2025 Gaoping Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Gaoping Iron Buddha Temple is like a recluse hidden away in an unassuming farmyard. Though small in scale, it houses the most astonishing masterpieces of ancient Shanxi painted sculptures, breaking the traditional serenity of sculptural expressions with a touch of boldness and exuberance, as if the Twenty-Four Devas are about to burst through their clay shells and descend to the mortal world. The temple's 27 surviving statues follow the layout of the Twenty-Four Devas, with the Four Heavenly Kings positioned at the four corners. The core sculpting technique—"using iron as bones and shaping with iron"—supports the clay bodies, allowing the statues to maintain their original posture and charm despite centuries of weathering. What makes the Iron Buddha Temple renowned and unparalleled are the Twenty-Four Deva statues on the gable walls. Along the junction of the front and rear walls and the gables, concave altars are built like a stage, carrying these artistic spirits. The altars are about one meter high, each adorned with twelve Deva statues, totaling twenty-four. They stand in orderly rows, as if awaiting a grand performance. Each statue is about three meters tall, with robust and upright postures resembling ancient warriors, exuding a sense of power. Their exaggerated and vivid facial expressions—every wrinkle and gaze—seem to contain endless stories, vividly portraying the emotions of the celestial beings, whether angry, smiling, or contemplative. The most striking and unique feature is their distinctive "explosive hairstyle." The meticulously crafted beards, ribbons, and crowns, made of iron wire, are unparalleled among ancient painted sculptures in Shanxi and even nationwide. 💧 Highlights: 1️⃣ Architectural Style: The main hall was built in the Jin Dynasty and renovated in the Ming Dynasty, featuring exquisite glazed components and a ridge ornament inscribed with "Shakyamuni Treasure Hall." 2️⃣ Twenty-Four Deva Painted Sculptures 3️⃣ Two Golden Pillars Inside the Hall: Richly decorated, worth a close look. Besides the paintings, they bear Ming Dynasty inscriptions and later fire prevention notices. 4️⃣ Murals: On the walls behind the door, there are over one-meter-tall murals of Bodhisattvas standing on lotus flowers and holding coral, with exquisite details. 5️⃣ Main Buddha's Backscreen: The aureole features suspended sculptures of the Three Buddhas, Twelve Enlightenment Bodhisattvas, Amitabha Buddha, Ten Wisdom Kings, and the Garuda, interspersed with flowers and flying dragons, all in splendid colors. 6️⃣ Look for Inscriptions: Before leaving, be sure to crouch and examine the precious inscriptions on the left doorstone. 7️⃣ View the Stone Tablets: Outside the hall are two stone tablets—one from the Ming Dynasty ("Record of the Renovation of Iron Buddha Temple") and one from the Qing Dynasty ("Record of the Repair of Iron Buddha Temple"). ✅ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays, except holidays) ✅ Visiting Method: Free admission with online reservation; visitor numbers are limited ⭕ (⚠️ No on-site reservations; maximum 500 visitors per day) This cultural heritage site is not an ordinary tourist attraction. The most stunning painted sculptures in Iron Buddha Temple remain unrestored. Please prioritize cultural preservation while visiting. We apologize for any inconvenience. 🙌 Notes: ◾️ The hall is dimly lit; visit on sunny days for better visibility. The best viewing time is between 10 AM and 2 PM. Each visit lasts about 3 minutes; you can queue multiple times (I queued three times to see everything). ◾️ The visiting time is very short. If taking photos, adjust your phone or camera 📸 settings (focus and ISO) in advance. Bring a telephoto lens for detailed shots.

The Ancient Zhong Temple faces south with its back to the north, divided into upper and lower courtyards. Along the central axis are the mountain gate, the No-Beam Hall, and the main hall, with wing rooms and side halls on both sides. Outside the mountain gate, there are four-room eastern and western opera stages. On the west side of the mountain gate, there is a brick-arched side entrance with the inscription "Yandi Zhong Temple," which was originally the entrance to the temple. The No-Beam Hall, also known as the Crown Prince Hall, is the main building of the Ancient Zhong Temple. It is a single-bay square structure with a xieshan (hip-and-gable) roof, five-tier bracket sets with downward cantilevers, round wooden columns, and large architraves. The roof has nine ridges and is covered with ordinary barrel tiles laid in an upward-facing pattern.

The grottoes face south with their backs to the north. Currently, 6 caves remain, with caves 1, 2, and 3 from the west being Buddhist caves featuring Northern Dynasty grotto statue styles. They all have rectangular floor plans with inverted-bowl shaped ceilings decorated with painted lotus flower patterns. The cave entrances are rectangular with flame-shaped lintels, and two guardian figures carved on both sides of the doors. Inside Cave No. 3, low platforms are set on all four sides, with niches for Buddha statues carved into the north, east, and west walls. Each niche contains one Buddha with two attendants. The outer walls of the three niches are fully carved with thousands of Buddha images, and the names of donors are inscribed on both sides of the door on the south wall. About 60 meters to the east, there are 3 more stone caves. Two of them were carved in the 32nd year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1604), with inscriptions reading "Three Teachings Cave," "Three Virtues Cave," and "High Cave." The clay sculptures inside these caves have been completely destroyed. Currently, 3 stone tablets recording the creation of these three caves still remain.

