2024 Changzhi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Changzhi is located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province. Since ancient times, it has been a battleground for military strategists. The magnificent mountains and rivers, a long history, profound cultural heritage and glorious revolutionary tradition constitute Changzhi's rich tourism resources. The natural scenery such as Xiantang Mountain, Lingkong Mountain and Taihang Mountain Canyon are some of Changzhi's remarkable scenic spots. At the same time, there are also cultural attractions such as the Faxing Temple, Dayun Temple and bronze statue of the Yan Emperor.
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Popular Attractions
Eight Spring Canyons
Tongtian Gorge Scenic Area
Huangyadong Scenic Area
A good and affordable homestay in Changzhi, only 50 per person.
A good and affordable homestay in Changzhi, only 50 per person👍
This hotel is near the City God Temple. Although it is not very big, the owner keeps it very clean and tidy🌹. It is also very affordable. The owner is very nice. I lost something, and the owner helped me find it several times. I was a little anxious, so I was a little rude😅 (because it was important). The owner still helped me find it. When it was found, the owner contacted me immediately💗
Step into Shanxi, step into history.
Travel north from Luoyang to Jincheng and Changzhi
Marvel at the towering Taihang Mountains
Admire the colorful sculptures of Guanyintang, a fusion of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist culture
Be amazed by the ancient Tang and Ming dynasty pagodas of Haihui Academy
Feel the winding walls of the Jincheng Courtyard
A traditional Chinese pavilion for all girls - Wufeng Tower in Shanxi.
In Shanxi, there is a traditional Chinese pavilion for all girls. The mountain gate is designed in the shape of a phoenix flying in the sky, and the sky is pink, hoping to give you a unique sense of peace and gentleness in Shanxi during your trip. Wufeng Tower is the mountain gate of Yuhuang Temple, and it has three wonders. It is supported by four giant stone pillars, with five layers of flying eaves, a hip-and-gable glazed roof, three rooms wide, three rooms deep, and more than 20 meters high.
The first wonder: Jing wood beams, which are hard to find in the world.
Jing is a deciduous shrub in the mountains and fields, called Jingyang or Jingtiao by the locals. Its branches are messy and hard to grow into a trunk. However, the north-south beams on the second floor of Wufeng Tower are made of two 7.39-meter-long Jing wood, one with a diameter of 54 cm and the other with a diameter of 50 cm, both over 400 years old.
The second wonder: Mulberry wood ladder, its origin and year of felling are unknown.
Mulberry is a deciduous tree or shrub, short in height, with rough wood, many branches, and easy to crack, making it difficult to become timber. This mulberry wood ladder is carved from the trunk of a mulberry tree. It is 7.13 meters high, with a small end diameter of 42 cm and a large end diameter of 76 cm, with 15 steps. According to the annual rings, the tree is over 500 years old. Such a huge mulberry tree is rare.
The third wonder: The broken beam of the Xian Hall, surrounded by a beautiful and rigorous caisson, but with a broken beam, the reason for which is still unknown.
Yuhuang Temple was built in the Song Dynasty and repaired in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. It faces south and has three courtyards.
On the central axis are the mountain gate (Wufeng Tower), Xian Pavilion (where the caisson is located in the picture), Lingxiao Hall, and the sleeping palace, with bell towers, drum towers, Wenchang Pavilion, halls, side halls, and corridor rooms on the left and right. Outside the east wall are Siyu Palace, Doumu Palace, etc. It is a grand and magnificent building, a great view in Changzhi.
When you climb Wufeng Tower, the huge dougong mortise and tenon components, which are nearly a thousand years old, slide past your legs one by one. It is like a kind and knowledgeable teacher, letting you feel the shocking aesthetics of ancient pavilions.
When you reach the top, you can enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers. Above you is the gorgeous caisson for praying for fire safety and peace in ancient times, and behind you are the five daughters of the Jade Emperor, playing music, singing, and dancing around the corridor and inner columns. This is the origin of the name Wufeng Tower.
The Power of Faith: Enter the Cultural World of Changzhi Guanyin Temple, Shanxi
😄 Explore the hidden treasure in the mountains: Changzhi Guanyin Temple🧭🌸
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Finally, the summer vacation is here. Taking advantage of this opportunity, my friends and I planned a special road trip. Our destination is a thousand-year-old temple located in the green mountains and rivers—Changzhi Guanyin Temple📍 It is hidden in the mountains and is one of the birthplaces of the Quanzhen School of Taoism.
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🎉 The scenery along the way unfolds like a painting, with blue skies, white clouds, and babbling streams accompanying us, making us want to sing a song to express our excitement.
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🔥 Finally, we arrived at the legendary place where we could cleanse the dust. As soon as we entered the park, we were infected by the ancient buildings and the peaceful atmosphere. Every carving has exquisite craftsmanship, reflecting the wisdom and creativity of the ancients🔨;
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The lush plants around form a vibrant scene🌳, which greatly relaxes and nourishes the body and mind. Wandering between the courtyards and pavilions, it seems that all the hustle and bustle is isolated outside, leaving only the dialogue and communication between the soul and nature🥾 The pure land of the soul is indeed well-deserved👍 Looking down from the mountain, you can see the vast fields and undulating mountains intertwined into a beautiful pastoral poem🎨 If time permits, I would like to explore more unknown mysteries in the mountains along the trail, waiting for me to discover and protect them.
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💕 This is not just a trip, but also a practice and a dialogue across time and space, allowing us to re-examine our lives and world values. (Secretly tell everyone: the vegetarian food here is also very delicious and worth recommending to everyone!) I hope I can have the opportunity to return to this beautiful town next time and enjoy this peaceful and quiet place!😌
The most underrated ancient town I visited this year, I hope it stays that way.
