[2025 Xinjiang Attraction] Travel Guide for Longxingsi (Updated Jul)

Shanxi is home to countless historical relics, with national key cultural heritage sites found almost everywhere. In Xinjiang County, Shanxi, stands a magnificent ancient pagoda located within Longxing Temple, one of the filming locations for the game *Black Myth: Wukong*. [Cute] Longxing Temple in Xinjiang holds immense cultural preservation value due to its unique architectural layout, scientific structural design, and the artistic quality of its stone carvings and statues. The temple faces south, with Guan Gong Hall and Niangniang Hall flanking the main hall. To the left is the mountain gate, preceded by the Weituo Tower and three western side rooms. Behind the hall stands the 13-story Longxing Pagoda. The main hall, a Yuan Dynasty structure, features five bays in width and three bays in depth, with a single-eave overhanging gable roof and double-tier bracket sets. Inside the hall, a Buddhist altar houses nine colorful statues of the Three Ages Buddhas and attendant bodhisattvas. The Longxing Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty, originally stood eight stories tall. After collapsing in 1784 during the Qianlong era, it was rebuilt with an outer layer of blue bricks and expanded to 13 stories, now standing 42.4 meters tall. The octagonal pagoda has sides measuring 4.3 meters each and is a pavilion-style brick structure. The temple preserves three stele inscriptions from the 1708 Kangxi restoration and the Republican era, along with one sutra pillar. Longxing Pagoda is a landmark of Jiangzhou. [Tiptop] The pagoda's fame stems largely from the enigmatic phenomenon of "smoke rising from the pagoda," which remains unexplained to this day. According to Xinjiang County records, the pagoda emitted smoke six times: in 1875, 1937, 1971, 1976, and 1993. During the 1971 Mid-Autumn Festival, wisps of smoke appeared near dusk daily, swirling around the pagoda's peak for about half an hour before vanishing. Visible from 300–400 meters away, this phenomenon repeated for over ten days, drawing crowds of thousands daily. Records from the Xinjiang County Museum note that from August 21–28, 1993, the pagoda emitted smoke again at dusk for varying durations. The cause remains a subject for scientific investigation. 🚗 Location: No. 2, Longxing Road, Xinjiang County. Admission: 10 RMB.

