I thought Datong was already beautiful enough, until I visited Linfen...

I believed Datong's scenery was stunning enough, but stepping into Linfen revealed ancient architecture hiding even more captivating surprises✔️👀

📝 2-day & 1-night itinerary
𝘿𝙖𝙮❶: Linfen Airport ➡ Guangsheng Temple ➡ Dongyang Houtu Temple ➡ Dayun Temple (didn't make it this time but heard it's worth seeing) ➡ Stay downtown
𝘿𝙖𝙮❷: Little West Heaven ➡ Dongyue Temple ➡ Fencheng Ancient Architecture Complex
(Recommended to self-drive or charter a car, about 1 hour between attractions; with more time, you can visit Shanxi side of Hukou Waterfall - consider extending to 3 days if schedule feels tight)

❶ Guangsheng Temple
A thousand-year-old monastery hidden deep in Huo Mountain, divided into Upper and Lower Temples.
Upper Temple's Feihong Pagoda is China's most intact glazed pagoda - sunlight creates rainbow halos on its colored tiles; Lower Temple's Water God Temple murals are breathtaking, with every detail telling fascinating stories✨

❷ Dongyang Houtu Temple
A "hidden artistic treasure" in a village, known to few.
The temple's opera stage is the highlight, with astonishingly delicate wood and brick carvings❗️

❸ Little West Heaven
A "hanging temple" atop a mountain, its red walls and yellow tiles striking against greenery.
The summit view overlooks the entire county; interior colored sculptures and murals remain vibrantly preserved for centuries.
Must arrive at 7:30am opening time❗️This is crucial~

❹ Dongyue Temple
Linfen's largest surviving Taoist temple with magnificent architecture.
The rear courtyard's "Hell Transformation" murals uniquely depict ancient concepts of morality; sunset light on red walls creates perfect photo opportunities.

❺ Fencheng Ancient Architecture Complex
Dubbed the "living ancient architecture museum" within an old town.
Dozens of well-preserved structures including City God Temple, Confucian Temple, and Drum Tower. Walk cobblestone paths flanked by Ming-Qing era houses - don't miss the glazed screen wall at City God Temple with its lifelike dragon carvings.

💡 Pro tips
These sites are relatively quiet, ideal for slow exploration; wear comfortable flats for temple steps; pack water/snacks for mountain paths; Dongyang Houtu Temple requires precise GPS - if closed, ask cultural protection staff for assistance.