The Iron Buddha Temple, which became popular because of Black Myth: Wukong🔥, has finally reopened. Some say it is the most mysterious national treasure in Shanxi. Of course, as the Iron Buddha Temple becomes more and more well-known, there are more and more people, but the temple is very small and has limited reception capacity, so it is recommended not to queue up during holidays‼️ 📕I visited the Iron Buddha Temple on a working day, and there were not many people. It is hidden in a very inconspicuous corner through a small alley. 📕The first impression upon entering the temple is that it is very small. The small courtyard is about dozens of square meters. The main hall contains twenty-four heavenly Buddha statues, which can only accommodate a few people at the same time. 📕However, the architecture of the Iron Buddha Temple itself is also a major attraction! The main hall was built in the Jin Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. It has three bays in width and six rafters in depth, with a gable roof and exquisite glazed components. A glance upwards reveals a shocking wooden structure. 😭😭😭—————— Among the statues in the hall, the one that impressed me the most was the Sakyamuni Buddha statue in the center. Upon closer inspection, I realized that its face was disfigured, and there was an extra hole in its forehead (presumably the gem in the center of its brow was pried away). The Buddha statue next to it was headless, and many small statues in the hall were also headless, which would make anyone who saw them feel distressed. It is said that in the 1990s, when the excavation of cultural relics was rampant, the statues of the Iron Buddha Temple were repeatedly attacked and stolen several times. The heads of six statues and some of the small statues with backlight and the Buddha statues for worship were stolen. Viewing tips‼️ ‼️Many people have reported that they have to queue up to visit the Iron Buddha Temple. After queuing for an hour, they can only see it for a few minutes👀. The Iron Buddha Temple is really very, very small, so please don’t complain. ‼️Avoid going on working days. When there are fewer people, there will be no time limit, and you can visit at will. ‼️The daily limit is 500 people, so remember to make a reservation in advance.

Just 2 hours from Luoyang to this stunning "Black Myth: Wukong" filming location! ✨A Visual Feast Spanning 600 Years Hidden in a small village in southeastern Shanxi, this national treasure temple takes your breath away the moment you open its doors—24 suspended Devas sculptures descend from the ceiling, wrathful Vajras with flowing robes, Bodhisattvas with lowered eyes and gleaming ornaments. Ming Dynasty craftsmen created an eternal dreamscape using clay and mineral pigments. 🔥Dark Aesthetics at Its Finest Unlike traditional Buddhist statues' solemnity, the colored sculptures here are full of dramatic tension: ▪️ "Skull Deva" wearing a necklace of bones with explosive muscle definition ▪️ "Red-faced Judge" with vermillion skin + gilded armor creates an overwhelming presence ▪️ Suspended auspicious clouds like blood-red waves, deities arrayed in an apocalyptic scene 📸Photo Tips ▪️The main hall is dimly lit, recommended shooting at 10am (stunning Buddha's light effect when sunlight streams through the latticed windows) ▪️Use 0.5x wide-angle on phone to capture the entire 13m high suspended sculpture group ▪️Wear black and white plain clothes to create contrast with the vibrant sculptures 💡Practical Guide 📍Navigation: Tiefo Temple, Mishan Town, Gaoping City, Shanxi (no direct bus, driving/chartered car recommended) 🎫Admission: Free (make reservation by following "Wenlu Gaoping" WeChat account) 🚗Nearby: Kaihua Temple with Song Dynasty murals 5km away, perfect for a day of art pilgrimage ⚠️Notes ▪️No flash photography in the hall! The mineral pigments have oxidized for 600 years and need protection ▪️Not a tourist area, please stay quiet and don't disturb villagers ▪️Recommended to watch "Chinese Culture Code" documentary for background knowledge "The deities here breathe"—when 24 pairs of glass eyes suddenly meet yours in the shadows, you'll understand what it means to "see a thousand years in one glance" ❤️

It was a trip to Jincheng 🌸 We started our day at Danhe Park, a peaceful urban park where cherry blossoms bloom along the riverbanks. The combination of pink petals, calm waters, and traditional-style bridges makes for breathtaking photos 📸 We explored different parts of the park and found the best spots near the pavilions, where the blossoms 🌸 perfectly framed the landscape. The best time to visit is early in the morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) when the light is soft, and the crowd is minimal ✨ 📍Danhe Road, Cheng District, Jincheng, Shanxi, China We then headed to Huangcheng Xiangfu, an ancient mansion with a stunning cherry blossom 🌸 trail. Walking through the historic courtyards with pink petals gently falling in the breeze was like stepping into a painting 🎨 We recommend visiting between 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM to enjoy the soft morning light ✨ which highlights the contrast between the delicate cherry blossoms and the grand architecture. 📍Yangcheng County, Jincheng, Shanxi, China We also explored Manghe Scenic Area, a nature reserve with cherry blossoms blooming 🌸 along the riverbanks and mountain paths. The reflection of the blossoms on the water made for some of our favorite photos of the day. The best time to visit is between 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM, when the sun ☀️ is high but not too harsh, allowing for great lighting in the valley. 📍Manghe Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng, Shanxi, China #cherryblossom25 #Vacation #travel