Compared to bustling ancient towns, I prefer low-key, underrated places. In Changzhi, Shanxi, I found such a "pure land"—Yincheng Ancient Town. There are very few tourists, and most of the buildings in the ancient town are from the Ming and Qing dynasties, still retaining their original appearance and undeveloped.
🏞️ Features of Yincheng Ancient Town
- Historical background: It has been the largest iron production and trading place in China since ancient times. According to the "Luzhou Chronicle," there were "800 households, 500 merchants, and countless shops, with merchants coming and going..." This shows the prosperity of Yincheng during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Architectural features: The residential buildings in the ancient town are mainly courtyard houses, mostly with blue bricks and gray tiles. The carvings on the doors and windows are exquisite. Strolling through the ancient alleys, you can feel the authentic ancient charm. Every brick and tile tells the story of time.
- Food recommendation: Yincheng pork soup, small vermicelli, and pancakes are local specialties.
📆 Opening Information
- Tickets: Free
- Opening hours: All day
🚗 Parking Information
- Parking: There is a free parking lot in the ancient town.
📍 Address
- Address: Yincheng Town, Shangdang District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province
Stumble upon Yuanqi Temple while traveling through the Zhuo Zhang River Valley!
❤Reasons to recommend:
Yuanqi Temple in Changzhi, Shanxi, is located on the top of Phoenix Mountain in Xin'an Village, Xiahuang Township, Changzhi City. It was first built in the sixth year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty (747 AD) and is an ancient temple with a long history. In the second year of the Yuanyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1087 AD), the Great Sage Pagoda was added, becoming an important architectural landscape in the temple.
🌟Highlights:
Although the Yuanqi Temple is not large, its overall layout is rigorous. The central axis is the Xiangting Pavilion and the Daxiong Hall, with the Peidian on the east side and the Great Sage Pagoda on the west side. This layout reflects the architectural style of traditional Chinese Buddhist temples, solemn and solemn.
💎Daxiong Hall: Its architectural style has typical Song Dynasty characteristics and is an important example of studying Song Dynasty architecture.
Great Sage Pagoda: Also known as the Qinglong Pagoda, it was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese brick pagodas.
💎Xiangting Pavilion: The Xiangting Pavilion in front of the hall is a relic of the Qing Dynasty.
💎Octagonal bluestone sutra pagoda: The sutra pagoda is engraved with the Dharani Sutra and the inscription of the pagoda temple. The eight sides of the sutra pagoda are carved with the image of a female musician, with exquisite craftsmanship, and it is one of the important cultural relics of Yuanqi Temple.
Yuanqi Temple: Free admission!
Such a national cultural protection unit can only be free in Shanxi!
A hidden gem with beautiful scenery.
🎋Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park is located in the northwest of Changzhi City, covering an area of 5,872 hectares. The park is a typical wetland with beautiful scenery and rich resources, including over 520 plant species, 168 bird species, nearly 10,000 acres of reeds, irises, grasslands, and thousands of acres of wetland protection forests. It is the only urban wetland in Shanxi and a typical representative of lakes and river wetlands in Shanxi and even North China. It is one of the best-preserved original and natural marsh wetlands in China.
🍁Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park is the green heart of the city and the "poetry and distance" at the doorstep of Changzhi people. It has vast wetlands, clear streams, green forests, and rich wild animal and plant resources. Here, you will feel like you have entered a quiet and mysterious fairyland; here, you can feel the magic of nature and appreciate the beautiful scenery of humans and nature living in harmony; here, you will find a spiritual sustenance and emotional resonance.
🌴Shangdang Jiangnan style, Zhangze Lake charm. Stroll in the wetland park, colorful flower fields, willow wetlands, 24 bridges, reed bays, ten miles of wind and lotus, hundred chrysanthemum gardens... The scenery changes with every step, and it is beautiful; egrets fly, reeds sway, plank roads meander, water is sparkling... It is poetic and interesting.
🎍In spring, orioles sing; in summer, it is lush; in autumn, the wind is clear and refreshing; in winter, it is quiet.
Is there a place that can rival the Xiaoxitian?
Shocking revelation! Is there a place that can rival the Xiaoxitian? What's so magical about this "crown of hanging sculptures in China"?
Stepping into Changzhi Guanyin Temple is like stepping into the palace of Ming Dynasty art. This treasure, which was built in 1582, is not only known as a "Ming Dynasty hanging sculpture treasure", but also attracts countless art lovers and tourists with its exquisite craftsmanship and unique charm. The temple is located in Liangjiazhuang Village, Daxinzhuang Town, Luzhou District, Changzhi City, with convenient transportation. Whether you are coming from the high-speed railway station or the airport, there are customized tourist lines that take you directly to the temple. Don't forget to try the local specialty dishes, such as Changzhi fried pancake, donkey meat pancake, and Changzi pig's head meat. Each bite is full of authentic Changzhi flavor. Tickets are only CNY 10, and it's free for people over 60! But please note that as a cultural heritage site, the temple has limited reception capacity. You may need to queue up when it's crowded. Please be prepared in advance and help protect this precious historical heritage.
The beauty of Guanyin Temple lies not only in its external hanging sculpture art, but also in the cultural heritage that has been accumulated over hundreds of years. Are you ready to explore? Share your feelings in the comments section, or tell us about the "art treasure" in your heart!
Shangdang Gate.
