Day 1 → → → → → Taiyuan gathering day
All day
Tourists will check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report your "China-Travel Note + Name" at the front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Bronze Museum, Shanxi Merchants Museum, China Coal Museum, etc. (Please make reservations in advance through the official WeChat accounts of each museum)
Other attractions in the city: Shuangta Temple Park, Chunyang Palace, Governor's Mansion, Donghu Vinegar Garden
Surrounding areas: Tianlongshan Grottoes, Taiyuan Ancient County (the atmosphere during the Lunar New Year is absolutely stunning), Mengshan Giant Buddha (it is recommended to take a taxi directly to the surrounding attractions for easier access)
Food recommendations
Taiyuan Liuxiang Bell Tower Street, Old Taiyuan Restaurant, Shanxi Restaurant, Yangji Sausage on Food Street, Hao Ganggang Lamb Offal in Liuxiang, Qingheyuan Restaurant, Laoshuku Yuanxiao, Bofan Old Tavern, Yixiang Pavilion, Qingheyuan's Head, Renyili (Halal cuisine), etc.
Traffic Tips
Taiyuan Wusu Airport and Taiyuan High-speed Railway Station/Railway Station are very close to Taiyuan city center. A taxi ride takes about half an hour and costs around 20-30 yuan. Pick-up service is not included. Please make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Day 2 Taiyuan → Nanchan Temple → Foguang Temple → Mount Wutai → Taihuai Town
All day
After breakfast, we will go to Nanchan Temple, a very old wooden structure from the Tang Dynasty.
Entering Nanchan Temple is like stepping back into the Tang Dynasty, experiencing the prosperity and splendor of Buddhist art. The temple's Buddha statues, including the 17 Tang-era sculptures within the main hall, remain in pristine condition, each a treasure of the Tang dynasty. The statues are arranged in order of rank, each fulfilling its own role. While small in scale, the Great Buddha Hall at Nanchan Temple boasts refined craftsmanship and a simple, ancient style, embodying the grand and minimalist artistic style of the Tang dynasty.
Today, Nanchan Temple sits quietly, seemingly waiting for the world to discover its story. Its continued existence, untouched for over 1,200 years, undoubtedly demonstrates the remarkable achievements of Tang Dynasty architectural technology. The slope of Nanchan Temple's roof is 1:5.15, a very gentle slope for known Chinese wooden structures. However, the restoration of Nanchan Temple in the 1970s, which sought to "restore the Tang style," including the addition of Tang-style chiffon roofs and the removal of later additions, has sparked considerable debate within the academic community.
Afterwards, we went to Foguang Temple, which Liang Sicheng called a "national treasure."
Liang Sicheng wrote in his diary: "This is another Tang Dynasty wooden building we have encountered in our search over the years. Not only that, in this same hall, we have found Tang Dynasty paintings, Tang Dynasty calligraphy, Tang Dynasty sculptures, and Tang Dynasty architecture. They are rare treasures."
Foguang Temple, having survived millennia, defies Japanese scholars' claim that "there is no Tang Dynasty art in China." It embodies the culmination of over 1,000 years of architectural and decorative art, encompassing styles from the Wei, Qi, Tang, and Song dynasties. This grand exhibition hall of architectural art boasts the "Four Wonders" of Foguang Temple: Tang Dynasty architecture, Tang Dynasty inscriptions, Tang Dynasty murals, and Tang Dynasty statues. These features attest to the high standards of its construction. While no extant Tang Dynasty palaces or government offices remain, this building offers a valuable glimpse into the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, preserving a vital hope.
Tourists' special experiences: Understanding the past and present | Comparing ancient and modern styles; Working together | Replica Tang Dynasty bracket sets
Afterwards we will go to Mount Wutai to learn about the history of wooden structures in ancient Chinese temples.
Mount Wutai's ancient wooden temples boast a strong historical continuity, magnificent scale, intricate details, diverse styles, and exemplary construction techniques, making them unique throughout China. It's fair to say that the typical buildings from various historical periods preserved on Mount Wutai are themselves a vast history of ancient Chinese wooden temple architecture.
For dinner, we prepared a vegetarian meal for everyone, allowing you to experience the vegetarian culture in this Buddhist holy land.
The origins and spread of vegetarian food can be traced back to Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan. With the emperor's advocacy and imperial decrees, vegetarian food flourished. During the Qing Dynasty, whenever Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong visited Mount Wutai, the abbots of the temples would welcome them with exquisite vegetarian food. We will also share our unique vegetarian cuisine with you here, and share your experiences.
