Compared to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, I recommend this never-fading Glazed Tile Pagoda... — Guangsheng Temple

Stop crowding around the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda! Hidden at the foot of Huo Mountain in Shanxi is a "top ancient building," the Guinness-certified world's largest glazed tile pagoda, dazzling under the sunlight. Even Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin once surveyed here, making it a must-visit for fans of ancient styles!

🌍 Quick Address Overview

Guangsheng Temple + Water God Temple package is tucked away in Guangsheng Temple Town, Hongtong County, Linfen, Shanxi, a treasure architectural complex at the foot of Huo Mountain. It consists of the Upper Temple, Lower Temple, and Water God Temple. A tour covers ancient relics from the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and you can also visit the Hongtong Great Locust Tree nearby.

✈️ Transportation Guide

- Best by car: About 2 hours from Taiyuan/Linfen. Navigate to "Guangsheng Temple Scenic Area Parking Lot." Parking is 10 yuan/day and you can get a hand-drawn map.

- High-speed rail travelers: Take the high-speed train to Hongtong West Station, then a 30 yuan taxi directly to the site, or wait for the "Tour Line 1" shuttle bus, which runs twice daily for convenience.

- Internal transport: The Upper and Lower Temples are 3 kilometers apart on mountain roads. Shuttle bus one-way is 10 yuan. It’s recommended to save the driver’s number to avoid long waits.

✨ Location Highlights (Key Points)

1. Guangsheng Upper Temple · Feihong Pagoda: Confirmed filming location for the 1986 Journey to the West! The pagoda is inlaid with colorful glazed tiles, shining like a rainbow in the sun. Walking around the pagoda, you can find sculptures matching the White Dragon Horse. Arrive before 9 AM to see the exhibition of rubbings from famous pagodas through the ages, full of ceremony.

2. Guangsheng Lower Temple · Unique Ancient Building: A Yuan Dynasty structure recorded by Liang Sicheng in history books. The slanted beams are a "mechanical marvel." The Tang-style stone lions at the entrance are adorably goofy, adding fun to photos, and there’s an ancient locust tree planted by a master. In April, the locust flowers scent half the mountain.

3. Water God Temple · Mural Secret Realm: Houses 700-year-old "Yuan Dynasty life illustrations," including chess scenes and "golf" images, with details so cute it’s almost unfair. Photography is prohibited, but bringing binoculars to see the tiny expressions on the artists’ faces is even more thrilling.

4. Guangsheng Art Museum: A newly opened treasure exhibition hall, with 1:1 restored precious murals. Free entry with a ticket. After visiting, seeing the real murals makes everything clear.

🍜 Food Recommendations

- Hongtong Crispy Fire Cake: 5 yuan each, with a crust so crispy it flakes, filled with savory braised meat that makes you stomp your feet.

- Lamb Offal Stew: 10 yuan a bowl at the Drum Tower Night Market, served with flatbread, warm and comforting, a local breakfast staple.

- Cagedou Noodles: A must-order at the noodle shop on Ancient Locust South Road, chewy texture with tomato sauce, carb happiness MAX.

- Glazed Tile Pagoda Cultural Ice Cream: Available at the Lower Temple exit, a perfect photo prop with a rich milky flavor.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

- Near the scenic area: Guangsheng Temple Town homestays, 150 yuan/night for a cave dwelling room, with the owner happy to share treasure protection legends.

- County town choice: Hongtong Ancient Locust Hotel, 200+ yuan/night, close to the night market, convenient for eating and shopping.

- Best value: Chain hotels near the station, 100 yuan/night, no rush for the early shuttle bus.

⚠️ Important Tips

1. The 70 yuan pass covers the three main attractions. Photography is strictly prohibited in the Water God Temple murals; flash damages the relics.

2. It’s recommended to spend 80 yuan on a guide. The treasure protection story of the "Zhaocheng Jin Cang" is even more impressive than the architecture itself.

3. Bring a sun umbrella in summer; the glazed tile pagoda reflects sunlight intensely. Wear sneakers as the steps are steep and numerous.

4. Avoid "merit fee" scams. Official donation boxes are clearly marked; don’t waste money.

Ancient buildings in Shanxi never fail to surprise! This "never-fading" glazed tile pagoda is a perfect ancient-style photo spot, far more meaningful than popular tourist sites. Grab your travel buddy and go now~