[2024 Datong Attraction] Travel Guide for Shanhua Monastery (Updated Nov)
Temples
Address:
No. 6 Nansi Street, Datong City (near Loufang Lane)
Opening times:
Opens at 08:30-17:00(Admission ends at 17:00)Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1 hour
Phone:
0352-2539436
A Super Detailed Two-Day Tour Guide to Datong
Datong is a great weekend getaway destination for people from Beijing, Tianjin, and the surrounding areas. This time, taking advantage of the workday plus the off-season double buff, the experience concludes: Datong is worth a special trip!
🎈 Yungang Grottoes: Recommendation Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The murals and Buddha statues of the four major grottoes are unparalleled, and a thousand-year dialogue makes the trip worthwhile.
Special reminders:
1. The grottoes open at 9 am, don't go too early or you'll freeze! It's still quite cold in the morning now.
2. Tickets are 100, half-price for students at 50, make sure to bring your student ID.
3. The museum is not open.
4. Yungang Grottoes mini-program, search will redirect to Lijiang guide, which automatically explains based on your geographical location.
5. Generally, photography inside the caves is not allowed.
🎈 Huayan Temple: Recommendation Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tickets are 35. A thousand-year-old temple, the moment you step into the Mahavira Hall, you will definitely feel that the trip was worth it. You can climb to the top of the Huayan Pagoda! The underground palace contains relics, and the history of the Tripitaka is the oldest!
🎈 Shanhua Temple: Recommendation Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An ancient architectural complex with a hundred years of history, the Tang Dynasty style will refresh your senses, as if the heyday of the Tang Dynasty was just yesterday.
🎈 Ancient City Wall⭐️⭐️⭐️
Following the principle of 'since we're here, let's do it', if you have enough energy, go up and take a look. The sightseeing car is not necessary.
🎈 Nine Dragon Screen⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Old stuff, very big! Free!
🎈 Fahua Temple⭐️⭐️⭐️
Free! The front is beautiful, the inside is new, come out in 5 minutes.
🚞 Itinerary:
Day1, Yungang Grottoes — Huayan Temple — Lunch (Zini 369) — Shanhua Temple — Ancient City Wall — Nine Dragon Screen — Fahua Temple — China Sculpture Museum — Dinner at Longjuxiang
Day2, Follow a one-day group tour, Hanging Temple — Hengshan — Yingxian Wooden Pagoda — Datong City Area — Dinner at Xijindao
🌳 Some suggestions:
1. Datong is really worth a detailed visit, if you have enough time you can go to a few more attractions.
2. The overall cost of living in Datong is low, and the local customs are simple. The phenomenon of overcharging tourists should not be too serious. In particular, jaywalking is a serious issue in Datong, so pay attention to traffic safety.
3. Besides the Yungang Grottoes, I highly recommend Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda! They are truly ancient buildings that have stood for a thousand years, friends, what else can you say but 'impressive'?
4. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda I visited with a group included a guide, and I think this is the attraction that most deserves a guided tour! If you go there on your own, be sure to hire one, because the guide will explain in great detail and make you feel passionate and slightly regretful.
5. For Hengshan, take the bus to the mid-mountain and then climb up. It takes one hour to climb up and 40 minutes to come down. To be honest, the scenery is just average.
6. Personally, I feel that the 100 ticket for the Hanging Temple is a bit expensive, and going up just means being pushed around by the crowd.
🌳 Shanxi may not have a high profile, but it is truly worth a visit. You will feel the charm of ancient Chinese architecture, and it will definitely leave you with lasting memories!
DiscoveringNewHorizons_22
The Shanhua Temple is different from the upper and lower Huayan Temple, sitting on the west and facing the east, because the Liao people admire the East. The Shanhua Temple faces the south and inherits the architectural style of the Central Plains. The main buildings are Shanmen, Sansheng Temple and Daxiong Hall, which are arranged along the central axis and gradually rise. The predecessor of Shanhua Temple was Kaiyuan Temple, and the Ming Dynasty was renamed as a good one. "Goodness" means that the Buddha's method is like running water, everything is fresh and clean, and educating people to be good, has been used ever since. The temple is arranged along the central axis, with high and low staggered, distinct and dominant, and symmetrical. It is a typical indigo seven halls ancient building complex. The temple is not only a thousand-year-old temple, but also the Wenshu Pavilion (destroyed) in the east, and the Puxian Pavilion in the west. It is symmetrical and distinct, reflecting the style of the Tang Dynasty architectural layout. It is the most complete and largest Liao and Jin Temple in China.
ColdAir.
Datong Shanhua Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. It has a history of more than 1,000 years. This thousand-year-old temple was originally called Kaiyuan Temple. It has the same name as Kaiyuan Temple in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, and Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian. In the early period of the Five Dynasties, the Datong Kaiyuan Temple was renamed the Grand Puen Temple. The temple was destroyed in the Liao Dynasty and was extensively repaired in the early Jin Dynasty. It took more than ten years for the project to be completed. In the dynasties after the Jin Dynasty, this ancient temple has undergone trimming. In 1445 AD, which was the orthodox decade of the Ming Dynasty, the ancient temple was finally renamed the Shanhua Temple and used today. It is worth mentioning that the Shanhua Temple was also a place for the bureaucrats to study etiquette in the Ming Dynasty, and its status was detached! After the reconstruction, renovation and expansion of several dynasties, the artistic features of the Shanhua Temple are characterized by inclusiveness.
Shenghua Temple inherits the symmetrical pattern of ancient Chinese temples. The main halls and the main halls are distinctly distinct. It is the most reasonable and most magnificent temple in the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The main hall in the temple preserves a large number of cultural relics such as clay sculptures, murals and inscriptions. It is worth mentioning that the Daxiong Hall in the Shanhua Temple is the only Liao Dynasty building that has not been destroyed by the war. The hall is decorated with five elegant Buddha statues, that is, five clay sculptures. In addition to the Huayan Temple, the Daxiong Hall of Datong Temples is the most magnificent of the temples!
Transportation: Take Bus No. 17 in Datong City, get off at Hualin Commercial Building and walk about 300 meters.
WUXIPENG.
Shanhua Temple and the Five-Dragon Screen in Datong.
Shanhua Temple is one of the most important Liao Dynasty buildings in Datong. The Five-Dragon Screen is located at the entrance, and the South Gate is on the left. At night, you can enjoy the lanterns on the South Gate. The highlights of Shanhua Temple are the large and wide Liao Dynasty temple buildings and the painted Buddha statues inside. The buildings are magnificent, with flying eaves and wooden structures, and are very exquisite. The painted Buddha statues are vivid and lifelike, with different postures. There are also murals with strong artistic value behind the Buddha statues.
OwenFletcher20
Datong is a great place.
Shanhua Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple, exudes a profound and unique charm after being baptized by time. It is a Buddhist holy land and a cultural pearl of Datong. No matter how time passes, its historical heritage and unique temperament are unforgettable.
