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Jinci Temple Museum
2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Jinci Temple Museum

8.7
4.8/5
20.9k reviews
Jinci Temple Museum is located at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain by the banks of the Jin River. It is an ancestral temple built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the State of Jin, and is also one of the earlier surviving royal sacrificial gardens in China. There is a saying that "you have not truly visited Taiyuan until you have visited Jinci." The ancient buildings in the museum are arranged in sequence along the central axis, among which the Xian Hall, the Flying Bridge over the Fish Pond, and the Hall of the Holy Mother are known as the "three treasures," while the Zhou Cypress, the Never-Aging Spring, and the Song dynasty attendant statues are known as the "three wonders"—these are the core highlights of any visit. The "Three Treasures" are located on the central axis and can be visited together. Xian Hall is the place where sacrificial offerings are placed. The hall is surrounded by railings instead of walls, making it well-ventilated and bright, and its beam structure is simple and lightweight. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is on the west side of Xian Hall. It is a cross-shaped ancient bridge built over a square pond, resembling a modern overpass in form, and this type of bridge structure is extremely rare among surviving ancient buildings. The west end of the bridge connects to Shengmu Hall, the oldest surviving building in the museum. Wooden carved dragons coil around the porch columns in front of the hall, making them relatively early surviving examples of wooden coiled dragons. The hall interior was built using the reduced-column method, creating a rather spacious interior. It houses dozens of Song Dynasty colored sculptures, with the main statue of Shengmu seated in the shrine and the remaining attendants arranged on both sides with varied expressions. One attendant statue is half joyful and half sorrowful, vividly lifelike and moving. With Shengmu Hall as the center, you can also seek out the "Three Wonders." The Zhou Cypress is located on the north side of Shengmu Hall. It is said to have been planted in the Western Zhou Dynasty, and its trunk leans south like a reclining dragon, full of ancient majesty. The Never-Aging Spring is located on the south side of Shengmu Hall and is the main source of the Jin River. The museum also houses the Stele of the Inscription and Preface to Jinci, composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, whose running-script calligraphy is vigorous and forceful. In the southern part is the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, said to have originally been the villa of the Tang Dynasty general Yuchi Gong. In the Futu Courtyard, the Sarira ShengSheng Pagoda can be climbed for a distant view. The Jinci temple fair has been passed down to the present day and has been included in the national-level intangible cultural heritage list. The Water Mirror Stage, an ancient theater stage in the museum, is an important venue for activities during the temple fair.Taiyuan · 88.9 km from Jiexiu
Longmen Grottoes
2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Longmen Grottoes

8.9
4.7/5
62.2k reviews
Longmen Grottoes are located in the southern suburbs of Luoyang, Henan Province, on the cliffs along both banks of the Yi River. As one of China's three major grotto art treasures, they were inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage list in 2000. The grottoes were first carved when Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, and construction continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang dynasties, with the vast majority of niches and statues left from the Northern Wei and Tang periods. Today, more than 2,000 niches and over 100,000 statues remain, along with a large number of inscriptions and steles, making the site an important representative of Chinese stone carving art. The attraction is divided by the Yi River into two parts: West Hill and East Hill. The West Hill Grottoes are the essence of the site, carved from the Northern Dynasties through the Sui and Tang periods. Famous caves include Guyang Cave, Binyang Cave, Lotus Cave, Wanfo Cave, and Fengxian Temple. The Lushena Buddha at Fengxian Temple stands about 17 m tall, making it one of the larger Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes. Its face is dignified and serene, with a faint smile, and legend holds that it was modeled on the appearance of Wu Zetian, earning it the name "Oriental Mona Lisa." The inner walls of Wanfo Cave are densely covered with about 15,000 small Buddha statues, each only a few cm tall, neatly arranged and finely crafted. Guyang Cave is the earliest cave carved at Longmen, and its inscription calligraphy is exquisite; the selected "Twenty Masterpieces of Longmen" are representative works of Wei stele calligraphy. Binyang Cave consists of the South, Middle, and North caves and took more than twenty years to complete. Its original reliefs depicting emperors and empresses worshipping the Buddha were looted and lost overseas in the 1930s. In Binyang North Cave, a Buddha statue has a distinctive hand gesture, with the right index and middle fingers raised in a shape resembling the modern "scissors hand," though it is actually a Buddhist mudra, and it once sparked heated discussion online. The East Hill Grottoes are mostly Tang dynasty works and are smaller in scale than those on West Hill, but from the opposite bank visitors can enjoy panoramic views of West Hill from different angles, especially distant views of the Lushena Buddha. The attraction also includes Xiangshan Temple and Bai Juyi Memorial Park (Bai Garden). The Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi lived in Luoyang in his later years and once praised it, saying, "Of the scenic splendors of Luoyang's surrounding mountains and waters, Longmen ranks first." When visiting, simply follow the route West Hill—East Hill—Xiangshan Temple—Bai Garden, proceeding in one direction without backtracking. The West Hill Grottoes are densely packed with content, so it is advisable to set aside ample time for a closer look; East Hill is quieter and more secluded, suitable for a brief visit and gazing across the river when energy is limited.China · Luoyang

