Ten Days Exploring Shanxi's Ancient Architecture

My parents have always been drawn to Shanxi, and my uncle is an expert on ancient architecture. It's only right to honor our elders, so my sister and I set off. A Buick GL8 fit six of us perfectly. We weren't seeking gourmet meals or fancy lodgings—just the happiness and comfort of the elderly. I'm grateful to heaven for the arrangements. When we left Xi'an, the weather was beautiful, and after we departed, Xi'an turned bad. In Shanxi, we had good weather most of the time, and after we returned, Shanxi was hit by floods. A kind heart is surely blessed.

After the trip, I feel proud to be Chinese. Without experiencing it firsthand, you cannot truly understand the past glory of Chinese architectural art.

The more remote the location, the more wonders you find.

Commercialization is indeed a menace that can sweep us away. We must not let it blind us. I believe that culture is the true inheritance.

Most disappointing sites: Xuankong Temple (Hanging Temple), Pingyao Ancient City

Most awe-inspiring sites: Chongfu Temple, Xiaoxitian (Lesser Western Paradise), Shuanglin Temple

Largest folk religious site: Xiezhou Guandi Temple

Strictest management: Shanhua Temple in Datong

Quietest site: Yong'an Temple in Hunyuan

Most uncomfortable place: Taihuai Town in Mount Wutai

In 2021, with Shanghai ID cards and four elderly over 65, we basically saved on all entrance fees (except for Yanmen Pass).

Daily per person costs were roughly: 70 for accommodation + 50 for food + 150 for car rental and gas.

We covered these places:

D1: Yongle Palace in Ruicheng, Guangrenwang Temple, Xiezhou Guandi Temple, Dongyue Temple in Wanrong. Overnight in Jishan County.

D2: Jiwang Temple in Jishan, Guangsheng Temple in Hongdong, Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao. Overnight inside Pingyao Ancient City.

D3: Pingyao Ancient City, Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao, Qiao Family Compound. Overnight in Shuozhou City.

D4: Chongfu Temple in Shuozhou, Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple in Datong. Overnight in Datong City.

D5: Shanhua Temple in Datong, Yong'an Temple in Hunyuan, Hanging Temple on Mount Heng, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Overnight in Dai County.

D6: Bianjing Tower in Dai County, Yanmen Pass Scenic Area, Foguang Temple on Mount Wutai, Guanghua Temple on Mount Wutai. Overnight in Taihuai Town, Mount Wutai.

D7: Beitaiding (North Peak) of Mount Wutai, Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Nanchan Temple in Wutai County. Overnight in Taiyuan City.

D8: Yuci Ancient City, Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao. Overnight in Jiexiu City.

D9: Houtu Temple in Jiexiu, Xianshenlou (Zoroastrian Tower), Xiaoxitian in Xi County, Hukou Waterfall in Shaanxi (Shanxi side temporarily closed). Overnight in Hancheng Ancient City.

D9: Hancheng Ancient City, return journey.

Foguang Temple on Mount Wutai

Guanghua Temple on Mount Wutai

Beitaiding (North Peak) of Mount Wutai

Xiantong Temple and Tayuan Temple

Nanchan Temple in Wutai County