the peony garden. If the flowers are in full bloom, you can be intoxicated by the colorful flowers. Local Food After the tour, you can taste the local specialties of Taiyuan nearby. For example, "Tou Nao," a nourishing snack made from astragalus and stewed noodles, has a unique taste; and "Guo You Rou," tender meat slices with black fungus and garlic sprouts, is delicious and appetizing.

The Twin Pagodas Park is free, but you need to buy a ticket to see the Xuanwen and Wenfeng twin towers hidden in the Yongzuo Temple. It is convenient to buy tickets at the park entrance. You just need to walk up the steps to the entrance of the Twin Towers Museum and scan the code (Figure 2) to buy tickets - you need to enter a lot of information. Yongzuo Temple consists of three courtyards, each with its own unique features. The first courtyard is called Ruyi Gate, and on the gate there are four characters "Jiyuan Shengjing" written by the then Yangqu County prefect. The second courtyard is the peony garden. Peony is a flower species unique to my country, and Yongzuo Temple provides a unique environment for the reproduction and growth of peonies. The peony gardens in Yongzuo Temple cover an area of ​​more than 30 mu, with more than 4,000 plants and more than 80 varieties. At the turn of spring and summer, the old branches in the temple stand tall and straight, and new flowers bloom, making the whole temple gorgeous and colorful - these are what I saw when I went there in winter. Introduction [Grin] The third gate of the temple was built in the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927 AD), and the four characters "Yongzuo Zen Forest" are inscribed on the gate. The two towers are shaped like twin sisters, and you can see the difference if you look closely. The outline of the Wenfeng Pagoda does not have a distinct taper, and the top of the pagoda is a stone "gourd-shaped" top. The body of the Xuanwen Pagoda has a distinct taper, and the pagoda top is made of copper and iron in the shape of a vase. Between the brackets of the first layer of the tower, "Amitabha" is engraved. The font is like a ribbon, beautiful and symmetrical, which is truly ingenious. You can climb up the Xuanwen Tower - for free, which is really rare. The stairs get narrower and steeper as you go up. When you reach the top, you can see the Wenfeng Tower. You can take a picture of it by kneeling down and stretching your hand. [Grin]

Shuangta Temple Park is located in the southeast of Taiyuan City. It is the famous Shuangta Temple of Shanxi, originally named Yongzuo Temple, located at the foot of Xiang Mountain, south of Haozhuang Village, about 4 km from the city center. The park is full of green trees, red walls, pagodas, Buddhist halls, steles, flowers, and pines and cypresses. The temple is built on the mountain, facing north, and consists of three parts: the front courtyard, the back courtyard, and the pagoda courtyard, covering a total area of 30,000 square meters. The pagoda courtyard has two pagodas, a hall, and a back hall. The back courtyard has the Mahavira Hall, the Three Saints Pavilion, the Hall of the Abbot, and other buildings. The Mahavira Hall and the east and west halls are all built in the style of the Wuliang Hall, with blue bricks carved in imitation of wooden structures. If you like this kind of architecture, you can visit it when you come to Taiyuan.

There are very few ancient pagodas that you can climb to the top of, so it's very lucky that you can climb to the top of the south pagoda at Yongzuo Temple. It's really amazing. On the one hand, you can admire the exquisite ancient architecture, and on the other hand, the steep stairs are really challenging. —— Yongzuo Temple in Taiyuan, Shanxi is commonly known as "Shuangta Temple." The temple and pagoda are said to have been built in the 25th year of the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty. The twin pagodas and Mahavira Hall are interesting examples for the study of architectural history. Both pagodas have eaves supported by brackets, which are quite complex. Each bracket has two rows of horizontal brackets, one row at the end of the bracket, as is usual for brackets, but there is another row of horizontal brackets above the bracket eye, which is something I've never seen before. The Mahavira Hall and its east and west side halls are all built of brick, and their structure is a new style that emerged after the mid-Ming dynasty. ——Excerpt from "A History of Chinese Architecture" by Liang Sicheng

Taiyuan, Shanxi Province not only has the ancient city of Pingyao, but also the thousand-year-old temple Shuangta Temple. The beauty of the twin towers is natural and unadorned. Looking from afar, the south and north pagodas, one in the south and one in the north, have been facing each other for thousands of years, while maintaining a perfect sense of distance. They are like the hands of an old man of history, gently holding up the history and culture of Taiyuan. These two pagodas have withstood thousands of years of wind, frost, rain and snow, witnessing the changes and development of this city and becoming a unique symbol of this city. And they are very much like each of us, with their own splendor and value, living out infinite possibilities in a limited life. If you also want to experience the unique charm here, remember to make an appointment in advance!

