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.