Special Experience for Tourists: When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do | Savor Exquisite Vegetarian Cuisine
Day 3 Mount Wutai → Hanging Temple → Stay in Datong
All day
After breakfast, follow the footsteps of the master teacher and walk into the Wutai Mountain area, where the Buddhist holy land and culture blend
This morning's tour of Mount Wutai will take you into the highlights, covering everything from its history and culture to its Buddhist and architectural styles. Mount Wutai boasts numerous temples, and we'll select the temples we'll visit based on the day's recommendations and the conditions.
Xiantong Temple - This is a very old temple in Wutai Mountain. It is also a Han Buddhist temple with a long history. Inside it are the five Manjusri statues of Wutai Mountain, and the incense is very prosperous.
Luohou Temple - founded in the Tang Dynasty, it is one of the ten yellow temples and one of the five Zen places in Wutai Mountain. A wooden statue of "Rahula" is enshrined in the hall. The red pilgrimage road to Luohou Temple is also fascinating.
Guanghua Temple - built in the Northern Song Dynasty, only one statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva with open eyes remains. What is particularly eye-catching is the stone carvings of the sixteen dharma statues, which are vivid and lifelike, and are rare art treasures.
Shuxiang Temple, one of the five major Zen temples in Wutai Mountain, is the largest temple in the central Taihuai area. The statue of Manjushri riding a lion, enshrined on the central altar within the temple, stands nearly ten meters tall and is the tallest Manjushri statue among the temples in Wutai Mountain.
After the visit, we went to the Hanging Temple to learn the secrets of the ancient building that has stood for thousands of years.
In September 1933, Liang Sicheng rushed to the Hanging Temple for an inspection. In his opinion, the Hanging Temple, which was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, has a long history. Located in a remote place, it does not attract many worshippers and is far away from wars, so it should be well preserved. He even hoped to see a temple with the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty.
The Hanging Temple, one of the world's ten most dangerous structures, is often described as "half the sky high, suspended in the air by three horsetails." This is because the structure, suspended aloft on a cliff using wooden pillars, is a unique example of ancient Chinese architecture. Upon entering the temple, one discovers that while the impressive structure appears from a distance, it is actually quite small. The gradual ascent, following the mountain's contours, creates a sense of grandeur within its smallness. Climbing the suspended structure, with its narrow walkways and low wooden railings, requires a genuine sense of fortitude. Navigating what might have been expected to be a series of steep steps reveals that the entrances and exits are hidden in subtle places, around corners, or on mezzanines. Be careful not to bump your head as you ascend.
Afterwards, we went to Datong Hotel to rest and check in. Datong is a wonderful city, and it is also closely related to Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin. We followed the footsteps of Liang and Lin and strolled through Datong.
Day 4 Datong Museum → Huayan Temple → Nine Dragon Screen → Shanhua Temple → Datong
All day
After breakfast, we went to Datong Museum, a representative of the Northern Wei, Liao and Jin relics.
As the intersection of Central Plains culture and nomadic civilization, Datong possesses distinct regional cultural characteristics characterized by a blend of Hu and Han cultures. Its cultural relics are particularly representative of the remains of the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties. For example, the tomb of Sima Jinlong, the Prince of Langya during the Northern Wei Dynasty, contains a wealth of burial objects, particularly lacquer screens, which are treasures not available for loan. The ruins of the Mingtang in Pingcheng and the Yonggu Mausoleum in Fangshan record the feudalization of the Xianbei people; the magnificent Yungang Grottoes mark the beginning of the localization of Western Buddhism; and the artifacts from the tombs of Song Shaozu and Sima Jinlong bear witness to the cultural exchange and integration between the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Furthermore, the Datong Museum, with its design elements inspired by the Datong volcanic cluster, Longbi culture, and the Yungang Grottoes, is itself a landmark work of art that cultural enthusiasts should not miss.
On the way, we will pass by the Nine Dragon Wall and we can go and visit it. It is more than 300 years older than the Forbidden City and Beihai, and can be regarded as the first of the Nine Dragon Walls in China.
After lunch, we went to visit Huayan Temple, the royal ancestral temple of the Liao Dynasty, which was praised by Liang Sicheng as "a unique piece in the country".