Shangdang Gate was first built during the Sui Dynasty. The gate tower is 1,500 meters above sea level, the same height as the top of the Taihang Mountains. It faces south and is tall and independent. The gate tower of Shangdang Gate is a double-eave Xieshan-style building with flying eaves and corners, which is solemn and simple. The glazed tiles on the gate tower are colorful, and the carved beams and painted buildings are very exquisite. Shangdang Gate is a symbol of Changzhi and has witnessed the historical changes in the Changzhi area. It used to be the gate of Shangdang County, and it has been repaired and rebuilt through many dynasties and preserved to this day.
Explore Guanyin Temple | Follow in the footsteps of the Black Myth: Wukong and experience the mysteries of mythology.
🏮Guanyin Temple, as an important place in Chinese mythology, has always been a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists. The recent popular Black Myth: Wukong has added a layer of mystery to this ancient temple. Here is your Guanyin Temple travel guide, taking you on a journey to explore the mythology of Wukong! 🐵🌟
📍📍【Step 1: How to Get There】📍📍
🛫Departing from Taiyuan, you can take a train or long-distance bus to Guanyin Temple. After arriving at Guanyin Temple, you can walk or take local transportation to the temple. 🚗🚆
🏮🏮【Step 2: Visit Guanyin Temple】🏮🏮
📸Guanyin Temple is famous for its long history and rich cultural connotations. The Buddha statues, murals, and ancient buildings in the temple are all must-see attractions. In addition, the temple also enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva, a symbol of compassion. 🏞️📸
🐵🐵【Step 3: Black Myth: Wukong Elements】🐵🐵
🌄Guanyin Temple is closely related to the legend of Black Myth: Wukong, and there are many cultural relics and legends related to Wukong in the temple. During the visit, you can pay special attention to these elements and feel the interweaving of mythology and reality. 🏮🌄
🍽️🍽️【Step 4: Taste Local Cuisine】🍽️🍽️
🍴There are many local specialties near Guanyin Temple, such as Shanxi knife-cut noodles, oil cakes, etc. Why not try local dishes and experience Shanxi's food culture. 🍹🥘
🛏️🛏️【Step 5: Accommodation Recommendations】🛏️🛏️
🏨There are many hotels and homestays near Guanyin Temple, providing a comfortable accommodation environment. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. 🌙🏞️
🌟🌟【Conclusion】🌟🌟
🏮Guanyin Temple is not only a temple, but also a history, a legend. I hope this guide can help you find peace of mind in this journey of mythology and reality. 🛫🌍
The Temple of All Gods in Shanxi | Guanyin Hall is finally open!
| Guanyin Hall is finally open! The Temple of All Gods in Shanxi | Guanyin Hall is finally open! Not Xiaoxitian! Changzhi Guanyin Hall is finally open.
Compared with Linfen Xiaoxitian, this place is older and is indeed the crown of Song Dynasty sculptures in Changzhi!
It is hard to imagine that in a space of less than 60 square meters, there are about 500 existing statues, the largest is 2 meters, and the smallest is only 10 cm.
The seventh picture shows the monkey Sun Wukong before he became a Buddha, which is difficult to find on the spot.
The Buddhist altar in the center of the hall enshrines the "Three Great Men" of Buddhism, namely Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.
Located at the top of the golden pillar behind the heart, there are the seated statues of the three religions, the ancestors of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, Sakyamuni, Laozi, and Confucius. Sakyamuni is in the middle, and Laozi and Confucius are on the left and right.
It reflects the cultural characteristics of the unity of the three religions since the Tang and Song Dynasties. There is also a 1,100-year-old tree at the door.
It is recommended to use a mobile phone to shoot on site, because the environment is relatively dark and the camera has great limitations. This set of photos was taken with a mobile phone.
Follow the "Black Myth: Wukong" and check in at Guanyin Hall in Shanxi. Here is a guide.
Follow the "Black Myth: Wukong" and check in at Guanyin Hall in Shanxi. Here is a Guanyin Hall travel guide.
Guanyin Hall is located in Liangjiazhuang Village, 5 kilometers northwest of Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. It was established in the 10th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1582 AD) and has a history of more than 430 years. It is a well-preserved temple in Changzhi City.
👉Opening hours:
08:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00 (January 1-December 31, Monday-Sunday).
👉Ticket information: The walk-in price is CNY 10.
👉Specific address: Liangjiazhuang Village, 5 kilometers northwest of Changzhi City, Shanxi Province.
👉Transportation guide:
Self-driving: Navigate to "Guanyin Hall".
Public transportation: Take the No. 15 bus from the city to the west of Zhuoma Street, and walk 200 meters north.
👉Attraction features:
• Historical culture: Guanyin Hall is a well-preserved temple in Changzhi City, with extremely high artistic and historical value.
• Architectural style: Guanyin Hall has a unique architectural style and strong regional characteristics.
• Art treasures: The Ming Dynasty mud-colored hanging sculptures in the Guanyin Hall are very spectacular and are one of the main attractions of Guanyin Hall.
👉Precautions:
• The Ming Dynasty mud-colored hanging sculptures in Guanyin Hall are very precious. Tourists should pay attention to the protection of cultural relics during the visit and do not touch or damage them.
• The incense in Guanyin Hall is very strong. Tourists should pay attention to safety during the visit to avoid fire.
• Respect Buddhist culture and customs, and abide by temple regulations.
