2025shan xi guan gu jian zhu|trip.com
Trip Moments shan xi guan gu jian zhu
shan xi guan gu jian zhu Trip Moments

Hanging Monastery
#ancienttownvibes
Visiting the Hanging Monastery (悬空寺) was a truly unforgettable experience. Nestled against the cliffs of Mount Heng in Shanxi Province, this ancient structure is a marvel of engineering and artistry. As I approached, I was struck by the breathtaking views and the monastery's unique architecture, which seems to defy gravity as it clings to the rock face.
The journey to the monastery involves a bit of a hike, but every step is worth it as the surrounding landscape is stunning. Once inside, I was fascinated by the intricate carvings and the blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements that reflect the site's rich cultural history. The monks' dedication to preserving this site is evident, and their warmth made the visit even more special.
Walking along the wooden walkways that connect the various halls, I could feel the serenity of the place. The atmosphere was peaceful, allowing for quiet reflection amidst the stunning backdrop. Overall, the Hanging Monastery is a remarkable testament to ancient ingenuity and spirituality, and it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring China’s historical sites.
Wang Family Compound
#ancienttownvibes
Wang Family Compound located in the picturesque Shanxi Province, is a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. This expansive compound, built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, showcases the opulence and intricate craftsmanship of the Wang family, who were prominent merchants in their time. Visitors are greeted by grand courtyards and beautifully decorated halls, adorned with exquisite wood carvings and stone sculptures that narrate stories of the family's history and prosperity. The atmosphere is steeped in history, with each corner of the compound revealing the architectural elegance and cultural significance of the era. Walking through the maze of rooms and passageways, one can truly appreciate the meticulous design that reflects the harmony between nature and human habitation. The serene setting, combined with the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, makes Wang Family Compound a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the ancient town vibes of Shanxi.Majestic Big Buddha Statue 🪷
Located inShanxi Province, the Mengshan Big Buddha is one of the “must-see” if you are in town. I don’t really like hiking up mountains but this hike was surprisingly enjoyable.
The view was simply beautiful. the contrast between the green leaves, the gray concrete stains and red papers (prayers and wishes) hanging by the chains tied all the way up the stairs leading the way to the grand statue. It was breathtaking!
There were small shops that you will pass along the hike that sells cold and warm beverages and some simple foods like rice bowls and noodles. So no need to worry if you feel hungry.
i suggest to wear comfy clothes and shoes to make the hike easier for you.
#bigbuddha #shanxi #china #제주돼지 #mountain #hike #buddhist #travel
This moment has become more simple and clear
On the vast lands of Shaanxi and Shanxi, the mountain village cave dwellings are like pearls deposited by time, exuding a unique charm.
These cave dwellings are a tacit creation of the earth and the mountain people. They are built along the mountains, blending seamlessly with the loess, as if they were meticulously crafted works of art by nature. The appearance of the cave dwellings is simple and unadorned, yet they possess a steady and solid strength, much like the hardworking people of this land, silently bearing the weight of life.
Entering the cave dwellings, a rustic atmosphere greets you. The rough walls tell stories of the years, and the dim lights create a warm ambiance. There are no luxurious decorations here, but there is the warmth and tranquility of home. The earthen kang is the soul of the cave dwellings. In winter, the family sits around the kang, sharing the joys and sorrows of life, and the steaming days flow with laughter and joy.
Outside the cave dwellings are rolling mountains and vast fields. The changing seasons bring varied scenery, endowing this land with endless vitality. In spring, the mountains are adorned with blooming flowers, surrounding the cave dwellings with vibrant colors; in summer, the green trees provide shade, bringing coolness to the cave dwellings; in autumn, the golden crops cover the land, and the joy of harvest fills every corner; in winter, the snow-covered landscape makes the cave dwellings look like fairy-tale cottages, serene and beautiful.
The mountain village cave dwellings in Shaanxi and Shanxi are not just a form of residence but also a cultural heritage. They witness the changes of history and carry people's aspirations for a better life. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing people to calm their minds, feel the gifts of nature, and savor the essence of life.