🌿【Southern Shanxi Hidden Gem | A Thousand-Year-Old City More Stunning Than Datong, Home to 16 National Treasure-Level Relaxation Spots】 The fatigue of traveling through Shanxi vanished the moment I stepped into Xinjiang—this small city on the edge of Yuncheng has spent 1,400 years brewing a magical fusion of "architectural museum" and "vibrant local atmosphere." While Datong's splendor inspires awe, Xinjiang offers "a thousand years within reach," making it Shanxi's most perfect corner for a citywalk. 🗺️【One-Day Wandering Route: From Tang Dynasty to Ming-Qing Era】 Fusheng Temple → Xinjiang Confucian Temple → Longxing Temple → Sanguan Temple → Jiangzhou Government Office Scenic Area (Three-story Building + City God Temple + Main Hall + Garden Pool) → Catholic Church ✨ Rhythm suggestion: Visit ancient buildings in the morning, stroll through old streets in the afternoon, and climb the tower at dusk to see the ancient city bathed in twilight. 🚆【Transportation Smart Card】 - Getting there: ✔️ Take high-speed rail to "Yuncheng North" or "Linfen West," transfer to "Houma North Station" (20 minutes), then take a taxi 8km to the Confucian Temple (ride-hailing apps cost about 20 yuan, 50% cheaper than regular taxis). - Getting around: ✔️ Taxis start at 5 yuan (2km), with most attractions just 5-10 minutes apart by car. Taking taxis is recommended to save time. 🌟【National Treasure-Level Attraction Guide】 ① Fusheng Temple: Black Myth: Wukong-style Secret Realm 📍 20km from downtown (recommended to hire a round-trip car for 80 yuan) 🎫 Free (reservation required) ❗️ Must-see: - Guanyin Crossing the Sea Colored Sculpture: Suspended in the main hall, with flowing robes as if riding the waves, featured in the game "Black Myth: Wukong." When light shines through the latticed windows onto the sculpture, it's as stunning as Dunhuang! - Yuan Dynasty Murals: The "Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister" mural inside the gate features fluid lines and details revealing ancient humor. ② Xinjiang Confucian Temple: Premier Confucian Temple of Shanxi 🎫 10 yuan ✨ Highlights: - Dacheng Hall: Ming Dynasty single-eave hip-and-gable roof building with exquisitely carved dragon stone pillars, less solemn than the Confucius Temple in Qufu but with more everyday charm. - Panchi Arched Bridge: Perfect for Hanfu costume photos with reflections in the early morning when no one's around, like traveling back to Ming-Qing imperial examination scenes. ③ Longxing Temple: Overlook a Thousand Years from the Tower 🎫 10 yuan (additional 5 yuan to climb the tower) ⚠️ Note: - Longxing Pagoda only allows one person to climb at a time. It's narrow and steep—those afraid of heights should be careful! From the top, you can see the "seven buildings and eight pagodas" panorama of the ancient city, with the jade-like waters of Jiangshouzhu Garden Pool nestled among the gray tiles. - The temple's "Biluo Stele" is a Tang Dynasty calligraphy treasure, with text between seal and official script styles that remains partially undeciphered—truly "an ancient mystery." ④ Jiangzhou Government Office Scenic Area: A Living Fossil of Sui Dynasty Official Buildings 🎫 40 yuan (includes Main Hall + Garden Pool) ✅ Must experience: - Jiangzhou Main Hall: The earliest existing prefecture government hall in China, once General Guo Ziyi's headquarters during the Tang Dynasty. Seven towering wooden pillars support the "magnificent Tang Dynasty atmosphere"—standing in the hall, you can almost hear the yamen runners shouting. - Jiangshouzhu Garden Pool: China's only Sui Dynasty garden, with ingenious layout featuring "Meridian Beam" and "Whirling Lotus Pool." In autumn, red maples reflect in the pool, rivaling Suzhou gardens. ⑤ Xinjiang Catholic Church: Little Paris of Southern Shanxi 🎫 Free 📸 Photo spots: - Gothic spires combined with blue bricks and gray tiles create a special East-meets-West feel, perfect for vintage wedding photos; - During Sunday morning mass, you can quietly observe the stained glass windows—sunlight streaming through the glass onto the stone floor creates a cinematic scene. 🍲【Southern Shanxi Carb-Loading Guide】 - Must-try local dishes: ✔️ Xinjiang Hot Pot: Copper pot base with tender meat and meatballs, stewed with cabbage and vermicelli into a warming pot, dipped in sesame sauce. Crispy baked mantou dipped in broth makes a perfect winter warmer (recommended: "Laozihaohuo Hot Pot"); ✔️ Lamb Offal with Flatbread: Lamb offal cooked in bone broth with crumbled baked flatbread, sour and spicy—a bowl for breakfast will energize your day; ✔️ Egg Pouches: Fried dough pockets filled with egg mixture, crispy outside and tender inside, 5 yuan each and filling. - Warning: Don't have overly high expectations for "Xinjiang Hot Pot"—it's better for experiencing local flavor, and the taste is relatively mild. 🏨【Accommodation Strategy】 - For day trips: Stay in Yuncheng/Linfen (convenient high-speed rail) for a more comfortable early departure and late return; - For in-depth exploration: "Jiangzhou International Hotel" in the county town offers good value, within walking distance of the Confucian Temple, and at night you can explore the "Gongyuan Street Night Market." ❤️【Why You Must Visit】 While Pingyao builds barriers with entrance tickets, Xinjiang hides its 16 national heritage sites along streets and alleys—the weathered screen wall you might encounter around a corner could be a Ming Dynasty relic, a small temple you casually enter might house Yuan Dynasty colored sculptures, and even the stone steps by the moat bear Song Dynasty water patterns. Here, history isn't a specimen in a glass case but life itself within your reach. If you're tired of "attraction-checking" travel, come to Xinjiang. Measure the bluestone paths with a comfortable pair of shoes, drink a bowl of fu brick tea in the old teahouse next to the Catholic Church, watch schoolchildren run past the red walls of the Confucian Temple, listen to the bell of Longxing Temple echo across a thousand years—this is what travel should be: relaxed yet profound.