The Twin Towers of Yongzuo Temple, also known as Lingxiao Twin Towers, are located in Yongzuo Temple, Yingze District, Taiyuan City. They are the tallest ancient buildings in Taiyuan. The two towers are like twin sisters, one is the "Wenfeng Tower" built first, and the other is the "Relic Tower" built later. The twin towers are majestic and beautiful, and are the best twin towers in China. There is also an ancient peony "Zixiaxian" in Yongzuo Temple, which is the only Ming Dynasty peony and the oldest temple peony found in China so far. The inscriptions and cultural relics in the temple are particularly rich. When traveling to Taiyuan, you must visit Yongzuo Temple and not miss the scenery of Lingxiao Twin Towers!

Shuangta Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, is a famous Buddhist temple located in Haozhuang Village, Haozhuang Town, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. It was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620) and is named after the two towering ancient pagodas in the temple. It is known as the "Jinyang Wonder" and is a landmark building in Taiyuan. Shuangta Temple is built on a mountain, facing north, and consists of a temple, a pagoda courtyard, and a stele gallery courtyard. The main buildings of the temple include the mountain gate, the east and west wing rooms of the front courtyard, the second gate, the third gate, and the Daxiong Hall, the Zen Hall, and the Abbot's Room in the back courtyard. The pagoda courtyard has two pagodas, a hall, and a back hall. The Daxiong Hall is two stories high and rectangular in shape, with five rooms on the lower floor. Inside the hall, there are statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Medicine Buddha. The upper floor is the Three Saints Hall, originally named Guanyin Pavilion, with three rooms. The brick carvings on the ceiling are ingeniously and beautifully designed. The exterior of the hall imitates wooden structures, with brick columns, beams, brackets, and eaves, and the eaves are relatively short. The interior of the hall is entirely made of brick arches, without beams, so it is also called the Beamless Hall. The twin pagodas of Shuangta Temple are its core attraction. Both pagodas are octagonal and have 13 stories, about 54.7 meters high, and are built in a brick pavilion style, imitating wooden structures. The two pagodas are 60 meters apart, resembling twin sisters, and complement each other. The west pagoda (Wenfeng Pagoda) was built slightly earlier than the east pagoda (Relic Pagoda), and they each have their own unique styles and decorations, showcasing the artistic style of brick architecture in the Ming Dynasty. In addition to its architectural art, Shuangta Temple is also known for its rich cultural connotations. The temple houses more than 260 steles by famous calligraphers from various dynasties, including the "Baoxian Hall Collection of Ancient Calligraphy" from the Ming Dynasty and the "Ancient Baoxian Hall Calligraphy" from the Qing Dynasty. The temple also has over 6,000 peony plants, including the "Zixiaxian" peony from the Ming Dynasty, which is extremely precious. Shuangta Temple is not only a religious sanctuary but also an important place for studying Ming Dynasty architecture and calligraphy. It attracts a large number of tourists and scholars every year. On May 25, 2006, Yongzuo Temple was announced as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

📍 Shuangta Park is located in Yingze District, Taiyuan. The park is free to enter, but you need to buy a ticket to visit Yongzuo Temple. 👉Yongzuo Temple, also known as Shuangta Temple, is a national key cultural relic protection unit. It was built during the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty. The Twin Towers Soaring into the Sky is one of the eight ancient scenic spots of Taiyuan. It is now the Taiyuan Shuangta Museum. 🌟The temple consists of two parts: the pagoda courtyard and the temple. 🌟The pagoda courtyard has two existing pagodas: Wenfeng Pagoda and Xuanwen Pagoda. The twin pagodas are made of brick and imitate wooden structures. 📍The east pagoda is Wenfeng Pagoda, built in the 27th year of the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty. It is a product of Taoist culture and was built to make up for the lack of feng shui at that time. 📍The west pagoda is a Buddhist stupa, built in the 39th year of the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty. The center of the pagoda is hollow, and the stairs are between the outer and inner walls. You can climb up the stairs, which are narrow and dimly lit, but easy to climb. You can only climb up to the 11th floor. Each floor of the pagoda has four doors leading to the eaves, where you can enjoy the distant view. Climbing the pagoda is free. 🌟The temple has existing buildings such as the Mahavira Hall, the Three Saints Pavilion, the Peony Garden, and the Baoxian Hall. 📍The Mahavira Hall is two stories high. The lower floor has five rooms and is made of brick and imitates wooden structures. It has no beams and is also called the Beamless Hall. The second floor is the Three Saints Pavilion with three rooms, which was previously called the Guanyin Hall. 📍The garden has a peony from the Ming dynasty called Zixiaxian, which is over 400 years old. Its trunk is old, its branches and leaves are lush, its flowers are numerous, its petals are large, and its fragrance is strong and purple. It is called Zixiaxian, which is a very beautiful name. Unfortunately, I did not visit during the blooming season. The staff said that the peonies bloom here around early May every year. 📍In Baoxian Hall, you can admire the calligraphy of many masters, such as Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, Huang Tingjian, Wang Xianzhi, and Zhao Mengfu. 📍Address: No. 8, Shuangta South Lane, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 🎫Tickets: Peak season: CNY 30 (April 1–October 31) Off-peak season: CNY 20 (November 1–March 31) 🕐Opening hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm 🚗Transportation: Take bus 820 to the intersection of Shuangta North Road and Yongzuo West Street, or bus 812 to the intersection of Shuangta South Road and Shuangta North Lane. If you drive, you can park in the underground parking lot of Shuangta Temple for CNY 10 per time. If you take a taxi, set the destination to "Shuangta Temple North Gate."