Hey everyone👋! Has a song ever sparked your wanderlust, like a gust of wind carrying the majestic Taihang Mountains and the mystique of ancient castles, opening the door to your yearning for a southeastern Shanxi city? The song "Beautiful Jincheng" did just that for me. "The mountains of Jincheng, majestic and magnificent, the peaks of Taihang, shrouded in clouds and mist, the walls of ancient castles, steeped in history, the waters of the Dan River, flowing for thousands of years, the moon over Jueshan Mountain, casting its clear brilliance, the drums of Gaoping, resounding through the heavens, the beauty of Jincheng, a myriad of charms, waiting for you to explore, this beautiful land." These passionate and evocative lyrics vividly depict the unique charm of Jincheng, making me eager to embrace this city. In March, filled with anticipation, I embarked on a journey to Jincheng. Check out my travel guide! 🌆Jincheng, located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, is a city with a rich history and culture, nestled in the embrace of the Taihang Mountains. Here, you'll find the majestic and beautiful Jueshan Mountain, with its twin peaks facing each other, resembling a fairyland; ancient castle villages scattered like stars, such as Xiangyu Castle and the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor, with their mottled walls, bearing witness to the prosperity and vicissitudes of the past; and the steaming Gaoping Mausoleum of Emperor Yan, carrying the ancient memories of the Chinese nation. In March, spring returns to Jincheng. Although there is still a slight chill in the air, under the warm sun, everything is revived, and the city gradually reveals its vitality. 🚗Transportation Guide ✈️By Air: You can first arrive at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport or Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, and then transfer to high-speed rail or long-distance bus to Jincheng. Transportation is convenient. Jincheng East Railway Station has many trains, and the surrounding buses and taxis are readily available, which can quickly take you to various scenic spots. The city buses mostly operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can use Alipay or WeChat to pay for the bus fare. Check the bus app for real-time information before traveling. 🚗If you are driving by yourself, Jincheng has a well-developed highway network around it, with clear road signs to various scenic spots. There are plenty of parking lots in the scenic areas, making parking convenient. 🗺Recommended Itinerary Day1️⃣: Jueshan Mountain - Qinglian Temple (Climb Jueshan Mountain in the morning to admire the unique peaks and rocks and experience Taoist culture. Visit Qinglian Temple in the afternoon to appreciate ancient architecture and Buddhist art treasures. Watch the sunset at the foot of Jueshan Mountain in the evening.) Day2️⃣: The Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor - Guoyu Ancient Castle (Visit the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor in the morning to appreciate the grandeur of the Ming and Qing official residences and explore historical stories. Go to Guoyu Ancient Castle in the afternoon, wander through the ancient streets and alleys, and feel the simplicity and profoundness of the ancient castle.) Day3️⃣: Gaoping Mausoleum of Emperor Yan - Dayang Ancient Town (Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan in the morning to learn about the culture of the ancestor of the Chinese nation. Stroll through Dayang Ancient Town in the afternoon, experience traditional handicrafts, and taste Gaoping's specialties.) 🌟Must-See Attractions 📍Jueshan Mountain: Take the cable car up the mountain, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. The top of the mountain offers a wide view, overlooking the rolling Taihang Mountains, surrounded by clouds and mist. "Jueshan Spits the Moon" is a wonder of the ages. When night falls, the bright moon hangs high between the twin peaks, picturesque📷. 📍The Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor: This large complex of official residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties is magnificent. The Imperial Book Tower is resplendent, the Middle Path Village is majestic, and the Hidden Soldier Cave is ingeniously designed. Walking through it is like traveling back to that era of change, feeling the glory and decline of official families. 📌Practical Tips 1. Book Jueshan Mountain tickets online in advance, including the cable car. Wear comfortable shoes. The temperature on the mountain is slightly lower, so dress warmly. Qinglian Temple is free. You can hire a guide to learn more about its history and culture. 2. Online booking of tickets for the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor offers discounts. The scenic area is large, and the tour time is long. You can check the performance schedule in advance to make your visit more enjoyable. Guoyu Ancient Castle tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Respect the castle's preservation rules. 3. The Gaoping Mausoleum of Emperor Yan is free. Visit with reverence. Dayang Ancient Town is free and has a lot of delicious food. Stroll around and taste Gaoping's specialties such as roasted tofu and sanzi. Pay attention to food hygiene. 🍜Local Food Recommendations 🥘Gaoping Roasted Tofu: This is a signature dish of Gaoping, Jincheng. After roasting and stewing, the tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Topped with special garlic sauce and chili oil, it tastes spicy and delicious. A bowl in the early morning is warming and appetizing👍. 🥟Sanzi: A traditional Jincheng noodle dish, thin as silk, crispy and fragrant. It can be eaten dry or soaked in soup, with a unique flavor. It is a regular on local dining tables. 🏨Hotel Accommodation 📍City Center: Jincheng Hotel, with a superior location near the city's bustling area, is extremely convenient for travel and shopping. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities and attentive service, allowing you to fully experience the city's prosperity. 📍Yangcheng County (near the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor): Huangcheng Xiangfu VIP Building, located near the scenic area, has a beautiful environment and convenient transportation. Some rooms offer views of the ancient castle. After a day of sightseeing, you can fall asleep with the tranquility of the ancient castle and enjoy a pleasant vacation. 💖Travel Experience During these three days in March in Jincheng, I felt like I was immersed in a world of ancient charm and beautiful landscapes. The magnificence of Jueshan Mountain, the solemnity of the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor, and the delicious food all fascinated me. Humming "Beautiful Jincheng" and strolling through the streets of Jincheng, I truly felt the charm of this city. Everything here is like an endless poem of southeastern Shanxi, a never-ending painting of the Taihang Mountains. I look forward to coming back next time and continuing to explore this land of Jincheng💕.