Walking on the ancient road of Shanhua Temple, it seems to travel through the time tunnel and return to the distant ancient times. The architectural style of the temple is simple and elegant, and every brick and tile reveals a sense of history. On the roof of the main hall, the glazed tiles shine in the sun, as if telling ancient legends.
Entering the main hall, the Buddha statues are solemn and solemn, kind and solemn. The smoke is lingering, accompanied by the sound of pious prayers, which makes people feel a peaceful and peaceful atmosphere. This is not only the sustenance of faith, but also the home of the soul.
The bell tower and drum tower of Shanhua Temple stand on both sides of the main hall, like guardians, guarding this ancient temple. The bell is melodious, the drum is agitated, and it echoes in every corner of the temple, as if telling the vicissitudes of the years.
Here, you can feel the precipitation of history and the inheritance of culture. Every place in the temple reveals a strong cultural atmosphere, whether it is the architectural style of the temple, or the shape and decoration of the Buddha statue, it reflects the profoundness of Buddhist culture.
Shanhua Temple is not only a temple, but also a platform for cultural exchanges. It brings together tourists and believers from all over the world. They exchange ideas, share beliefs, and feel culture here. Here, you can hear different stories and legends, and feel different cultures and ideas.
The Shanhua Temple at night is even more charming. The lights in the temple are dim and soft, giving people a quiet and mysterious feeling. Under the moonlight, the outline of the temple looms in the night, like a mysterious castle.
Walking in Shanhua Temple, you can not only feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture, but also experience the unique charm of ancient history and culture. It is not only a sustenance of faith, but also a platform for cultural inheritance and exchange.
In this noisy world, Shanhua Temple is a holy place where people can calm down and feel their inner heart. Here, you can put aside the troubles and disturbances of the world, immerse yourself in the profoundness of Buddhist culture, and feel the precipitation of history and the inheritance of culture.
In every corner of Shanhua Temple in Datong, there is a unique atmosphere. It is both a witness of history and a haven for the soul. It has witnessed the passage of time and the changes of history, and it has also carried the beliefs and hopes of countless people. It is a bright cultural pearl, shining with unique light.
Henry Price 345~
Shanxi Shanhua Temple | Ancient Temple Relics
| Ancient Temple Relics
In Shanxi, there is a low-key yet awe-inspiring Shanhua Temple. Stepping into the temple gate is like traveling back in time a thousand years.
The architecture here is simple and grand, with flying eaves and dougong brackets showcasing the wisdom of the ancients. Every carved flower seems to tell a story of the past. The Buddha statues in the temple are solemn and dignified, and their compassionate faces bring inner peace. Walking through the temple, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere, with every step treading on the traces of time. It is like a silent old man who has witnessed countless ups and downs, quietly waiting for someone with a predestined relationship to listen to its story. 💕
Cook Ava)45
Shanxi Ancient Architecture - Travel Shanxi with Wukong.
Shanxi📍Black Myth: Wukong Filming Location🚗10-Day Self-Driving Route Guide
Black Myth: Wukong is on fire! 36 filming locations nationwide, 27 of which are in Shanxi. From game to reality, it's time for the chosen one to wake up! No more words, let's go to Shanxi and start the offline adventure!
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~~27 Filming Locations in Shanxi~~
📍Datong: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, Ju'e Temple, Shanghua Temple, Yong'an Temple, Huayan Temple
📍Shuozhou: Chongfu Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
📍Xinzhou: Foguang Temple, Nanchan Temple, Nanshan Temple, Jinge Temple, Youguo Temple, Huiji Temple
📍Linfen: Xiaoxi Heaven, Guangsheng Temple, Iron Buddha Temple (Dayun Temple)
📍Yuncheng: Stork Tower, Fusheng Temple, Guan Di Temple
📍Jincheng: Jade Emperor Temple, Gaoping Iron Buddha Temple, Xixi Erxian Temple
📍Changzhi: Guanyin Hall, Chongqing Temple
📍Jinzhong: Zhenkuo Temple, Shuanglin Temple
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~~Travel Shanxi with Wukong, 10-Day Self-Driving Route~~
Day1⃣️: Depart from Datong → Yungang Grottoes → Huayan Temple → Shanghua Temple
Day2⃣️: Depart for Shuozhou → Hanging Temple → Yuanjue Temple → Yong'an Temple → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Day3⃣️: Depart for Xinzhou → Chongfu Temple → Huiji Temple → Nanchan Temple → Foguang Temple → Wutai Mountain
Day4⃣️: Visit Wutai Mountain (Five Lords Temple → Xianlong Temple → Bodhisattva Peak → Shuxiang Temple → Zhenhai Temple)
Day5⃣️: Depart for Taiyuan Jinci → Shanxi Museum
Day6⃣️: Depart for Jinzhong → Zhenkuo Temple → Pingyao Ancient City → Shuanglin Temple
Day7⃣️: Depart for Linfen → Guangsheng Temple → Xixian Xiaoxi Heaven → Fusheng Temple
Day8⃣️: Depart for Yuncheng → Fencheng Ancient Town → Feiyun Tower → Stork Tower → Yongle Palace → Guan Di Temple
Day9⃣️: Depart for Jincheng → Qinglian Temple → Jade Emperor Temple → Iron Buddha Temple → Xixi Erxian Temple
Day🔟: Depart for Changzhi → Guanyin Hall → Chongqing Temple
ARVVVV
Datong! You've hidden so many good things, and they're even free.
Datong Shanhuasi Tour
I've always heard about the beauty of Datong Shanhuasi, and today I finally got what I wanted and felt the charm of this ancient temple.
Stepping into Shanhuasi, the peaceful and introverted aura comes to the face. There is not much commercial development here, more is the silent precipitation of the years.
Shanhuasi was first built in the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, originally named "Kaiyuan Temple", and later changed, and it was renamed "Dapuen Temple" in the Later Jin Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. In the second year of the end of the Liao Dynasty, most of the buildings in the temple were destroyed by fire. In the sixth year of Jin Taizong's Tianhui, the eminent monk Yuanman master used fifteen years to rebuild it, and we saw the appearance we see today.
On the square in front of the mountain gate, there is a five-dragon wall built in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The five dragons are lifelike, as if they are going to break out of the wall, which makes people can't help but admire the exquisite skills of the ancients.
The mountain gate is also the Heavenly King Hall. The design of the single-eave pavilion roof is the largest mountain gate in the Jin Dynasty in China. The Ming Dynasty statues in the hall, the four heavenly kings, are different from the general heavenly kings. Their expressions are funny and cute, and they are more cordial.
Through the mountain gate, come to the Three Saints Hall. This building, a relic of the early Jin Dynasty, is solemn and solemn, with a lot of Tang Dynasty relics. The Hua Yan San Sheng enshrined in the hall, its oblique arch design, that is, the Ruyi arch, is very unique. This kind of arch was popular in the Liao and Jin Dynasties, but it was rarely used later.
