[2024 Hunyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Hunyuan Ancient City (Updated Sep)
Aquariums
Historical Sites
Address:
永安西街
Opening times:
Open all dayOpen
The Treasure Small Town at the Foot of Mount Heng | Hunyuan, Shanxi
| Hunyuan, Shanxi.
At the foot of Mount Heng in the North, on the edge of the Loess Plateau, lies the old town of Hunyuan. It is a hidden gem of ancient architecture in Shanxi, known for its above-ground ancient architecture museum and as a filming location for 'Black Myth'. As a provincial-level historical and cultural city in Shanxi, it boasts 7 national-level protected units and 8 provincial-level protected units concentrated in the old town center and the surrounding areas of Mount Heng. The old town area, set against the backdrop of the solitary and towering Mount Heng, features a variety of ancient architectural types including temples, brick towers, and courtyards.
📝 Parking Tips:
Since the attractions in the ancient city are concentrated in a small area, most vehicles park on Yong'an West Street outside the ancient city. Parking spaces are hard to find and fines are common. It has been observed that the alleys on both sides of Yong'an Temple on the map lead to the parking lot at the sports plaza on the west side of Yong'an Temple, which is less crowded and spacious.
Yuanjue Temple Brick Tower—National Protected Unit—5 Stars Recommended
This nine-story brick tower with eaves was originally built during the Jin Dynasty. It features four layers of brick carvings, with imitation wooden doors and windows on all four sides. The most notable feature is the phoenix weathervane on the top of the tower, which can rotate with the wind and is a rare surviving artifact in China. Admission is free.
Yong'an Zen Temple—National Protected Unit—5 Stars Recommended
The main building was constructed during the Yuan Dynasty, with the main hall being the Hall of True Dharma Transmission. The two characters 'Zhuang Yan' (Solemn) are nearly 4 meters high on both sides. The most famous feature inside the hall is the full-wall murals from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. The front wall depicts the ten great kings of Esoteric Buddhism, with dignified expressions and rich colors. The side walls feature a water and land painting composed of over 800 figures. The courtyard paintings are also intricate and colorful. An entrance fee of 20 yuan is charged at the door.
Hunyuan Confucian Temple—National Protected Unit—3 Stars Recommended
The overall structure is a remnant of the Ming Dynasty Confucian Temple, with many new buildings on both sides. The most notable feature is the main hall, Dacheng Hall, with its particularly beautiful green glazed tiles. Behind the main hall are the four large characters 'Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, Righteousness', which have high artistic value. Admission is free.
Majiayuan Courtyard—Provincial Protected Unit—3 Stars Recommended
Located directly behind the Confucian Temple, the Majiayuan Courtyard can be accessed from the south gate or the north gate from the back door of the Confucian Temple and Yong'an Temple direction. The courtyard was built by a Ma family scholar in the late Qing Dynasty and consists of three courtyards, each symmetrically arranged from east to west. The wall carvings are well-preserved. However, there is a 10 yuan entrance fee, which is relatively not worth it.
Liam.Simmons@58
Hunyuan Yuanjue Temple Pagoda
Hunyuan Yuanjue Temple Pagoda, officially known as Yuanjue Temple Shakyamuni Relic Brick Pagoda, commonly referred to as Xiaosi Pagoda, is located in Yuanjue Temple in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. It is an ancient architectural site from the Jin Dynasty.
The Yuanjue Temple Pagoda was built in the third year of Jin Zhenglong (1158). The pagoda is nine stories high, with dense eaves and flying brackets, entirely made of bricks, and has an octagonal plan, imitating wooden structures. The base of the pagoda is surrounded by brick-carved reliefs, totaling 40 dancing and musical figures. Except for the first floor, there are no stairs to climb to the other floors. The first floor has doors on all four sides, but only the south door is a real door. The top of the pagoda is fitted with a lotus-shaped iron finial, with a flying phoenix at the top that can rotate with the wind, serving as an ancient natural wind vane.