Wangbao Erlang Temple, Gaoping, Shanxi . After leaving Bofang Xianweng Temple, head to Wangbao Erlang Temple, 2 km away. . This temple is located on a hill north of Wangbao Village. Its construction date is unknown, and it is not very large, with only one courtyard. However, the oldest wooden opera stage in China is hidden here. . Due to inconvenient transportation and years of disrepair, the stage's roof had long since collapsed and become overgrown, and it remained unknown for many years. It was not discovered until 2002, and was quickly listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. . Erlang Temple faces south and has no mountain gate. Enter the courtyard through the small door on the south side, and you will see the stage at the southernmost end of the central axis. . The stage is built on a platform more than 1 meter high, with its southern end connected to the south wall of the Erlang Temple complex, and leaning against the left and right corridors. The stage has a hip roof, with the gable facing forward, which is equivalent to twisting the side of the roof over, focusing the audience's attention. This is consistent with the stage models unearthed from Jin Dynasty tombs. The eaves are high and curved, giving them a lively appearance. Although the stage is only one room wide, it has a large span, providing a large space for actors on stage. . The stage's platform is a Sumeru pedestal, common in the Jin Dynasty, with an inscription on the waist reading "旹大定二十三年岁次癸卯仲秋十有三日，石匠赵显、赵志刊" (Shi Dading 23rd year, year of the Gui Mao, 13th day of the mid-autumn, stonemasons Zhao Xian and Zhao Zhi). The 23rd year of the Dading era is 1183 AD, during the Jin Dynasty. This inscription not only records the names of the craftsmen, but also proves that this stage is more than 800 years old, making it the oldest stage discovered in China. Its discovery directly solved the problem that had plagued the archaeological community for many years, where they could only rely on stage models unearthed from tombs to understand the architectural structure of Jin Dynasty stages. . At the same time, Shanxi is the hometown of opera, and this stage provides living evidence that southeast Shanxi is one of the main birthplaces of Chinese opera, which is of great significance.

Preview My second trip to Shanxi, I chose Jindongnan Weekend trip (2 days) Day 1 Changzhi Guanyin Temple Changzhi Changzi County Chongqing Temple Changzhi Changzi County Faxing Temple Jincheng Gaoping Kaihua Temple Day 2 Jincheng Gaoping Tielu Temple Jincheng Zezhou Yuhuang Temple Jincheng Zezhou Qinglian Temple This trip is the best place to see painted sculptures Transportation: Study tour, bus

Hey guys! You must visit the Yangtoushan Grottoes to experience the breathtaking beauty of this ancient site. 😍 The Yangtoushan Grottoes are like a hidden gem in the mountains. 🏞️ They quietly tell the story of history's ups and downs. Walking into Yangtoushan is like stepping into a mysterious time tunnel. 🎢 The grottoes are carved into the mountainside and come in various shapes and sizes. Some are small and exquisite, like delicate works of art, while others are grand and awe-inspiring, showcasing the creativity of ancient people. 😲 The Buddha statues in the grottoes are lifelike and have different expressions. 🧐 Some are solemn and majestic, conveying the power of Buddhism, while others are kind and gentle, as if comforting the hearts of the people. 💕 Each statue is a testament to the skill and wisdom of ancient craftsmen. Here, you can feel the weight of history and the charm of art. 📜 The Yangtoushan Grottoes are not only a treasure of Buddhist art but also an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Come to the Yangtoushan Grottoes and embark on a journey through time and art! 💖

🌈"Aurora Night Banquet" is a unique light and shadow feast launched by Xizhen Suzhuang‼️ ❤️‍🔥Aurora Night Banquet 🌈- Event content: "Aurora Night Banquet" is a light and shadow performance that combines elements such as light shows and situational drama performances. It includes a storm light and shadow opening show, aurora display, arctic sound performance, arctic sea scene presentation, as well as exciting content such as the love story of Jiu'er, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. ⭕- Event time: The Aurora Night Banquet in 2025 will be held from January 25 to February 12, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. ⭕- Ticket price: The early bird ticket price is 9.9 yuan, which is very affordable. ❤️‍🔥Xizhen Suzhuang 🌈- Basic overview: Xizhen Suzhuang is located in Beisuzhuang Village, Hexi Town, Gaoping, Jincheng, Shanxi. It is a traditional Chinese village and a Chinese historical and cultural village. The village is surrounded by mountains and rivers, with more than 20 ancient courtyards from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was originally built by the Su family, and flourished after the Jia and Yang families moved in from the mid-Ming dynasty to the early Qing dynasty.  🌈- Cultural characteristics: With "joy culture" as the theme, it is a large-scale wedding custom experience park and health care base that integrates wedding hosting, wedding banquet services, wedding custom experience, ancient village sightseeing, and homestay services. It has developed a series of "joy gift" programs such as "Welcome Ceremony", "Coming of Age Ceremony", and "Bridal Ceremony". 🌈- Supporting facilities: There are various accommodation options nearby, such as Suzhuang Homestay, as well as various specialty snacks, and cultural and creative stores selling specialty products such as Gaoping Lu silk and Fahua ware.

