The beauty of Shanxi today is truly stunning

Experience the charm of the ancient capital Datong and unlock the treasures of Liao and Jin architecture🏯

Walking on the ancient streets paved with blue bricks feels like traveling back to the Liao and Jin dynasties. Datong, this ancient city on the northern frontier, hides many astonishing historical buildings, with the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda being the most breathtaking～

🌟Must-visit attractions:
1️⃣ Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (Fogong Temple Shakyamuni Pagoda)
Address: Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province
This 67-meter tall wooden pagoda, built entirely without a single nail, has stood firm for over a thousand years! Looking up from the base, the exquisite mortise and tenon craftsmanship is awe-inspiring. It is the oldest wooden pagoda still standing in China.

2️⃣ Datong Ancient City Wall
Address: Pingcheng District, Datong City
Just after the rain, standing on the well-restored city wall and looking into the distance, the weight of history is overwhelming. It’s recommended to rent a bike and cycle around the city to feel the grandeur of this "Northern Wei imperial capital."

3️⃣ Huayan Temple
Address: No. 459 Xiashipo Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City
The Liao dynasty architecture and Huayan Pagoda inside the temple are well preserved. Especially the painted Buddha statues and flying apsaras murals in the Mahavira Hall make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Buddhist world from a thousand years ago.

4️⃣ Shanhuasi Temple
Address: No. 6 Nansi Street, Urban Area, Datong City
Featuring the Liao dynasty Heavenly King Hall and Jin dynasty Mahavira Hall, the temple houses the Five-directional Buddhas and 24 colorful statues of celestial maidens, which are artistic treasures! Visiting early in the morning, you can witness the devout worship of the faithful.

5️⃣ Nine-Dragon Wall
Address: Jiulongbi Lane, Urban Area, Datong City
The largest and oldest glazed nine-dragon wall in China, with nine vividly lifelike dragons under the sunlight. It’s best to visit in the afternoon when the sunlight hits at an angle for more brilliant colors!

🕰Recommended visiting time:
1-2 hours per attraction is enough
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is about a 2-hour drive from Datong city center, so it’s recommended to allocate half a day for a round trip

🍜Must-try foods:
1️⃣ Datong Knife-Cut Noodles
Recommended restaurant: Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles (with over a dozen branches in Datong)
2️⃣ Hunyuan Cold Noodles
Smooth and refreshing, perfect for summer to cool down
3️⃣ Shaomai
The lamb-filled ones are the most authentic!
4️⃣ Datong Lamb Offal Soup
Recommended old brand: He Laoren Lamb Offal (Yingbin Street, urban area)

💡Useful tips:
- Remember to keep quiet when entering temples
- The upper floors of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda are not open to the public
- Large temperature differences between morning and evening in Datong, bring a jacket
- Many attractions in the ancient city are within walking distance, so wear comfortable shoes

Writing this makes me crave Datong’s food again! Planning to find a weekend to go eat, eat, eat～ Which Shanxi attraction do you like the most? Feel free to discuss in the comments!