On March 5, 2013, the Hunyuan Yuanjue Temple Pagoda was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as part of the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units... The temple is currently under renovation... Hunyuan Ancient City
BenjaminBell^51
Hunyuan Confucian Temple
Hunyuan Ancient City Hunyuan Confucian Temple is quite large and imposing, with all the configurations of a prefectural or county Confucian temple. Moreover, the Confucian temple is adjacent to the prefectural office, separated only by a wall. From its location alone, it can be seen that the Confucian temple was also a very important local institution.
The Hunyuan Confucian Temple is aligned along the central axis from south to north, with the Pan Bridge, Ji Gate, Dacheng Hall, Minglun Hall, Jingyi Pavilion, and Zunjing Pavilion in sequence. Among them, the Dacheng Hall has five bays in width and three bays in depth, with a single-eaved hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow and green glazed tiles.
The history of Confucian temples can be traced back to the period of Emperor Wu of Han, who "dismissed the hundred schools of thought and revered only Confucianism." Confucianism gradually became the orthodox ideology of feudal society and remained so throughout. As the founder of the Confucian school, Confucius's status was continuously exalted and elevated.
In the ancient administrative divisions, the prefecture was an important local administrative level. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, with the rise and gradual improvement of the imperial examination system, it became common to establish prefectural schools at the prefectural level.
The establishment of Confucian temples in prefectural schools began in the Tang Dynasty. In the second year of the Zhenguan era (628 AD), Confucius was honored as the "First Sage," and in the fourth year of the Zhenguan era (630 AD), an edict was issued for all prefectural and county schools nationwide to build Confucian temples. As a result, Confucian temples spread throughout the country and even reached Southeast Asia. Due to frequent changes in the historical administrative divisions, county-level administrative units also established Confucian temples.
According to data, there are numerous existing Confucian temples nationwide. Among the well-preserved Confucian temples in China, there are more than 300, with 21 listed as national key cultural relics protection units. Hunyuan Confucian Temple is clearly not among them. Before the reform and opening up, this place was the site of Hunyuan Middle School, which later became Hunyuan No. 2 Middle School. The school was relocated in 2008. The restoration project of Hunyuan Confucian Temple was only partially completed in 2015, and the protection and restoration work of the Confucian temple is still ongoing to this day.
AbigailYoung
I think this is the most exciting check-in spot in Hunyuan
Hunyuan Yong'an Temple
The most exciting check-in spot in Hunyuan is here! 'Yong'an Temple'! You must go, you must go, you must go! Important things need to be said three times! The murals in the Authentic Dharma Hall of this temple are simply stunning. There are a total of 135 groups of Ming Dynasty murals with 895 figures, covering an area of 186.912 square meters. The back wall depicts the Ten Great Kings, the Three Teachings, Immortals, Buddhas, and Ghosts, all of which are grand in scale (averaging 3.245 meters in height). The most spectacular among them is the 'Face-Tearing Bodhisattva,' which is the transformed form of Vairocana Buddha, known as the Great Wisdom Immovable King, the leader of the Five Great Kings of the East, South, West, North, and Center, positioned in the center. The Immovable King is also known as the Immovable Vajra or Immovable Wrathful King. 'Immovable' signifies a firm and unshakable compassionate heart. From the moment you see him, his gaze pierces your soul like a sharp sword. Unlike other ferocious Immovable Kings, he reveals a face full of compassion when he tears off his mask. Some say this is the true inner heart of the Buddha.
The front of the main hall is inscribed with the words 'Solemn,' while the back is inscribed with 'Tiger Roar, Dragon Chant.' Due to the passage of time, these inscriptions have become somewhat blurred, but it is rare to see such inscriptions on the walls of the main hall in domestic temples. It is definitely worth taking a photo as a memento.
ALEXANDRA WOLFE
The first day in Datong, truly amazing! Definitely worth a visit
Datong suddenly became popular, with architecture and cultural relics from the Northern Wei to the Ming and Qing dynasties dominating friends' circles with beautiful photos. If there's something you can't stop thinking about, there must be a response, so set off immediately, fly directly from Shanghai to Datong, land at Yungang Airport in 2.5 hours, and start a three-day journey in the ancient capital.