Shangdang Gate, Lu'an Prefecture City Temple
Shangdang Gate is a national cultural relic protection site (6th batch) located at the north end of Fupo Street, West Street, Changzhi City. It was the gate of the Shangdang County Office in the Sui Dynasty. Shangdang Gate was built during the Sui Dynasty. When Tang Xuanzong Li Longji was the governor of Luzhou, he carried out large-scale construction in the office, and built the Feilong Palace and De Feng Pavilion. At its peak, there were more than 280 pavilions and palaces. It was destroyed by war during the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. In the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1370), the gate of Shangdang Gate was rebuilt, and the bell and drum tower were added later. It was rebuilt in the third year of Hongzhi (1490). It was rebuilt again in 1932. Now there is only one door left...
Lu'an Prefecture City Temple is located in Miaodao Lane, North Street, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. It was built for the worship of the city god. It is a large and well-preserved ancient architectural complex among the existing known prefecture city temples in the country. It covers an area of 12,229 square meters and a building area of 5,175.03 square meters. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty.
Every year on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month is the traditional temple fair day, mainly for the worship of the city god. The city god is the god who guards the city in ancient legends. After the completion of the City God Temple, the suffering people sought the blessing of the city god, so they sincerely brought offerings and incense to seek the blessing of the city god on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month. At the same time, people also set up a stage to sing operas to make the city god happy. When there are many people, merchants are naturally attracted. Therefore, many merchants also set up stalls in the City God Temple to sell goods, thus forming an annual ancient temple fair.
On June 25, 2001, the Lu'an Prefecture City Temple was listed as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council as an ancient building from the Yuan to the Qing Dynasty.
Shangdang Gate Lu'an Prefecture City Temple
The world of "Black Myth: Wukong" is real!
You must have seen the promotion "Follow Black Myth to Shanxi" 🔥
But if you really play "Black Myth: Wukong", you can't easily find a few ancient sites in Shanxi 🙊
Let's follow the perspective of "Black Myth: Wukong" 👀, you will definitely not miss it, that is—Shanxi Guanyin Hall!
Now share it with everyone ☟
🏘Address: Liangjiazhuang Village, Daxinzhuang Town, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province
🚖Transportation: It is recommended to drive or charter a car to go there, and the parking lot at the door is free
💰Tickets: 10 yuan/person
📷Photos are allowed here, but flash is not allowed
🔺Tips:
☟
①Keep quiet during the visit and respect the beliefs and rules of the temple.
②Do not touch or climb statues and murals at will to avoid damaging cultural relics.
③Dress appropriately and avoid wearing revealing or casual clothes.
Guan Yin Temple in Changzhi - A grand gathering of gods and immortals from the three religions.
🎀Hi, everyone! Today I'm going to share with you a super awesome attraction - Guan Yin Temple in Changzhi, Shanxi. 😃
Guan Yin Temple was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, so it has a long history. 🎈At that time, craftsmen used their wisdom and superb skills to create this unique art treasure. It is not only a sacred place for people to pray for blessings and safety, but also a wonderful place where the three religions coexist.
💖It is said that in the year of disaster and famine, the people were in distress, and Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared to bring hope, so this Guanyin Temple was built. In the Guanyin Hall, the Buddhist "Three Great Men" on the central altar are solemn and solemn. 🙏At the top of the golden pillar in the back, Sakyamuni, Laozi, and Confucius, the ancestors of the three religions, coexist harmoniously, which is amazing for the tolerance of the ancients. All over the main hall, the statues of the Eighteen Arhats, the Twenty-four Heavenly Sovereigns, etc. are lifelike. 💪
Every sculpture and mural here is an artistic masterpiece, blending various techniques to show the charm of the gods and immortals. 🎨
It is worth mentioning that the popular game "Black Myth: Wukong" also has the shadow of Guanyin Temple. It provides rich materials and inspiration for game creation. 💕If you come to Changzhi, don't miss this place full of historical charm and legendary colors, and has a wonderful connection with Black Myth Wukong. Come and feel this grand gathering of gods and immortals! 😉
Xingtai surrounding tour: This directly triggered my fear of heights 😨
Xingtai Outskirts Tour: This directly triggered my fear of heights 😱
Starting from Xingtai, it took a 4-hour drive to reach Changzhi Huguan. I've lost count of how many times I've been to Huguan 🤔
The road conditions this time were truly terrible, with construction everywhere. It's my fault for not checking the notice, which suggested coming after June 30th. You can follow the official account of Baquanxia to know when it's open 📱
Originally, I planned to take the loop route, but it was indeed a bit steep ⛰️
My navigation first led me to Changzhi Shengxian Bridge, but I didn't go up. Later, I drove in the direction of Weize Shui Village for 10 minutes and saw the entrance to Qili Zhan. Walking in for 10 minutes, I could see the smooth gray cliffs. There is a large viewing platform in Weize Shui Village, and the road below leads to the cliffside plank road, which takes about 40 minutes 🚶♂️
For those with stamina, you can directly go up from Shengxian Bridge, loop around Qili Zhan, and descend. Someone has shared the route before, and the whole journey takes about five hours ⏱️
#XingtaiOutskirtsTour #XingtaiSelfDrivingTour #XingtaiMountainClimbing #ShanxiChangzhiBaquanxia #XingtaiFoodDrinkEntertainment #XingtaiHiddenTour #ChangzhiMountainClimbing #XingtaiOutskirtsPlay #XingtaiWeekendWhereToPlay #XingtaiWeekendGoodPlaceToGo
I came to Guanyin Hall in Changzhi because of the game "Black Myth: Wukong".
Every day, I learn something new about ancient architecture. Today, I'm in Changzhi.
📍Location: Guanyin Hall, Changzhi, Shanxi
🚗Transportation: It's easy to get to by taxi. 🎫Ticket: The price is very affordable, only CNY 10 per person.
🕐Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 every day.