1⃣The things over there were so good that I felt nothing at all when I saw Yuan Gou in the end, my heart was as calm as still water. 2⃣The places are really too remote. Sometimes you can only see one attraction after driving on the national highway for more than an hour. You need to have expectations for the intensity of the trip. 3⃣ If you don’t have enough time, you can either drive yourself or charter a car or join a tour group. Taking public transportation is too unrealistic. ⭕️We stayed in Yuncheng, Linfen for four days. I had planned to visit many places, but I was limited by my physical strength and time. For example, Hou Tu Temple (I still had time to go on the third day, but I felt I didn’t have the energy to go back to Yuncheng), Yongle Palace (I originally planned to go on the fourth day, but I didn’t want to move after lying in the hotel. Fortunately, I had visited it a year ago, so I don’t regret it) 🔥The entire journey takes four days (the fourth day can be basically ignored) 1⃣At 10:18, we arrived at Linfen West, picked up the car and headed straight for Xiaoxitian. Seeing that it would take more than 50 kilometers to take the highway, we took the Linyan Line. There were a lot of large trucks in the first half of this road, so we must pay attention to safety. We took this route back again, and visited the Dongyue Temple in Pu County (very worth it), and also went to Fenshang Village which I accidentally saw when passing by (a pleasant surprise on the self-driving trip). 2⃣At 9 o'clock, we went to Dayun Temple to see the Iron Buddha Head, and then to Guangsheng Temple (the stay time seriously exceeded expectations, and the original plan to stay in Jishan did not come true). After a simple fast food meal in Hongdong County at around 2 o'clock, we rushed to Xinjiang. It was almost 6 o'clock when we finished visiting Fusheng Temple and Longxing Temple. Considering physical strength and time, we stayed in Xinjiang. 3⃣ Give up other attractions in Xinjiang, start from Baitai Temple, Dafo Temple, Jishan Jiwang Temple, Fawang Temple, Macun Brick Sculpture, Qinglong Temple one by one, and finally go to Wanrong Jiwang Temple and stay in Jishan. The attractions on this day are very close and not far apart, but most of them are country roads and village roads, so the time on the road is not short. What we saw at the tourist spots that day were basically a group of tourists. From the high-spirited people at the beginning to the people holding their waists and beating their legs at the end, you can imagine how intense the exercise was. In fact, it was just past 4 o'clock when we finished visiting the Wanrong Jiwang Temple, and we were fully qualified to go to the Houtu Temple. However, our energy was only enough to go there, not to go back. The accommodation there seemed to be a little worse, so we gave up and went back to Yuncheng directly. 4⃣ We didn’t go to Yongle Palace as originally planned. We visited Chishen Temple and Guanwang Temple in Yuncheng and returned to Xi’an early. ✅The total mileage of this trip is about 600 kilometers, and I almost never took the highway (only 24 hours on the highway). The total time on the road is about 11 hours, which means an average of 4 hours and 200 kilometers per day. Those who have self-driving plans can refer to this. I feel that it is very sunny and windy there these days. It is cold if I take off my coat, and stuffy with my coat on. It is easy to catch a cold if I am not careful. If I catch a cold, it will greatly affect my travel condition (don’t ask me how I know). The road conditions are generally good, but some village roads may be too wide, so you need to pay attention. Although Gaode often directs you to unnamed roads, it is generally reliable and can be trusted.

Drive to Xinjiang County and visit Longxing Temple, where four must-see attractions await: the Biluo Stele, the main hall sculptures, the Longxing Temple Pagoda, and the Song-Jin Tombs. The Biluo Stele is a national treasure from the Tang Dynasty, inscribed with calligraphy in various scripts, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Longxing Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, features a surviving main hall from the Yuan Dynasty, housing seven exquisite Yuan Dynasty painted sculptures. The Longxing Temple Pagoda offers a thrilling challenge, equipped with hanging ladders for visitors to climb. As you ascend using both hands and feet, the passage narrows. The pagoda's details are incredibly intricate, with stone inscriptions on each level, such as "One Pillar Supporting the Sky," "Two Immortal Palms," and "Three Leaps at the Dragon Gate." The base of the pagoda is shaped like an iron gourd and features a couplet inscribed by magistrate Wu Jin: "Rain or shine, watch the changes of the Dragon Gate from a ruler's distance; green clouds connect remotely, vying for the height of the Wild Goose Pagoda." From the top of the pagoda, you can overlook the entire Xinjiang County, experiencing the weight of history and the vibrancy of the present. The Song-Jin Tombs boast beautiful brick carvings. From atop Longxing Pagoda, you'll spot a large cathedral in the distance, a Catholic church built during the Republic of China era and one of the four major Catholic churches in the country. It's surprising to find such a grand and beautifully constructed church in a small county.