Day 1️⃣: Hanging Temple + Yong'an Zen Temple + Yuanjue Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
📌Hanging Temple🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Located in Hunyuan County, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, suspended on a high cliff. It's hard to imagine that over a thousand years ago, ancient people built a complex of one courtyard, two buildings, and a total of 40 large and small pavilions on cliff walls as sharp as knives. From a distance, it looks like a relief sculpture ready to take flight, worthy of the 'magnificent' description left by the poet Li Bai. You must visit and experience the thrill and ingenuity of the Hanging Temple by climbing the hanging ladders, crossing the flying bridges, and squeezing through the skylights.
💰Ticket price: 15 yuan for distant viewing, 115 yuan to climb to the top
⏰Opening hours:
1️⃣08:30 - 16:00 (November 1st to February 28th of the following year)
2️⃣08:00 - 18:00 (March 1st to October 31st)
🚶Visiting time: 2 hours
📌Yuanjue Temple🌟🌟🌟
Located in the ancient city of Hunyuan at the foot of Mount Heng. The highlight of this temple is a brick pagoda from the Jin Dynasty. The wind bird at the top of the pagoda is the most exquisite and complete ancient wind direction indicator in China, still able to rotate with the wind after a thousand years. Unfortunately, Yuanjue Temple is currently under renovation, and the gatekeeper only allows distant viewing, missing the chance to closely appreciate the exquisite carvings on the pagoda.
📌Yong'an Zen Temple🌟🌟🌟🌟
Walking forward from the east alley of Yuanjue Temple, you will reach Yong'an Zen Temple, established for the salvation of spirits from all realms and the relief of souls in the six paths of reincarnation. Founded during the Jin Dynasty, destroyed by fire, and rebuilt during the Yuan Dynasty. The most worthwhile sight is the 'Yong'an Blessing Picture' in the main hall, said to be painted during the Ming Dynasty, depicting the Ten Kings and the assembly of immortals, Buddhas, and spirits from the three teachings. Due to the protection of the murals, there is no lighting, so you need to bring your own cold light flashlight or follow a guide to view.
💰Ticket price: 20 yuan
⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
🚶Visiting time: 1 hour
📌Yingxian Wooden Pagoda🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
An hour's drive from Yong'an Zen Temple brings you to the city of Yingxian in Shuozhou, where the thousand-year-old Yingxian Wooden Pagoda stands. At 67.31 meters tall, nearly the height of a twenty-story building, it was built during the Liao and Qing Ming periods, advocated by Empress Dowager Xiao. The pure wooden structure of the pagoda is built without a single nail. It has withstood over 40 earthquakes, more than 200 shots and bombardments, and countless lightning strikes, yet it remains standing, a true miracle. Standing at the base of the pagoda and looking up, listening to the clear and distant chimes of the wind bells under the eaves, one can't help but be in awe of the sacred and magnificent epic architecture of that once brilliant era.
💰Ticket price: 50 yuan
⏰Opening hours: 07:00-18:00
🚶Visiting time: 1 hour
JetsetDiaries
The quaint ancient city beneath Mount Heng, don't miss this place after visiting the Hanging Temple!!
Don't rush to leave after visiting the Hanging Temple, there is a lesser-known Hengshan ancient city less than 4km away, with 4 historical sites within a few hundred meters, 3 of which are national protected sites!
Half-day tour itinerary
Hunyuan Confucian Temple → Hunyuan Prefecture Office Yijue Temple Pagoda → Yong'an Temple These attractions are all within walking distance, and after visiting, you can try the Hunyuan cold noodles.
Hunyuan Confucian Temple (National Level 7) is open for free
It was built during the Liao Dynasty, and the existing structures such as the Jie Gate, Dacheng Hall, Zunjing Pavilion, and the east and west side buildings are Ming and Qing architecture. The Dacheng Hall has the structural features of the Jin and Yuan dynasties, with a width of five bays, a single-eave hip roof, and uses reduced and shifted columns. The wall behind the Dacheng Hall is inscribed with the words 'Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness.'
