Reverse Ancient Exploration: Hidden at the Junction of Shanxi and Hebei, Bixia Shengmu Palace—Few People, Quiet Scenery, Perfect for Peace of Mind Traveling Across North China

Reverse Ancient Exploration: Hidden at the Junction of Shanxi and Hebei, Bixia Shengmu Palace—Few People, Quiet Scenery, Perfect for Peace of Mind

Having visited many popular temples across the North China Plain, if asked which one leaves the most lasting impression, Bixia Shengmu Palace at the Shanxi-Hebei border definitely ranks among them—this is my third dedicated visit. Compared to the bustling and well-known Taoist temples, this ancient building hidden in the Taihang mountain foothills holds the purest sense of everyday life and the passage of time. This time, besides exploring the millennium-old relics in the main hall, I also discovered several little-known ancient building clusters nearby. If you want to avoid crowds and find a peaceful place during the holiday, don’t miss this Bixia Shengmu Palace guide~

🚗 Transportation Guide

- High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to Xingtai East Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus (3 trips daily, about 1.5 hours), or rent a car and drive (about 1 hour)
- Self-driving: About 2 hours from Shijiazhuang, about 3.5 hours from Beijing, with scenic views of the Taihang Mountains along the way; the mountain roads are gentle and easy to drive

🗺️ 3 Days 2 Nights Holiday Highlights Route

Day 1: Departure → Xingtai City → Tiantishan Grottoes → Bixia Shengmu Palace (stay at nearby homestay)
Day 2: In-depth tour of Bixia Shengmu Palace → Ancient Opera Stage → Nearby ancient villages (Cuilu Village, Yingtan Village)
Day 3: Bianque Temple → Xing Kiln Ruins → Return trip

🌟 Must-Visit Core: Bixia Shengmu Palace

- 🕌 Main Hall of Shengmu Palace: Built in the Northern Song Dynasty, the existing buildings were renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is one of the best-preserved Taoist ancient buildings in North China. The colorful "Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl" paintings on the beams remain vivid, the statue of the Holy Mother is dignified and kind, and although incense offerings are not bustling, the atmosphere is even more serene, perfect for quiet meditation and blessings.
- 🎭 Ancient Opera Stage: Located just west of Shengmu Palace, built in the Ming Dynasty, it features a typical "front stage, rear hall" structure. The wooden carved railings depict stories from "Legend of the White Snake" and "Investiture of the Gods" with exquisite detail. If you visit during the temple fair (15th day of the third lunar month), you can also watch traditional Hebei Bangzi opera performances.
- 🌿 Ancient Cypress Group in the Palace: In front of the main hall stand three thousand-year-old cypress trees, including the "Dragon and Phoenix Cypress," whose intertwined branches resemble a dragon and phoenix embracing. This is a signature scenic spot in the palace, perfect for photos. In the early morning, you can see mist swirling among the branches, creating a fairyland-like scene.

Other Unmissable Attractions

- 🪨 Tiantishan Grottoes: About 20 kilometers from Shengmu Palace, these are Buddhist grottoes from the Sui Dynasty, less known than the Longmen Grottoes. Although the statues have weathered over a thousand years, the folds in their robes remain clear. With very few visitors, you can enjoy a tranquil historical atmosphere.
- 🏺 Xing Kiln Ruins: Representing the "Northern White" in the Tang Dynasty's "Southern Green and Northern White" ceramics, the site features ancient kiln remains. You can also try your hand at pottery wheel throwing (advance reservation required), ideal for visitors interested in traditional culture.

🏡 Hidden Ancient Villages (Few People, Beautiful Scenery!)

- Cuilu Village: 15 kilometers from Shengmu Palace, an ancient village from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The "First Mansion in Southern Hebei," the Cui Family Courtyard, is well preserved. The blue brick and gray tile courtyard houses are built along the mountain. The villagers are simple and hospitable; you can visit a farmhouse to taste authentic local dishes like tiebingzi (pan-fried flatbread) and vegetable tofu.
- Yingtan Village: Known as the "Taihang River Village," it features stone-paved roads and stone houses arranged in an orderly manner, along with wartime watchtower ruins. Climb the hill behind the village at dawn to overlook the entire ancient village shrouded in morning mist, with almost no tourists around.

💡 Holiday Travel Tips

- Bixia Shengmu Palace and surrounding attractions are free to enter; some ancient villages charge a 10-20 yuan cleaning fee, offering great value.
- Most nearby homestays are converted farmhouses; it’s recommended to book rooms with small courtyards in advance. At night, you can sit in the courtyard to stargaze and enjoy the tranquility of the mountain village.
- Must-try local foods: Xingtai Daokou Roast Chicken, Weixian Huoshao (baked flatbread), Neiqiu Hanging Sauce Pork—all available authentically at farmhouses near Shengmu Palace.

This ancient building and village hidden deep in the Taihang Mountains lack the noise of popular tourist spots but carry the most touching accumulation of time. If you want to escape the crowds during the holiday, come to Bixia Shengmu Palace and find rare peace among ancient cypresses and incense smoke.