Longxing Temple is located in the heart of Xinjiang. It takes only 20 minutes by train from Yunchengbei Station to Houmaxi Station, then another 10 minutes by taxi. We will see a beautiful and ancient Buddha statue. Although it is somewhat damaged, it looks sacred and majestic. There is a pagoda behind it, and finally an ancient tomb from the dynasty. You can crawl into the tomb to take pictures up close. It is very impressive. There are guides in the temple to provide information and knowledge. Nearby attractions include Wenmiao and Sangong Miao, which can be reached on foot.

[RedHeart] Must-see: Longxing Temple Pagoda, Song and Jin Dynasty Painted Sculptures, Biluo Stele, Song and Jin Brick Tomb Xinjiang County has preserved the ancient city of Jiangzhou, and there is a temple with a pagoda in the ancient city, which is Longxing Temple. Longxing Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty. Because it housed a statue of Biluo Tianzun, it was named Biluo Temple. Later, in the first year of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (670), it was renamed Longxing Temple. At that time, the temple buildings were very majestic and large in scale. By the fifth year of the Huichang reign of the Tang Dynasty (845), all the buildings in the temple were destroyed, with only the Pagoda Temple surviving. During the Song Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin lived here and converted the temple into a palace. Later, monks occupied the place and restored the name of Longxing Temple. Facing north and south, the existing buildings mainly include the Main Hall and the Longxing Pagoda. [PurpleHeart] Biluo Monument When you enter the gate of the scenic area, there are stele corridors on both sides. There are many ancient steles in the east stele corridor, which record the renovation history of Longxing Temple. After climbing 108 steps, you will see the Biluo Monument Pavilion, inside which is the nationally renowned calligraphy art monument "Biluo Monument". This stele is 2.26 meters high and 1.03 meters wide. It was erected in the third year of the Zongzhang reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (607) by Li Xun, Li Yi, Li Zhuan and Li Chen, the sons of Han Yuanjia, the eleventh son of Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan, to pray for their deceased mother, Fang. The characters and structure of the inscription are a mixture of scripts from bells and tripods, ancient Zhuan, and small seal script. Based on the ancient calligraphy of previous generations, they are simplified and adapted to create a new ancient seal script with graceful posture and unique style. It looks neat and natural, comfortable and elegant, and has always been a treasure valued by epigraphers and calligraphers. The stele is now protected. The main body of the stele is covered with a rubbing version and sealed with glass to prevent weathering. [PurpleHeart] Main Hall The existing Main Hall was built in the Yuan Dynasty and was renovated in the Qing Dynasty. It is five bays wide and has a single-eaved hanging roof. There are colored sculptures from the Song and Jin dynasties on the altar in the hall, including Rinpoche, Sakyamuni Buddha, Vairocana Buddha, and the attendant Guanyin, Ksitigarbha, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra. Above the colored sculptures, there is a group of suspended sculptures in the same position and sequence on the beams, which are miniature versions of the Three Bodies of Buddha and Four Bodhisattvas, but some of the statues have been lost or damaged. The beams are painted with colorful paintings, and there is also a group of exquisitely carved stone lions and statues in the hall. There is a side hall on each side of the Main Hall, which was newly built on the original site in the later period and has now been transformed into an exhibition hall with information about the history of Longxing Temple. [PurpleHeart] Longxing Temple Pagoda Behind the main hall is the famous Longxing Temple Pagoda (also known as the Jiang Pagoda). According to the inscriptions on the stele, this tower originally had eight floors. In the 40th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1784), it collapsed due to age, so it was re-covered and increased to its current 13 floors. The tower is octagonal in shape, about 40 meters high, and is made entirely of polished blue bricks with an imitation wooden structure. There are inscriptions on each level of the tower. The first level has a pillar supporting the sky and a couplet. You can climb the tower, but be careful as the steps are narrow and some are slippery. From the windows on the tower floor, you can look out and take in the surrounding scenery and the features of the ancient city of Jiangzhou. [PurpleHeart] Song Dynasty Gold Brick Tomb In addition, in the temple, below the tower, two Song Dynasty gold brick tombs were discovered in 1996 from Duzhuang Village, Wan'an Town and Beisu Village, Zezhang Town and moved here. On the left is a Song Dynasty imitation wooden structure brick-carved tomb built with blue bricks. The tomb door is narrow, and lotus brick carvings form a Sumeru base. The upper part is a courtyard layout, with brick carvings of peacocks playing with peonies and bonsai peonies. Facing flying celestials form ten pairs of brackets and are carved with unicorns delivering children and fairies scattering flowers, reflecting the tomb owner's long-cherished wish of admiring wealth and becoming an immortal and ascending to heaven to enjoy wealth and glory after death. On the right is a Jin Dynasty brick-carved tomb, where a large number of Jin Dynasty opera brick carvings were unearthed, vividly reproducing the appearance of Jin Dynasty opera and the scene of singing and dancing. [Rainbow] Travel tips: [Sun] Attractions: Longxing Temple Pagoda, Song and Jin Dynasty painted sculptures, Biluo Stele, Song and Jin Dynasty Brick Tomb [RoundNails] Level: National Protection, AAA-level scenic spot [AsiaAustralia] Location: On the high cliff at the top of Chengbei Street, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City [Shrine] Tickets: 10 yuan/person, 5 yuan for visiting the Song and Jin Dynasty Tomb. [TaxiFront] Transportation: Bus: Take No. 1 bus to Binglingqiao South Station, then walk about 800 meters to arrive. It is very convenient to take a taxi in the county town. [Tent] Accommodation: The scenic area is in the county town, which has various types of hotels and inns, which is very convenient. [Clink] Delicacies: Jiangzhou hotpot, Guokui, Beisu Village mutton soup, pork rolls, baked steamed buns, casserole, crispy meat, egg twists, fermented glutinous rice, etc. [Sunflower] Recommended places nearby: Jiangzhou Office, Jiangzhou Third Floor, Jiangshouju Garden, Xinjiang City God Temple, Xinjiang Catholic Church, Sanguan Temple, Jiangzhou Confucian Temple