⚠️Note! Guanyin Hall will be temporarily closed for maintenance from July 25 to September 25, 2024. If you plan to visit during this period, please adjust your schedule in advance.
Guanyin Hall, hidden between the high-rise buildings and residences of Liangjiazhuang Village in Changzhi, may seem a bit out of place, but as soon as you step into the gate, the solemn and sacred atmosphere of the main hall immediately hits you.
As you step into the main hall, you will find that the walls, pillars, and beams are all adorned with exquisite hanging sculptures, depicting heavenly scenes, Gui Dianlan Pavilion, Qiong Lou Yuyu and other fairyland, as well as various characters in the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. These more than 500 sculptures of various sizes, each one lifelike and unique in shape. In a space of only 60 square meters, there are so many hanging sculptures densely displayed, the scale and density of which are indeed breathtaking.
If Xiaoxitian is known as the "swan song of hanging sculpture art", then Guanyin Hall is undoubtedly the "dazzling pearl of hanging sculpture art".
■In terms of historical background, Guanyin Hall was built in the tenth year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1582) and has a history of hundreds of years. As one of the four well-preserved Ming Dynasty hanging colored sculptures in the country, it is a representative of hanging sculpture art, along with Dahui Temple in Haidian, Beijing, Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao, Jinzhong, and Xiaoxitian in Xixian, Linfen.
■The core of the main statue in the hall is the self-contained Guanyin, including Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. In particular, the image of Guanyin Bodhisattva is very unique, with its natural and relaxed posture and smiling expression, which is quite different from the common image of Guanyin in other temples, so it is called "self-contained Guanyin".
■The integration of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism is reflected in the decoration of the hall. The first three floors on the north and south sides respectively display Buddhist figures such as the Eighteen Arhats, the Fourteen Heavens, and the Twelve Yuanjue. The fourth floor above the flat beam and the big beam, on the other hand, depicts important figures in Taoism and Confucianism, such as the Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother, the Three Officials, and the Seventy-two Virtues of Confucius, cleverly combining Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist culture with historical legends to create a unique cultural harmony.
Guanyin Hall is not only a Buddhist holy place, but also an art treasure house that showcases the beauty of the integration of traditional Chinese culture, and is worth savoring by every visitor.
This is definitely the ceiling of "extreme complexity" in the ancient architecture world.
📍Location:
If you come to Changzhi for a tour, you must take the time to go to Jinglegong in Guancun. Although you can't go in now, the appearance of the building itself brings the ancient architecture to an extremely complex height, and it is so beautiful that you don't know how to take pictures.
🚗Attraction traffic:
The navigation can be reached directly and it is not difficult to find. Now it has been changed to the activity center in the village. Many old people are playing cards and chess inside. If you can't find it, you can ask someone to take you there.
👍️The biggest highlight:
It was created in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, and was repaired many times later, so the entire building now has many styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The palace courtyard is a four-in-one courtyard layout facing north to south. The temple is solemn, the scale is solemn, the simplicity is elegant, and the wood carvings on the eaves and beams are super beautiful, and there are many details.
💗Other tips:
When I went there, it was dusk, and the backlight was too strong to take pictures. It is recommended to come in the morning when the light is good. And bring a telephoto lens, you can see a lot of wood carving details.
In the ancient charm of Jin Dongnan, I embarked on a journey through the time of the Tang and Song dynasties
In the ancient charm of Jin Dongnan, I embarked on a journey through the time of the Tang and Song dynasties. 🚶♂️🏰 Faxing Temple, this name echoes in the long river of history. It is not just a temple, but a cultural heritage.
📍【Visit Changzhi Faxing Temple】
Address: Cuiyun Mountain, Cuizhuang Village, Cilin Town, Changzi County, Changzhi City
Ticket: Only 15 yuan to appreciate the thousand-year-old Tang and Song charm
Opening hours: 9:00 - 11:30; 14:00 - 17:30
🚗【Travel Tips】
- Free parking, but you need to walk to the temple gate along the long steps, feeling the weight of history.
🏰【Historical Overview】
- Built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, it has gone through the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with each generation leaving its mark. From Cilin Temple to Guangde Temple, and then to Faxing Temple, each renaming is a witness to history.
🏯【Temple Layout】
- The original site was relocated to the southern slope of Cuiyun Mountain due to geological changes. It is situated by the mountain and water, facing north to south, with a two-entry courtyard. Every step on the central axis echoes history.
👀【Must-See Highlights】
1️⃣ Tang Dynasty Stone Relic Pagoda - A unique piece among unique pieces, a square two-story stone pagoda, each stone slab tells the story of the Tang Dynasty.
2️⃣ Tang Dynasty Lantern Pagoda - An octagonal single-story stone pagoda, with auspicious beasts, inscriptions, and doors and windows, every detail showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Tang Dynasty sculpture.
3️⃣ Yuanjue Hall and Song Dynasty Sculptures - Rebuilt in the Song Dynasty, imitating the Song Dynasty reconstruction, the cycle of history is reflected here. 22 colored sculptures, each one is awe-inspiring, especially the Water-Moon Guanyin, with its elegant posture and serene expression, as if it can transcend time and space.
📸【Special Tips】
- You can take photos now! 🎉 Capture the thousand-year-old ancient charm with your camera!