Shuangta Temple in Taiyuan, originally known as Yongzuo Temple, is a landmark building in Taiyuan and the main pattern on the emblem of Taiyuan. It is located in the southeast of Taiyuan, about 4 kilometers from the city center, at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain, south of Haozhuang Village. Shuangta Temple was built in the middle of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1597-1602). There are two tall towers in the temple, so it is commonly known as Shuangta Temple. Here is a detailed travel guide: Address and Transportation: Address: Southeast of Taiyuan, at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain, south of Haozhuang Village. Opening hours: 08:30-17:30 (entry stops at 17:30). Transportation: Take bus No. 812, 820, or 873 and get off at Shuangta Temple Station. If you drive by yourself, you can drive along Jianshe South Road to Chaoyang Street, turn right and drive south along Shuangta South Road, turn left at the intersection and drive along Yongzuo Temple Road to Shuangta Temple. Recommended Tour Route: 1. Enter from the north gate and visit the Peony Garden first. 2. Then you can see the Broken Arm Lion and then go to the Daxiong Hall. 3. Daxiong Hall is a brick imitation wooden building, without any wood, all made of bricks, it is worth seeing. 4. Then you can climb Xuanwen Tower (East Tower), the tower is 13 stories high, you can climb the tower to visit, but the stairs are narrow, please pay attention to safety. 5. Wenfeng Tower (West Tower) is currently not open for climbing, only for external viewing. 6. Visit Baoxian Hall and the Stele Gallery, where there are about 260 stone carvings, including famous calligraphy works such as Su Shi's "Chibi Huai Gu". Tickets and Precautions: Tickets: Adult tickets are CNY 30, student tickets are half price with a student ID card, and need to be booked in advance. Opening hours: Summer 8:00-19:30, winter 8:30-17:30. Precautions: Tickets may need to be booked in advance on holidays to avoid queuing on site. Wear comfortable shoes, because there are some slopes and steps in the temple, especially for visitors who plan to climb the top of the pagoda, try to wear non-slip shoes. Featured Experience: There are hundreds of years of "Ming Dynasty Peony" in Shuangta Temple, named "Zixia Xian". Every year at the turn of spring and summer, about 20 days before and after the beginning of summer, the peony in the ancient temple Shuangta Temple is in full bloom, the entire Fan Temple is gorgeous and brilliant, and the fragrance is overflowing. Standing on the top of the tower, you can overlook the scenery of the whole city of Taiyuan and experience the spectacular "Lingxiao Twin Towers". Nearby Attractions: Taiyuan Botanical Garden: The architecture is peculiar, it is a must-visit internet celebrity attraction in Taiyuan, and the night view is super beautiful. Shanxi Museum: The first batch of national first-class museums, rich cultural relics, understand the 5,000-year history of civilization in Sanjin. Jin Merchant Museum: The original site of the Shanxi Governor's Mansion, understand the culture of Jin merchants, and witness the prosperity of the Jin merchants' legend for more than 500 years. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Shuangta Temple in Taiyuan!

When you come to Taiyuan, Shanxi, you must visit this small but very characteristic Ming Dynasty ancient temple! The three unique features of the temple will open your eyes, and look, isn't it super photogenic! This is a temple built in the Ming Dynasty, called Yongzuo Temple, because of the two ancient Ming Dynasty towers in the temple, it is also called Shuangta Temple! Shuangta Temple has three unique features. The first one is these two twin towers, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, with a difference of 9 years in between! They are Wenfeng Tower and Xuanwen Tower, 54 meters high, brick hollow towers, and you can also climb to the top of the tower! In the game Black Myth: Wukong, these two pagodas are also filming locations! The second unique feature is the only peony flower named Zixiaxian planted in the temple during the Ming Dynasty in China. It blooms in April and May, and the temple is full of flowers! The third unique feature is the beamless hall. The Daxiong Hall building does not have a beam to support it, which is really ingenious! How about it, friends, if you come to Taiyuan for a trip, do you want to come here to check in and take photos?

