[2024 Datong Attraction] Travel Guide for Huayan Monastery (Updated Dec)
Temples
Address:
No. 459 Xia Sipo Street, Datong City
Opening times:
Open today at 08:30-17:00Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
0352-2042001
A Super Detailed Two-Day Tour Guide to Datong
Datong is a great weekend getaway destination for people from Beijing, Tianjin, and the surrounding areas. This time, taking advantage of the workday plus the off-season double buff, the experience concludes: Datong is worth a special trip!
🎈 Yungang Grottoes: Recommendation Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The murals and Buddha statues of the four major grottoes are unparalleled, and a thousand-year dialogue makes the trip worthwhile.
Special reminders:
1. The grottoes open at 9 am, don't go too early or you'll freeze! It's still quite cold in the morning now.
2. Tickets are 100, half-price for students at 50, make sure to bring your student ID.
3. The museum is not open.
4. Yungang Grottoes mini-program, search will redirect to Lijiang guide, which automatically explains based on your geographical location.
5. Generally, photography inside the caves is not allowed.
🎈 Huayan Temple: Recommendation Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tickets are 35. A thousand-year-old temple, the moment you step into the Mahavira Hall, you will definitely feel that the trip was worth it. You can climb to the top of the Huayan Pagoda! The underground palace contains relics, and the history of the Tripitaka is the oldest!
🎈 Shanhua Temple: Recommendation Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An ancient architectural complex with a hundred years of history, the Tang Dynasty style will refresh your senses, as if the heyday of the Tang Dynasty was just yesterday.
🎈 Ancient City Wall⭐️⭐️⭐️
Following the principle of 'since we're here, let's do it', if you have enough energy, go up and take a look. The sightseeing car is not necessary.
🎈 Nine Dragon Screen⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Old stuff, very big! Free!
🎈 Fahua Temple⭐️⭐️⭐️
Free! The front is beautiful, the inside is new, come out in 5 minutes.
🚞 Itinerary:
Day1, Yungang Grottoes — Huayan Temple — Lunch (Zini 369) — Shanhua Temple — Ancient City Wall — Nine Dragon Screen — Fahua Temple — China Sculpture Museum — Dinner at Longjuxiang
Day2, Follow a one-day group tour, Hanging Temple — Hengshan — Yingxian Wooden Pagoda — Datong City Area — Dinner at Xijindao
🌳 Some suggestions:
1. Datong is really worth a detailed visit, if you have enough time you can go to a few more attractions.
2. The overall cost of living in Datong is low, and the local customs are simple. The phenomenon of overcharging tourists should not be too serious. In particular, jaywalking is a serious issue in Datong, so pay attention to traffic safety.
3. Besides the Yungang Grottoes, I highly recommend Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda! They are truly ancient buildings that have stood for a thousand years, friends, what else can you say but 'impressive'?
4. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda I visited with a group included a guide, and I think this is the attraction that most deserves a guided tour! If you go there on your own, be sure to hire one, because the guide will explain in great detail and make you feel passionate and slightly regretful.
5. For Hengshan, take the bus to the mid-mountain and then climb up. It takes one hour to climb up and 40 minutes to come down. To be honest, the scenery is just average.
6. Personally, I feel that the 100 ticket for the Hanging Temple is a bit expensive, and going up just means being pushed around by the crowd.
🌳 Shanxi may not have a high profile, but it is truly worth a visit. You will feel the charm of ancient Chinese architecture, and it will definitely leave you with lasting memories!
DiscoveringNewHorizons_22
When it comes to Shanxi Datong, many people know that the coal industry is very developed. In fact, this city is also the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and it is also the capital of the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The long history of building a city has left Datong with a lot of cultural and architectural heritage, and Huayan Temple is one of them.
Huayan Temple was built in 1038 AD, which is the northern emperor-Liaozhongxi seven years. In the early days, it was the royal ancestral temple of the Liao Kingdom. It was not open to ordinary people.
Because you are the royal ancestral temple, the architectural community of Huayan Temple is laid out and constructed according to the specifications of the palace. The temple is from west to east, and more than 30 buildings are arranged on the two main lines of the south and the north. Standing on a high point, the panoramic view of the temple is quite a bit like the Beijing Forbidden City.
Because it was a Buddhist temple built during the Liao Dynasty, the Buddha statues in the temple reflect the aesthetics of the time. Compared with the thin winds of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the Buddha statues carved in the Liao Dynasty were partial and strong.
Huayan Temple is the best-preserved Liaojin temple complex in China. It was destroyed in various periods due to war and other reasons. It has undergone several re-constructions and has its current appearance.
