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Guangsheng Temple, located at the southern foot of Mount Huo, 17 kilometers northeast of Hongdong County, was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty and rebuilt after being damaged by an earthquake during the Yuan Dynasty. Further renovations were made during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, bringing it to its present state. Guangsheng Temple consists of two parts: the Upper and Lower Temples.
Key Points: The Feihong Pagoda at the Shang Temple is a representative example of Chinese glazed pagodas. Not only is the exterior of the tower covered in glazed glass, but the interior also boasts numerous glazed decorations. The tower's base features an exceptionally intricate glazed caisson ceiling, a testament to the pinnacle of glazed craftsmanship.
The Lower Temple is famous for its murals, which were stolen and sold abroad in 1928 and are now stored in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, USA.
The Water God Temple in the Lower Temple is particularly famous for a theatrical mural on the east side of the south wall, which is hailed as the third wonder of Guangsheng Temple's cultural relics. It is the only large-scale theatrical mural from the Yuan Dynasty currently preserved in the country.
Related TV series:
In the 1986 version of Journey to the West, the 18th episode of the TV series, "Sweeping the Pagoda to Explain a Strange Injustice," the towering "Jinguang Pagoda" of the Jisai Kingdom was filmed at the Feihong Pagoda of the Guangsheng Temple in Hongdong.
Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended places to visit: Feihong Tower, Water God Temple Yuan Dynasty murals, etc.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
44 yuan
Peak season: 8:00-18:00
Hongdong Guangsheng Temple is a significant Buddhist temple in Shanxi province, with a history of over a thousand years. It is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture, cultural relics, and its role in promoting Buddhism in northern China.
The temple is located in Hongdong County, Shanxi. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Hongdong town center. Local buses may reach nearby stops, but walking from distant areas is not practical.
Typical visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to mild weather and pleasant scenery.
Entrance fees are usually around ¥50–¥80 per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. Online booking may be available through local travel platforms.
Booking in advance is not necessary on regular days, but it is recommended during holidays or weekends to avoid queues.
Visitors typically need 2–3 hours to explore the temple complex and surrounding grounds thoroughly.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides or English-speaking guides may be limited and should be arranged in advance.
Enter through the main gate, visit the central halls, then explore side halls and pagodas, and finish with a walk around the temple gardens and courtyards.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special tours may be offered on cultural or religious festival days.
The temple is less crowded on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays attract more visitors, especially during major festivals.
Many areas are accessible, but some steps and slopes may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore safely under supervision.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
Local restaurants near the temple offer Shanxi cuisine, including noodles and dumplings. Cafes are limited but available in nearby towns.
Vegetarian options are widely available due to Buddhist influence. Halal options may be found in local restaurants outside the temple grounds.
Hotels and guesthouses are available in Hongdong town, within a 10–15 minute drive from the temple, ranging from budget to mid-range options.
Souvenir shops sell Buddhist artifacts, calligraphy, charms, and local handicrafts.