The historical evolution and inheritance of "Baoxiantang Collection of Ancient Dharma Tie": The "Baoxian Tang Ji Ancient Dharma Tie", which occupies an important position in the history of Chinese Tie studies, is the only Ming Dynasty Tie that retains the original stone in the country and is now in Yongzuo Temple, Taiyuan. The birth of this royal masterpiece is closely related to the strict vassal system of the Ming Dynasty and the background of the vassal government keeping a low profile and seeking self-protection. 1. Selection and engraving stage: In the autumn of the second year of Hongzhi in the Ming Dynasty (1489), Zhu Qiyuan, the prince of Jin Dynasty, selected the "Chunhua Tie", "Jiang Tie", "Daguan Taiqing Lou Tie" and "Baojinzhai" in his collection. In the Yangde Academy of the Jin Dynasty, the selected contents were engraved on 180 stones (162 were eventually preserved). In the ninth year of Hongzhi (1496), after seven years of hard work, the stone publication was completed. 2. Turbulence and loss stage: During the revolution between the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the last King of Jin was killed. A large number of rare ancient books accumulated by the Jin Palace over the years flowed into the public, and most of them were destroyed and burned. In the 13th year of Shunzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1655), Bai Rumei, the governor of Shanxi, ordered people to search for the remains of the Jin Dynasty's dharma calligraphy. In the 16th year of Shunzhi (1659), Zong Yi, the prefect of Taiyuan, built the Baoxian Pavilion in the back garden of Taiyuan Prefecture and stored the found scraps in it. 3. Re-engraving and migration stage: In the 19th year of Kangxi's reign, Fu Shan and others found rubbings from the old collection, found someone to copy and engrave, and made up for the missing fifty-three pieces. In the 20th year of Kangxi's reign, the stone carvings were moved to Sanli Academy (Jinyang Academy) in Houjiaxiang. In the fifty-fifth year of Kangxi (1716), Li Qingyao, the prefect of Taiyuan, continued to engrave the "Baoxiantang Dharma Post", a total of forty-eight pieces, imitating Chu Suiliang of the Tang Dynasty, Su Dongpo of the Song Dynasty, Huang Tingjian, Zhao Mengfu, Zhu Xi, Tang Yin of the Ming Dynasty, Wen Zhengming And calligraphy works by famous artists such as Dong Qichang, Wang Duo and Fu Shan in the early Qing Dynasty. In the fifty-seventh year of Kangxi's reign, the engraving was completed. In the twenty-seventh year of Qianlong's reign (1762), three more stones were engraved on Su Shi's "Ci of the Great Jiangdong". 4. Modern changes and protection stages: During the Guangxu period, Jinyang Academy (formerly "Sanli Academy") was occupied by the Patrol Road Department, and no one cared about the Buddhist scriptures. During the Taiyuan Uprising in the Revolution of 1911, the big and small fatem moved to the backyard of the Shanxi Office. In the sixth year of the Republic of China (1917), two sets of Buddhist scriptures were successively moved from Jinyang Academy to Fu Gong Temple in Dongjihuying. In November 1920, a Japanese Buddhist delegation came to Fu Gong Temple and made six rubbings. In 1951, Zheng Yufu liked to collect ancient books and tablets, so he added additional stone carvings and added the "Preface to the Baoxian Tang Collection of Ancient Dharma Calligraphy" written by him. In 1980, two additional rubbings were engraved according to the original rubbings; in the same year, these dharma stickers, which had gone through many twists and turns and experienced extraordinary experiences, were all moved to Yongzuo Temple, a place of humanity. In 2017, another 6 pieces were engraved. Summarize: "Baoxiantang Collection of Ancient Dharma Calligraphy" has its historical evolution from the selection and engraving during the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty, to the loss after the Ming and Qing Dynasties revolution and turmoil, to the supplementary and additional engravings during the Kangxi and Qianlong years, to the changes and protection in modern times. and inheritance are full of twists and turns and hardships. But it is these experiences that make this Dharma calligraphy occupy an important position in the history of Chinese calligraphy and become the only Ming Dynasty calligrapher in the country that retains its original stone. Today, it lies quietly in Yongzuo Temple in Taiyuan, showing its unique artistic charm and historical value to the world.

Address: Haozhuang Village, Haozhuang Town, Yingze District, Taiyuan City. Yongzuo Temple is built on the mountain, facing south and north, and is composed of the temple, the pagoda courtyard, and the stele corridor. The main buildings of the temple include the mountain gate, the east and west wing rooms of the front yard, the second gate, the third gate, and the main hall, Zen hall, and abbot's room in the backyard. The peonies in Yongzuo Temple include more than 40 precious varieties such as Yao Huang, Wei Zi, Zhao Fen, Dou Lu, Zhuang Yuan Hong, Qinglong Womo Chi, Bi Xue Dan Sha, etc. What is more valuable is that there are 7 peonies from the Ming Dynasty, named Zixia Xian, also known as Ziyun Xian.