Many dynasties in China have changed, and you sing me to the stage, and finally the East-West fusion, East and North culture. Looking at China, there are countless ancient temples, but there are not many historical scales close to Huayan Temple.
WUXIPENG.
On the inner walls of the temple, there is a vivid picture of the story, which is a fairy story of the clouds. They have different expressions and different looks, only indicating the difference in identity between costumes and headwear. The gems in the rhyme of the clouds, the two worlds fly together. Long bowed to the golden body and prayed for a lifetime. No worries, no worries, and the heart is old with Cangshan.
Sitting in lotus, accepting the dignified Buddha of worship and prayer. For thousands of years, he sat quietly here, his eyes wide open, and his compassionate tenderness. For thousands of years, he silently listened to the deep desires of his followers, the unsatisfactory realities in the real world, and the secrets of his heart. Then he used his compassionate eyes to penetrate the darkness to bring dawn, and to resolve the troubles and sorrows. .
Adam Yue.
Listening to Zen Buddhism, Zen tea, this is the bliss of life.
Moer.
This temple is located in the ancient city of Datong. It was originally built in 1038 AD, which is the seven years of Liaozhongxi. After that, it was unfortunately destroyed in the war. Although the war destroyed the "recorders" of many civilizations, the foundation still exists. In 1140, because of the need to rebuild Buddhism, Huayan Temple was reborn. There are more than 30 buildings in Huayan Temple. The synchronous is distributed on the two main axes of the north and the south. It has a unique layout style and gives visitors a sacred and steady impression. The whole temple has these main tourist attractions: First, the Shanghuayan Temple consists of the Daxiong Hall, the Shanmen, the Temple, the Guanyin Pavilion, the Tibetan Pavilion and the hatchback; second, the Huayan Temple is The Bojiajia Tibetan Temple is the center, and it is composed of the surrounding Liao Dynasty statues, Shijing Building, pavilion-style Tibetan cabinets and Tiangong Pavilion. Third, the Huayan Pagoda is made of 100 tons of pure copper. Because it is a monastery, it must be inseparable from the Buddha. Therefore, the tower contains a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Jiaozuo Bodhisattva carved with centuries-old incense sandalwood. It is a treasure of Huayan Temple.
NBtravel.
Religion seems to always have the effect of healing people's hearts. It will iron up your impetuousness and anxiety, together with your unattainable expectations, to make you calm and tolerant, and let you stand on the ground and be down to earth. I walked through temples in many places, in the north of the south, and in foreign countries. I was disappointed and even got something, but this time Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple gave me a lot of surprises.
Huayan Temple was built in the Liao Dynasty, and was destroyed in the war. The Jin Dynasty was rebuilt. In the middle of the Ming Dynasty, Huayan Temple was divided into Shanghuayan Temple and Xiahuayan Temple, each of which opened its own gates and formed its own pattern before recombining. The main temples of the entire temple are all facing the east, which is related to the religious beliefs and living customs of the Qidan people who worship the sun and the east. There are three main places in the temple that surprise me.
Adam Yue.
Nowadays, the temple of Huayan Temple is magnificent and magnificent. Although the upper and lower two temples are connected together, they are still centered on one main hall. Shangsi is mainly composed of Jinjian Daxiong Hall. It is divided into two courtyards, including Shanmen, Puguangming Hall, Passing Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, Wenshu Pavilion and the hatchback. The layout is strict, high and low, and orderly. The lower temple is built on the central axis of the Bojiajian Tibetan Temple, Huayan Square Tower and Guanyin Temple. It is simple and leisurely. The nearly 500-square-meter Qianfodi Palace under the Huayan Tower is made of 100 tons of pure copper. It is a model of high-rise relics and thousands of Buddha statues. It is a perfect example of the perfect combination of tradition and reality. Standing on the top floor of the pagoda, you can overlook the entire Huayan Temple.
ColdAir.
Huayan Temple is located in the southwest of Datong Ancient City. It was built in the 7th year of Liaozhongxi (AD 1038) and was named after the Buddhist classic Huayan Jing. The temple sits west to the east, and more than 30 single buildings such as Shanmen, Puguangming Hall, Daxiong Hall, Bojiajia Tibetan Temple, and Huayan Pagoda are arranged on the two main axes of the north and the south. The layout is rigorous and the scale is grand. It is the earliest in China. Preserving a complete Liaojin Temple complex
ColdAir.
Today's Huayan Temple was rebuilt on the original site according to Mr. Liang Sicheng's notes and manuscripts. Liang Sicheng discovered a Song version of "Building French", which introduced the ancient Chinese architecture and construction methods. In order to penetrate this ancient book, Liang Sicheng portable Lin Huiyin and Mo Zongjiang came to Datong by train and starry night to inspect the building. The first stop is Huayan Temple.
