Things to do in Houma

The Longxing Temple, a national key cultural relics protection unit, boasts a rich historical atmosphere. We even happened to be there during lunchtime at the pagoda. Climbing up using both hands and feet provided an excellent view and a fantastic experience. It's truly a treasure trove of a temple – highly recommended!

Since I was there, I decided to take a look, but there really wasn't much to see. The buildings were too obviously constructed. Aside from the architecture, I couldn't see any of the original structures. The residential area behind it is worth exploring at a slower pace, but unfortunately, I was in a rush and didn't have time to appreciate it properly.

Some attractions will never regain their former tranquility. For example, there is a group of ancient buildings that used to be so quiet and not open to the public. Now that it is open, there are always all kinds of crowds. Some people say that the gate has been blocked off and that an entrance fee may be charged in the future.

Legend has it that this temple inspired Wu Cheng'en's novel *Journey to the West*, and it boasts a history of over 1400 years. Originally built during the Northern Qi Dynasty, it was further expanded by imperial decree during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (627-649 AD). The legend says that Emperor Taizong of Tang ordered the construction of a temple to enshrine the ancestor Lin Xiangru, a high-ranking official from the village surnamed Lin, which is also the origin of the temple's name, "Little Thunderclap Temple." The temple enshrines Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. During the Jin Dynasty, it was officially named "Fusheng Temple," and later renamed Fusheng Monastery. Imperial edicts and inscriptions record this within the temple grounds. The main hall of Fusheng Temple, the Amitabha Hall, enshrines Amitabha Buddha as the main deity, flanked by Bodhisattvas Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta, both original works from the Yuan Dynasty. The altar is surrounded by sixteen Arhats and the Four Heavenly Kings, which were added during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Inside the Heavenly Kings Hall were originally the two generals Heng and Ha, namely Zheng Lun and Chen Qi, who were responsible for guarding the mountain gate and protecting the temple's safety, but they are no longer there, and the temple itself is also... alas... The back of the Buddha statue is adorned with sculptures of Guanyin of the South Sea, Sudhana, and the Bright King, also original works from the Yuan Dynasty. The Guanyin of the South Sea is particularly renowned as the most beautiful and is included in the "Complete Collection of Chinese Art". On page 3, there were originally Tang Sanzang and his disciples, but now only a monkey-shaped fragment remains: with a pointed mouth and fiery eyes, wearing a rat-head hat, and a lively posture, very similar to Sun Wukong. On page 1, the mount under Guanyin's feet is the Golden-haired Roar, the true form of Sai Tai Sui from "Journey to the West". The sculpture details (antlers, eagle claws, fish scales) are exactly as described in the novel, and the money-scattering boy at the feet is an image of Red Boy. Below in page 3, the Dragon King and Turtle Prime Minister recreate the scene of the East Sea Dragon Palace. The three-headed, six-armed Mingwang figures on either side of the suspended sculpture in page 4, riding on wind-fire wheels, are artistic representations of the two generals, Heng and Ha. The film *Black Myth: Wukong* directly uses these figures as character prototypes. Furthermore, Fusheng Temple is also known as Little Leiyin Temple, and the inscription at the temple entrance is also a case of the Yellow-Haired Monster impersonating Leiyin Temple. The suspended sculptures predate Wu Cheng'en's novel *Journey to the West* by 300 years. Legend has it that Wu Cheng'en saw these sculptures during his travels in Shanxi, which inspired his creation of *Journey to the West*. Although there's no definitive record, they seem authentic to me; otherwise, what a coincidence! The sculptures depict Guanyin crossing the sea to deliver all beings, which aligns with Wu Cheng'en's depiction of Guanyin of the South China Sea. They are incredibly beautiful and a highlight of my northern tour of Yuncheng. The guide, who seemed to be the temple's caretaker, explained everything very well and fluently. However, upon closer inspection, some of the Arhats in the Amitabha Hall appear somewhat off… ten heads were stolen in 1993, and these were later restored. The differences are quite noticeable; some have expressive features, while others appear stiff. Moreover, the criminals haven't been completely apprehended; the gang was enormous and repeatedly scouted the temple for theft. All ten heads have not yet been recovered. Finally, I'll quote a short passage related to Fusheng Temple from Mr. Yang Xianrang's *Some Things Behind the Fourteen Journeys Along the Yellow River*, which is truly heartbreaking to read. (The last two pictures are included.)

The hotel has a great location, the front desk service was excellent, and I recommend Liu Jie Dumplings nearby. It's also very convenient to get around, with its own parking lot. The breakfast was good, although the selection wasn't extensive, but it suited our tastes. I would definitely choose to stay here again next time.

It looks inconspicuous from the outside, but the Dacheng Hall is magnificent inside. The construction date is unknown, but it was built in the Song Dynasty at the latest. It was renovated many times in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The existing buildings along the central axis are the screen wall, Pan Pond, Lingxing Gate, Dacheng Hall, and several rooms in the west wing. It is a very distinctive ancient building complex. There is a sculpture of a carp jumping over the dragon gate in front of the half-moon-shaped Pan Pond. Confucius, his four companions, and the twelve philosophers are enshrined in the Dacheng Hall.

The door is usually closed. I asked a fellow villager passing by, and he said there should be an old man guarding the door inside. I knocked for a long time but there was no response, and no phone call. Maybe I went too early at 8:30. My fellow villager said that there might be someone there at noon, and if I couldn't wait, I would just pass by.

Wang Yuanyuan, the tour guide, was extremely professional, attentive, meticulous, and patient. This trip was incredibly beneficial, and she deserves a five-star rating. I highly recommend her to everyone. Thumbs up for her excellent service! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

It is large in scale, has many attractions, has a strong sense of history, increases knowledge, and is very interesting. It is worth a visit.

Due to time constraints, we visited the ice cave and the ancient village of Talpo. The ice cave was truly breathtaking; at around minus ten degrees Celsius, it had remained frozen for thousands of years, a testament to the magical power of nature. The ancient village of Talpo wasn't particularly interesting, and it wasn't very popular. Overall, though, the trip was worthwhile.