Embarking on a journey from Yingxian to Hunyuan to behold the marvelous “Hanging Temple,” I heartily recommend spending a night in both these locales, if time permits, to fully immerse oneself in their charm and cuisine. The Hanging Temple, a destination eagerly anticipated by my young ones, captivated us all with its otherworldly appearance, seemingly growing out of the rock crevices, as we had anticipated from the numerous documentaries on Shanxi we had watched together on Bilibili prior to our departure. During the Spring Festival, while the entrance fee was waived, a separate climbing fee of 100 yuan per person (half price for children) was still applicable. It is crucial to purchase this ticket at the main entrance as there are no options for replenishment inside. I opted to remain at the foot of the mountain, fearing the potential anxiety of ascending and descending amidst a crowd, preferring to avoid any undue commotion. As I awaited my companions at the base, I observed countless visitors joyfully queuing up to ascend, only to return later, cursing, to purchase additional tickets. Upon our first glimpse of the Hanging Temple, we were left in awe, marveling at its seemingly natural emergence from the rocks, truly deserving of the accolade “surpassing even the grandeur described by Li Bai.”
Compared to the Hanging Temple, I found Hunyuan Ancient City to be even more captivating, offering an ideal setting for leisurely exploration and discovery. After descending from the Hanging Temple, it is advisable to allocate some additional time to explore this charming locale. The Yong’an Zen Temple, originally constructed in the Jin Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty, boasts an impressive collection of Ming Dynasty murals depicting various deities and mythical beings. Despite the prohibition of photography within the temple due to the dim lighting conditions, the experience of listening intently to the guide’s explanations, illuminated only by a flashlight, was truly immersive. During the daytime, the temple can be quite lively, but a leisurely stroll in the evening, after dinner, reveals a different side of the temple, decked out with festive lights, offering a serene and almost ancient feel, reminiscent of a traditional garden party.
The Yuanjue Temple Brick Pagoda, situated across the street from the Yong’an Zen Temple, is a remarkable structure, replicating wooden architecture yet constructed entirely of brick. Its intricate details, including the brick carvings and reliefs adorning its facade, are both intriguing and exquisite. As the wind picks up, the tinkling of the bells on the pagoda’s exterior creates a harmonious melody. The pagoda’s iron wind vane, which has been in place for over 800 years and remains functional, is a testament to its enduring craftsmanship. Its presence, visible even from afar, lends an air of grandeur to the landscape, inviting one to appreciate it from a distance.
While the Hanging Temple undoubtedly left me in awe, I found Hunyuan Ancient City to be even more enchanting, offering a glimpse into the authentic life of its inhabitants. It was a joy to share this experience with you. #SpringFestival #Travel #RecordingMyLife #Shanxi