Hades.
Days of travel: 1 day Per capita consumption: - With whom: - Travel method: Self-driving
Day 1
This is a long travel, it is recommended to read under wifi, local tyrants!
Copyright Notice
The copyright of this travel document and all pictures and video works belongs to the author of the article, Rain God Hades. Without the authorization of the person, no individual or organization may copy or reproduce the contents of this article, and I will pursue his legal responsibility. If you need to publish or use it for other commercial purposes, please contact the author to discuss the authorization.
Huayan Temple is located in the ancient city center in the center of Datong City. The location of the temple is basically the center of Datong City, which shows the special significance of this ancient temple to the city. Today it is also the largest ancient temple in Datong.
Huayan Temple was first built in the Liao Dynasty. At that time, the area under construction was already very large. Later, this great temple was once subjected to war, and it was repeated several times. . After each Nirvana, this ancient temple grew by a point, so that the more it was rebuilt, the larger the area. Later, the temple was too big and it was too big to manage. Then Huayan Temple was divided into two, one was called Huayan Temple, and the other was called Huayan Temple.
Hades.
Huayan Temple is located in the ancient city center in the center of Datong City. The location of the temple is basically the center of Datong City, which shows the special significance of this ancient temple to the city. Today it is also the largest ancient temple in Datong.
Hades.
Datong Huayan Temple is a temple full of royal aristocratic atmosphere. It overlooks from a height, its magnificent scale and beaded red facade, much like the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Huayan Temple was built by the Liao Kingdom Royal Family in 1038, and the name of the temple was taken from the Buddhist classic "Hua Yan Jing".
In the ancient times, the Northern War continued, Huayan Temple was once destroyed. In 1140, that is, Jin Tianyu three years, Huayan Temple experienced reconstruction. In the subsequent Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, Huayan Temple was repaired. However, due to the war, the scale of the Huayan Temple after the restoration was not as good as the initial construction. In 2008, Huayan Temple experienced the last revision and completely restored the grandeur of the Liao period.
Huayan Temple sits west to east, and more than 30 buildings including Shanmen, Zangzhen Building, Square Wooden Pagoda and various halls are arranged on the north-south main axis, with strict layout. Among them, the Daxiong Hall is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Liao and Jin Dynasties, with an area of 1,559 square meters. Because the hall is constructed with a reduced column structure, the interior space is extremely open, and dozens of Qing Dynasty giant murals remaining in the four walls are solemn. Lost beauty.
Small Raiders: Datong Railway Station and Long-distance Bus Station have cars arriving at Huayan Temple. Self-driving can directly locate Datong Huayan Temple.
It is worth noting that the opening hours of Huayan Temple in summer and winter are different, and the opening hours in summer are 8
WUXIPENG.
Overlooking Huayan Temple Square | Antique Street is called "Xiasipo Street", also known as "Shelly Square". It is called "Xiasipo Street" in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Beiwei and Liaojin have always been called "Shelley Square".
Moer.
Datong! View Huayan Temple from your bed! What a great city~
Datong! No wonder the locals recommend this hotel... It's such a great place to stay.
"5,000 years is a long time, but Shanxi is close by." This time, it really came to life.
🏡 Huayan Temple outside the window 🏠 Chinese-style courtyard 🏠 Convenient transportation
I hope all Datong homestays can be as good as this one. 😍
🍃 Excellent location, convenient transportation, free parking, close to the city wall and bus stop ✌, easy access to popular attractions, and various specialty shops, supermarkets, and restaurants nearby. Everything you need is within reach.
🍃 Soft and comfortable bedding, clean and tidy, a good night's sleep ✨ Separate wet and dry areas in the bathroom, complete toiletries, very comfortable to use.
🍃 Friendly and hospitable staff, always ready to help. They not only recommended fun places and food nearby but also helped arrange transportation. A great stay 💯
EmmaPedersen
Explore Huayan Temple in Datong, Shanxi, and unveil the mystery of this ancient temple.
🌲**About Huayan Temple:**
Huayan Temple, which embodies the essence of Liao and Jin culture, attracts countless visitors with its magnificent architecture, exquisite carvings, profound cultural heritage, and unique religious atmosphere. Located on Daxi Street in the center of Datong, the temple was built according to the Avatamsaka Sutra, one of the seven major Buddhist sects, and is named after it. The main buildings in the temple are the Mahavira Hall (Upper Temple) and the Bojia Jiao Zang Hall (Lower Temple), whose architecture, statues, murals, wall collections, and caissons are all examples of Liao Dynasty art in China.