Listen to the ancient tower sounds in the Zhuozhang River Valley
📍Location:
Xinan Village, Huangniuti Township, Lucheng City, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, at the peak of Fenghuang Mountain (a particularly small mountain, next to the village, just two flights of stairs up)
🌈Attraction Features:
Yuanqi Temple faces south, with excellent feng shui, and can be seen from afar. The overall architectural layout is very interesting, with a central axis featuring the Xiang Pavilion and the Mahavira Hall, an auxiliary hall on the east side, and the Dasheng Pagoda on the west side. The best-preserved structures we see now are the Mahavira Hall and the Qinglong Pagoda, both typical Song Dynasty structures. The others were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Although the entire Yuanqi Temple was originally built in the Tang Dynasty and the Qinglong Pagoda was built in the Song Dynasty, this pagoda has withstood many years of weathering and still exudes extraordinary charm. Each corner of the pagoda has wind chimes hanging from it, which sound very pleasant when the wind blows.
🚗Travel Tips:
We took the high-speed train to Changzhi South Station, rented a car, and then set off from Changzhi South Station. The journey was nearly 60 kilometers and took an hour and a half.
💗Other Tips:
There is a long bench in front of the pagoda. Be sure to sit there and daydream for a while, facing the Qinglong Pagoda, with the sound of the wind and the chimes, which is very pleasant and long-lasting.
Carrier of Shangdang history
The City God Temple of Lu'an Prefecture is located on East Street, Luzhou District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. It was built to worship the City God and is one of the larger and better-preserved ancient architectural complexes among the existing prefectural City God Temples in China. It covers an area of 12,229 square meters and has a building area of 5,175 square meters. It was first built during the Yuan Dynasty. The City God Temple of Lu'an Prefecture faces south and has a three-courtyard layout. In front, there is a sacred path, and the central axis from south to north is 408 meters long. From south to north, there are the Six Dragon Wall, the Grand Gate, the Wooden Archway, the Stone Archway, the Mountain Gate, the Double Tower (Xuanjian Tower), the Opera Tower, the Offering Pavilion, the City God Hall, the Sleeping Palace, and various east and west side halls and corridor rooms in each courtyard. On June 25, 2001, it was approved by the State Council to be included in the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
I made a special trip to Changzhi to check in at this museum, and I regret it
📍Attraction Address:
No. 259, Taihang West Street, Luzhou District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province
🚗Attraction Transportation:
Take bus routes 1, 5, or 15 to Taihang North Road Intersection (Changfeng Company) Station, and walk west for about 100 meters.
You can also take a taxi directly.
👍️Must-See:
1. Tang Dynasty Tri-colored Glazed Pottery Female Figurine Holding a Duck (Picture 1), unearthed from a Tang Dynasty tomb. The figure is very beautiful, probably resembling a Tang Dynasty girl, with double buns on the sides of her head. The lines of the clothing are very smooth, and the colors are bright.
2. Painted Figurine of a Hu Person Riding a Camel (Picture 2), unearthed around 1975 from the Hongxing Factory in Changzhi City. The camel has a curved neck and raised head, looking forward. The saddle pad between the two humps is said to have been red, but it has faded today. There are monkeys climbing on both sides of the camel's body, with wine pots, water bottles, and grain bags hanging from it. Although the expressions are vague, the dynamics are full of life and very vivid.
🎟️Ticket Information:
Free
💗Other Tips:
Personally, I think as a local city-level museum, compared to the museum in Yuncheng, Shanxi, the management of Changzhi's museum still has shortcomings. There are not many exhibits, the public area and leisure area are very small, and there are almost no cultural and creative products. There is a hall on the second floor with a very pungent smell, and walking around it makes you dizzy.
If you are traveling to Changzhi and happen to pass by, you can take a look at this museum, but it is not necessary to make a special trip.
The exquisite glazed artifacts from the Ming Dynasty tomb of Zhu Xun Teng in Beishicao
The exquisite glazed artifacts from the Ming Dynasty tomb of Zhu Xun Teng in Beishicao are exhibited at the Changzhi Museum, located at 259 Taihang West Street, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province.
The Ming Dynasty tomb of Zhu Xun Teng in Beishicao is located east of Beishicao Village, southeast of the urban area of Changzhi City. In July 2000, the Changzhi Museum conducted a rescue excavation of the tomb. The tomb has a brick chamber cave structure, with a depth of 6 meters, a width of 4 meters, and a height of 3 meters. It faces north to south, with a brick-carved wooden structure tomb door, which is basically well-preserved. It is the joint burial tomb of Zhu Xun Teng, the Assistant General of the Yongnian Commandery of the Shen Princedom, and his wife. Zhu Xun Teng, also known as Zhongshan, was the fifth-generation grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and the great-grandson of Zhu Mo, the Jian Prince of Shen. He was born on December 14, 1502, and was conferred the title of Assistant General at the age of fifteen, with a fief of 800 zhong. He died on April 9, 1580, at the age of seventy-nine. On May 8, 1586, he was buried together with his wife in Shicao Village.
The tomb yielded a rich collection of glazed burial figurines, which are exquisitely made and vividly shaped.
The figurines mainly include servant figurines, attendant figurines, traveling figurines, sedan chair bearer figurines, book boy figurines, steward figurines, horse leading figurines, ceremonial figurines, and musician figurines. Animal figurines include saddled horses, dogs, chickens, etc. The models of daily utensils are diverse, including kitchen utensils such as pots, jars, bottles, bowls, plates, cups, tables, chairs, basin stands, clothes racks, drum stands, screens, cabinets, beds, boxes, gift boxes, vases, incense burners, candlesticks, lamps, and other indoor items and furniture. There are also outdoor living utensils such as millstones, wells, sedan chairs, and house models.
These burial artifacts authentically carry various information about the society at that time and are important historical materials for studying the burial customs, ritual systems, clothing systems, and lifestyles of the late Ming Dynasty. They also reflect the level of sculpture art at that time and have extremely high historical and artistic value.