The Daxiong Hall was built on a high platform, with seven rooms and five entrances and three doors. Each door presents the shape of lotus petals, called the door, from here you can see that the Buddha statue is just in the center, and the sense of sacredness arises spontaneously. The 33 Jin Dynasty statues in the hall are even more precious. The five Buddhas, Anan, and Jia Ye's two disciples, and the two flanking Bodhisattvas on the central Buddha altar, and the surrounding twenty-four heavens, are dressed and shaped differently, with graceful postures and lifelike. Looking up, the exquisite Douba caisson on the top of the head of the Vairocana Buddha in the center of the main hall, with two layers of arches lined up inside, the central top plate is painted with two dragons playing with beads, and each of the triangular back panels on the four corners of the caisson is painted with a phoenix.
The Puxian Pavilion on the west side is the original structure of the Jin Dynasty. After years of baptism, it still stands tall. The Wenshu Pavilion opposite it was later imitated and built.
The garden in the temple also has a different view. The lake water and pavilions complement each other. Under the setting sun, it is beautiful. ...
BoundlessRoamer
Shanhua Temple is a must-visit for fans of ancient architecture.
🌎Shanhua Temple is located at No. 6, Nansi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province, near Nansi Street in Datong Ancient City. Shanhua Temple was first built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty and was originally called Kaiyuan Temple. It is the largest Liao and Jin architectural complex in the country and is famous for its well-preserved Liao and Jin architectural style. It is known as one of the most beautiful ancient temples of the Jin Dynasty. Shanhua Temple is mainly characterized by its Liao and Jin architectural art, precious clay sculptures, and murals from the Kangxi Dynasty, attracting many fans of ancient architecture to visit.
🏝The features of Shanhua Temple include:
🎈Liao and Jin architectural art: Shanhua Temple preserves a large number of buildings from the Liao and Jin periods, showing the architectural style and craftsmanship of that era.
🎈Precious clay sculptures: The sculptures in the main hall are precious Liao Dynasty clay sculptures with extremely high artistic value.
🎈Kangxi Dynasty murals: The murals in the temple are works from the Kangxi Dynasty, providing valuable materials for historical research.
🎈Historical significance: Shanhua Temple has experienced vicissitudes and has been repeatedly destroyed but still preserved, and it has a very high historical significance.
🚙Visitors can take bus No. 35 and get off at Yongtai West Gate Station or Yongtai Street South Exit Station. The opening hours of Shanhua Temple are 8:00-17:30 every day, and entry is stopped at 17:00.
moon_leilani_rosalind
National Day Travel Guide 《Black Myth: Wukong》 Shanhuasi Temple Complete Guide.
National Day holiday is coming soon, have you decided where to go?
If you haven't planned yet, you can check out my Shanhuasi Temple travel guide in Datong, Shanxi
Easily explore the filming location of 《Black Myth: Wukong》 during National Day
⛰️
If you are planning to visit Datong during National Day, you can really spend an hour visiting Shanhuasi Temple~
Shanhuasi Temple
🎫Ticket: Free!
🕙Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00, but may be adjusted according to the number of visitors during National Day. You can check online or call in advance to confirm.
🔺Location: No. 6, Nanshi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
🔺Transportation: 1⃣️If you are driving, just navigate to Shanhuasi Temple. There are some parking lots nearby, but they may be crowded during National Day, so try to go early to get a good spot.
2⃣️If you are taking a train to Datong, you can take a taxi or bus from the station. Datong's public transportation is very convenient, and many routes can reach Shanhuasi Temple.
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✔️Travel Guide:
🔸Set off early in the morning to avoid the peak hours and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the temple. First, go to the Mahavira Hall to experience its magnificent momentum. Then, visit the Three Saints Hall, Puxian Pavilion, and other buildings in turn.
🔸You can hire a tour guide or rent an audio guide to learn more about the history and culture of Shanhuasi Temple. Otherwise, you might be confused by the architecture!‼️
🔸Shanhuasi Temple was originally built in the Tang Dynasty and was named Kaiyuan Temple by Emperor Ming of Tang. It was renamed Shanhuasi Temple in 1445 after being renovated during the Ming Dynasty.‼️
🔸The architectural style of Shanhuasi Temple is very magnificent. It is the most complete surviving Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture in China.
THEODORE PARKS
Travel with "Black Myth: Wukong" | Shanhua Temple, Datong.
🎈I've always heard about the beauty of Huayan Temple in Datong. However, when I stepped into Shanhua Temple, I found that there was such a treasure trove. Its charm is comparable to Huayan Temple, and even better in some aspects. 🎉
Entering Shanhua Temple, I was immediately enveloped by its solemnity and mystery. Shanhua Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than a thousand years. It used to be the summer palace of Yelv Deguang, and was later converted into a temple. This legendary history adds a touch of mystery to it. 🎉
Entering Shanhua Temple, the scroll of history unfolds before my eyes. In the second year of Baodai in the late Liao Dynasty (1122), the Liao and Jin Dynasties fought, and the Great Puen Temple (the predecessor of Shanhua Temple) was hit hard. "Only three or four of the buildings survived", and it even became a place for the Jin soldiers to camp, which made people sigh at the vicissitudes and ruthlessness of history. 💔
However, fortunately, from the sixth year of Tianhui in the early Jin Dynasty (1128) to the third year of Huangtong (1143), the abbot Master Yuanman, in his sixties, stepped forward and raised funds widely. He was not afraid of difficulties and went through fifteen years. Finally, Shanhua Temple was restored to its former glory. Master Yuanman's feat left precious architectural heritage for future generations, and also made us feel the power of faith and the spirit of dedication of the master. 👍
The architectural style of Shanhua Temple is unique, integrating the characteristics of different periods such as Tang, Liao, Jin, and Yuan. The halls in the temple are magnificent, with flying eaves and arches, carved beams and painted buildings, showing the beauty of ancient architecture. The Daxiong Hall is magnificent, and the Buddha statues are solemn and kind, which makes people awe-inspiring. The architectural structure of the Three Saints Hall is exquisite, and the "oblique arch" of the Jin Dynasty is unique, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. 💖
There are many attractions in Shanhua Temple, each of which is worth savoring. The Five Dragon Wall in front of the mountain gate is exquisitely shaped and lifelike. The Pu Xian Pavilion and Wen Shu Pavilion in the temple are simple and elegant, complementing the surrounding buildings. There are also ancient stone tablets, which record the historical changes of Shanhua Temple, as if traveling through time and space, returning to the past. 🌟
It is worth mentioning that Shanhua Temple is also one of the locations of the popular game "Black Myth: Wukong", which adds a different charm to it. In this beautiful season, come to Shanhua Temple to worship, feel the heaviness of history and the spirit of dedication of the master, and also pursue the fantasy scenes in the game. 💕If you are also interested in history and culture, don't miss Shanhua Temple. It will take you to appreciate the charm of the ancient temple for thousands of years, and find a tranquility and comfort in the hustle and bustle of the world. 🚩
SelmaHolm
Slow Travel in Small Towns | Why was Datong Shanhuasi chosen as the filming location for Black Myth: Wukong?