🌲**Highlights:**
1. **Mahavira Hall:** Built in the eighth year of the Liao Dynasty (1062), it is one of the largest Buddhist halls of the Liao and Jin periods in China. On the altar in the hall are five Buddha statues, known as the Five Buddhas. The three in the middle are wood carvings, while the other two and the other bodhisattvas are clay sculptures. On either side of the altar are ten statues of the gods (guardian deities), each with a different expression and leaning forward. The walls of the hall are covered with 21 giant murals painted in the Qing Dynasty, which are colorful, resplendent, and well-preserved.
🌲2. **Bojia Jiao Zang Hall:** The hall houses the statue of the Bodhisattva with folded hands and exposed teeth, known as the "Oriental Venus," with a plump body, standing barefoot on a lotus platform, with folded hands and exposed teeth, smiling as if she could see into people's hearts and give them endless comfort and strength.
🌲3. **Huayan Pagoda:** Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city. As it is made of wood, the stairs are narrow, and the number of people climbing the pagoda is limited. Visitors are also required to wear shoe covers to protect the floor.
🌲**Travel Tips:**
- **Best time to visit:** Datong is cool and pleasant in summer, and Huayan Temple perfectly combines this coolness with the weight of history.
🌲- **Tour route:** Enter through the gate of Huayan Temple and visit the main buildings such as the Puguangming Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Bojia Jiao Zang Hall in turn.
🌲🌲Huayan Temple is not just a temple visit, but a journey through time and space, a spiritual homecoming. Here, you can feel the weight of history and the charm of culture up close, and let your soul be deeply cleansed and sublimated. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Olivia~Simmons70
Huayan Monastery | Experience a thousand years of beauty in Datong.
The Avatamsaka Sutra says: "The flower of compassion will bear the fruit of solemnity." This is the origin of the name of Huayan Monastery in Datong Ancient City. Many ancient buildings are located in Shanxi, and the knowledge gained from books is always shallow, so I traveled 1,600 km just to see the largest surviving Liao and Jin wooden structure in the world.
-
💫Special layout: Because the Khitan people worshiped the sun, Huayan Monastery faces east, so the light is better in the morning. For special reasons, it was divided into the Upper and Lower Huayan Monasteries by a wall, with the north being the upper and the south being the lower.
💫The Mahavira Hall of the Upper Huayan Monastery is a collection of the beauty of four dynasties, with Liao glazed chiwen, Jin wooden structures, Ming colorful statues, and Qing vast murals, known as the supreme treasure. The hall faces east, with the plaque inscribed with the words "Tamer of Men," which is magnificent. Inside the hall, the Five Buddhas sit solemnly and compassionately on lotus pedestals, with twenty heavenly statues on both sides, standing in a respectful posture, listening to the Buddha's teachings, with different shapes, like humans but not humans, like gods but close to humans. The heavenly palace caisson flowers and chessboards are layered, making the large space full of a sense of sacredness and grandeur.
💫The Bojia Jiao Zang Hall of the Lower Huayan Monastery is also one of the Liao and Jin relics, where scriptures are stored. Inside the hall, the statues of the Three Buddhas sit facing east, with symmetrical Bodhisattva statues on both sides, having experienced a thousand years of time, with the colorful light gone, and the ancient and noble scene precipitated. The four walls are lined with multi-story carved wooden scripture cabinets, with wooden heavenly palace pavilions connected by arch bridges in mid-air, with extremely fine carvings, exquisite and delicate, making people imagine a thousand things, as if the Buddhist world is close at hand, called "the only one in the world" by Liang Sicheng.
💫In several catastrophes, Huayan Monastery is still preserved so beautifully and completely, and I can appreciate it in the most beautiful autumn day, which is one of the happy things in life.
🏜️Morning and evening, I enjoyed it twice in total.
-
🧭Navigation: No. 459, Xiasipo Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
🎫Ticket: CNY 50/person
⌛️Opening hours: 8:30–18:00
Diaz Alexander Alex
Shanxi Travel | Huayan Monastery
Huayan Monastery is a must-see temple in Datong, with a history of over a thousand years and unique architectural art. It is named after the Mahayana teachings of the Avatamsaka Sutra, which embodies the Buddhist concept of "the flower of compassion must bear the fruit of solemnity." It is a representative of the Liao and Jin temple architecture and one of the three major Liao temples. Among them, the murals in the Puguangming Hall are a must-see for visitors. They are over 6 meters high and about 110 meters long, exquisite and magnificent, making people stop to take photos.