In September 1933, Liang Sicheng and his team conducted a thorough analysis, research, measurement, drawing, and photographic documentation of nine buildings, including Huayan Temple, in Datong. In his "Report on the Investigation of Ancient Architecture in Datong," Liang Sicheng wrote: "Datong, located in the ancient Yanmen area, was known as Pingcheng during the Northern Wei Dynasty. From the time Emperor Daowu established his capital there until Emperor Xiaowen relocated south to Luoyang, for over ninety years, it was a center of Buddhist art during the Northern and Southern Dynasties... Among the Buddhist temples known as Lan, which remain to this day, are Huayan and Shanhua Temples, both renowned far and wide." He marveled at these monumental structures. This research gradually led to the development of a record of the construction methods of Datong's Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture, filling a historical gap.
Huayan Temple, centered around the Main Hall, is divided into two courtyards, housing the Mountain Gate, the Passing Hall, the Guanyin Pavilion, the Ksitigarbha Pavilion, and two side corridors. Its layout is meticulous and staggered. The Lower Huayan Temple is located a short distance southeast of the Upper Temple. Centered around the Bhagavan Hall, it features Liao Dynasty statues, stone pagodas, pavilion-style sutra cabinets, and a celestial palace pavilion. Inside the Bhagavan Hall, an inscription on the right rafter reads, "Built on the 15th day of the 9th month of the year Wuyin (1038), at noon on the 15th day of the 9th month of the year Wuyin (1038)," indicating that this is a Liao Dynasty structure that survived the Baoda Rebellion at the end of the Liao Dynasty.
Afterwards, we went to visit Shanhua Temple, one of the most complete buildings from the Liao and Jin dynasties in China.
In 1933, Liang Sicheng described Shanhua Temple in his travelogue of Datong: "Shanhua Temple is located slightly west of the south gate of the inner city, commonly known as the South Temple. North of the mountain gate are the east and west side halls and the Three Saints Hall. Behind them is the seven-room Main Hall, majestically situated on a platform. The statues within the hall are exquisitely sculpted, each with exquisite posture and expression. Unfortunately, the pillars are leaning northward, and without urgent repairs, they are likely to fall into disrepair soon. The left and right side halls, each with three rooms, face south along with the main hall. Slightly in front of the east side, there was an old building that burned down several years ago, but only the west building—the Puxian Pavilion—remains. Looking at the entire temple, apart from the side halls, the main hall, the Puxian Pavilion, the Three Saints Hall, and the mountain gate, all are relics of the Liao and Jin dynasties. It was unexpected to find so many precious antiques in a single temple. It was beyond our imagination."
Shanhua Temple, also known as the "Southern Temple," features main buildings arranged along a central axis, facing north and south, rising in tiers. The mountain gate stands in the front, and the Three Saints Hall stands in the center, both built during the Jin Dynasty. The Liao Dynasty-era Main Hall sits atop a raised platform in the rear, flanked by the East and West Duo Halls. To the east lies the remains of the Shu Pavilion, and to the west stands the Puxian Pavilion, built in the second year of the Zhenyuan Period of the Jin Dynasty (1154). Shanhua Temple boasts a staggered layout of varying heights, with a clear hierarchy and symmetry, making it one of the most complete examples of Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture still extant in China. The profound and austere architecture of the millennia-old temple still creates a powerful visual impact. The 24 Jin Dynasty statues of deities within the temple are particularly lifelike, captivating the senses. The exquisite sculptures, each depicting a unique expression of posture and expression, are each captivating.
After the tour, everyone can walk around freely on the city wall of Datong Ancient City and see the bustling atmosphere behind this city with rich history under the sunset and night sky.
Special experiences for tourists: Citywalk | A leisurely stroll through the ancient city; Understanding the past and present | Comparing ancient and modern styles; Chatting | Talking about Lianglin's gossip
Liang Sicheng's ancestral home is in Guangdong, and he lived in Beijing for the longest time. However, the Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall is located in Datong. In 2008, inspired by Liang's "Liang-Chen Plan," Datong proposed the development concept of "One Axis, Two Cities, Integrating the Past and the Present," and began the restoration and preservation of the ancient city. Today, Datong adheres to his plan of separating the old and new cities. With the Yu River as the axis, the rebuilt ancient city of the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties stands side by side with the modern new city, complementing each other. The reconstruction of Datong Ancient City was based on the writings and illustrations Liang Sicheng left behind during his 1933 visit to Datong. It can be said that the city's new look, a source of immense pride for the people of Datong, is a reflection of the wisdom of a master architect and a tribute to his memory.