Enjoy the night view of the Twin Pagoda Temple in Taiyuan. After visiting Jinci, return to the hotel for lunch and rest. If you have enough time and energy, visit the Twin Pagoda Park in the evening and see the famous Yongzuo Temple Twin Pagoda. At night, the pagoda is reflected in the water, creating a unique atmosphere. Legend has it that there was a fierce dragon in the Heilongtan in the northwest of Taiyuan, which caused plague and harmed the people. Later, it was suppressed by the Bodhisattva under the Twin Pagoda Temple. The fierce dragon had a son, the little black dragon, who was also not a good thing. After the old black dragon was suppressed, he always wanted to save him. One night, the little black dragon came to the Twin Pagoda Temple and felt that he could definitely overturn the two brick pagodas, so he rushed to the Xuanwen Buddha Pagoda in the northeast.

Yongzuo Temple, commonly known as Shuangta Temple among the people, is located in Haozhuang Village, Haozhuang Town, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. It was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620), with a construction area of 120,000 square meters. Yongzuo Temple is built against the mountain, facing south to north, and consists of the temple, the pagoda courtyard, and the stele gallery courtyard. The main buildings of the temple include the mountain gate, the east and west wing rooms of the front courtyard, the second gate, the third gate, and the Mahavira Hall, the meditation hall, and the abbot's room in the back courtyard. The pagoda courtyard currently has twin pagodas, a passage hall, and a rear hall. The Mahavira Hall is two stories high and rectangular in plan. The lower level has five bays, with statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Medicine Buddha enshrined inside. The upper level is the Three Saints Hall, originally named Guanyin Pavilion, with three bays, the central bay having a square dome, and the two side bays having two horizontal arches; the central bay's ceiling features a brick-carved caisson. The exterior of the hall imitates wooden structures, with brick columns, beams, dougong brackets, rafters, and eaves, with relatively short eaves; the interior is entirely made of brick arches without beams, hence it is also called the Beamless Hall. The side halls on both sides of the Mahavira Hall are single-story with five bays, and their structure and appearance are similar to the Mahavira Hall.

🔔Introduction: The Twin Pagoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, features two pagodas 60 meters apart, each with 13 stories, making them the tallest ancient buildings in Taiyuan and a symbol of the city. ---- 📷Tour Guide: ✅Ticket price is 30 yuan, no reservation needed. ✅Only the north gate is open, navigate to "Twin Pagoda Temple North Gate". ✅Opening hours: 8:30-17:30. ✅Recommended visiting time: 1-2 hours. ✅Suggested tour route: North Gate➡️Peony Garden➡️Broken Arm Lion➡️Mahavira Hall➡️Xuanwen Pagoda (climbable)➡️Wenfeng Pagoda (not climbable)➡️Baoxian Hall➡️Stele Corridor➡️North Gate. ✅Mahavira Hall: Five bays wide, with a double-eaved pavilion style, the columns, eaves, dougong, pendant flowers, and decorations are all carved from blue bricks. The hall has an arch ceiling and was built without a single nail or piece of wood, a typical Ming Dynasty beamless structure. ✅Lingxiao Twin Pagodas: The east pagoda is Wenfeng Pagoda, and the west is Xuanwen Pagoda, both are octagonal thirteen-story hollow brick towers with brick carved dougong decorations and glazed ridge beasts on the eaves. Xuanwen Pagoda is open for climbing. The staircase is very narrow, spiraling upwards, and the same staircase is used for both ascending and descending, so be mindful of giving way to others. The lighting inside the pagoda is not very good, and there are small windows on all four sides at the top. One must crawl to the window to see outside; one side offers a view of Wenfeng Pagoda, while the other three sides have no particular view. ✅Stele Corridor: About 260 stone inscriptions, among which Su Shi's 'Chibi Nostalgia' is the most famous. ---- 📍Address: Haozhuang Village, Haozhuang Town, Yingze District, Taiyuan City. ---- 🚗Transportation: Take bus No. 23, get off at the intersection of Shuangta North Road and Yongzuo West Street.