PhoenixSkylancer42
Huayan Temple.
Huayan Temple was first built in 1038 during the reign of Emperor Chongxi of the Liao Dynasty. The temple faces east, with more than 30 single buildings, including the Shanmen Gate, Puguangming Hall, Mahavira Hall, Baogajiao Zang Hall, and Huayan Pagoda, arranged along the north and south axes. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved Liao and Jin temple complexes in China.
🪶 The Hezhang Luchi Bodhisattva (outside of Figure 20), praised by Liang Sicheng as the "Venus of the East."
🪶 Huayan Pagoda, which you can climb to the top.
🪶 Baogajiao Zang, a typical Liao Dynasty hall building.
🪶 Address: No. 459, Xiasipo Street, Pingcheng District.
🪶 Admission: CNY 40.
🪶 Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am–5 pm.
DONALD PETERSEN
I really didn't want to leave Yanmenguan and the Hanging Temple.
Guys! If you're planning to visit Yanmenguan and the Hanging Temple, make sure to save this 3-day itinerary. It's full of practical tips to help you explore these two attractions!
--
Must-visit attractions:
- 🏞️Yungang Grottoes: A fusion of art! The essence of ancient India, the Western Regions, and the Central Plains is all here!
- 🏯Hanging Temple: A thousand-year-old temple on a cliff, staggered and spectacular!
- 🛕Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: A paradise for ancient architecture enthusiasts! Exquisite caissons and murals that you can't get enough of!
- 🏰Yanmenguan: A Ming Dynasty pass site, where every step echoes with history and the beauty of time.
- 🕍Huayan Temple: A Liao and Jin art hall with Liao sculptures and Liao and Jin Buddha statues. Don't miss it!
--
Travel tips:
🏷️ Specialty prices: There are many specialties around the Hanging Temple. Remember to compare prices to avoid overspending.
🍜 Food recommendations: Don't miss the roast duck and halal dishes at Fenglin Pavilion, and the stews at Zini 369 are also delicious!
📸 Photo spots: The hanging buildings of the Hanging Temple are great for photos. Capture your thrilling moments!
✈️ Airport transportation: To get from the airport to Yanmenguan and the Hanging Temple, you can rent a car or take a bus. It's convenient and worry-free!
--
After visiting Yanmenguan and exploring the Hanging Temple, don't forget to leave your footprints and stories. Let this trip become an unforgettable chapter in your heart! 👣✨
Poppy Dreamy Hugs
3-Day Shanxi Tour, Unforgettable Scenery.
1️⃣st Stop: Taiyuan
Must-visit 1: Taiyuan Ancient County
Free admission, perfect for night tours, takes about 3 hours to walk through, you can also take photos in ancient costumes, and there are many delicious foods!
There are "Full River Red" performances on weekends, where you can see intangible cultural heritage performances such as iron flower and fire pot, perfect for family trips!
Must-visit 2: Jiu Jin Mian Pi 🍜
A super authentic noodle shop, a local restaurant, always a queue, the roujiamo is amazing!
Must-visit 3: Food Street + Bell Tower Street 🍲
A must-visit in Taiyuan! Food, cultural and creative products, souvenirs, especially cultural and creative products, super cute fridge magnets, you can't buy them all! The two streets are connected, reserve 2-3 hours.
Must-visit 4: Lao Junying Snack Street 🤤
This street is amazing at night, no bad shops, highly recommend the noodles and spicy hot pot at the entrance, and the old-fashioned fried skewers!
2️⃣nd Stop: Ying County
Must-visit: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda 🏯
Drove 6 hours for the pure mortise and tenon structure of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (complained about the surrounding facilities in the previous note) The pagoda itself is very impressive, even if you can't climb it, you will admire the wisdom of the ancients at the base, truly a masterpiece! The sense of history is very touching.
Make sure you have enough time, reserve a day to come here (the scenic area closes at 6:30 pm) It's not safe to return at night❗
3️⃣rd Stop: Datong
Must-visit 1: Huayan Temple
The murals are exquisite, perfect for photos! (But there are too many people in line) Many friends say the essence is deeper inside, but I didn't have time to go this time!
Must-visit 2: Yungang Grottoes
The "Grottoes Area" inside is really impressive, you can also high-five the "Internet-famous Buddha"~ (Many local friends highly recommend the music cave inside, but I didn't have time to go), reserve a day for Yungang Grottoes!