Jinci - west of Taiyuan
#ancienttownvibes
Jinci, located just west of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province, is a breathtaking historical site that beautifully showcases ancient Chinese culture and architecture. Nestled at the foot of the Wutai Mountain, this scenic area is renowned for its stunning temples, serene gardens, and the famous Jinci Temple dedicated to the goddess of the Jin family. Visitors are greeted by the enchanting sight of ancient cypress trees, intricately carved stone sculptures, and picturesque pavilions that reflect the artistry of the Song Dynasty. The highlight of Jinci is the exquisite "Holy Mother Hall," adorned with vibrant murals and intricate woodwork, which tells the story of the region’s rich heritage. The tranquil atmosphere, complemented by the soothing sounds of flowing water from nearby streams, creates a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Jinci is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the timeless charm of Shanxi Province.A millennium cave is like a fleeting glimpse
There is true meaning in it, wanting to explain but already forgetting the words 🪷
This is the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty carved on the grottoes.
📍Yungang Grottoes, it's hard not to love
1️⃣Not far from the city, it's totally ok to take a taxi. You can also walk out when you come back, if you're tired, just take the shuttle bus.
2️⃣The shuttle bus can be skipped, enter from the main gate, pass the Lingyan Temple, and walk a few steps to the No.1 cave. The more exquisite ones are the No.16-20 caves, which are the famous 'Tan Yao Five Caves'. It's a pity that the No.6 cave was not open for image collection this time.
Xinzhou, Shanxi Plog - Dai County and Xinzhou Ancient City
Attractions:
1️⃣ Yanmen Pass: We recommend navigating to the north gate, which is closer to the main attractions. The route is Yang Family Sculpture - Bianmao Street - Yanta - Tianxian Gate - Zhenbian Temple, which takes about two hours.
2️⃣ Dai County: After visiting Yanmen Pass, head straight to Dai County. Be careful when driving through the Yanmen Eighteen Bends. Luckily, most of the snow from a few days ago has melted. Dai County Ancient City is small but worth a visit. Park your car at the Confucian Temple parking lot and go for a city walk. Confucian Temple - Martial Temple - Bianjing Tower - Ayuwang Pagoda, a dialogue with history. PS: A joint ticket for the Confucian Temple and Bianjing Tower is CNY 40. Ayuwang Pagoda is located inside the Dai County Government, so you need to enter through the government gate.
3️⃣ Xinzhou Ancient City: Parking is difficult. The ancient city is large, and the main streets are crowded with people. However, I think the ancient city is quite fun. Leave the main street and head towards Xiyuan. Pass by Xiurong Academy, and you will find an opera stage, iron flower show, lantern show, and more. You can get three free incense sticks at Taishan Temple.
Food: We ate at a Dingxiang Restaurant near Taishan Temple in Xinzhou Ancient City (steamed meat, helao noodles, fried cake with pork, all delicious). There are also many snacks, such as yellow rice cakes and Shenchi mooncakes.
Inside the abandoned hospital lies a hidden, stunningly beautiful temple of the state
⚠️ There is a temple dedicated to the gods of the land and grain hidden on the east side of Hongji Bridge. If you don't look carefully, it's very easy to miss this magnificent temple.
⚠️ The existing temples of the state are all Qing Dynasty buildings, featuring offerings hall, main hall, bell and drum towers, etc. Climbing through the narrow corridors and ascending the drum tower, we can't help but marvel at the exquisite ancient architecture and be impressed by the superb skills of the craftsmen...
⚠️ The main hall is tall and elegant, with a majestic atmosphere. The upturned eaves form beautiful curves, making the massive roof appear relaxed and light; the offering pavilion is sturdily and generously designed; the bell and drum towers have flying eaves and intricate structures. However, the most outstanding feature of the temple of the state is the wood carvings on the buildings. The railings connecting the columns, the sparrow braces, and the decorative drooping lotus column heads, as well as the layered brackets, are all finely carved with patterns of double dragons playing with pearls, fish and cloud patterns, and stories of landscapes and people. The compositions are vivid, the carving is skilled, the lines are smooth and natural, and with the addition of red lacquer painting, it is truly a magnificent combination of architectural technology and decorative art.
⚠️ From the side, you can climb to the top of the drum tower, where the dome-shaped caisson is made of complex wooden components and depicts simple and unsophisticated colored paintings, showing extreme craftsmanship. The surrounding eight trigrams hint at the ancient Chinese philosophical thought. The spiritual concept of the five elements and eight trigrams, which is actually based on materialism, is crucial to the governance of the nation's land and grain for an agricultural country.
