Xiaoxitian Ultra-Baroque Aesthetic Check-in Spot

Built in the second year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty, the Mahavira Hall of Xiaoxitian perfectly captures the essence of "Chinese ultra-baroque"! In a space of over 100㎡, nearly two thousand Buddha statues and suspended palace sculptures complement each other, resembling a miniature Buddhist kingdom.

📸 Photography TIPS (Tested and effective!)

- Golden time: The hall faces east while sitting west, so be sure to arrive early! About one hour after sunrise, sunlight slants over the Buddha statues, creating flowing golden light that is breathtaking. After two hours, the light basically stops coming in.
- Camera position and composition: Enter and first go up to the second-floor corridor; shooting from above captures all the intricate details and layers in one shot.
- Camera settings: Increase ISO (up to 6400 if necessary), enable image stabilization, and use RAW format as much as possible. Use Lightroom/Photoshop AI noise reduction in post-processing for a much cleaner image.
- Small tips: Avoid strong midday light; when crowded, try shooting close-up details, which also produce great shots.

🚗 Transportation

- Recommended: Driving is the most convenient.
- Public transport: Fly to Linfen Qiaoli Airport, or take high-speed rail to Linfen West Station / regular train to Linfen Station. Then take a bus from Linfen West Bus Station to Xi County (about 2-2.5 hours).

🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours

- Peak season (4/1-10/31): about 35 RMB
- Off-season (11/1-3/31): about 20 RMB
- Suggestion: Confirm the latest prices and opening hours in advance through official channels.

🍴 Food Recommendations

- Xi County crisp pear: a must-try! Thin skin, juicy, sweet, and refreshing.
- Xi County fried chacha noodles: local specialty noodles, cheap and delicious.
- Mutton soup/noodles: Find restaurants popular with locals in the county town; you’re unlikely to go wrong.

🏨 Accommodation & Tips

- Accommodation: It’s recommended to book hotels in Xi County town in advance.
- Avoid crowds: The hall is not very large, and there may be queues on holidays, so once again—arrive early!
- Etiquette: Please do not use flash inside the hall, follow visiting rules, and worship respectfully.