[WorldMap] Yuncheng, Shanxi Province is a perfect place to showcase the beauty of ancient buildings in Shanxi and even China. It has 102 nationally protected cultural relics! No. 1 in the country! [One] Yuncheng holiday 5-day travel route: D1 Yuncheng: Yuncheng Museum - Jiezhou Guandi Temple - Changping Guandi Temple - Chishen Temple D2 Ruicheng: Yongle Palace - Guangrenwang Temple - Ruicheng City God Temple D3 Wanrong: Feiyun Tower - Jiwang Temple - Houtu Temple - Li Family Courtyard D4 Xinxiang: Longxing Temple - Jiangzhou Office - Fusheng Temple - Jiyi Temple D5 Jishan: Macun Brick Carvings - Qinglong Temple [Two] 8 tips for traveling in Yuncheng: ❶ Go to Yuncheng Museum first to preview. There are 1:1 scale murals of Yongle Palace and Jiyi Temple. You can take pictures at will. ❷ In the Tang Dynasty, the salt pond god was named Lingqing Gong. The 100 square kilometers of salt pond were once enclosed by a wall, and only 30 kilometers of it remain today. ❸Jiezhou Guandi Temple is the earliest and largest Guandi temple complex in my country. It was built according to the imperial regulations. Don't miss the chrysanthemum caisson in Chunqiu Building. ❹The Yongle Palace was built over a century ago. It is a model of official construction in the Yuan Dynasty. The mural "Zhao Yuan Tu" is a rare treasure, and its technique can be traced back to Wu Daozi. ❺The Guangrenwang Temple, one of the three Tang Dynasty structures, is near the Yongle Palace, and its surrounding area is a popular site for ancient buildings. ❻The Hou Tu in Huang Tian Hou Tu is the goddess Hou Tu worshipped here. The emperors of Han, Tang and Song dynasties all came to worship in person. In the Yuan Dynasty, sacrifices were moved to the Temple of Earth in Beijing. ❼ Feiyun Tower has as many as 345 sets of brackets, like countless blooming flowers, and is an outstanding example of Chinese wooden pavilion architecture. ❽If you still have time: you can go north to Taiyuan and then to Datong [Three] Transportation: Self-driving is more suitable in Shanxi. But in recent years, public transportation has become increasingly powerful. Most of the scenic spots in Yuncheng can be reached by the "Yuncheng City View Pass", and the ticket is extremely cheap, only 3 yuan, but you must make an appointment in advance [Four] Food: Yuncheng big plate chicken is popular. There are several restaurants that serve Afanti Big Plate Chicken and Xiaoshulin Big Plate Chicken that you can try. Xiezhou Wangjian mutton soup is a must-try, and the mutton soup and pancake specialties are all delicious! [Five] Accommodation: You can visit all the scenic spots on the same day. It is better to stay in Yuncheng as the conditions there are the best and it is not expensive.