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One-day private charter to Pingyao Ancient Town and Qiao Family Courtyard from Taiyuan
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One-day tour to Pingyao Ancient City and Qiao Family Compound from Taiyuan (Jin merchant elegance · ancient city and compound tour)
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What travellers say about Jiexiu

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行走毛毛November 12, 2024
5.0
Xiaojin Dongyue Temple, a small national heritage site only 10km away from the downtown of Jiexiu Route 203 on Baidu Maps has been discontinued, and taking a taxi is a waste It's only 10km, so I should ride there, but I was wrong It's uphill all the way from the downtown of Jiexiu, which reminds me of the 318 of the year But when I walked into the temple and sang a song on the stage, it was really worth it Note: 1. Cultural relics protector: The old man is a nice person, he will open the door enthusiastically but there will be incense money 2. Offering Pavilion: The essence of this temple, there are four big characters "厯代登封" on the top, and there are animals and stone carvings on the fence below, which are particularly exquisite , observe carefully, they are symmetrical on both sides 3. Main Hall: Ask the old man to open the door, there are murals and coiled dragons inside, but I prefer the clay sculpture with a big belly that is not the protagonist, the curve is very vivid, and there is a fallen Dongyue Temple sign in the corner of the main hall 4. Colored glaze: There are stairs on the side of the stage to go up to the second floor, and see the beautiful colored glaze, which is very exquisite 5. Mountain Gate: If you really can't get in, the strong man outside the mountain gate is also worth seeing. The old man often sits on the steps outside the gate and watches the few people coming and going in the village 6. On the way: You will pass by a reservoir along the way, and you can watch from a high place. It is worth stopping to see it in good weather

Xiaojin Dongyue Temple

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M37***45October 4, 2026
4.0
The Jiexiu City God Temple is located at No. 285, East Street, Jiexiu City. Don't miss these details! The main entrance is actually on the right. You need to register manually upon entering. The main attraction is the glazed tile art on the roof, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Remember to go up to the second floor for a panoramic view – the perspective is amazing! The screen wall on the right side outside the temple is also exquisite and a must-visit for photos.

cheng huang miao

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滇国剑客September 24, 2021
5.0
As the whole country celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival and the full moon, Chongningbao Hot Spring also exudes a unique national charm. The clear pool water, in tune with the rhythm of the Mid-Autumn Festival, welcomes the arrival of all friends who want to soak in the hot spring.

