Taigu, less known than Pingyao, is not just about the Jin Merchant culture

"Golden Taigu, Silver Qixian, Copper Pingyao, Yuci County with inexhaustible rice and noodles", compared to Pingyao, Taigu seems even more serene. The attractions in Taigu are not very abundant, mainly divided into two areas for sightseeing: the ancient city area centered around the Taigu Drum Tower; and some ancient temples in the suburbs. The ancient city is small and can be explored through a city walk. The whole ancient city of Taigu is known for its layout of 'four streets, eight wells, and seventy-two alleys', with dozens of small alleys. The city is filled with over a hundred old houses with Ming and Qing architectural styles, suitable for a leisurely stroll. Key points of interest include: Wubian Temple - Kong Xiangxi's Residence - Drum Tower - Taigu County Yamen - County-level cultural preservation units on the main street - Anchansi Temple Highlights summary: 1️⃣ Wubian Temple: Currently, the Shanmen gate, Siming Pavilion, wooden archway, fish pond, white pagoda, and the halls of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira, stele corridor, and scripture tower are preserved. The most precious is the white pagoda in the middle, which is very distinctive, combining elements of pavilions, platforms, towers, and attics. 2️⃣ Anchansi Temple: Hidden within a school, it is often overlooked by most tourists. Anchansi Temple currently has the scripture hall and rear hall preserved, with the rest destroyed. The rear hall is a Ming dynasty relic, and the focus is on the Song dynasty wooden scripture hall. Since it is inside a school, it is generally inaccessible, and one can only view it from afar by the school's railings. 3️⃣ Drum Tower: In Taigu, there is a saying, "Taigu city is truly famous, with the Drum Tower built right in the heart of the street," which shows the importance of the Drum Tower. After entering the ancient city and walking on South Street, one can see the wooden tower at a glance. This is the Taigu Drum Tower, also known as Daguanlou. It was originally built during the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty and has stood firm despite multiple renovations. The lower level of the Drum Tower has four gates, named "Guanxiang, Tiaofen, Yifeng, Gongchen", and the upper level is a two-story, triple-eaved Xieshan top wooden tower-style building, with the top covered in green glazed tiles, offering a pleasant view. 4️⃣ Taigu County Yamen: A few hundred meters north of the Drum Tower is another district-level cultural preservation unit - Taigu County Yamen. The main building is the main hall, a relic from the Ming dynasty, not very large, and it seems to be under renovation for development. 5️⃣ Jingxin Temple: Like many temples in Shanxi, it is niche and inconveniently located, usually closed, and one may need to ask the cultural management staff to open the doors for a visit. The entire temple includes more than ten halls within two axial courtyards. There are many highlights, and here are a few favorite spots. 🔹 Stage: It is one of the more unique stages I have seen in Shanxi, with a peculiar dougong structure, which is a layer of densely packed wooden brackets, beautifully layered. 🔹 Bell and Drum Towers: On both sides of the courtyard are the bell and drum towers. Under the eaves of the bell tower hangs a Ming dynasty glazed plaque with the words "Whale Spouting", with a yellow background and blue characters; the drum tower has the words "Perching Egret". 🔹 Fox Fairy Hall: The gable retains Yuan dynasty murals of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, the earliest murals in Jingxin Temple. 🔹 Wenshu Hall: The suspended sculptures inside are unique. 🔹 Pilu Hall: Mainly for the colorful sculptures and vivid murals of Buddha's stories. 🔹 Stele Corridor: Contains two "Tang steles". 🔹 Mahavira Hall: Late Ming dynasty water and land murals. 🔹 Goddess Hall: Rare double-sided sculptures. Today, the ancient city of Taigu has begun to be renovated and is following Pingyao's commercial route. Although it is also a need for local tourism development, I hope it will not be overdone.