Day 5 Datong → Yungang Grottoes → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda → Jingtu Temple → Stay in Yingxian or Shuozhou
All day
After breakfast, we will go to visit the Yungang Grottoes, which are known as one of the four major grotto art treasures in China, along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Maijishan Grottoes.
In September 1933, Liang Sicheng, Lin Huiyin, Liu Dunzhen, Mo Zongjiang, and others from the Architectural Society set out from Peking for their first trip to Shanxi to investigate the ancient architecture of Datong and the Yungang Grottoes. Their first stop was Datong. "The Yungang Grottoes clearly demonstrate the sudden and powerful infiltration of powerful foreign influences into the inherent veins of Chinese art: their origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, Persia, and India, reaching the interior of China via routes from the north to the south, through the various ethnic groups of the Western Regions and Tibet. This great exchange of diverse ethnic cultures has endowed Chinese culture with vigorous vitality. This is an intriguing historical phenomenon and a topic of considerable research interest to modern historians."
The Yungang Grottoes, one of China's four major grottoes, are hailed as a treasure trove of ancient Chinese sculpture. Carved into the mountainside, over twenty caves of varying sizes stretch across approximately two kilometers of terrain, interspersed with classical Chinese architecture. While seemingly unremarkable from the outside, the Yungang Grottoes offer a unique blend of artistic influences from ancient India, the Western Regions, and the Central Plains. The over 51,000 stone sculptures, each with their own unique expression, are breathtaking and captivating, leaving one to give a thumbs-up to the ancients!
After our trip to Datong, we will head to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, which Liang Sicheng admired so much.
In 1933, architect Liang Sicheng, attracted by its reputation, visited the town and was deeply impressed: "It was sunset when I arrived five miles west of the town. At the end of the almost straight road ahead, I suddenly saw a distant treasure gleaming under the dark purple sky: a red and white pagoda reflecting the golden sunset, nestled against the distant mountains. Without seeing this pagoda, I had no idea of the possibilities of wooden structures. I was filled with admiration! I admire the era in which it was built, and the unknown architects and craftsmen of that era."
The design of the wooden pagoda relies entirely on the interlocking and interlocking of brackets, columns, and beams, without the need for nails or rivets. The pagoda features 54 different types of brackets, each with its own unique combination. Some combine beams, rafters, and columns into a single unit, creating an octagonal hollow structure on each floor. This is one of the most diverse and intricately designed ancient Chinese structures, truly a museum of brackets. The view of the wooden pagoda at sunset is a moving and unforgettable sight.
Special Tourist Experiences: Understanding the Past and Present | Comparing Ancient and Modern Scenery; Roundtable Brainstorming | Pagoda Restoration Plan
Then go to [Jingtu Temple] to see the Tiangong Caijing and the ancient buildings of the Jin Dynasty
During his visit to Ying County, Liang Sicheng praised the "Three Treasures of Ying County." The first is the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the second is the caisson ceiling in the Tiangong Pavilion of the Pure Land Temple, and the third is the pair of stone lions with disheveled hair in front of the temple's gate. The main hall of the Pure Land Temple, the Main Hall, dates back to the Jin Dynasty. The caisson ceiling and Tiangong Pavilion within the Main Hall are the essence of the main hall and the Pure Land Temple. Utilizing the construction methods of Tiangong Pavilions as described in the "Yingzaofashi" (Architectural Style), the exquisite construction and meticulous craftsmanship make them classic examples of small woodwork. Gazing up at them, you'll be captivated by their admiration!