⚠️ On September 1, 2008, a team of ancient building restorers was repairing the dilapidated temple of the state in Fen Cheng Town, Xiangfen County.
Shanxi·China
An ancient-style restaurant with a garden-like atmosphere: Datong Fenglingge
When it comes to Datong cuisine, Fenglingge is definitely a must-visit. This well-known Datong restaurant is not only famous for its delicious food, but also for its ancient-style architecture and exquisite decoration, which has become a cultural landmark in Datong. I was attracted by its decoration, which reportedly cost 200 million yuan and took several years to complete. What kind of luxurious and meticulous decoration can it be?
Address: Intersection of Gulou West Street and Huayan Street, Chengqu District, Datong City, Shanxi Province, near Huayan Temple, within walking distance
💰Per capita consumption: around 100 yuan
Business hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:30–21:00
💕💕Highlights of the restaurant💕💕
🌈Carved beams and painted rafters, showing the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties
Even before entering the door, you will be shocked by the magnificent momentum of Fenglingge. The tall and majestic red gatehouse, the flying eaves and upturned corners, and the carved beams and painted rafters all show the magnificence and grandeur of the Ming and Qing architecture. The three golden characters "Fenglingge" on the gatehouse are powerful and vigorous, as if telling the long history of this century-old restaurant.
🌈Change of scenery, savor the elegance of the garden
Walking into Fenglingge, it's like traveling through time and entering an ancient mansion. Pavilions, towers, and artificial mountains and ponds are scattered around, and the scenery changes with every step. The sound of silk and bamboo music can be heard in the ears, and the scene of literati and scholars drinking and chatting can be seen in front of the eyes.
🌈Exquisite carving and meticulous craftsmanship
The decoration details of Fenglingge are even more breathtaking. The wood carvings on the doors and windows are lifelike and the patterns are exquisite; the brick carvings on the walls are delicate and the stories are told; the glazed tiles on the roof are shining under the sun, and the colors are bright. Every detail reflects the wisdom and effort of the craftsmen, making people sigh the profoundness and exquisiteness of traditional Chinese architecture.
🌈Perfect fusion of food and culture
Fenglingge not only has an elegant environment, but also has delicious food. The signature dishes here, such as Hundred-Flower Steamed Buns, Phoenix Nest, and Sweet and Sour Carp, are all colorful and delicious, leaving you with a lingering aftertaste. While enjoying the food, you can also watch the wonderful Shanxi folk performances and experience the strong local cultural atmosphere.
💡Tips:
Fenglingge is very popular, so it is recommended to book in advance.
Free Wi-Fi and charging services are available in the restaurant.
You can buy some of Fenglingge's signature snacks as souvenirs.
Five thousand years seem so distant, yet Shanxi is so close! Welcome to travel to Shanxi
Shanxi is simply a paradise of history! 😁📚
Stepping on this ancient land, what you see is not just a tree, a house🏡. Everything you see is actually a mark left by history in the frost and wind... I hope you can, like me, slow down, and listen to these silent stories. ✍️🎶
As you stroll leisurely in the Foguang Temple, the hustle and bustle around you may gradually fade away at this moment. Seeing the full wishes of people when they leave, it's as if you can understand the longing of the ancestors for this sacred land. 🌙🔔
Here, at the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, you can face a thousand years of history. This ancient pagoda has withstood the test of time and still stands tall. 💪🏛️
However, time is eroding its body on one side, reminding me of Liang Sicheng's words, 'I really can't bear to leave, fearing that once we part, it may be forever,' leaving my heart filled with mixed emotions. 😔⏳
Entering Jinci, those little houses that seem to come straight out of 'Journey to the West' always remind me of the footprints of Sun Wukong. Perhaps he once played here, otherwise, how could he conjure up such similar 'little houses'? 🤔🐒
Whether it's under the Feiyun Tower or in front of the Xixian Xiaoxitian Gate in Xixian County, Shanxi will bring you surprises everywhere, as long as you are willing. 😊🌈
But honestly, the charm of 'Shanxi' is far more than what my simple words can describe. So, my treasures, you have to come and experience the historical charm here for yourself. 💪🧡
3-Day Shanxi Tour, Unforgettable Scenery.