Huayan Temple in Datong Ancient City is already well-known, but the filming location for Black Myth: Wukong is Shanhuasi in the ancient city. What makes it so special?
📍 Datong Shanhuasi
Home to a treasure trove of ancient architecture and cultural relics from various dynasties, it's a paradise for ancient architecture enthusiasts!
❓ What to see at Shanhuasi
1️⃣ Daxiong Baodian: A top-tier ancient building from the Liao Dynasty, worthy of being a royal temple!
2️⃣ Tianwang Hall: The four heavenly kings are truly eye-catching! Any of the heavenly kings can be used as an emoji, and the cute Ming Dynasty colored sculptures are super cute~
3️⃣ Wulong Wall: The Wulong Wall was moved from Xingguo Temple and has a very prominent Ming Dynasty design style, full of momentum💯
❓ How to visit Shanhuasi
No tickets are required, just make an online reservation in advance.
❓ How to get to Shanhuasi
Take the high-speed train to travel. Datong South Station has direct access to various high-speed trains and is closer to Shanhuasi than Datong Station. However, if you are traveling from Shanghai, it is recommended to fly directly.
SophiaMiller
Datong Shanhuasi|Perfect place.
|Perfect place. Shanhuasi, also known as Nansi, is located at No. 6, Nansi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province. The main buildings are arranged along the central axis from north to south, gradually unfolding and rising layer by layer. The front is the mountain gate, the middle is the Three Saints Hall, and the rear is the Daxiong Baodian of the Liao Dynasty, which is located on the high platform at the rear, with the east and west duo halls on the left and right. The east side is the Shuge ruins, and the west side is the Puxian Pavilion built in the second year of Jin Zhenyuan. Except for the Heavenly King Hall (Mountain Gate), Three Saints Hall, Daxiong Baodian and Puxian Pavilion are Liao and Jin buildings, the remaining side halls and bell and drum towers on both sides are Ming and Qing buildings.
The murals of Buddhist stories during the Kangxi period are painted on the two walls of the Daxiong Baodian, which are all worth careful observation.
The tranquility and historical heaviness here will make people involuntarily calm down, immerse in it, and feel the breath of this ancient temple.
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30
AdventuringAlley
Shanhua Temple.
I visited Datong many years ago and visited Huayan Temple. This time I came to Datong again, and I was looking forward to the rebirth of Shanhua Temple. The door opened at seven o'clock in the morning, and there were only a few tourists. A young lady gave a lecture, and a sticky tabby cat followed all the way. Datong has three complete Liao Dynasty buildings, Xiahuayan Temple, Yingxian Wooden Tower, and the Daxiong Hall of Shanhua Temple. It has been nearly a thousand years, and it was listed as a national treasure in 61 years, and it has survived the historical catastrophe. Inside the mountain gate are four majestic but not fierce wind and rain, the most beautiful Bodhisattva with low eyebrows and eyes, lotus arches, round and square algae wells, every place is amazing, compared with the complexity of the Forbidden City, Liao Jin architecture, More is the legacy of the Tang Dynasty, majestic, rigorous and open. The Jin Dynasty Yuanman monk presided over the renovation and reconstruction, and it took 15 years to repair. Thousand-year-old temple, educate for good.
CakeDogRainBalls
Shanhua Temple | A tranquil and beautiful temple that has stood for a thousand years.
Shanhua Temple is located to the west of Yongtai Gate in Datong Ancient City. Facing south, the temple stands proudly in the dust of history with its grand scale and complete layout. According to the inscriptions in the temple, Shanhua Temple was built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. It has been repaired and renovated by various dynasties, but still retains the unique charm of Tang Dynasty architecture. It is one of the most complete and grandest Liao and Jin Buddhist temples in China. The mountain gate, the Three Saints Hall, and the Daxiong Hall are arranged in order along the central axis, with each layer higher than the last, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
Historical origins: According to the inscription of the "Great Golden West Capital Dapuen Temple Reconstruction Hall" in the 16th year of the Great Golden Dynasty (1176) in Shanhua Temple: the temple was built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, originally named Kaiyuan Temple, and was a national temple. It was renamed Dapuen Temple during the Later Jin Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. It was destroyed during the chaos of the end of the Liao Dynasty and was rebuilt in the Tianhui period of the Jin Dynasty (1128). It was renamed Shanhua Temple in the tenth year of the Ming Dynasty (1445).
Architectural features: Shanhua Temple faces south, and the Heavenly King Hall, Three Saints Hall, and Daxiong Hall are located on the central axis. The three halls are all single-eave pavilion roofs, which are very rare. Generally speaking, only the Daxiong Hall uses a pavilion roof, and other buildings generally have a gable roof or a hanging mountain roof.
Location: South Gate of Datong Ancient City
Ticket: Free, scan the code on site to make an appointment
Opening hours:
Peak season (May 1-October 15) 08:00-19:00 (entry stops at 18:30); off-peak season 08:30-17:30
Duration: 1.5h
Highlights:
Four Heavenly Kings of the Mountain Gate
Ming Dynasty statues, the statue of the Western Heavenly King of the Mountain Gate is a popular attraction
✔️Three Saints Hall
Bracket set: The oblique arch is used, which is extremely complicated. It looks like a blooming lotus, no wonder the unit of measurement for the bracket set is "one"
Huayan Three Saints: Sakyamuni, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, all of which are Jin Dynasty statues
✔️Daxiong Hall
1 Colored sculpture:
Mahasri: A smile that has passed through a thousand years, a pitiful lifelong compassion, the feeling of the Eastern Venus
Kishimojin: It is said that she had 500 children and still wanted to eat other people's children. Later, she was persuaded by the Buddha to become the Kishimojin.
2 Buddha statue: The main hall enshrines the Five Buddhas, precious Liao Dynasty statues
3 Caisson and Pingji: There are two dragons playing with beads on the caisson directly above the main hall, with a total of 56 bracket sets, precious Liao Dynasty small woodwork. There are three rows of Pingji in front of the caisson, painted with lotus flowers
4 Column reduction method: By reducing the number of inner columns, the interior space is increased to facilitate people's worship of the Buddha, which is the wisdom of ancient Chinese architecture
》Ancient architectural era
The Heavenly King Hall, Three Saints Hall, Daxiong Hall, and Samantabhadra Pavilion are all original structures from the Liao and Jin periods
Tips
Shanhua Temple is located at the south gate of Datong Ancient City. You can climb the Datong Ancient City Wall from this gate at night
There is a cultural and creative shop in Shanhua Temple with a wide range of categories and you can get a stamp
William Radcliffe
I quietly gazed for a long time~
The first time I walked into a temple, I wanted to cry
While traveling in Datong, Shanxi
One afternoon, I walked into Shanhua Temple
This is an ancient and serene temple
It is an ancient building highly praised by Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin
Everywhere exudes a strong sense of history and the vicissitudes of time
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A beam of light shone in during the afternoon, falling on this statue
You could clearly see the tears seemingly welling up in her eyes
Standing in front of this beautiful Bodhisattva, I gazed for a long time~
This gaze across a thousand years of time and space made one want to cry
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She seems to see through the disturbances of the mortal world, yet her heart remains compassionate
It also seems to say: Everything will get better~
And the only thing that belongs to you is every moment you live
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Dr. Neoma Aufderhar
Shanxi Datong Shanhua Temple Exploration Tour: Treasures Across Time, Waiting for You to Discover!|
|。🌟Shanxi Datong Shanhua Temple Exploration Tour🏰: Treasures Across Time, Waiting for You to Discover!||
🌟Shanxi Datong Shanhua Temple Exploration Tour🏰: Treasures Across Time, Waiting for You to Discover!||
🌈Gems in the River of History: Shanhua Temple has stood through the vicissitudes of time, still standing today, telling stories of a thousand years.