There is an ancient temple in Taiyuan, but the Ming Dynasty twin pagodas within it serve as the landmark building of Taiyuan City. They are the pride of Taiyuan and also the pride of ancient Chinese architecture! Ancient Temple Introduction📖: The Twin Pagoda Temple, originally named 'Yongzuo Temple', is a famous temple in Shanxi known as the 'Twin Pagoda of Wenbi', and is also acclaimed as the 'Jinyang Spectacle'. The Twin Pagodas of Yongzuo Temple, originally named Xuanwen Pagoda, were named to commemorate the 'merit' of Empress Dowager Xuanwen's financial support for their construction. They were built in the 40th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (AD 1612). Located at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain, about 4 kilometers from the city center of Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, in the south of Haozhuang Village. The twin pagodas were not built at the same time; the southeast pagoda was built slightly earlier than the northwest one. The two pagodas are 60 meters apart, symbolizing the 'perfection and infinity' of the Esoteric Buddhism's use of the number sixteen. Both pagodas are entirely made of brick and stone, with a single wooden bracket installed inside the eaves at each level, demonstrating exquisite construction skills. Both pagodas have 13 stories and are over 54 meters high, ranking first among all twin pagodas in China. The two pagodas stand opposite each other, north and south, side by side, maintaining a unified style while each has its own artistic characteristics. During the Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng, who led the peasant uprising, captured Taiyuan and visited the Twin Pagoda Temple, leaving behind the famous verse: 'The two pagodas of Haozhuang pierce the sky. Even if they cannot pierce through, just add a couple more bricks.' The towering and elegant twin pagodas are the best of their kind in China. They are now a national key cultural relics protection unit. Xuanwen Pagoda📙: The Xuanwen Pagoda was initially built in the 36th year of the Wanli era (1608) of the Ming Dynasty. It was expanded by the invitation of Zhu Minchun, the Prince of Jin, to the national master and high monk Miaofeng from Mount Wutai. The Xuanwen Pagoda is 54.78 meters high, with 13 stories and an octagonal plane. The pagoda spire is made of copper and iron, forming a treasure bottle top, a typical example of a hollow brick pagoda in the style of a pavilion. The outline of the Xuanwen Pagoda is streamlined, with a clear tapering above the seventh floor, and it is decorated with glazed tile edges, majestic and magnificent. The bottom floor of the pagoda has a pagoda door, and there are stairs inside the pagoda that spiral upwards. Wenfeng Pagoda📙: It was built in the 27th year of the Wanli era (1599) of the Ming Dynasty. It is a geomantic pagoda constructed by a group of scholars led by Fu Lin to supplement the insufficient 'literary fortune' of Taiyuan. The Wenfeng Pagoda is 54.76 meters high, with 13 stories and an octagonal plane. It is a typical example of a hollow brick pagoda in the style of a pavilion. The outline of the Wenfeng Pagoda is straight, without obvious tapering, and the pagoda body is constructed with uniformly colored blue bricks, finely ground and jointed, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship, simple and elegant. Little tips flash: The ticket🎫 is 30 yuan. The temple is not large, and it consists of ancient buildings from the Ming Dynasty. The highlights are the two ancient Ming Dynasty pagodas, one of which can be climbed, and the other cannot. Be aware that the stairs are narrow and can only accommodate one person at a time. Inside the temple, there are also stone stele exhibitions from the Ming Dynasty, which calligraphy enthusiasts might find worth visiting.

This must be the Twin Pagoda Temple you have never seen before. The king of ancient architecture, Shanxi, with its capital Taiyuan, has an ever-lasting city landmark: Yongzuo Twin Pagoda Temple, one of the rare Ming Dynasty twin pagodas in the country, standing side by side, overlooking the clouds. The scenic area will also present a garden landscaping effect of 'fragrant flowers in all four seasons, a different sky every five steps'. Peonies in May, chrysanthemums in November. And it strives to create the beauty of 'flowers and snow in the wind' with 'pear, apricot, peach, and cherry blossoms in spring, lotus leaves and flowers swaying in summer, ginkgo, goldenrain trees, white wax trees, maple leaves, and bright chrysanthemums in autumn, and the strong fragrance of pine waves and snow-covered plum blossoms in winter'. In addition to the core scenic area of the Twin Pagodas soaring into the sky, Twin Pagoda Park also plans to have more than 20 attractions and areas, including the National Studies Museum, Calligraphy and Painting Academy, Martyrs' Memorial Hall, Red Education Theme Memorial Area, Taiyuan Liberation Martyrs' Memorial Area, Children's Activity Area, Sports and Fitness Fields, Cascading Waterfalls, Xiaoyin Mountain House, etc. With the completion of Twin Pagoda Park, Yongzuo Temple, Baiyun Temple, Wangjiafeng Northern Qi Tomb Cluster, and other attractions will be connected, echoing the Jinci Scenic Area in the southwest, becoming Taiyuan's 'iconic' scenic area with historical and cultural charm.

