Day 1 → → → → Taiyuan gathering day
All day
Tourists arriving in Taiyuan should check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report "China-Travel Note + Name" at the hotel front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Shanxi Museum, 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: Jin Temple, Tianlongshan Grottoes, Taiyuan Ancient County, Mengshan Giant Buddha (it is more convenient to take a taxi to the surrounding attractions)
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 → Hongfu Temple → Nanchan Temple → Foguang Temple → Taihuai Town, Mount Wutai
All day
After breakfast, we will go to the colorful sculpture world hidden in the ancient castle in the wilderness [Hongfu Temple]
Hongfu Temple, a temple on the outskirts of Mount Wutai, already existed during the Northern Song Dynasty. Parts of the structure were destroyed during the conflict between the Song and Jin dynasties, and it was rebuilt during the Jin Dynasty. Built atop a seven-meter-high terrace, it exudes an imposing presence. The main hall, with its single-eaved, hipped roof, spans five bays and is six rafters deep. Several large Song Dynasty wooden structures remain within the hall, remnants of the Jin Dynasty. Nine colored sculptures, all original from the Song Dynasty, adorn the altar within. The red-faced Manjusri Bodhisattva is particularly striking, with some suggesting it was influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, while others suggest it's the result of discoloration from cinnabar or red clay pigments, a mystery still unsolved. Furthermore, several Ming Dynasty hanging sculptures of flying musicians above the main hall add a striking touch of elegance. The dilapidated exterior of the old castle makes the world within appear particularly beautiful. Within the desolate interior lies a touching tenderness, allowing one to recall the gods and Buddhas of the past.
Afterwards, we went to the oldest existing Tang Dynasty wooden structure in my country [Nanchan Temple]
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 their original state, each a treasure of the Tang dynasty. The statues are arranged in order of rank, each fulfilling its proper function. Although small, the Great Buddha Hall at Nanchan Temple is exquisitely crafted, employing a simple, ancient style, embodying the majestic and minimalist artistic style of the Tang dynasty. Its continued existence over 1,200 years through the passage of history undoubtedly demonstrates the remarkable achievements of Tang dynasty architectural technology. The slope of Nanchan Temple's roof is 1:5.15, one of the gentlest 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 ridges and the removal of later additions, has sparked considerable debate within the academic community.
Afterwards, we went to the Foguang Temple, which was called a "national treasure" by Liang Sicheng.
Foguang Temple has survived thousands of years, defying Japanese scholars' claims that "there is no Tang Dynasty art in China." It embodies the culmination of over 1,000 years of architectural and decorative art, showcasing the styles of the Wei, Qi, Tang, and Song dynasties. This is a grand exhibition hall of architectural art. Foguang Temple's "Four Wonders": Tang Dynasty architecture, Tang Dynasty inscriptions, Tang Dynasty murals, and Tang Dynasty statues, attest to its high-standard construction. While no physical remains of Tang Dynasty palaces and government offices remain, this building offers a crucial glimpse into the splendor of the Tang Dynasty and preserves a vital hope. On a clear day, witness the gentle glow of sunset cast on the red walls of Foguang Temple, and the wind chimes the bells, creating a uniquely moving and gentle experience.
Tourists Special Experience: Working Together | Imitation Tang Dynasty Dougong Construction
Afterward, we headed to Mount Wutai. Mount Wutai isn't just one mountain; it's a series of peaks nestled atop the "Roof of North China." The five peaks encircle the entire area, their treeless, flat, and broad tops resembling a platform of earth, hence the name. Mount Wutai is a Buddhist sanctuary where Qing (Han Buddhism) and Huang (Tibetan) temples intersect, attracting emperors of many dynasties.
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
3rd Tiantai Huaizhen → East Terrace Wanghai Peak → West Terrace Guayue Peak → South Terrace Jinxiu Peak → North Terrace Yedou Peak → Central Terrace Cuiyan Peak → Taihuaizhen
All day
What's a visit to Mount Wutai without a pilgrimage? Whether you're a believer with a wish to fulfill, a practitioner seeking to challenge your body and mind, or simply someone seeking to experience the natural beauty of a Buddhist world, you'll find inner peace during the Grand Pilgrimage. Considering individual fitness levels, we'll take the scenic area's pilgrimage bus to each of the five peaks, enjoying the scenery and experiencing nature firsthand.
Special instructions:
1. The trek to Taiwan takes a full day. Some sections of the road are in poor condition, with bumpy roads, winding roads, uphill and downhill sections, and signal interruptions. If you are feeling unwell and wish to cancel your trek, please inform us in advance. Please be careful during your free time.
2. The bus to the peak is managed by the scenic area. Private cars are prohibited from accessing the peak. In the event of rain or snow, the bus may be suspended (subject to the scenic area's announcement). If it is suspended, please remain calm and we will arrange to visit other temples in the scenic area.
3. The bus to Taichung is a scenic bus that connects the scenic area. It is a shared bus (not a chartered bus). You may encounter a situation where a large group of people are scattered in different vehicles. Please follow the guide's instructions and stay calm.