Also known as Shenggu Temple, it is located in Shangdongfeng Village, Yuancun Township, Gaoping City, Shanxi Province. Dongfeng Wanshou Palace was first built in 1284, and was rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It covers an area of 1,285 square meters, and has two courtyards. On the central axis, there are the mountain gate, Sanjiao Hall, inverted opera stage, Yuyu Stone Pavilion, and Shenggu Hall. The mountain gate has a plaque with the words "Wanshou Palace" on it. Dongfeng Wanshou Palace has many steles and murals, which provide important resources and materials for the study of local folk beliefs in the early Yuan Dynasty.

Yuxu Temple in Lianghu Village faces south and has three courtyards, covering an area of about 1,600 square meters. The existing buildings include the main hall, west wing hall, middle hall, west side hall, south room, and Kui Tower. Among them, the main hall and west side hall are Yuan dynasty buildings, the middle hall is a Ming dynasty building, and the rest are Qing dynasty buildings. The main entrance is located in the southeast corner of the courtyard, facing west. The first courtyard is located on a platform, with the Medicine King Hall on the west side, the inverted seat on the south side, the Kui Tower on the east side, and a wall gate in the middle of the north side, leading to the second courtyard, with the middle hall on the north side. Passing through the middle hall is the backyard, with the main hall on the north side, and a back door on the east side of the main hall facing East Street. Yuxu Temple in Lianghu Village is one of the largest existing Taoist temples in Jincheng.

When the young security guard of Tiefo Temple talks about Chongming Temple, his eyes sparkle, making him proud of Gaoping people. What is so rare about the ancient national security temple that can be compared with the Iron Buddha Temple? Chongming Temple, built during the Kaibao period of the Northern Song Dynasty, is the earliest Song-structure building in Gaoping. The earliest one established the unshakable historical authority of this Buddhist temple. On this day, Chongming Temple was extremely lively, because a local ancient architecture tour group came to visit, and they also followed the explanations of expert teachers, and commented on the construction methods of ancient Song Dynasty structures in a specious dialect accent. Only this Chinese Buddhist Hall has the original appearance of the Northern Song Dynasty. It adheres to the openness and openness of the Tang style. It has a single eaves with nine ridges, gentle lifting and folding, seven pavilions as dougongs, and far-reaching eaves. Red brick walls are built on all sides to wrap the pillars inside, making the appearance more simple and square. There is also a famous "broken beam" in the hall. Two small beams are connected and the two ends are placed on the rear ends of the front and rear eaves pillars. This skillfully balances the gravity of the roof on the front and rear eaves pillars. This design is also unique in Gaoping. share. Naturally, some children in the tour group couldn't listen to these professional explanations. They kept running and playing in the front and back yards. When the large group moved to the back hall, they wanted to take a photo in front of the Chinese Buddha Hall, but they were unexpectedly surprised. A child suddenly appeared on the scene, rushed towards me, and was instantly frozen in the photo. He was guarded by Vajra, protecting the Dharma on the left and right, and fulfilled my Bodhisattva heart. Being ignorant and fearless at the age of childhood sweethearts, understanding life at the age of knowing destiny, passing it on naturally, without being awkward or forced, is a good time. 2024.11

On the way from Gaoping Railway Station to Tiefo Temple, I saw this art gallery with an artistic style. At that time, I didn't add the name of Tsai Chih Chung Art Museum to my itinerary in Gaoping, and I didn't even know that there was such a high-end art center here. It was the girl at the Tiefo Temple Cafe who told me that I could visit the art museum. I called and found out that it closed at 6 pm, so I could make it in time. The open park has an ethereal and artistic architectural design, with green plants and flickering lights. In addition to the art museum, there are also restaurants, shops, and a large parking lot. It is a new landmark that just opened in the middle of this year, with unlimited potential in the future. The entire art museum seemed to be serving our group, and the guide led us to different themed galleries. Tsai Chih Chung's comics also played a milestone role in my growth. From his "Zen Speaks", I learned about the Sixth Patriarch Huineng's direct pointing to the heart and the meaning of "go have tea". I read Zhuang Zhou's philosophy of non-action, Liezi's flying with the wind, and the "Cai Gen Tan" about the vicissitudes of life. The obscure classics were presented in humorous comics, opening the rebellious heart of a teenager. The art museum has a collection of 317 drawings, making it the world's most concentrated collection and exhibition center of Tsai Chih Chung's works. Why was it chosen to be in Gaoping? Perhaps Mr. Tsai was looking for the roots of the descendants of Emperor Yan and liked the cultural foundation here. Perhaps the Gaoping government had the vision for development, and an art museum led the new era of cultural tourism. In addition to the classic works on display, there is also a hall made into an immersive experience, with colorful lights, music, and illusions, making it fun to take photos, in line with Mr. Tsai's lifelong childlike innocence. Tsai Chih Chung fell in love with painting at the age of four and set his life goal as a teenager. In any field, if you can find your own path and work hard without distractions, you can become a master. He also studied ancient architecture, the subtle differences in each mortise and tenon structure, and Buddhist statues, the differences in each sitting posture and lotus throne, and did everything to the extreme. Behind this tenacity and persistence, there is always infinite love. Unfortunately, most of us ordinary people love to look around, love widely, and lose the qualification to be dedicated. There is no right or wrong, just enjoy your life.

