Taiyuan Landmark, a Stunning Encounter of Ancient Pagodas and Peonies

Shuangta Lingxiao is located in Haozhuang Town, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, about 4 kilometers from the city center. It is a symbolic attraction of Taiyuan. This site is not only a landmark building of Taiyuan but also one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Ancient Jinyang.

🌟【Main Attractions and Highlights】:
1️⃣ Yongzuo Temple: Yongzuo Temple, where the twin pagodas stand, was built during the Ming Dynasty. The temple's architecture is simple and elegant, blending Buddhist culture with local characteristics, holding great historical and artistic value. Additionally, the temple preserves the precious Ming Dynasty peony "Zixiaxian," the only existing Ming Dynasty peony in China, making it extremely rare.
2️⃣ Lingxiao Twin Pagodas: Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, these twin pagodas are the iconic buildings of Yongzuo Temple. The two pagodas are named "Wenfeng Pagoda" and "Sharira Pagoda (Xuanwen Pagoda)," with heights of 54.76 meters and 54.78 meters respectively. Both are octagonal thirteen-story brick pagodas and represent the largest, most complete, and tallest twin pagoda combination in the country. Climbing the pagodas offers a panoramic view of Taiyuan city (the interior is steep, avoid wearing high heels).
3️⃣ Peony Garden: The garden is home to over 6,000 peony plants of more than 80 varieties. Every spring and early summer, the peonies bloom in a spectacular display, making it a great spot for flower viewing. Besides peonies, the garden also features cherry blossoms, rose gardens, and crape myrtle gardens, offering scenic views all year round.
4️⃣ Baoxiantang Hall: This hall houses two famous original stone inscriptions and rubbings of calligraphy collections: the Ming Dynasty "Baoxiantang Collection of Ancient Calligraphy" and the Qing Dynasty "Ancient Baoxiantang Calligraphy Collection," making it a paradise for calligraphy enthusiasts.

❤️【Attractions】:
✅ Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage: Shuangta Lingxiao is not only a landmark of Taiyuan but also an outstanding example of ancient Chinese architecture, integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
✅ Beautiful Natural Scenery: The Peony Garden blooms in spring and early summer, perfect for photography and check-ins.
✅ Exquisite Architectural Artistry: The twin pagodas and temple buildings showcase the artistic style of Ming Dynasty brick architecture.

🚩【Travel Tips】:
📌 One-day Tour:
📍 Morning: Arrive at Shuangta Park, visit Yongzuo Temple and Lingxiao Twin Pagodas to experience the charm of ancient architecture.
📍 Noon: Enjoy traditional Shanxi cuisine at nearby restaurants, such as knife-cut noodles and fried pork.
📍 Afternoon: Stroll through the Peony Garden to admire the sea of peonies, visit Baoxiantang Hall to learn about calligraphy art.
📍 Evening: Walk in the park and enjoy the twin pagodas under the sunset, feeling the historical atmosphere.

🚙【Transportation Guide】:
🚎 Bus: Take bus routes 812, 820, or 873 and get off at "Shuangta Temple Station" to arrive directly.
🚗 Self-driving: Navigate to "Taiyuan Shuangta Park." The scenic area offers free parking.

🔴【Notes】:
⏳ Opening Hours: Shuangta Park is open all day; Yongzuo Temple is open from 08:30 to 17:30.
💰 Free Admission: Shuangta Park is free to enter. Yongzuo Temple tickets cost 30 RMB in summer and 20 RMB in winter.
🫰 Best Flower Viewing Time: The peony blooming season is generally from April to May each year; it is recommended to visit during this period.