Datong Huayan Temple in Shanxi Must-Visit Guide: Travel Through the Flourishing Buddhist Temple of the Liao and Jin Dynasties' Ancient Style

Embark on a thousand-year-old ancient architecture journey! Datong Huayan Temple is stunningly beautiful✨ It preserves the magnificent architecture from the Liao and Jin periods, and every shot you take looks like a masterpiece. It's definitely a paradise for ancient style enthusiasts～

🏯 Must-Visit Attraction
📍 Huayan Temple
Address: No. 459, Xiasi Po Street, Ancient City, Pingcheng District, Datong City
Opening Hours: Spring & Summer 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Autumn & Winter 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Ticket Price: 50 RMB (Absolutely worth the price!)

The most stunning feature inside the temple is the "Eastern Venus"—the Bodhisattva statue with hands clasped and teeth showing. That mysterious smile had me staring for ten minutes! The Chiwen (roof ornament) on the Mahavira Hall is a full 4.5 meters tall; looking up at it made my neck sore～ It’s recommended to bring a wide-angle lens for amazing architectural shots!

🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations
Don’t rush off after visiting the temple! There are many long-established local eateries nearby:
• Fenglin Pavilion (5-minute walk): A century-old shop famous for its shaomai dumplings
• Shunyi Liangfen (South Temple Street): A local favorite since childhood
• Xijin Dao Noodle House: The pinnacle of knife-cut noodles, with freshly stir-fried toppings that smell amazing

📸 Photo Tips:
1. 3 PM in the afternoon offers the best light for architectural silhouettes
2. Wearing Hanfu adds to the time-travel vibe (the temple’s red walls perfectly match the horse-face skirt)
3. Be sure to walk around to the backyard, where there are fewer people and beautiful scenery

Recently, the ginkgo trees in the temple have started turning yellow. The golden fallen leaves perfectly complement the ancient architecture! It’s recommended to spend 2-3 hours here, as every corner holds a surprise～ After visiting, you can also conveniently walk to the nearby Chunyang Palace, just a 10-minute walk away!