The Confucian Temple is quite small and can be seen in about 10 minutes. It is very new and clean, and the last part is not yet fully restored.
Hunyuan Prefecture Office ticket is 30 yuan
It is a distinctive Ming and Qing style prefectural government building in the north, quite large in area, but mostly newly reconstructed, so it is not highly recommended to buy a ticket for a visit.
NovaChampion
One-day tour of Hunyuan Ancient City
One-day tour of Hunyuan Ancient City
The ancient city under Mount Heng has three national treasures, numerous historic sites, and Yong'an West Street, which is especially suitable for taking photos at night. It's a super comfortable and less-known ancient city.
Driving route🚗: Hunyuan Confucian Temple——Hunyuan Prefecture Office——Yuanjue Temple Pagoda——Yong'an Temple. These attractions are all within walking distance of each other, and you can easily stroll🚶from one to another.
Hunyuan cuisine🍚: Cai's Restaurant: cold noodles, deep-fried meat, and there's another dish that seems to be called pot chicken, but I've forgotten the exact name.
I didn't get to try the cold noodles from Xiao Xifu, as it was already closed when I went there. The sign on the door said it was open until seven in the evening.
There's also a night market nearby, located on the same street as Yuanjue Temple. It's very lively at night with lots of people and various snacks, perfect for taking photos📷
Hunyuan Ancient City is a particularly suitable small city for living. I felt very relaxed spending a day here, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The people here are also very simple and enthusiastic. You can come to Hunyuan to experience the slow pace of life.
FRANKIE LARSON
6 things you must know before going to Hunyuan! The small ancient city under Mount Heng!
🚶
Many people will come to see the Hanging Temple🗿
But they will miss the ancient city of Hunyuan under Mount Heng
The small ancient city is not big but has 3 national treasures
Friends who like ancient architecture must come here for a stroll❗️
1⃣Transportation🚗
Generally depart from Datong to Hunyuan⚠️
If you are not self-driving and don't want to charter a car
🚌901-1 route 15 yuan can reach
The first and last bus is at 6 am and 6 pm 🉑️
The journey is 1.5h to the end of Hunyuan Bus Station
You can then take a taxi directly to the Hanging Temple
After playing the Hanging Temple, you can take a taxi to stroll around the ancient city
2⃣Accommodation recommendation🏢
Friends who drive by themselves will return to Datong in one day's itinerary
But if you want to play Mount Heng➕Hanging Temple➕Hunyuan Ancient City
You can stay in the ancient city for one night❗️
The Hunyuan County Prefecture Yamen Inn is super characteristic😀
3⃣📸Must-visit attractions:
✅Hunyuan Confucian Temple (National Seven)
✅Yuanjue Temple Pagoda (National Seven)
✅Yong'an Temple (National Five)
4⃣Half-day tour recommendation
Hunyuan Confucian Temple➡Hunyuan Prefecture➡Yuanjue Temple Pagoda➡Yong'an Temple
The distance between several attractions is very close🚶♂️walking distance
5⃣️Travel tips
✅Hunyuan Confucian Temple and Yuanjue Temple Pagoda are free to visit
✅It's very casual to enter Yuanjue Temple Pagoda👨👩👧👦You can try to communicate🌟Sneak in
✅Yong'an Temple architecture, calligraphy, murals, and glazed tiles are all worth a look👀Be sure to listen to the explanation🔉
✅Hunyuan Prefecture requires a ticket🎫Not highly recommended, can be ignored if no time
6⃣️Specialty food🍜
Be sure to try Hunyuan cold noodles
Recommended restaurants are Little Wife Shop, Cai Family Restaurant
🥡
The ancient city of Hunyuan is still a relatively niche travel destination
But I still want to share this treasure travel destination
The county town is not big and suitable for walking and shopping with a peaceful mind🍃
It is in these inadvertent discoveries that life is realized
This trip is really full of endless surprises