Chongning Fort Hot Spring

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killua_小狮王October 21, 2026
5.0
Hongmenbao is essentially a miniature city, resembling a sturdy fortress with a complete outer wall that can be walked around. The courtyards, arranged like neat squares, rise layer by layer up the hillside, exuding a strong sense of order—a delight for those with obsessive-compulsive tendencies. The lanes are clearly defined, forming a "王" (Wang) character pattern hidden in the mountains when viewed from above. Its orderly and awe-inspiring appearance from afar is the most distinctive feature of the Wang Family Compound.

Hongmen Fortress

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Anonymous userMay 23, 2026
5.0
What makes it special is that it's rare to find a temple that worships all three emperors together. The stage inside has a glass panel, hence its name, the "Glass Stage." However, the ticket price is quite expensive, making it not very cost-effective.

Sanhuang Temple

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提琴G大调September 22, 2020
4.0
Longtou Temple is also known as Tayantou, named after the Kongwang Pagoda Courtyard on the loess slope under the rock. Along the way, there are Bailongbi, Fushi Pavilion, Puji Temple, Nantianmen, Guandi Temple, Longmen Stone Archway, etc., which are all good attractions. Climb up the steps from the entrance of the scenic area, pass the plaque of Longtou Temple Archway, and look back at the mountain wall on the left. You will see a wide mountain with sculptures of many dragons circling around. This is the Bailongbi. Opposite to the Bailongbi, there is a landscape called Fushi Pavilion. Nantianmen is a pavilion-style building with a hip roof. The three-story landscape is different. It is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, sunset, and sea of ​​clouds. At the exit of Longtou Temple, there is a Longmen Stone Archway with exquisite craftsmanship and exquisite shape. The archway is located at a strategic pass and stands in the air. It is one of the landmark buildings of Mianshan. Turn back from the stone archway to the Fushi Pavilion, and there is Puji Pavilion not far down, which is the entrance to the underground palace below.

Longtou Temple

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超酷的小王同学。October 24, 2026
5.0
Zhenguo Temple is a hidden gem of an ancient temple in Pingyao, not widely known but rich in historical significance. The Wanfo Hall is a rare example of a Five Dynasties wooden structure, over a thousand years old. Its imposing and simple bracket sets, constructed without a single nail, have stood the test of time, making it a living fossil of wooden architecture. The painted sculptures inside retain their original Five Dynasties appearance, with a dignified and weighty style, a stark contrast to the lively Ming Dynasty sculptures of Shuanglin Temple. The temple is serene and quiet, with few tourists, perfect for slowly appreciating the beauty of its ancient architecture. If you appreciate ancient architecture, after visiting Shuanglin Temple, a stopover at Zhenguo Temple offers a unique and worthwhile experience, allowing you to understand the architecture and sculptures of different eras.

Zhenguo Temple

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jingtao98771February 23, 2026
5.0
The scenery is antique and full of historical charm. There are many scenic spots inside, and I especially recommend the county government office, the security escort agency, and the money exchange. There is also a light show at night, but it gets very crowded on holidays, and the scenic area is probably overwhelmed. You can have to wait for half an hour to get into the county government office.

Rishengchang Draft Bank

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Anonymous userNovember 3, 2026
5.0
Jinci Temple boasts a rich cultural heritage, truly a gem of Shanxi culture. The ancient cypress trees stand strong and vigorous, the Nanlao Spring flows gently, the Song Dynasty painted sculptures of maidens in the Holy Mother Hall are lifelike, and the Fish Pond Flying Bridge is exquisitely unique. Ancient architecture and gardens blend seamlessly, creating a tranquil environment. A guided tour is highly recommended to allow for a leisurely exploration and immersion in history. A must-see in Taiyuan, five-star recommendation!

Jinci Temple Museum

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NicangNovember 3, 2026
5.0
It is worth visiting. The place is huge but I find the number of visitors huge. It's kinda hard to see the grottoes up cup close. There are other things to see aside from the grottoes like the temple (forgot the name though), river viewing and of course you can also ride the boats with extra charge. Thus, the amount you pay is actually worth it.

Longmen Grottoes

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