Ticket Information: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00—17:00, closed on Mondays (except for legal holidays and special circumstances).
Transportation Information: Accessible by Changzhi City bus routes 1, You 1, 5/5A, and 15.
Ming and Qing Dynasty Glass Treasures at Changzhi Museum
The "Ming and Qing Dynasty Glass Treasures" exhibition is displayed at Changzhi Museum, located at 259 Taihang West Street, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province.
In recent years, glass burial objects from the Ming and Qing dynasties unearthed in Changzhi have become a relatively special category with the most regional characteristics. They can be roughly divided into three categories: figurines, animal figurines, and daily utensil models. Most of these burial objects are low-temperature lead-glazed glass with a green glaze and yellow glaze being the main colors, while brown, black, and red glazes are less common. The craftsmanship is exquisite and unique, making them stand out among folk burial objects nationwide in terms of quantity and scale.
"Treating the dead as if they were alive" is a traditional Chinese funeral concept. The glass burial objects from the Ming and Qing dynasties realistically simulate various figures and life scenes of the time, becoming important evidence for studying ancient society. Through these colorful, vividly expressive, and lifelike artistic images, we can see another trajectory of the development of ancient Chinese history.
Ticket Information: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00—17:00, closed on Mondays (except for legal holidays and special circumstances).
Transportation Information: Accessible by Changzhi City bus routes 1, You 1, 5/5A, and 15.
Ancient Glazed Art of Changzhi
The 'Exhibition of Ancient Glazed Art of Changzhi' is displayed at the Changzhi Museum, located at 259 Taihang West Street, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. As the political, economic, and cultural center of the ancient Shangdang region, Changzhi has a long history of glazed art. The craftsmanship has a long-standing tradition, with a clear lineage of inheritance, leaving behind a rich collection of glass artifacts and enjoying a high reputation since ancient times.
The glazed industry in Lucheng District, Huguan County, and Qin County of Changzhi City mainly focused on the production of glazed ware with a clay body. It began in the Jin and Yuan dynasties and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The lineage of glazed craftsmen is clear, and the industry remained prosperous until the founding of the People's Republic of China, with a significant amount of exports. Ancient architecture expert Mr. Rong Zejun said, 'The ancient Shangdang region, including Luzhou (now Changzhi City), Yangcheng, Lingchuan, Qin County, and Wenshui in the Lüliang Mountains, were all places where Ming dynasty glazed craftsmen emerged.'
Glazed art is one of the unique regional cultures of Changzhi. The 'Exhibition of Ancient Glazed Art of Changzhi' mainly displays three categories of low-temperature lead-glazed products: practical utensils, burial objects, and architectural components, with a time span from the Warring States period to the Qing dynasty.
Ticket Information: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00—17:00, closed on Mondays (except for public holidays and special circumstances).
Transportation Information: Accessible by Changzhi City bus routes 1, Tour 1, 5/5A, and 15.
The Shangdang Gate in Changzhi has witnessed the vicissitudes of history
In the era of high-speed trains,
our chances of taking regular trains are getting slimmer,
and our travels are often hasty.
Traveling by regular train,
enjoying the leisurely pace of the journey,
is also a wonderful way to travel against the tide!
Changzhi is a city full of charm, with many impressive cultural heritages.
During the summer vacation,
I took a green-skinned train northward and encountered this city on the Taihang Mountains—Changzhi—for the first time.
On the land of Changzhi, there is an ancient and solemn building—Shangdang Gate. It stands like a silent elder, quietly telling the past of this city.
As a witness to the history of Changzhi, Shangdang Gate bears a thousand years of wind and rain. Its architectural style is unique, blending the robustness of the north with the delicacy of the south. The towering gate tower, like a giant roc spreading its wings, exhibits a majestic aura.
Stepping into Shangdang Gate, the simple atmosphere hits you in the face. The bluestone-paved road has been polished smooth and flat by the years. The buildings on both sides, despite having experienced changes, still exude a strong cultural charm.
Looking up, the wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings on the pavilions are exquisitely beautiful, with every detail showcasing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. These carvings, some depicting myths and legends, others showing folk stories, are vivid and lifelike, making one feel as if they are in a palace of art.
Shangdang Gate is not only a masterpiece of architectural art but also a treasure of historical culture. Here, countless stories have taken place, with political changes and the joys and sorrows of the people. It has witnessed the rise and fall of Changzhi, as well as the development and progress of the times.
Changzhi not only has Shangdang Gate, the City God Temple, and many other ancient buildings to experience the profound historical and cultural heritage; it also has the Taihang Mountains, a natural air conditioner. The summer temperature here is a few degrees lower than in Luoyang, with cool breezes in the evening, making it a great place for summer leisure and relaxation.
Ancient Architecture Tour in Shanxi - The Wufeng Tower at Changzhi Yuhuang Temple
I finally made it to the other side of the Anywhere Door - Wufeng Tower!
To see underground relics, go to Shaanxi; to see aboveground relics, go to Shanxi. It was only after a trip to Shanxi that I truly appreciated this saying.
In southern Shanxi, there is a Yuhuang Temple located in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. The temple faces north and opens to the south, consisting of three courtyards in a row, with the main gate, offering pavilion, Lingxiao Treasure Hall, and the sleeping palace on the central axis, and the bell tower, drum tower, Wenchang Pavilion, side halls, turret halls, and corridors on the left and right. To the east of Wufeng Tower, there are newly completed buildings such as the Siyu Palace, Doumu Palace, and the sleeping palace.
