Falling in Love with Ancient Villages in Shanxi (Part One) - Xiaoyi·Linshui Village

Smoke from valley cooking kisses the rosy clouds, hidden homes nestle in the depths of white clouds. Tao Yuanming has instilled the idea of reclusion into every Chinese person. An unintentional encounter, a deliberate arrival, then sitting down, not wanting to leave, not willing to leave. What a cluster of flowers illuminates is the desolation, the overgrown grass, the brambles everywhere, the attire of Sima in green. If one day you discover this paradise on earth, perhaps you will, like me, want to stay away from the crowds. Because only in a place apart from the world can one sincerely shield you from all prying eyes and howling wind and snow. 📌TIPS: 📍Location: Search for Xiaoyi Linshui Village in navigation. 🅿️Parking: There are parking spaces on the roadside in the village, free of charge. 💰Admission: Currently free. ⏰️Duration of visit: 1-2 hours 🚎Transportation: Self-driving, less than 2 hours' drive from Taiyuan 💚Highlights: 🔸Linshui Village retains many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (currently being restored), including the transformation of residential houses into homestays using restoration methods. Most of the dwellings are cave dwellings with small courtyards, some of which are double-layered cave-style courtyards. I sneaked several peeks, and they are restored with simple elegance, with a quiet and elegant Chinese flavor. I am looking forward to experiencing the accommodation here after it opens. The combination of ancient architecture and new rural development creates a unique new visual effect and travel experience. There are many ancient trees in the village with over a hundred years of age, and in early summer, it is already shady with green trees, walking on the stone-paved road is very cool and pleasant. 🔹From Wudao Temple ➡️ Buddha Temple ➡️ Guandi Temple ➡️ Ancient Opera Stage ➡️ South Gate Tower ➡️ Erlang Temple, the whole journey without retracing steps (some are currently under renovation and not open) 🔸On the way from Wudao Temple to Buddha Temple, you will pass by the places where the iron-flower performance and the Nine-Turn Yellow River Formation are performed (currently under renovation, temporarily closed). 🔹Linshui Village is adjacent to the Xiao River, and across the river is the Jinlong Mountain Scenic Area (about 1-2 hours), which can be visited in one go.