👈🏻 Gaoping in Shanxi is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, including Dinglin Temple. The temple's founding date is unknown, but it is said to have existed during the Tang dynasty. It was rebuilt during the Later Tang dynasty's Changxing era, the Song dynasty's Yongxi era, the Jin dynasty's Huangtong and Dading eras, the Taihe era, the Yuan dynasty's Yanyou era, and the Ming and Qing dynasties. 👈🏻 Dinglin Temple faces south and has four courtyards. The main buildings on the central axis are the Shanmen, Leiyin Hall, Three Buddhas Hall, and Seven Buddhas Hall. The Bell and Drum Towers and Dizang Hall are in the east and west of the front courtyard. Dizang Hall also has murals of the Ten Yama Kings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. 👈🏻 The must-see at Dinglin Temple is the lotus caisson above the Shanmen. The octagonal caisson is dome-shaped and made of multiple layers of dougong, fangmu, and other components, culminating in a lotus pattern at the center. The caisson is exquisitely crafted using traditional techniques such as wood carving and painting. The wood carving makes each component vivid, and the lotus petals and stamens are intricately carved! The paintings are mainly in red, blue, and green, and have retained their bright colors for hundreds of years. ⭕️ Tips: The temple requires reservations and does not charge admission. The lotus caisson above the Shanmen is currently closed to the public.

Surviving Original - Yuan Dynasty Lotus Caisson||Dinglin Temple is much smaller than Gaoping Iron Buddha Temple and is not as well-known, but the Yuan Dynasty architecture, Yuan Dynasty lotus caisson, and Ming Dynasty murals in the temple are all worth a visit for ancient architecture enthusiasts. Dinglin Temple was originally named "Yongde Temple," but was renamed "Dinglin Temple" because of the Dinglin Spring in the temple. The date of its creation is unknown, but the temple existed during the Tang Dynasty. It was renovated during the Later Tang Dynasty's Changxing period, the Song Dynasty's Yongxi period, the Jin Dynasty's Huangtong 8th year, Dading 2nd year, and Taihe 4th year, the Yuan Dynasty's Yanyou 4th year, and the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple consists of four courtyards, with the main buildings being the Shanmen, Leiyin Hall, Three Buddhas Hall, and Seven Buddhas Hall. On both sides of the main building, there are also bell and drum towers, corridors, side courtyards, and pavilions. The existing Shanmen, Leiyin Hall, and east and west side halls are Yuan Dynasty buildings, while the rest are Ming and Qing Dynasty relics. It is an ancient architectural complex that combines the diverse styles of the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The "Ten Kings of Hell" murals on the north and south walls of the Dizang Hall were painted in the 4th year of the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing period. They were created using the powder and gold technique, with symmetrical layouts and rich content, showcasing the theme of reincarnation.

Plot Summary In the world of Zootopia, all mammals can coexist peacefully. The protagonist, Judy, is a little rabbit with big dreams. Her wish is to become a police officer. Despite facing doubts and challenges from her surroundings at first, Judy doesn't give up. As the story progresses, Judy meets Nick, a smart and slightly mischievous fox. Together, they solve a series of tricky problems and learn to understand each other in the process. Personal Feelings 🌷The protagonist, Judy, is a little rabbit with a dream of becoming an animal police officer. Faced with doubts and prejudices from her family and society, she doesn't give up but chooses to persist and work hard. This spirit deeply moved me and made me think that no matter how far-fetched our goals may seem, as long as we have firm beliefs and relentless efforts, we can achieve them. 🌷Another highlight of the film is the friendship between Judy and Nick. Initially, they were suspicious and repelled each other for various reasons, but eventually, through facing difficulties and challenges together, they gradually built a deep friendship. This friendship not only helped them solve problems but also made them better individuals. 🌷The film also reveals some prejudices and discrimination in society. For example, the prejudice of large animals against small animals, the prejudice of carnivores against herbivores, etc. These prejudices and discrimination not only affect the way animals interact but also affect the harmony and stability of the entire society. Through vivid plots and profound meanings, the film makes us reflect on whether we also have similar prejudices and discrimination and encourages us to eliminate them, making society more harmonious and inclusive. 🍩Food There are three snack stalls: Pawpsicles🍦, Sheep Flower Candy🍬, and Elephant Sweets House. My favorite is the one where you can buy different sizes of cotton candy, donuts, and waffles🧇, which are super cute. There are also Nick and Judy limited edition drink cups for sale. 🛍️Lulu's Boutique There is only one store in the park, which is the home of 🐭Lulu in the movie. The store has many details, and Lulu's wardrobe and many household items are on the wall, all super mini.

