The low-key Guoyang Town, an uncommercialized pure land

The low-key Guoyang Town, an uncommercialized pure land|||🔻Guoyang Town is located about 18 kilometers north of Yuanping City in Shanxi. This place was established as a county during the Northern Dynasties and was named Guo County during the Sui Dynasty. It remained a small core of the surrounding area until 1959, when the county seat was moved south to the present-day Yuanping, leading to its gradual decline. As a result, Guoyang has preserved many ancient buildings that surpass its status. Additionally, because it is no longer a political and economic center, its development has been slow, and it has not undergone extensive modern renovations. This fortunate circumstance allows us to see these authentic ancient relics. Pujie Bridge, located outside the south gate of Guoyang, was first built in the third year of the Jin Taihe period (1203). Its current appearance likely reflects repairs from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Large vehicles can no longer pass, but pedestrians and electric vehicles can still traverse it. It is listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in the eighth batch. Guoyang Confucian Temple, first built during the Yuan Dade period, was once very grand. Now, only some buildings along the central axis remain. Unfortunately, it is currently under renovation and not open to the public. One can only glimpse it through climbing walls and various gaps. The Ji Gate is believed to be from the Yuan Dynasty, and the Dacheng Hall from the Ming Dynasty. It is listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in the eighth batch. Guandi Temple, with its main hall rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, is well preserved. It is a county-level cultural relic protection unit in Yuanping City. Guoyang City Wall, first built during the Ming Wanli period, now only has a few gates and remnants of walls left. However, the brickwork remains intact and very original. It is a cultural relic protection unit in Xinzhou City. The Catholic Church, built in the thirteenth year of the Republic of China (1924) by Italian priest Gao Yuqian, still has his memorial monument. It is a county-level cultural relic protection unit in Yuanping City. 🔻Shanxi has many ancient cities and towns, such as Xinzhou Ancient City, Yuci Ancient City, and Taiyuan Ancient County, which have been highly commercialized. After renovation, it is often difficult to distinguish between new and old buildings. Guoyang Town, with its many preserved ancient relics and almost no tourists, retains its original flavor and is quite rare. It is well worth a visit.