1️⃣ Long history, starting in the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, rebuilt in the Jin Dynasty, witnessing nearly nine hundred years of wind and rain🏞️.
2️⃣ Name evolution, from Kaiyuan Temple in the Tang Dynasty, to Dapuen Temple in the Later Jin of the Five Dynasties, and then to Shanhua Temple in the Ming Dynasty, each name has a history behind it.
3️⃣ First batch of national key cultural relics protection units, awarded this honor in 1961, not only a witness of history but also a heritage of culture.
4️⃣ Mr. Liang Sicheng gave Shanhua Temple high praise in the "Datong Ancient Architecture Survey Report", believing that within one temple, there are so many precious relics, which is amazing.
✨Highlights of Shanhua Temple:
- Mahavira Hall: Liao and Jin architectural style, single-eave hipped roof, 34 original Jin Dynasty colored sculptures guarding this sacred place. Among them, the colored sculpture stories of Da Jixiangtian and Hariti are thought-provoking, the legend of turning from evil to good is enlightening.
- Tianwang Hall (Mountain Gate), Sansheng Hall, Puxian Pavilion: also present the beauty of Liao and Jin architecture, every brick and tile exudes a sense of history.
- Plaque inscribed by Yan Zhenqing: the calligraphy treasure of the Tang Dynasty calligrapher adds a cultural heritage to Shanhua Temple.
- Internet-famous check-in point: the statue of the Western Guangmu Heavenly King at the mountain gate, uniquely charming, has become a star in the hearts of tourists.
📝Travel Tips:
- Opening time: 8:00 AM, free admission (after October 15th, opening time changes to 8:30 AM).
- Tour time: Although Shanhua Temple is not large, every corner is rich in stories, a leisurely tour of one and a half hours is enough for you to appreciate its charm.
Cook_Lucas_93
Northern China Wonderlast Spot: Datong, A City of Grand Sight
#chinatrip
Datong is a city in the central part of China, in Shanxi Province, on the loess plateau at the outpost of the Great Wall of China, separating Inner China from Inner Mongolia.
Earlier than other cities in East Asia, Datong was decorated with Buddhist temples and pagodas. The so-called "hanging temple" (Xuankunsi) is particularly famous.
In 431, the city was surrounded by a powerful 16-kilometer wall, but by the end of the 5th century, the Wei rulers moved the capital to Luoyang, and Datong was left to be plundered by nomads and forgotten for several centuries.
Datong, formerly known as Pingcheng, was the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Today, Datong City is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China is a famous tourist destination with many historical attractions, including the Yonggang Grottoes, the Hanging Monastery and the Wooden Tower.
Datong experienced a series of tumultuous wars in its early days, and its people longed for peace. Thus, Buddhism gained favor. Buddhist temples began to be built during the Han Dynasty.
Today, there are many well-preserved Buddhist sites in Datong, and the World Heritage Site Yonggang Grottoes is the most popular among tourists.
Today, Datong is more than just a growing industrial area. It boasts a unique mountainous landscape and is the location of some of China's most valuable historical treasures.:
The Yonggang Grottoes are classic masterpieces of Chinese Buddhist art from the 5th and 6th centuries.
The Hanging Monastery is a Buddhist temple built on a rock, which is considered a work of art, as well as a miracle of engineering.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China.
Datong's Nine Dragons Screen Wall is the largest dragon screen wall in China.
Mount Heng is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism.
The Shanhua Temple is the most complete and largest group of temples in China.
Besides the attractions of Datong, you can easily extend your trip to explore nearby attractions such as Wutai Mountain and Pingyao Ancient City.
MaxS
Did you find the eye-catching internet-famous bag at Shanhua Temple?
📍Attraction Address:
No. 6, Nansi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong, Shanxi
🚗Transportation:
1.1 km from Sipailou Bus Stop, 13 minutes walk
👍️Must-visit Attraction:
As soon as you enter, the Mountain Gate and the Four Heavenly Kings are the eye-catching internet-famous bags!
The Tianwang Hall, Sansheng Hall, and Puxian Pavilion in Shanhua Temple were built during the Jin Dynasty, while the Mahavira Hall is a relic from the Liao Dynasty.
Liang Sicheng praised Shanhua Temple in the "Datong Ancient Architecture Survey Report": "The main hall, Puxian Pavilion, Sansheng Hall, and Mountain Gate are all relics from the Liao and Jin Dynasties. It is unexpected to find so many precious cultural relics in one temple, which was not anticipated."
A must-see, coming with good intentions to Shanhua: the Great Auspicious Heavenly Maiden, finally meeting her, looking at the world's civilization, this is also a rare treasure of the highest order!
The answer to Chinese aesthetics is engraved in the statue of the Great Auspicious Heavenly Maiden in Shanhua Temple. This is the beauty of the unity of heaven and man, and it will deeply shock you from any angle.
🎟️Ticket Information:
Free, scan the QR code at the entrance to make a reservation, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
💗Other Tips:
The scenic area is not large, but there are many details, don't rush, take a closer look!
DANIEL RUIZ
Datong Shanhua Temple
⛰【Travel Guide】
📍Detailed Address: Shanhua Temple
🚗Transportation Guide: Took a taxi, don't know other options
🕙Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00
💰Ticket Price: Free but requires reservation at the entrance
🌟Highlights:
There is a Five-Dragon Wall at the entrance, similar to the Nine-Dragon Wall
🌟Highlights: The cutest mountain gate gods, the layout is the same as Huayan Temple, a simplified version of Huayan Temple, with an additional back garden, lake, and pavilions. There is a cultural and creative product shop inside the temple where you can freely choose.
📌Small Tips: It's not far from the Drum Tower, about ten minutes walk. There is a Confucian Temple nearby that you can visit together.
