How can you miss the thousand-year-old Huayan Temple when you come to Datong! This Liao and Jin dynasty architectural complex is truly breathtaking

How can you miss the thousand-year-old Huayan Temple when you come to Datong! This Liao and Jin dynasty architectural complex is truly breathtaking, every detail is worth savoring ⛩️

📍Huayan Temple Travel Guide
Known as the "City Treasure" of Datong, Shanxi, Huayan Temple is located at 459 Xiasi Po Street in the ancient city district. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved Liao and Jin dynasty temple complexes in China.

🚶‍♀️Recommended Visiting Time:
It’s best to arrive around 9 AM when the light is soft and perfect for photos. The temple is not large and can be toured in 1-2 hours, but it’s truly full of treasures everywhere!

🌟Must-See Spots:
1. The "Smiling Bodhisattva" inside the Buddhist Scripture Hall, known as the "Venus of the East"
2. Huayan Pagoda, where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the ancient city of Datong (not recommended if you’re afraid of heights)
3. The Sutra Pavilion housing over 20,000 ancient scriptures

📌Useful Tips:
- Admission ticket is 50 RMB (great value!)
- Opening hours vary by peak and off-peak seasons (see the image above for details)
- Remember to bring an audio guide or join a tour guide, the historical stories are fascinating
- Photography of Buddha statues inside the halls is prohibited

🍜Nearby Food Recommendations
After visiting Huayan Temple, it’s a 5-minute walk to the area near the Bell Tower, where you can find many delicious Datong specialties:
- Xi Jin Dao (the pinnacle of knife-cut noodles)
- Long Juxiang Shaomai Restaurant (both sweet and savory flavors are amazing)
- Feng Lin Ge (a long-established restaurant with a great atmosphere)