The most famous part of Yuhuang Temple is its main gate - Wufeng Tower. It is a large Taoist building, originally constructed during the Yuan Dynasty, and was renovated four times during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, and the Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Tongzhi periods of the Qing Dynasty. From the front, Wufeng Tower has five layers of flying eaves, symbolizing 'five phoenixes spreading their wings,' which is said to commemorate the five daughters of the Jade Emperor. However, when you look at the tower from the side walls after entering the main gate, you will find that there are only four layers of flying eaves, which is an example of the 'five in light, four in shadow' technique used in ancient Chinese architecture.
Inside Yuhuang Temple, there are five wonders - the Jingmu beam, the Sangmu ladder, the Bagua caisson, the single broken beam, and the seven arches with thirteen steps. Most of these wonders are located within Wufeng Tower.
Jingmu Beam: Inside Wufeng Tower, two painted beams with a diameter of about 50 centimeters run through the top from front to back, known as the 'Jingmu beams.' Jingmu is a type of shrub, quite slender, usually used for weaving baskets. A Jingmu with a diameter of about 50 centimeters would need to grow for more than 3,000 years, making it a rare sight in China to use Jingmu as a beam.
Sangmu Ladder: Inside Wufeng Tower, there is also a winding single-log ladder, slantingly placed under the beam. Despite the wear and tear of time and the trampling of countless people, it remains as sturdy as ever. This is the 'Sangmu ladder.' The mulberry is a deciduous tree or shrub, relatively short, with coarse wood, many branches, and prone to splitting, making it difficult to grow. However, the mulberry ladder inside Wufeng Tower was carved from the main trunk of a mulberry tree, 7.13 meters high, with a small end diameter of 42 centimeters and a large end diameter of 76 centimeters, with 15 steps carved out. According to the tree rings, it is about 500 years old. Such a large mulberry tree, where it grew and where it was cut down, remains unknown, which is quite rare. The beam is even more unique.
Bagua Caisson: Inside Wufeng Tower, there are four round columns that reach the roof, and the caisson at the top is intricately constructed with dougong brackets and hanging lotus decorations, with very delicate wooden components. The massive caisson, like a flower cover treasure frame placed at the heart of the beam frame, makes the building particularly magnificent.
Single Broken Beam: Passing through Wufeng Tower, you come to the offering pavilion, and above the east side of the pavilion, there is a large wood with obvious signs of breakage. Why would such a massive project use a broken beam? It is said to be for earthquake resistance and pressure reduction, showing the ancient people's ingenuity. The reason remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
Seven Arches Thirteen Steps: Located at the northern end of the Yuhuang Temple complex is the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, which is tall and imposing. With four beams and eight columns, a single-eave hanging mountain roof, green glazed tiles, and eleven groups of four jumps and seven spreads making up thirteen steps of dougong brackets under the eaves, it is densely packed and rarely seen in ancient architecture.
Shanxi, Changzhi City, Guancun Jinglegong
Jinglegong was founded during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The temple complex faces south with a north orientation and is arranged as a quadrangle courtyard. Along the central axis, there are sequentially a screen wall, gate pavilion, transit hall, Xuandi Hall, with the Taishan Holy Mother Hall, Medicine King and Various Immortals Hall, corner halls, and side halls on both sides. The temple's appearance is solemn and its scale is grand. With red walls and green tiles, it exudes an ancient and elegant charm, making it a Taoist temple complex.
Jinglegong
Changzhi Museum
Changzhi has many ancient buildings, and the museum is not to be missed.
The bus at the entrance goes directly to the Xihuan Road stop. Get off the bus and you're there.
There are about twenty parking spaces inside for those who drive.
There are two volunteer-guided tours every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The first floor has three exhibition halls, featuring a special exhibition of glazed architectural components and two temporary exhibitions.
The third floor has one exhibition hall, which contains all the essence and treasures of the world.
Bronze wares, porcelain, Buddha statues, and handicrafts, etc., leave a deep impression.
The experience is very good, but could visitors please not press their hands against the glass to look? Not only do fingerprints remain, but it also makes it hard for other visitors to see clearly. Various prints on the glass display cases are very uncomfortable to look at.
Changzhi | Looking for land at the Lu State Prefecture City God Temple
| Looking for land at the Lu State Prefecture City God Temple. The City God Temple in Changzhi, a relatively low-ranking ancient building, is conveniently located in the urban area, and I came here to check in.
📜 About the City God Temple
The City God, in ancient times, every county and city had a god/person with a term of office and a family. They protected the peace of the area with their families.
The Changzhi City God Temple, also known as the Lu State Prefecture City God Temple, was founded in the Yuan Dynasty. It is one of the larger and better-preserved ancient architectural complexes among the known prefectural City God Temples in the country.
🌈 Highlights
Yuan Dynasty Remnants · Central Hall and Corner Hall
Built in the 22nd year of the Yuan Zhiyuan era (1285), the hall is five bays wide and six rafters deep. The hall uses a method of reducing columns, using only four inner columns. The beam frame is simple, and the materials are massive. The front eaves have six layers of bracket sets, forming a heavy arch. The eaves columns and inner columns are made of stone with a small octagonal square cross-section.
Ming Dynasty Remnants · Sleeping Palace, Theater, and Xuanjian Tower
Qing Dynasty Remnants · Corridors and Side Halls
🎫 Ticket: 5 yuan/person
Opening hours note: Closed from 12:00 to 13:30.
🚌 Bus:
Located in the city center, accessible by multiple bus routes such as 6, 9, 21, etc.
The surrounding area has been developed into a cultural and food plaza themed around the City God Temple.
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