🌟 When it comes to ancient capitals, you might think of Xi'an or Luoyang, but there is also Taiyuan, which is as famous as Luoyang and Xi'an, known as the 'Three Capitals'. This low-key and restrained provincial capital city is full of endless years and stories. 🏰 Taiyuan is so understated that it seems non-existent, but it actually has a history of over 4700 years, a city-building history of 2500 years, and 19 emperors, no wonder it is called the 'Dragon City', a truly fitting name for the land where the dragon thrives! 🏭 It is also one of China's earliest industrial cities and has now transformed into the 'Number One Park City of the North'. Mountains, hot springs, rivers, forests, beautiful scenery is everywhere! 🌟Must-visit attractions in Taiyuan 1⃣ Ancient Taiyuan City 🏯 In the ancient Taiyuan City, many historical buildings are preserved, and historical traces can be seen everywhere. Many tourists dressed in ancient costumes give an instant feeling of time travel. It is also the filming location for the movie 'Man Jiang Hong'. 2⃣ Jinci 🏞 A royal sacrificial garden, even older than the Forbidden City! The architectural style ranges from the Song Dynasty to the Republic of China. Walking through it, you can feel the profound historical vicissitudes. 3⃣ Yongzuo Temple 🏯 This is Taiyuan's iconic building, with two opposing towers that let you know this is Taiyuan at a glance. Standing on the top of the tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the whole city! 4⃣ Bujisi 🌿 A representative of Jin Dynasty architecture, although it has been renovated many times, you can still experience the architectural style of the Jin Dynasty! 5⃣ Mengshan Giant Buddha 🙏 The Mengshan Giant Buddha has been watching over this land for more than 1500 years and is the largest cliff Buddha of China's Northern Dynasties! 6⃣ Tianlongshan Grottoes 🗿 Once an imperial summer palace, the grottoes have been crafted through several dynasties, with a large number of statues, reliefs, and other cultural relics. However, they were sadly stolen by Japan, and the existing grottoes, although damaged, still witness the historical vicissitudes. 7⃣ Bell Tower Street 🏘 A blend of retro and modern, with green-gray Western buildings, old photo studios, cultural and creative shops... full of old Taiyuan memories! 8⃣ Donghu Vinegar Garden 🍶 Explore the brewing process of Shanxi old vinegar and even taste vinegar-flavored ice cream! 9⃣ Yingze Park 🌳 Taiyuan's 'Little Jiangnan', with rippling blue waves, green willows, and blooming flowers, a great place for leisure! 🔟 Shanxi Museum 🏛 One of the three major museums in the country, national treasures are all here, waiting for you to discover! 🍜 Taiyuan cuisine, a paradise for foodies 🍲 Meatball Soup: A must-have breakfast for Taiyuan people, beef soup + meatballs + baked pancake, a perfect combination! 🥣 Brain: A unique medicinal cuisine, you might not be used to it the first time, but it's definitely worth a try! 🥩 Sliced Meat in Hot Oil: The foremost of the top ten famous Jin dishes, slices of meat stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms, magnolia petals, etc., topped with old vinegar, delicious! 🍲 Raw Charcoal Copper Pot: Mutton, mutton offal, mutton soup, paired with Fenjiu, full of Shanxi people's jianghu spirit! There are also oat noodles, fried oil cakes, stir-fried sausages, meat-hooked chicken, sauce meat, and many other local specialty foods that are worth tasting! 💖 Taiyuan, this low-key historical treasure city, check it out before it becomes a hot spot! Feel the 5000 years of historical heritage, taste the authentic cuisine, and you will surely linger and forget to return! 💖

