Immersed in Liao-Jin Culture—Datong Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple

A city where every step is an ancient building, turning urban travel into a pilgrimage of ancient architecture, belongs to none other than Datong, Shanxi. Huayan Temple is the earliest and best-preserved Liao-Jin dynasty temple in China. During the Liao-Jin era, it served as the center of Northern Buddhism and also had the nature of a royal temple for the Liao dynasty, hence its special status. Strolling through Huayan Temple, you look up to see the exquisitely gorgeous glazed tile chiwen; the simple yet majestic flying eaves and large arches; the breathtakingly beautiful caisson ceilings; the entire wall of magnificent and splendid murals; the serene and smiling Bodhisattva; countless colored sculptures of Buddhas and murals from various dynasties. (First batch of national key cultural relics protection units, ticket price: 50 yuan) Datong Shanhua Temple is the most complete and largest architectural complex from the Liao-Jin period that exists in China today. As soon as you enter the mountain gate, you see the eye-catching 'net celebrity' Bao Tianwang, who seems to be making an OK gesture with his left hand. Inside the Mahavira Hall, the sculptures of the Five Directions Buddha and the twenty-four Devas are stunningly beautiful, offering a top-level cultural and aesthetic experience at Shanhua Temple. Datong is truly unique! (First batch of national key cultural relics protection units, free admission)