SerendipityRhapsody
Datong | Shanhua Ancient Temple
➡️ Shanhua Temple, commonly known as South Temple, was founded during the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era, originally named Kaiyuan Temple, and was later renamed Dapu'en Temple at the beginning of the Later Jin Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. In the second year of the Liaobao era (1122), when Jin troops captured the Western Capital, most of the temple's buildings were destroyed by fire. In the sixth year of the Tianhui era (1128), the monk Yuanman presided over the reconstruction, which was completed in the third year of the Huangtong era (1143), taking 15 years. Only the Mahavira Hall remains from the Liao Dynasty, while the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Saints, and the Puxian Pavilion are remnants of the Jin Dynasty. The Wenshu Pavilion has been recently rebuilt, and the rest are relics from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
⛩️ Shanhua Temple faces south with a northward orientation and has two courtyards. Along the central axis are the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Saints, and the Mahavira Hall, flanked by side halls and the Puxian Pavilion.
🏯 The Mahavira Hall is built on a 3.3-meter-high platform, with a width of seven bays and a depth of ten rafters, featuring a single-eave and five-ridged roof. In front of it is a moon platform, which is as wide as the central five bays of the hall. On both sides of the moon platform, there are bell and drum towers and a memorial archway built during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era. The hall's plan features a reduced column layout known as 'jinxiangdoudi jianzhu'. The beam frame is an exposed through-type construction, with six rafters at the front and four at the back, and the inner columns extend to the eaves with four columns, centered around an octagonal caisson. The eave structure is a double-layered five-bay construction with an inner heart-stealing design, and the inner eave is supplemented with slanting struts. The doors between the main and secondary bays are split-panel, while the walls at the ends are sealed, with no windows on the remaining walls. Inside the hall, the altar preserves the Five Directional Buddhas and twenty-four statues of Heavenly Kings on both sides, totaling 33 statues, all relics from the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The hall's walls also have Qing Dynasty Kangxi-era murals covering 190 square meters.
📍 Address: No. 6 South Temple Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province (near Loufang Alley)
🈺 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00
Sophia Garcia8Sophia
I regret not going to Shanxi sooner; the impact of leaving Datong was too great
Datong is seriously underrated,
every scene here is stunning.
Follow my footsteps on a journey that spans a thousand years.
✅Datong 2-day 1-night travel itinerary
Day①: Yungang Grottoes to Huayan Temple
Day②: Datong Ancient City
1️⃣First stop: Yungang Grottoes
The first sight is breathtaking, and each cave compels one to stop and look slowly. For those who want to take photos, caves 16-20 are the most photogenic
2️⃣Second stop: Huayan Temple
Huayan Temple has a profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Standing in front of the Mahavira Hall and the Tripitaka Pavilion, one feels a sense of grandeur. Best photo spots: Jingguangming Hall and the red wall outside
🎫Ticket: 50 yuan per person
⏰Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
3️⃣Third stop: Datong Ancient City
One day is not enough to explore it all, Shanhua Temple, Datong Confucian Temple, Guandi Temple, Drum Tower, Great Mosque, Heart Jiu Long Wall, and Fahua Temple are all here, so it takes two days. In the evening, you can go to Yongtai Gate to watch the sunset, which is absolutely beautiful
Accommodation suggestion: Stay inside Datong Ancient City for convenience in dining, lodging, and transportation.
🍝Food recommendations
1️⃣Longjuxiang: Shumai, fried dough sticks, yellow rice cake, recommended for breakfast
2️⃣Zini 369 Coarse Grain: Hunyuan cold noodles, Shanxi braised meat, oat noodles for main meals
BS. Heath 40
Shanhua Temple
Shanhua Temple, commonly known as Nansi, is located at No. 6 Nansi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province. According to temple inscriptions: it was originally built during the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era and was called Kaiyuan Temple. It was renamed Dapu'en Temple during the Five Dynasties' Later Jin period. The temple was extensively repaired and rebuilt under the supervision of Monk Yuanman during the Jin Dynasty. In the tenth year of the Zhengtong era (1445), Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty bestowed the name Shanhua Temple, which has been used ever since.
The main structures of Shanhua Temple are aligned along the central axis, facing south from the north, and unfold in succession, with each layer rising above the last. At the front is the Mountain Gate, followed by the Hall of Three Saints, both built during the Jin Dynasty. The Liao Dynasty's remaining structure, the Mahavira Hall, is situated on a high platform at the rear, flanked by the Eastern and Western Duo Halls. To the east is the site of the Shuge Pavilion, and to the west is the Puxian Pavilion, built in the second year of the Jin Dynasty's Jinyuan era (1154). Apart from the Heavenly Kings Hall (Mountain Gate), Hall of Three Saints, Mahavira Hall, and Puxian Pavilion, which are Liao and Jin Dynasty constructions, the remaining side halls and the Bell and Drum Towers were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple houses 34 Jin Dynasty statues, 190 square meters of Qing Dynasty murals, 9 Ming Dynasty statues, 2 Jin Dynasty steles, and 3 steles from Ming and Qing Dynasty renovations.
Geographical location: No. 6 Nansi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
The Four Heavenly Kings at the gate of Shanhua Temple: Ming Dynasty statues with somewhat amusing expressions, known as the 'Four Prominent Sights'.
Mr. Liang Sicheng once highly praised: 'Unexpectedly, within a single temple, so many precious cultural relics are obtained, which was beyond the initial expectations.' This speaks volumes about the high historical status of Shanhua Temple.
PenelopeButler^27
Shanxi's famous scenic spot, the Shanhua Temple in Datong
The mountain gate, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the main entrance to Shanhua Temple and a remnant of Jin Dynasty architecture. It is five bays wide and two bays deep, with a single-eave pent roof and houses four Heavenly Kings inside. The Three Saints Hall houses the statues of the Huayan Three Saints, and thus the hall is named after them. Inside the hall, there are two golden steles, one of which, the 'Record of the Reconstruction of the Great Hall of the Dajin Xijing Dapu'en Temple,' was written by Zhu Bian, the Deputy Envoy of the Song Dynasty. It is the earliest existing stele about the history of Shanhua Temple. This golden stele is not only a precious cultural relic but also a rare calligraphic masterpiece. The text on the stele, which mentions 'the main hall and the eastern and western cluster halls, the Arhat Cave, the halls of Manjusri and Samantabhadra, as well as the front hall's main gate and the left and right slanting corridors, totaling more than eighty columns,' also reflects the scale of the temple complex as seen today. The Southern Song envoy Zhu Bian was sent to the Jin Dynasty and stayed in Datong, the Western Capital of Jin, for sixteen years. He spent most of his time living in the Dapu'en Temple, refusing to serve the Jin Dynasty, but he opened a school to teach the Jurchen nobility Han culture, demonstrating his staunch patriotic spirit.
Samuel Thackeray
Shanhua Temple: A Journey Through Time in Buddhist Art
As a travel enthusiast passionate about ancient Buddhist art and architecture, today I want to recommend to you the Shanhua Temple located in Datong City, Shanxi Province, a national cultural relic protection unit that integrates history, culture, and religious art.
