Fanzhi Three Temples and One Temple (Part Four)

It’s quite troublesome to get from Datong to Fanzhi County. The high-speed train takes 1 hour to Yanmen Pass Station, where I arranged a private driver who was professional and very talkative, and even brought a flashlight (of course, I brought one too). He truly loves his work, highly recommended! P1–5: Princess Temple Founded in the Northern Wei Dynasty, named after Princess Chengxin, the fourth daughter of Emperor Wencheng of Northern Wei, who became a nun here. It was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. P1 shows the Ming Dynasty Pilu Hall with suspended sculptures; P2–5 feature the Ming Dynasty murals of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly in the Mahavira Hall, with powder and gold leaf (a favorite technique of the Ming Dynasty, similar to Beijing Fahai Temple). P6–11: Yanshan Temple Rebuilt in the Jin Dynasty. P6 shows the Manjusri Hall, a Jin Dynasty relic; P7 features Jin Dynasty polychrome sculptures, originally eight statues, two were stolen and destroyed; P8–10 display murals of the “Great Expedient Buddha’s Gratitude Sutra” painted in the seventh year of the Jin Dading era by court painter Wang Kui and his assistants, a mural version of “Only This Qing Green,” truly a “national team” masterpiece; P11’s “Records of New Construction through the Ages” mentions “the third year of Zhenglong of Wanyan Liang of Jin,” deducing the reconstruction date of Yanshan Temple. P12–16: Sansheng Temple The Mahavira Hall is a Jin and Yuan Dynasty relic. P13 shows the Chiwen (dragon head roof decoration); P14 features ink inscriptions from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties; P16 shows a Qing Dynasty version of the “face-tearing” Ming King. P17–18: Zuotou Tianqi Temple Located in Shanxi, “Zuotou” means something like “project manager” or “master craftsman” today. When I arrived at Tianqi Temple, it was already past five o’clock. The cultural relics protector gave a detailed explanation, but unfortunately, his heavy local accent made it hard to understand. Due to time constraints, I quickly took a few photos and left. P19: Cultural Protection Stele I feel the cultural protection stele on the left looks better. Tips: 1. It’s best to start from Fanzhi County or nearby to save time. It takes about 2 hours by car from Yanmen Pass High-Speed Rail Station to Princess Temple; 2. There are guided tours for the three temples, allowing you to view the murals while listening to explanations. The tours usually last one to two hours, so it’s impossible to visit all three temples in half a day. Forget about just checking in, taking photos, or a quick visit; 3. None of the three temples have a lunch break, but eating lunch will waste time (I’m talking about myself). It’s recommended to bring your own lunch and snacks. In the off-season, dress warmly as the main halls are cold and damp after staying for a while; a cold light source flashlight (essential) is a must. At Princess Temple, due to sunlight, the cultural relics protector only kept one door open.