Pingyao Nanshen Temple|Nanshen Niangniang Temple in the countryside.

|Nanshen Niangniang Temple in the countryside. Nanshen Temple is located in Gankeng Village, Guta Town, south of Pingyao City. It was originally a Buddhist site, later renamed Yuanxiang Temple. This temple is located not far south of Yingxun Gate. It is famous for the Niangniang enshrined in the temple, who is said to be very effective in granting children. Villagers often call it Nanshen Niangniang, hence the name Nanshen Temple. There are 14 colored sculptures from the Ming Dynasty in the temple, all of which are female figures. The main statue is Yasodhara, who was the wife of Sakyamuni before he became a monk. After Sakyamuni became a Buddha, Yasodhara followed her aunt Mahapajapati Gotami to become one of the earliest Buddhist nuns. She was granted the title of Bodhisattva of Perfect Light by the Buddha. It is said that she was transformed at this location, and the monks in the temple built a hall and a statue to worship her. Address: Gankeng Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province Transportation: Take Pingyao Bus No. 1 or No. 21 and get off at Chengnanbao Station.