1️⃣st Stop: Taiyuan
Must-visit 1: Taiyuan Ancient County
Free admission, perfect for night tours, takes about 3 hours to walk through, you can also take photos in ancient costumes, and there are many delicious foods!
There are "Full River Red" performances on weekends, where you can see intangible cultural heritage performances such as iron flower and fire pot, perfect for family trips!
Must-visit 2: Jiu Jin Mian Pi 🍜
A super authentic noodle shop, a local restaurant, always a queue, the roujiamo is amazing!
Must-visit 3: Food Street + Bell Tower Street 🍲
A must-visit in Taiyuan! Food, cultural and creative products, souvenirs, especially cultural and creative products, super cute fridge magnets, you can't buy them all! The two streets are connected, reserve 2-3 hours.
Must-visit 4: Lao Junying Snack Street 🤤
This street is amazing at night, no bad shops, highly recommend the noodles and spicy hot pot at the entrance, and the old-fashioned fried skewers!
2️⃣nd Stop: Ying County
Must-visit: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda 🏯
Drove 6 hours for the pure mortise and tenon structure of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (complained about the surrounding facilities in the previous note) The pagoda itself is very impressive, even if you can't climb it, you will admire the wisdom of the ancients at the base, truly a masterpiece! The sense of history is very touching.
Make sure you have enough time, reserve a day to come here (the scenic area closes at 6:30 pm) It's not safe to return at night❗
3️⃣rd Stop: Datong
Must-visit 1: Huayan Temple
The murals are exquisite, perfect for photos! (But there are too many people in line) Many friends say the essence is deeper inside, but I didn't have time to go this time!
Must-visit 2: Yungang Grottoes
The "Grottoes Area" inside is really impressive, you can also high-five the "Internet-famous Buddha"~ (Many local friends highly recommend the music cave inside, but I didn't have time to go), reserve a day for Yungang Grottoes!
This Shanxi trip was a bit unsatisfying due to time constraints and holiday peak season, I must come back in the off-season to truly experience the culture and history~ (Still afraid of transportation, see previous note for details🤣)
Baqian Gorge Travel Guide
I drove to visit Baqian Gorge in Changzhi, Shanxi, and now I am sharing the guide for those who want to go in the future. Although it was already the end of the holiday, I still underestimated the popularity of Baqian Gorge. For those planning a one-day trip, you must arrive a day earlier and stay at a hotel at the foot of the scenic area. I arrived around noon and chose to stay. We went to Hongdou Gorge and found a homestay in the gorge. The environment was average, but you can experience a paradise-like feeling. To clarify, the tickets for Hongdou Gorge, Qinglong Gorge (I didn't go for rafting due to lack of time), and Baqian Gorge are sold together and are valid for three days. Hongdou Gorge can only be considered a resort, not a scenic spot. The scenery is very beautiful, just quietly enjoy its beauty, very peaceful. The homestay owner can take your car inside. The next morning, drive to Baqian Gorge (20 minutes, you must get up early). There are two routes for visiting Baqian Gorge, A and B. Route A is the most energy-saving, with a small shuttle taking you to the pier. Sit on the left side or the stern of the boat for the best shooting angle. After getting off the boat, you will reach the Baqian Heart check-in point. Follow the signs and don't miss it. After checking in, you can enjoy the mountain and water gorge scenery. The water is extremely clear, and you can see fish swimming everywhere. Walking to the end, you will reach the cableway, which takes about 20 minutes. It is generally thrilling, and I was too scared to look at the scenery. After getting off the cableway, you will reach Yuhuang Palace. After checking in, you can choose to take the aerial bus down for 20 yuan. If you feel energetic, you can walk down the mountain, which takes about 25 minutes. Route B is the opposite of Route A and is more physically demanding because you climb the mountain first. Personally, I think Baqian Gorge is worth visiting. It truly has high gorges and flat lakes. You must get up early and enter the park at seven o'clock. It takes more than three hours and is quite cool. One more thing to add, because the Taihang Line is under construction, you need to detour. The road to the mountain is winding, so be sure to follow traffic rules. The services at the foot of the mountain are complete, and the prices are not high. It is only open for more than three months each year, so if you have the chance, go and check it out. That's all.More Recommendations
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