Introduction to Shanhua Temple
Shanhua Temple was founded during the Tang Dynasty, originally named Kaiyuan Temple, later renamed to Dapu'en Temple, and in the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed to Shanhua Temple. The temple's architecture follows a central axis layout, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Saints, the Mahavira Hall, etc., all of which are original constructions from the Liao and Jin periods, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of architecture and sculpture at that time.
Travel Tips
**1. Transportation:**
- Within Datong City, you can take a bus or taxi directly to Shanhua Temple.
**2. Opening Hours:**
- Usually from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, it is recommended to check the official announcement in advance to confirm the specific time.
**3. Ticket Information:**
- Shanhua Temple is open to the public for free, but visitors need to obtain a free tour ticket at the entrance of the scenic area with valid identification.
**4. Recommended Activities:**
- Visit the Mahavira Hall to experience the grandeur of Liao Dynasty architecture.
- Appreciate the temple's colored sculptures and murals to understand their historical and artistic value.
**5. Itinerary Planning:**
- It is recommended to arrange half a day to deeply explore Shanhua Temple and its surrounding historical sites.
Pitfall Guide
**1. Plan Ahead:**
- Understand the opening hours of Shanhua Temple and the process for obtaining tour tickets to avoid long queues during peak seasons.
**2. Cultural Relic Protection:**
- Respect and protect cultural relics, do not touch carvings and murals, and refrain from destructive behavior.
**3. Follow Rules:**
- Abide by the visiting rules of the temple, such as prohibiting the use of flash photography.
**4. Guide Services:**
- Consider hiring a professional guide to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Shanhua Temple.
**5. Environmental Protection:**
- Keep the environment clean, do not litter, especially around the areas of ancient buildings.
Shanhua Temple is not only a business card of Datong but also a treasure trove of Chinese Buddhist art. Here, you can feel the breath of a thousand years of culture through each Buddha statue and mural. With proper trip planning and pitfall preparation, you are sure to have a profound cultural journey at Shanhua Temple.
Maryse Greenholt
The Eight Great Liao Structures - Shanhua Temple
Shanhua Temple in Datong, Shanxi, is adjacent to Huayan Temple, both of which are among the Eight Great Liao Structures. Huayan Temple is also one of the three great ancient temples of the Liao Dynasty. Both Shanhua Temple and Huayan Temple are among the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
Shanhua Temple, commonly known as the South Temple, according to the temple stele records: was built during the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era, named Kaiyuan Temple. It was renamed Dapu'en Temple during the Later Jin Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. The temple was extensively repaired and rebuilt under the supervision of Monk Yuanman during the Jin Dynasty. In the tenth year of the Zhengtong era (1445), Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty bestowed the name Shanhua Temple, which has been used to this day.
Shanhua Temple faces south with its back to the north, covering an area of about 20,000 square meters. The main buildings are arranged along the central axis, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Saints, and the Mahavira Hall, each rising above the last. To the east was the Manjusri Pavilion (now destroyed), and to the west is the Samantabhadra Pavilion. The Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Saints, the Mahavira Hall, and the Samantabhadra Pavilion are all original structures from the Liao and Jin periods.
The Mahavira Hall is the largest hall in Shanhua Temple, with a platform in front and two towers for bells and drums on the left and right. The hall is 40.7 meters wide and 25.5 meters deep, with a single-eave pent-roof design. As a Liao Dynasty building, it ranks third in China in terms of single building area, with more than 1,200 square meters. In the center of the Mahavira Hall, there are statues of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, arranged from east to west: Akshobhya in the east, Ratnasambhava in the south, Vairocana in the center, Amitabha in the west, and Amoghasiddhi in the north. On the brick platforms on the east and west sides of the hall, there are twenty-four statues of Devas, each with a distinct expression and character.
There are a total of 34 statues in the Mahavira Hall. On the large lotus pedestal on the altar, the Five Dhyani Buddhas sit solemnly, with dignified and elegant demeanors and smooth drapery lines; below the lotus seat, disciples and Bodhisattvas stand in attendance, all original works from the Liao and Jin periods. On both sides of the hall, there are twenty-four statues of Dharmapala Kings, each with a distinct expression and character. On the west and south walls of the hall, there are murals painted during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, covering more than 190 square meters.
The Hall of Three Saints is located in the middle of the temple, built on a brick base about 1.5 meters high. The hall is five bays wide and four bays deep, with a single-eave hip roof. The eaves are constructed with dougong brackets, and the hall employs a reduced column method. The Huayan Three Saints on the altar of the Hall of Three Saints are original sculptures from the Jin Dynasty, later refurbished by people.
Heavenly Kings Hall, now serving as the mountain gate, is five bays wide and two bays deep, with a single-eave hip roof, and is the largest existing mountain gate from the Jin Dynasty period in China. On the left and right sides of the hall, there are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings from the Ming Dynasty, with fierce expressions and imposing postures.
The Samantabhadra Pavilion is located to the west between the Mahavira Hall and the Hall of Three Saints. It is a pavilion-style building with a square plan, three bays wide and deep, and a double-eave nine-ridge roof. It was rebuilt in the second year of the Jin Zhenyuan era (1154).
The temple preserves 34 statues from the Jin Dynasty and 9 from the Ming Dynasty. These Jin Dynasty colored sculptures tell the same story, revolving around 'Hariti.' According to Buddhist scriptures, she was originally a shepherdess. Once, while pregnant, she joined a celebration in the city of Kusinagara and danced with joy, eventually miscarrying and falling to the ground, despised by the people. In her anger, she swore a curse: 'In the next life, I will be born in Kusinagara and devour all its children.' In the next life, she was indeed reborn in Kusinagara, gave birth to five hundred children, and ate the infants of Kusinagara every day. Later, after being preached and admonished by the Buddha, she had a sudden realization and converted to Buddhism. Under the left foot of the Hariti statue, there is a small female ghost with a green face and red hair, representing Hariti's evil form. The craftsmen ingeniously used its small and fierce appearance to contrast with her kind and beautiful appearance after converting to Buddhism.