Self-driving: Kaihua Temple, there are some narrow roads after entering the mountain, the road condition is good Vegetarian meal: Kaihua Temple has vegetarian meal, the meal time is 12:00 Duration: For a novice hiker, the entire hike takes 4.5 hours (round trip) Starting point of the hike: Go straight on the road on the right, the end is the stone road, where the hike starts Fee: Parking fee is 10 yuan A few immature suggestions Wear non-slip shoes: There is only one road for the entire hike, and the whole process is basically climbing. There is about 20 meters of muddy road about 1 kilometer behind Mingyue Temple. It is okay when going up, but it is easy to fall when coming down, so shoes are very important. I was wearing sneakers, so I made a few clattering noises when I was walking down the mountain. The shoes are hard to wash, so I’m sorry. Day Clothing Guide: The most photogenic part of the picture is the main picture, after walking on the muddy road. The colorful jacket is even more photogenic. The mountain in the fog is really worthy of its name. The fog is very heavy on the mountain. When you reach the top of the mountain, the air humidity is very high, like a light rain. A jacket is more suitable than non-waterproof sportswear. Bring your own garbage bags: There are no garbage cans on the mountain, so you need to bring your own garbage bags. Snacks replenishment point: Kaihua Temple canteen. There is basically no signal behind Mingyue Temple, and there is no place to sell things on the mountain, so don’t Children: The entire hike is climbing, so parents with strong energy can ignore this Travel with friends: Girls should not go alone, there is a section of Wuzhong Mountain that feels like Silent Hill

|The classic "Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty Enshrined the Buddha at Mount Tai". Xianweng Temple is located in Bofang Village, Sizhuang Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, covering an area of ​​approximately 2,122 square meters. The date of its initial construction is unknown, but according to the inscription on the stele in the temple in the seventh year of Chenghua period of Ming Dynasty, which reads: "From the Tang and Song Dynasties to our dynasty, the temple has been efficacious for countless years", we can know that most of the existing buildings are relics from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Xianweng Temple is named after the "Xianweng" Zhang Guolao who is enshrined in it. The main hall is also called Zhang Guolao Temple. The Xianweng Hall (Zhang Guolao Temple) has a single-eaved hipped roof and is five bays wide. Some of its architectural components and layout have the style of the Yuan Dynasty. The coiled dragons carved on it are majestic and lifelike. In addition, the painted beams at the top of the building are also gorgeous, dazzling and exquisite. There are murals covering an area of ​​about 171 square meters on the east, west and north walls of the Xianweng Hall (Zhang Guolao Temple). On the north wall is the "Taoist Chaoyuan Tu", and on the east and west walls are the only existing "Tang Xuanzong Taishan Fengshan Tu" in China. The west wall depicts Emperor Xuanzong of Tang going to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, while the east wall depicts Emperor Xuanzong of Tang returning from offering sacrifices to heaven and earth. There are a total of 125 figures painted in the entire mural, which is well preserved and colorful. Regarding the 125 figures on the three walls of the Fengshan painting of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang in Xianweng Temple, classic historical materials such as "New and Old Tang Books", "Complete Tang Poems" and "Kaiyuan Chuanxinji" have carried out detailed examination of the main figures according to the order of appearance of the Fengshan team. The study found that most of the main figures of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang's Fengshan team came from Shangdang area, and the content of this mural also shows the customs and habits of Shangdang area, the 19 auspicious signs (natural landscapes) when Emperor Xuanzong of Tang served as Luzhou Beijia from the first year of Jinglong to the third year of Jinglong in the Tang Dynasty, and the Yan Emperor culture of Yangtou Mountain in Shangdang area. Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 Transportation: There are buses to Bofang Village in front of Gaoping Railway Station, several times a day. It’s quite convenient. Food: There is a snack street next to the East Bus Station. This meatball is pretty good.

｜Check in and enjoy the culture. According to "Gaoping County Chronicle": "In 445 AD, Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Tuoba Tao, came to Xuushi (Gaoping) County in person to appreciate the Lianli tree." It has become a legend through the ages, and Xizhen came from this. These ancient buildings here are mainly left by two families, one is the Jia family and the other is the Yang family. The Jia family was an official and the Yang family was a businessman. They both worked hard on building houses, so many of these classic local houses were left behind. It is worth mentioning that in recent years, Suzhuang has been based on the "Xizhen" brand and has made every effort to create a Chinese-style traditional wedding customs cultural experience and an ecological health and leisure resort destination, explore wedding customs and revitalize the ancient village. Let the wedding return to Xizhen from the city and the seaside, and build Suzhuang into the "city reception room" for Gaoping's cultural, tourism and wellness. Tickets are free. If you hold a wedding here, it will be quite Chinese style.