This Shanxi trip was a bit unsatisfying due to time constraints and holiday peak season, I must come back in the off-season to truly experience the culture and history~ (Still afraid of transportation, see previous note for details🤣)
Isabella456 Foster
Southern Chinese Experience Autumn in Shanxi
After planning a trip to Shanxi for a long time, it finally happened. Southern Chinese travelers found it hard to adapt to the northern autumn. Datong has already started heating, and the weather is not as cold as expected. After a short stay in Taiyuan, the plane flew over the Taihang Mountains, and the deep and shallow blues came into view. Jinci Museum, Twin Pagodas, Bell Tower Pedestrian Street, and massage, the hazy sky cleared up for a while. Datong also welcomed me with sunny weather.
🏰 Shanxi Attractions
- Datong Wooden Pagoda: A thousand-year-old wooden pagoda, the caisson murals of Jingtusi Temple and Yong'an Temple, and the breathtaking Hanging Temple.
- Yuanjue Temple: Listen to the wind passing through the wind chimes on the brick pagoda at Yuanjue Temple.
- Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple: Tranquil atmosphere and the spectacular Yungang Grottoes.
🚗 Shanxi Self-Drive Experience
- Self-Drive Tips: On the way back from the Hanging Temple, I was blinded by the high beams of large trucks. I wanted to drive as soon as I landed, but my friend talked me out of it. Driving in Shanxi is not without reason. Is this driving? This is rubbing your life on the ground.
🍂 Shanxi Autumn Scenery
- Autumn Colors: Jinci Museum, Twin Pagodas, Bell Tower Pedestrian Street, and massage, the hazy sky cleared up for a while. Datong also welcomed me with sunny weather.
- Ancient City Experience: There was no time to explore the ancient city in detail, so leave some regrets.
📸 Photography Tips
- Best Shooting Time: Early morning or evening, when the light is soft, suitable for shooting historical sites and natural scenery.
- Clothing Tips: Lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and photography.
🚦 Travel Tips
- Transportation: Shanxi has convenient public transportation, but self-driving tours allow for more freedom to explore.
- Accommodation: Choose hotels near major attractions for easy sightseeing.
Victoria$Scott32
Datong Huayan Temple, the ancient town is in full autumn!
🍁In the golden autumn, the ancient charm and autumn colors of Datong Huayan Temple create a beautiful picture. Are you ready for an autumn trip to the ancient town?
🏯Walking into Huayan Temple is like traveling back to the Liao and Jin dynasties thousands of years ago. Ancient trees tower, red leaves dot the landscape, and the solemnity of the temple complements each other. Every fallen leaf seems to tell a story of history, and every ray of sunshine reveals the gentleness of time.
🍂Strolling through every corner of Huayan Temple, you can feel the tranquility and peace. The autumn wind blows, and the red leaves fly like poetry and painting. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the autumn beauty of Huayan Temple.
🍲After visiting the ancient temple, you can also go to the old streets of Datong's ancient city. There are a variety of snacks, grilled cold noodles, lamb offal, knife-cut noodles... Every bite is an authentic ancient town flavor.
🚗Transportation is very convenient. From Datong Airport or Railway Station, you can easily reach it by bus or taxi. Come to Datong Huayan Temple and experience the autumn charm of this ancient town!
Luna~Price
Offline version of "Black Myth: Wukong" in Datong Ancient Architecture.
Offline version of "Black Myth: Wukong" in Datong Ancient Architecture👍
🔶"Black Myth: Wukong" is a popular game at home and abroad. There are 36 locations in China, 27 of which are in Shanxi. The stunning ancient buildings and relics
Today, let's take a look at the 4 locations in Datong
🔸Hanging Temple🔸·(P1-5)
A 1500-year-old "castle in the sky" on the cliff
The only existing ancient temple in China where Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism coexist. It was rated as one of the top ten dangerous buildings in the world by Time magazine. After visiting, the poet Li Bai wrote the word "spectacular"
🔸Yungang Grottoes🔸·( P6-9)
A history of the Northern Wei Dynasty carved on the rock
The five Buddhas in the Tan Yao 5 Cave symbolize the five emperors of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The most representative 33 exquisite reliefs in the 6th cave
It tells the legend of Sakyamuni from birth to enlightenment
The 12th "Music Cave" shows a large-scale music festival in the Buddha Kingdom
🔸Yong'an Zen Temple🔸·( P10-13)
A 700-year-old ancient temple hidden at the foot of Mount Hengshan
The Yuan Dynasty's water and land murals in the main hall "Chuanfa Zhengzong Hall" are shocking. The plaque in front of the main hall was written by Yuan Dynasty monk Xue An
🔸Huayan Temple🔸·(P14-18) In the eyes of Liang Sicheng, it is a "unique product in China". One of the three existing Liao Dynasty temples in China
It has the largest glazed owl in China's existing ancient buildings
Victoria Taylor Elsie-23
I went to Datong just for this window.