4. There are no established dining options along the way. We will prepare a simple meal package for the journey, or arrange vegetarian meals at the Wutai Mountain Temple. You can also purchase snacks in advance for emergencies.
5. You will pass by a few temples on the way to Taiwan. Remember to prepare cash and change in advance. Each temple can stamp your money. After stamping, remember to express your sincerity. You are free to express your gratitude and spend as much as you want.
6. Some peaks of Mount Wutai are at high altitudes and the weather can change rapidly. Please be sure to bring a thermos, keep warm, and wear comfortable sneakers. Protecting the environment in the mountains is everyone's responsibility.
7. If you encounter cattle, sheep, horses, foxes and other animals in Wutai Mountain, do not approach them easily. Keep your distance to avoid accidental injury and do not feed them carelessly.
Dongtai Wanghai Peak
Wanghai Peak on Dongtai Mountain, with Wanghai Temple on its summit, is 2,796 meters above sea level. Inside the temple, Manjusri, the wise and intelligent, is enshrined. The Qingliang Mountain Chronicles states: "Steaming clouds cover the valleys, the cool autumn air clears the air, and looking eastward, the bright clouds appear like a pond or a landscape, which is the sea."
Nantai Jinxiu Peak
Nantai is the peak of the five peaks in Taichung that is visited the earliest in spring and the latest in winter. It is 2,489 meters above sea level. Puji Temple is built on the top of the peak, which houses a statue of the Wisdom Manjusri Buddha. In the fourth month of the lunar calendar, the four peaks on the north side are still covered with snow, while the hillside of Nantai is full of flowers in full bloom.
Xitai Guayue Peak
On the top of the platform stands a stone-built Falei Temple, dedicated to the "Lion's Roar Manjusri Bodhisattva." At an altitude of 2,773 meters, the shape of the West Platform of Guayue Peak looks like a dancing peacock with its tail spread out from a distance. Whenever the moon is high in the sky and the mountain springs are gurgling, the scene is quite poetic and picturesque. When the moon falls to the top of the peak, it is like a hanging mirror.
Beitai Ye Doufeng
Lingying Temple, located at 3,061 meters above sea level and dedicated to the Immortal Manjusri, is also known as the "Roof of North China." Experiencing the sudden change of seasons here is undoubtedly a diverse pilgrimage experience. Visitors can take photos in various poses on this "Roof of North China."
Cuiyan Peak in Zhongtai
The summit of the mountain is home to the Yanjiao Temple, a temple dedicated to the "Rutong Manjusri Bodhisattva." At 2,894 meters above sea level, the summit features a massive, grayish-white, angular rock formation known as the Dragon Turning Rock. Climbing the summit in June or July of the lunar calendar in midsummer is a breathtaking sight of verdant scenery, especially after rain, when the rocks appear emerald green.
4. Tiantaihuai Town Core Temple Complex → Taiyuan Wusu Airport → Taiyuan South Railway Station → Taiyuan Railway Station
All day
After breakfast, visit the Wutai Mountain Core Temple Complex (today's visit time and attractions will be adjusted according to actual conditions, generally 4-5 points, the following are recommended temples)
You can pray along the way. At Tayuan Temple, you'll find the iconic White Pagoda, a pristine white tower with over 200 bronze bells adorning its summit, creating a melodious sound. The tower rises majestically from the ground, soaring into the sky. You can circumambulate the pagoda to fulfill your vows, chanting sutras, kowtowing, and stroking the Dharma Wheel as you walk.
Xiantong Temple—One of the earliest Buddhist temples in China, it boasts a well-organized layout of halls and wings, a distinct central axis, and symmetrical side halls. The bronze hall, containing 100,000 kilograms of copper, is one of the best-preserved in China.
Luohou Temple—one of the ten best-preserved yellow temples and five Zen temples in Wutai Mountain—is renowned for its two wooden buildings, known for hosting guests from all over the world. Its "flowering Buddha" scene is a truly mystical experience. (Special experience for tourists: Light the Wisdom Lamp at Luohou Temple.)
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.
Wuye Temple is the most popular temple in Wutai Mountain. The Wuye enshrined in the temple is the legendary Guangji Dragon King Bodhisattva. It is said that Wuye will grant any wish.
We will return to Taiyuan in due time to end our trip. We hope all tourists have a pleasant trip and all their wishes come true!
It is expected to arrive at Taiyuan Wusu Airport at 16:30. It is recommended to buy a flight after 18:30.
It is expected to arrive at Taiyuan South Station at 16:50 and Taiyuan Station at 17:10. It is recommended to buy trains and high-speed trains after 18:00.
Important reminder!!! During holidays such as May Day and National Day, there may be traffic jams during peak return trips. To avoid delays, please purchase flights or high-speed trains later than the ones noted on this page. Thank you for your understanding!
If there are tourists whose flights do not match the airport/station drop-off time or have other itinerary arrangements, we will disband the group at Taiyuan Station and will no longer arrange separate airport/station drop-off services. Thank you for your understanding!