|Don’t miss the four-hundred-year-old Peony Towers. There is a saying that has been passed down in Shanxi: To see the wooden pagoda, go to Ying County; to see the brick pagoda, go to Taiyuan. This rare brick tower is the Yongzuo Temple, which means "May the gentleman live for ten thousand years and his descendants will be blessed forever" and "May the legacy be passed down forever and will never run out for generations." The temple was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. There are two ancient pagodas in the temple, so it is also called Shuangta Temple. It is said that only the locals will know where Shuangta Temple is if you ask them. The Lingxiao Twin Towers, as one of the eight scenic spots in Taiyuan, are known as the "Wonder of Jinyang". The most famous things in Yongzuo Temple are: the beamless hall, the twin towers, the peonies of the Ming Dynasty, and the stone tablets and inscriptions. The entire temple is made entirely of bricks and stones, without any beams, pillars, nails or wood. It is a rare brick-rammed earth beamless building. The main hall was built in the 36th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. It is five bays wide and is a dome-shaped building built with bricks and stones. It is made entirely of bricks and has exquisite carvings. It is a representative work of beamless brick imitation wood architecture. In order to make up for the dullness of pure bricks, decorative components such as lotus columns and corner supports were specially carved and polished, and curling grass patterns were carved out, which looks like wood carving and is extremely exquisite. In addition, Wangu Temple in Yuncheng, Shanxi and Xiantong Temple in Mount Wutai are also fine examples of beamless halls. 2Lingxiao Twin Towers Initially, the Xuanwen Pagoda in the temple was simple and did not match the status of Taiyuan, so the emperor ordered the abbot of Xiantong Temple in Mount Wutai, Miaofeng Zen Master, to supervise its construction, and the money was paid by Empress Dowager Li, the mother of Emperor Wanli, so it was named "Xuanwen Pagoda". At that time, there was only one pagoda. The Zen master saw that it was leaning so he suggested building another one. So it took four years to build another pagoda (Wenfeng Pagoda). Both the bricks imitated wooden brackets. Both the shape and structure were the same as the Main Hall. It was called five-step double-elevated. The Wenfeng Pagoda had elegant carvings and a simple style. The eaves of the Xuanwen Pagoda were covered with glazed tiles in colorful colors. Liang Sicheng said that the pagoda exudes the aura of natural beauty and that it is unlikely that there will be another one like it in the history of architecture. There is also an unsolved case here. The Buddhist relics unearthed from the Yunju Temple in Beijing were swapped by Empress Dowager Li and hidden in a pagoda by Zen Master Miaofeng. When the Zen master passed away, he asked the then governor Su Weilin to announce it to the world, but he was afraid that Empress Dowager Li was still alive, so the temple carvings were said to be made into a treasure map to indicate the location of the Buddhist treasures. 3. Peony of the Ming Dynasty The temple has more than 6,000 peonies of various types that bloom spectacularly in April and May every year. In the peony garden in front of the main hall, there are 7 "Zixiaxian" peonies from the Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 400 years. Every year, the "Zixiaxian" peonies are the first to bloom, which are the oldest temple peonies discovered so far. 4Stone carvings The temple preserves 260 valuable steles, most of which are treasures collected from various places in Taiyuan. There is the original cursive script of Su Dongpo of the Song Dynasty, "Reminiscence of the Past at Chibi", and a collection of precious calligraphy works by great calligraphers from the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan and Ming Dynasties. The batch of steles and calligraphy collected by Baoxiantang were moved several times, from Jinwang Mansion, Taiyuan Mansion, to Fugong Temple. Some of them were damaged, lost, and scattered among the people. It was not until 1980 that this batch of precious stone carvings were moved as a whole to Yongzuo Temple.

🌟 Taiyuan-Jinzhong Travel Guide 🌟 Due to changes in the New Year's plan, I chose the journey from Taiyuan to Jinzhong. Shanxi gives me the impression that it is low-key, with many historical sites and low consumption; the people are enthusiastic and real, and the kind drivers and tour guides add color to the journey; the New Year's atmosphere is strong, and the festive atmosphere can be felt everywhere. 🏯 Twin Tower Temple 🏯 👍 Fun part: Climb the tower to experience the heaviness of history and overlook the beautiful scenery of Taiyuan. 💼 Preparation: Dress comfortably and pay attention to safety when climbing the tower. 💔 Pitfall to avoid: The stairs inside the tower are narrow and it is not easy to pass side by side when there are many people. 🍜 Liuxiang, Bell and Drum Tower, Food Street 🍜 👍 Fun part: Taste various foods and feel the architectural style of ancient and modern fusion. 💼 Preparation: The taste of food is diverse, prepare a good appetite. 💔 Pitfall to avoid: There are a lot of people on weekends, it is recommended to avoid peak hours. 🏛 Pingyao Ancient City 🏛 👍 Fun part: Rent a car for sightseeing, take less detours, and understand the history of Jin merchants. 💼 Preparation: Prepare a good itinerary, and the car rental cost needs to be considered in advance. 💔 Pitfall to avoid: There are many people in the ancient city, and renting a car can save time. 🕌 Jinci 🕌 👍 Fun part: Feel the ancient culture and appreciate the historical relics. 💼 Preparation: The cost of the tour guide needs to be understood in advance, and the time arrangement should be paid attention to. 💔 Pitfall to avoid: The cost of the tour guide is relatively high, and it needs to be weighed whether it is worth it. 🏺 Shanxi Museum 🏺 👍 Fun part: Visit the museum and understand the history and culture of Shanxi. 💼 Preparation: The visit time should be arranged as early as possible, and the interpreter can be rented. 💔 Pitfall to avoid: Reserve enough time for the visit to avoid missing the closing time. 🏨 Accommodation recommendation 🏨 Hilton Huanpeng: The rooms are spacious and the breakfast is rich, but the coffee taste is average. Lifeng Hotel: High cost performance, the price is suitable during the New Year, and there are gifts for check-in. 🍽 Dining recommendation 🍽 Food Street: Try Shanxi delicacies such as gold silk beef pie, the price is moderate. 🚗 Traffic advice 🚗 High-speed rail: Convenient travel, early booking can enjoy discounts. Taxi: Flexible travel, but pay attention to traffic congestion. The journey from Taiyuan to Jinzhong, where historical sites and food coexist, and culture and history shine each other, is an unforgettable trip to Shanxi!