Check in to Yingxian Hotel at night
Day 6: Tianying County → Chongfu Temple → Jin Temple → Stay in Taiyuan
All day
After breakfast, we will go to Shuozhou [Chongfu Temple] to see the rare treasures of the "Five Wonders of the Jin Dynasty"
Chongfu Temple was first built in 665 AD during the second year of the Tang Dynasty's Linde reign. The main hall, the Amitabha Hall, was completed in 1143 AD during the third year of the Jin Dynasty's Huangtong reign. It is one of the three most complete surviving Liao and Jin Dynasty structures in China. The Amitabha Hall's plaques, statues, murals, carved doors and windows, and glazed ridge ornaments are considered among the "Five Wonders of the Jin Dynasty." The 8-meter-tall Amitabha statue exudes a solemn and awe-inspiring presence. The murals covering the entire wall are typical Jin Dynasty water and land murals, primarily in vermilion and malachite green, interspersed with white, blue, yellow, and brown. The result is a simple and elegant aesthetic that exudes grandeur. The carved doors and windows feature 15 different patterns, using double-, quadruple-, and hexagonal-interlaced latticework to create various patterns, including diagonal squares, hexagonal squares, hexagonal squares within, and rounded floral patterns. The latticework on the partitions is simple and skillfully carved. The glazed ridge ornaments on the temple roof are all original works from the Jin Dynasty. The towering and majestic chiwen, the powerful and powerful warriors, and the shimmering brilliance showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Jin Dynasty architectural decorative art. Walking through Chongfu Temple, every step, every glance, and every change of scenery, one can feel the awe of this artistic creation that transcends time and space, and be moved by its enduring yet ever-new charm.
Afterwards, we headed to the Jin Temple, which Liang Sicheng described as "exceeding our initial expectations."
In his book "A History of Chinese Architecture," Liang Sicheng mentioned the Jin Temple: "Located southwest of Taiyuan, Shanxi, it is a scenic spot surrounded by walls and surrounded by clear springs. Its scenery is tranquil and tranquil, rich in the charm of mountain and forest nature. It houses the Holy Mother Temple, its main hall, the fish pond in front of it, its flying beams, the Offering Hall in front of the pond, and the Golden Man Platform in front of the Offering Hall, forming a core component of the complex." While the Jin Temple is renowned for its three main structures—the Holy Mother Hall, the Offering Hall, and the flying beams over the fish pond—it boasts far more than just these three unique features. The woodcarvings of coiled dragons, the Golden Man Platform, and the Water Mirror Platform are all worth a closer look. The temple also boasts numerous ancient and valuable trees, murals, and sculptures, revealing its history. The Jin Temple exemplifies the ingenious integration of natural landscapes and cultural architecture. Let's explore the Jin Temple together!
After that, we will check in to Taiyuan and you can go shopping and eat freely.
Day 7 Shanxi Museum → Noodle Museum → Taiyuan South Railway Station → Taiyuan Wusu Airport
All day
After breakfast, we followed the teacher's footsteps and walked into the Shanxi Museum, a hard-core "Internet celebrity" in Shanxi.
The word "Bowu" (博物) first appeared in China's Classic of Mountains and Seas. It means being able to discern a wide range of things, which is why the Book of Documents honors those with extensive knowledge as "Bowu Junzi." To understand a city, one must first stop by a museum. As a province rich in cultural relics, the Shanxi Museum stands out among its many cultural venues—these cultural relics, often featured online as "influencers," have long captivated people. Here, amidst dazzling artifacts and bustling crowds, you'll see "old objects" from different eras, etched with the marks of time, constantly telling ancient stories. You'll also witness people, fascinated by history, wandering with awe, learning about Shanxi and experiencing it...
Afterwards, have a noodle feast in the "Noodle Museum" and experience the joy of cooking. When you come to Shanxi, you must eat noodles.
Shanxi noodles are plentiful: knife-cut noodles, hand-pulled noodles, knife-pulled noodles, rolled noodles, shaved noodles, cat ears noodles, river noodles, and more. Walking down the street, you'll find noodle shops everywhere. But for a truly elevated dining experience, a taste of culture, the Shanxi Guild Hall is the place to be. Under the guidance of a master chef, you'll learn about Shanxi noodle culture, prepare classic Shanxi noodles, and finally, enjoy a noodle feast together.
Arrived at Taiyuan South Station around 15:00 in the afternoon. Tourists are advised to book a train after 16:00 in the afternoon.
We are expected to arrive at Taiyuan Wusu Airport around 15:30 in the afternoon. Tourists are advised to book flights departing Taiyuan after 17:30. Everyone is reluctant to leave and bids farewell with tears and kisses!
If your flight does not meet the airport transfer requirement or your flight is earlier, you can leave the group early and take a taxi to the airport. The taxi ride takes about 0.5 hours.
If you want to continue exploring the ancient architectural culture of southern Shanxi, you can choose [Clouds on the Wall] or [Colorful Sculptures] to experience the charm of the colored sculptures and murals in southeastern and southwestern Shanxi.