I went to Datong just for this window.
The hotels in Datong have reached the next level. The lobby has perfectly captured the beauty of wabi-sabi.
It's right across from Huayan Temple and there's a food street right outside. Very convenient.
The rooms are just average. It might be because it was the National Day holiday, but the price-performance ratio wasn't that high. If I had to choose again at this price, I would definitely choose the Yungang Hotel. Also, because you can check in for free, it's a bit noisy, but it doesn't affect the accommodation experience.
If you want to take photos, you must take them at dusk or sunset to perfectly capture the beauty of Huayan Temple.
Huayan Temple
HealthyHabitHeroes
Huayan Temple: One of the three existing Liao Dynasty temples.
One of the three existing Liao Dynasty temples in China, the main buildings are all facing east, which is a rare Buddhist architectural complex built according to the original habits of the Khitan people.
🗓️Opening hours: 08:110-18:00.
🚕Transportation: Take bus No. 38 in Datong City and get off at Huayan Temple Station.
🎫Ticket: CNY 50/person.
📷Photography: Ancient buildings, ancient statues, it is recommended not to use flash.
🍲Dining: There are many gourmet foods around, you can explore.
🎁Souvenirs: There are some temple cultural and creative products, you can choose as you like.
⏰Recommended duration: About 2 hours.
IrisRhenium
Huayan Temple in Shanxi - Baojia Sutra Depository: The Praying Buddha is known as the "Oriental Venus".
The three must-see attractions at Huayan Temple in Shanxi are the Baojia Sutra Depository, Puguangming Hall, and Mahavira Hall.12
Baojia Sutra Depository: This is the sutra depository of Huayan Temple. Built during the Liao Dynasty, it is one of the largest existing wooden Buddhist halls. The hall houses 31 Liao Dynasty clay sculptures, among which the Praying Buddha is the most famous and is known as the "Oriental Venus". The caisson ceiling and double-layered wall niches in the hall are relics from the Liao Dynasty and have high historical and artistic value.
Puguangming Hall: The must-see highlight here is the exquisite mural of Sudhana's Pilgrimage, which tells the story of Sudhana's quest for enlightenment, immersing visitors in a sense of devotion and experience.
Mahavira Hall: This is the largest existing Buddhist hall from the Liao and Jin dynasties. It was first built in the 8th year of the Qingning era of the Liao Dynasty and was rebuilt during the Jin Dynasty. The interior of Mahavira Hall is spacious and grand, built using the column reduction method, which reduces 12 interior columns to make the space more open. The Five Tathagata statues, 20 heavenly statues, and Qing Dynasty murals in the hall are all rare works of art.
These attractions not only showcase the rich historical and cultural connotations of Huayan Temple, but also reflect the exquisite skills of ancient architecture and art, making them must-see highlights for visitors.
Ava Price_68
Datong | The most impressive city I've ever seen.
The most surprising city in Shanxi 🌆 is Datong.
Underground cultural relics in Shaanxi, above-ground cultural relics in Shanxi
Datong, Shanxi, probably has the most ancient buildings I've ever seen
I don't know why, but standing in front of ancient buildings always gives me a sense of familiarity
【About the Attractions】
✅1️⃣
Yungang Grottoes: The Yungang Grottoes are a treasure trove of grotto art with a history of 1,500 years, about 16 kilometers from downtown Datong. It is one of the three major grottoes along with the Mogao Caves and the Longmen Grottoes.
✅2️⃣
Huayan Temple: A well-preserved temple complex from the Liao and Jin dynasties. The temple houses many precious Buddhist cultural relics and buildings, where you can deeply feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture.
✅3️⃣
Shanhua Temple: Built during the Tang Dynasty, compared with Huayan Temple, it has more ancient charm of the temple. Free appointment for visit, the key point is that it is super beautiful for taking photos
✅4️⃣
Hanging Temple: The Hanging Temple is located at the foot of Mount Hua in the south of Datong. The temple is built on a cliff, giving people a feeling of hanging in the air. Li Bai described it as spectacular.
✅5️⃣
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: It is a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of thousands of years. No nails were used. It is the oldest existing wooden pagoda in China.
✅6️⃣
Datong Ancient City Wall: You can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire city on the city wall, and you can also appreciate the historical buildings and cultural relics in the city.
Finally, I want to say that Datong, Shanxi, is really, really, really shocking!
MajaHaugland
Check out the treasures of the Liao and Jin Art Museum in the temple.