·With the promotion of Black Myth, Shanxi has finally been seen by everyone, and the Iron Buddha Temple, which was the most difficult to make an appointment with, has also seen the light of day again. Knowing the story behind the Iron Buddha Temple, everyone may be heartbroken💔 ·The Iron Buddha Temple was originally named because of the iron Buddha cast in the temple, but the Iron Buddha was melted into molten iron during the Great Steelmaking Period in 1958, and no trace can be found😭 🏯The Iron Buddha Temple that is open this time! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

|Another treasure trove of stone carvings. The Yangtou Mountain Grottoes, located in Shennong Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, are a unique treasure trove of stone carvings. Unlike traditional grottoes, each cave here is carved into a large stone, rather than a continuous cliff. It is said that there are 22 larger caves in Yangtou Mountain, 9 of which are currently open to the public. Drive to the Yangtou Mountain Grottoes, and you will find that the high-altitude location of the scenic area is close to the end, and there is no need to climb the mountain. It is very convenient to walk about 10 minutes to the grotto area. Address: Yangtou Mountain, Shennong Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Tickets: 30

| A simple and unadorned Taoist temple in the Yuan Dynasty style. Yuxu Temple is the best-preserved ancient temple in Lianghu Village, and also the largest, with a north-south length of 98 meters, an east-west width of 35 meters, a total area of about 3,500 square meters, and a main hall height of about 10 meters. The base of the Sumeru seat is clearly recorded as being built in the 18th year of the Jin Dynasty (1178), a huge project originally built on the banks of the original village river. Later, due to artificial river management, the original village river was diverted to the south, and the street below Yuxu Temple became a busy traffic artery and the main street market in the village. The main hall of Yuxu Temple is five rooms wide, and the shape of the door is characteristic of the Yuan Dynasty. The rear hall of Yuxu Temple has a beautiful glazed roof ridge, which is likely to be a Yuan Dynasty craft, very majestic and beautiful, with a dragon body that is strong and powerful, in the Yuan Dynasty style. Gaoping Lianghu Village Yuxu Temple is an ancient building from the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, simple and unadorned, and is also the most important national protection unit in the village. Address: Lianghu Village, Yuancun Township, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province

| Visit the Shilang Mansion. Lianghu Village in Gaoping, Shanxi Province is a living fossil of ancient Chinese villages. Legend has it that the Guo and Tian families once lived here, and it was known as "Lianghu" (Two Families). It is located in the hilly and gully area in the west of Gaoping City, surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on one side. The terrain is high in the north and low in the south, high in the west and low in the east, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings. Ancient villagers chose this land to build a village, and generations of people built a group of ancient buildings with a well-preserved layout, clear context, and continuous landscape. The 700-year-old Lianghu Ancient Village has a clear and complete layout. The village is centered on Guanyin Hall and Zushi Temple, with Hou Street, West Street, East Street, Taiping Street, and Panlong Ancient Village. The ancient streets are mostly paved with sandstone, with a well-preserved layout, clear context, continuous landscape, and a simple and heavy style. Lianghu Ancient Village is not only a treasure trove of architectural art, but also an important birthplace of Jin merchants. Jin merchants are known for their diligence, wisdom, and integrity, and have had a profound impact on Chinese business culture. In Lianghu Ancient Village, visitors can see traditional business models, family systems, and the influence of Confucian culture. Transportation: Take a taxi to the Passenger Transport Center Station (or take Bus No. 6) after arriving at Gaoping East Station. Take Bus No. 121 to Lianghu Village after arriving at the Passenger Transport Center Station. Admission: 40

| Youxian Mountain came before Youxian Temple. Youxian Temple was first built in the first year of the Chunhua period of the Northern Song Dynasty (990 AD) and was later destroyed by war. It was rebuilt during the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. There is a mythological story in the "Gaoping County Annals" of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It is said that in ancient times there was an immortal, surnamed Li, named Tongmin, and called Youxian. He first studied here, then traveled here, and finally left his family and lived in seclusion in the western mountains. He died at the age of over 100 without illness, so people called this mountain Youxian Mountain. The temple is named after the mountain. Address: Northeast of Zaili Village, Hexi Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province. No ticket required

| Advocate literature. Shimo Xuansheng Temple, also known as Confucian Temple by locals, is an ancient architectural relic from the Yuan and Qing Dynasties. According to the inscriptions in the temple, Shimo Xuansheng Temple was founded in the eighth year of Dade in the Yuan Dynasty (1304). The overall building has a mountain gate and a main hall, with makeup towers, side halls and ear halls on both sides. The main hall is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty, and the rest are buildings of the Qing Dynasty. The main hall is dedicated to Confucius. The beam is a very large horizontal beam with exquisite paintings on it. There is also a sticker on the door of the temple with the top scorer of the township college entrance examination, which is a kind of pride and a kind of admiration. Address: Shimo Village, Shimo Township, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Tickets: Free, no reservation required

Official introduction: Located in Wang Village, Chenqu Town, Gaoping City, it is the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Founded during the Tongguang period of the Later Tang Dynasty (923 AD), it now houses stone pagodas from the Five Dynasties and ancient buildings from the Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and is known as the "Ancient Temple of the Six Dynasties." The murals and ancient paintings in the temple are known as the "three wonders". The existing beams and brackets in the main hall are exactly the same as the "Construction Code" of the Song Dynasty. The murals in the main hall are from the Song Dynasty, which vividly reflect the social outlook of the Song Dynasty. They are known as the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival on the wall" and are the largest existing single-area murals in Northern Song Dynasty temples in my country. The temple is halfway up the mountain, and the continuous straight steps make people feel awe.