Grace.Foster^45
Datong Three-Day Two-Night Trip | These 12 things are a must-do
1⃣️ Head to Renji Qizhong Knife-Cut Noodles 🍜 for a bowl of local breakfast knife-cut noodles. Although I, as an outsider, find the topping a bit salty, the noodles are quite chewy. Renji Qizhong Knife-Cut Noodles (Main Store)
2⃣️ The Avatamsaka Sutra says: 'The flower of compassion will bear the fruit of magnificence.' This is the origin of the name of Datong's ancient Huayan Temple. Visit Huayan Temple and take a photo 📷 with the nearly thousand-year-old murals inside the Mahavira Hall. Huayan Temple
3⃣️ Visit Shanhua Temple and gaze into the eyes of the Great Auspicious Merit Sky, feeling the ease and composure within its serene temperament; take a look at the four prominent Heavenly Kings statues at Shanhua Temple, the depiction of their eyes is quite on point. Shanhua Temple
4⃣️ Go to the Nine Dragon Wall scenic area to appreciate the treasure of ancient Chinese architectural art, a symbol of royal power. Datong's Nine Dragon Wall is known as 'the foremost among Nine Dragon Walls,' featuring centuries-old colored glaze and exquisite sculpting skills. Nine Dragon Wall
5⃣️ Stop by Zini 369 for a serving of yellow rice jelly cake with dried plum vegetable chicken wings. The sticky texture of the yellow rice jelly cake, paired with the sweet osmanthus sauce, is truly delightful!! Dried plum vegetable lovers should not miss the dried plum vegetable chicken wings, the unique aroma of the dried plum vegetable adds a novel combination to the chicken wings. Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season (Drum Tower Store)
6⃣️ Choose a day 🚗 to hire a car to Ying County and Hunyuan, standing in front of the Ying County Wooden Pagoda, the shock still lingers in my memory. As a nail-less mortise and tenon structure wooden pagoda, it has miraculously stood for nearly a thousand years despite being shot through by bullets and the ignorant act of window replacement; after viewing the wooden pagoda, walk to the Pure Land Temple to see the double dragon double-layer caisson. Ying County Wooden Pagoda Pure Land Temple
7⃣️ In Hunyuan, have a bowl of 'Little Wife's Cold Noodles' with stuffed pies and smoked eggs. Wife's Cold Noodles Little Wife's Cold Noodles (Hunyuan Store)
8⃣️ Visit Hunyuan to experience the visual shock of the murals at Yong'an Temple, especially the mural of the Ten Great Wrathful Kings in the Dharma Transmission Hall on the north wall, among which the image of the 'Great Mighty Virtue Immovable King' with blue face and red hair, and fierce expression, left the deepest impression on me. Yong'an Temple South Courtyard
9⃣️ Walk from Yong'an Temple to Yuanjue Temple to see the Shakyamuni Relic Brick Pagoda standing within the temple. Its pagoda spire is China's ancient famous wind-vane instrument - the wind-vane bird, a unique and unparalleled treasure. Remember to follow the sound of the pagoda bell and circle the pagoda three times with the time before leaving, and everything will go smoothly after completing the circles. Yuanjue Temple Brick Pagoda
1⃣️0⃣️ Visit the Datong Museum to see the prominent tomb-guarding creatures, the exaggerated expressions on their faces are somewhat adorable. Datong Museum
1⃣️1⃣️ Visit the Yungang Grottoes to see an important type of ancient Chinese architecture - the cave temple architecture, and take a look at Teacher Wang Nan's 'World Architecture Museum.' Yungang Grottoes
1⃣️2⃣️ Finally, end your trip in Datong with a bowl of Dongfang Shaved Noodles, which compared to Renji, has a lighter topping that better suits the general public's taste. Dongfang Shaved Noodles (Playground City Street Store)
ALLIE CLINE
The ancient and antique-style buildings in Datong are all top-notch
Dear friends, today I am going to introduce you to a place with a super historical sense - the Datong City Wall! 🏰✨
Imagine standing on the city wall built in the fifth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1372), feeling the weight of history, isn't it exciting? 👀🎉 The Datong City Wall was personally supervised by Xu Da, one of the six founding ministers of the country, this is a real relic! 👑💪
Although it has experienced the baptism of time, the comprehensive restoration project that began in 2009 has given this city wall a new life, and now it can be opened to the public for free again! 🙌💖
The circumference of the Datong City Wall is 7.24 kilometers, the area is 3.28 square kilometers, the height is 14 meters, the upper width is 12 meters, and the lower width is 18 meters, which is spectacular! 📏🌅 You can see four city gates here, each with its own story and characteristics. 🚪💭
The Yongtai Gate Tower of the South Gate, the spring scenery of the East City Wall, the tranquility of the West City Wall in winter, and the Yan Tower, are all beautiful scenes you can't miss! 🦆🏯🌸❄️
Don't forget to go to the City Wall Museum, where the rammed earth wall relics are preserved. You can see the rammed earth wall structure formed by the Northern Wei, Liao Jin, and Ming dynasties in different periods, and the city bricks with the words 'Hongwu Five Years Day and Moon', which are absolutely a witness to history! 🧱📜
Remember when visiting, the opening hours of the city wall are 9:00-22:30, the best time to climb is after 6 pm in the summer evening, when the sun is not very hot, the afterglow of the setting sun, the city tower lights up, the scenery is beautiful! 🌄💡
The best viewing position is of course the South City Gate, where you can overlook the Shanhuasi Temple, and the closest walking distance to the Yan Tower; the West City Gate is also good, you can overlook the Huayan Temple and look at the Bell Tower from a distance. 🕍🔔
So, dear friends, if you are interested in history, or want to experience the feeling of standing on the ancient city wall, the Datong City Wall is definitely your best choice! Come and feel this weight of history with me! ⏳🎒
Ms. Kylie Lynch II
Student - Shanxi Datong Taiyuan six-day tour
1️⃣Datong
Day 1: Shanhuasi, Yanhuasi
1 Bring your student ID for discounts
2 The accommodation is a youth hostel, cheap and clean
Day 2:
Morning: Datong Museum, there are two other museums nearby😭 but didn't have time to go
Afternoon: Yungang Grottoes, very beautiful
Day 3: Directly to Hengyuan
Afternoon: Hanging Temple, Shanhuasi, another temple inside is beautiful
Day 4: Ying County (went in the afternoon
Afternoon: Wooden Pagoda, Pure Land Temple (another temple
2️⃣Day 5: Went to Taiyuan
Taiyuan Ancient City, Jincheng, Botanical Garden
Day 6: Taiyuan Museum
3️⃣Dining:
Datong: Suggest dining at Kaige: because you can order half a portion, the fresh seabuckthorn juice is very good, any knife-cut noodles are very delicious
Taiyuan: Yellow rice with red dates: soft and glutinous, very delicious
4️⃣Accommodation: Not expensive, recommended for students, youth hostels, basically all within 100
5️⃣Travel advice: Take the bus, there are coaches to any attraction. Need to plan time. Group tours are recommended. Also cheap.
Charlotte Caldwell
Pathfinder Episode 28: Datong Shanhuaci Temple
🌸4:00 PM,
Arrived at the ancient Shanhuaci Temple in Datong city area, the ancient temple is open for free.
🌸
The statues are exquisitely made, and no color painting repairs and physical fillings were made in modern times, full of the long-standing and profound religious art style.
The expressions of the Four Heavenly Kings at the entrance are unique, very down-to-earth design, a bit playful.
🌸
Shanxi, is a place with profound cultural heritage and low-key tourist treasure: there are many temple statues from the Tang, Song, Liao and Jin dynasties, what is rare is that they are basically all preserved in their original state, each has a strong momentum that has traveled through thousands of years;
Transportation is convenient; accommodation is convenient and cheap; the local customs are simple and enthusiastic;
As for food, if you can keep your tongue, you are capable.