1. The 4.5m high glazed gargoyle from the Jin and Ming dynasties, the largest in China
2. The base of the main hall from the Liao Dynasty, the building from the Yuan Dynasty, the Buddha statue from the Ming Dynasty, and the murals from the Qing Dynasty, a fusion of art and architecture from four dynasties
3. The Avatamsaka Pagoda, the second largest mortise and tenon structure wooden pagoda in China. The Avatamsaka Pagoda underground palace was made with 100 tons of pure copper
4. The high monk's sarira is the size of a grain of rice, the top grade is milky white, and it is placed in the Avatamsaka Pagoda underground palace. You can visit it, but you need to queue for 2 hours
5. The Buddha statue known as the Oriental Venus
6. The rainbow bridge behind the Buddha statue
7. The Vajracchedika Sutra Hall, the oldest building in the Avatamsaka Monastery, a Liao Dynasty building
The Avatamsaka Monastery is really attractive for travel photography. The Tang Dynasty decorations are so beautiful. The simple and frugal environment and the dazzling decorations are a great contrast.
I originally thought that the CNY 50 ticket at the door was not cheap, but I felt it was worth it before I finished following the tour guide~
Gray Amelia96Amelia
Shanxi, a place that never ceases to amaze!
🔥Life advice: You must visit the ancient buildings in Shanxi‼️
👣👣In the long river of life, we are always looking for experiences that can touch our hearts and leave a deep impression. The ancient buildings in Shanxi are undoubtedly such an existence😍.
✨✨The ancient buildings in Datong are the treasures of the city. The temple buildings such as Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple are not only large in scale, but also well-preserved, showing the architectural style and skills of the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The Yungang Grottoes are a treasure trove of Buddhist art, and the exquisite carvings and rich connotations are breathtaking. In addition, the ancient city wall of Datong is also a highlight. It has witnessed the historical vicissitudes of the city and is an important relic in the history of ancient military architecture.
🙉🙉When you stand in front of these ancient buildings, you will be shocked by their momentum and moved by their details. You will sigh at the subtlety and greatness of ancient architecture, and you will also sigh at the ruthlessness and vicissitudes of the years. But it is these traces of the years that make these ancient buildings more precious and more worthy of our cherishing and protection.
🌟🌟In addition to the buildings themselves, the ancient buildings in Shanxi also contain rich cultural connotations. Whether it is the solemnity and mystery of Buddhism, or the honesty and diligence of Jin merchants, they are perfectly embodied in these ancient buildings. By visiting these ancient buildings, you can have a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Shanxi and feel the unique charm and charm.
🤗Whether it is to find the footprints of history, to feel the charm of culture, or to find comfort for the soul, the ancient buildings in Shanxi will not disappoint you. They will bring you an unforgettable life experience and leave a deep mark on your life journey. So, don't hesitate, come to Shanxi to start your ancient building tour!💗💗
SunflowerMeadow111
I would go to Datong again and again just for Huayan Temple!
🎈Dear friends, today I want to share with you a sacred place that I am fascinated by and dream about - Datong Huayan Temple. ✨
🌟The moment I stepped into Huayan Temple, it was as if I had traveled through a thousand years of time. As one of the largest and most complete Huayan temples in China during the Liao and Jin Dynasties, and one of the oldest wooden Buddhist temples in China, it was listed as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units as early as 1961, and now it is a national 4A tourist attraction. Its historical value and artistic charm are self-evident. 💪
💖The architectural style of Huayan Temple is unique. It combines the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with the majestic and heavy Liao and Jin Dynasties. Every detail shows the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancients. The Daxiong Hall is solemn and solemn, the Wu Hall is towering, and the Buddha statues in the hall are majestic and solemn, which makes people feel awe. The Bahia Sutra Collection Hall is even more amazing. The multi-storey carved wooden scripture tower and the Tiangong Pavilion in the middle of the back wall of the hall are praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng as "unique in China", and its exquisite craftsmanship is breathtaking. 💖
💫As the location of the Black Wukong myth, Huayan Temple adds a touch of mystery. Here, whether it is to feel the precipitation of history in front of the Daxiong Hall, or to appreciate the treasures of art in the Bahia Sutra Collection Hall, it is an excellent choice for taking photos and checking in. Each photo seems to be telling an ancient story, recording an unforgettable time. 📷
🌈Friends, Huayan Temple is like a treasure, waiting for us to explore and discover. I have been deeply intoxicated by its charm, and I firmly believe that every encounter will bring new touches and surprises. So, come and join me in Huayan Temple, let us appreciate the unique charm of this thousand-year-old temple together, and start an unforgettable cultural journey. 😎