|Brick carving art masterpieces. There is a Song and Jin ancient tomb on a slope next to Longxing Temple, which are tombs from the late Northern Song Dynasty and early Jin Dynasty. This is not the original site of the ancient tombs, but was discovered, excavated, and relocated here in 1996 from Duzhuang Village, Wanan Town, Xinjiang County, and Beisu Village, Zezhang Town. The brick carvings in the tomb are simply like the Twelve Girls Band! Twelve women with round faces, some dancing with flowing silk ribbons, some waving drumsticks, some playing the pipa, and some blowing the lusheng, panpipes, and flute, all with fluttering clothes, natural movements, and vivid expressions. The brick carving craftsmanship of that era 1,000 years ago had already reached such a high level! Address: Inside Longxing Temple, No. 2 Longxing Road, Jiang County (North Side) Tickets: CNY 3 to enter the ancient tomb

|Why the pagoda emits smoke. Longxing Temple in Xinjiang is laid out symmetrically along a central axis, with the following buildings from south to north: the mountain gate, 108 steps, Biluo Stele, Mahavira Hall, east and west side halls, Longxing Pagoda, and Song and Jin dynasty ancient tombs. Longxing Pagoda is a landmark building in Jiangzhou, and the ancient pagoda is famous mainly for the mysterious phenomenon of smoke rising from the pagoda. According to the 1941 "Stele Inscription on the Reconstruction of Longxing Temple in Xinjiang," in the first year of the Guangxu period (1875), "smoke rose from the top of the pagoda, straight up into the sky, as a sign of success in the imperial examinations." On the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1971, every day near dusk, wisps of blue smoke rose from the top of the pagoda, circling around the top of the pagoda, lasting for about half an hour before disappearing on its own. The smoke could be clearly seen from 300 to 400 meters away from the pagoda, and it continued for more than ten days before stopping, with no less than a thousand people watching every day. According to the Xinjiang County Museum, from August 21 to 28, 1993, for eight consecutive days, smoke rose from the pagoda every day near dusk, with varying durations, and the cause is still to be scientifically verified. In addition, the temple preserves the "Biluo Stele" and nine valuable steles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as six stone lions. Below the steps southeast of the pagoda are two Song and Jin dynasty brick chamber tombs relocated in 1995. Address: No. 2 Longxing Road, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City Opening hours: Summer 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Winter 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Admission: Ticket price: CNY 10 per person; Pagoda ticket: CNY 5 per person; Ancient tomb ticket: CNY 3 per person; Guide fee: CNY 30 per time

Longxing Temple (Photos 1–10) is not far from the Jangzhou Office and the Catholic Church. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and was originally called Biluo Temple. Zhao Kuangyin, the first emperor of the Song Dynasty, once lived here and renamed it Longxing Temple. It is a national protected site and the Yuncheng Annual Tourism Pass is accepted. Main attractions include: Biluo Stele (Photo 3), a Tang Dynasty stele with unique calligraphy, a national first-class cultural relic and calligraphy treasure. Yuan Dynasty painted sculptures in the Mahavira Hall (Photo 5). Longxing Pagoda (Photo 7), a landmark of Jangzhou, also known as "Jangzhou Pagoda," was built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. You can climb the pagoda for a distant view. Each floor has a four-character inscription. Song and Jin Dynasty brick-carved tombs (Photos 8–10), moved from elsewhere, two in total, small and exquisite, with a separate charge of CNY 5, and an old man as a part-time guide. There are two "Women Opening the Door" carvings, which are very interesting. Jangzhou Confucian Temple (Photos 11–17), a national protected site and the Yuncheng Annual Tourism Pass is accepted. The existing main buildings are relics of the Ming Dynasty. The glazed brick carvings on the outer wall of the Dacheng Hall are very beautiful (Photo 17), but unfortunately, some are damaged.

||。Not Europe! 16 National Protected Sites, This Little-Known Shanxi City || After the popularity of Black Myth: Wukong, many hidden gems in Shanxi should be discovered, and "Xinjiang, Yuncheng" is one of them. It was once the capital of the Jin State and one of the six historical and cultural cities in Shanxi (the other five are Datong, Pingyao, Daixian, Qixian, and Taiyuan). The first Gothic Catholic Church in Shanxi and one of the four major Gothic Catholic Churches in China is located here. You can easily walk around the county town and see all the essence of ancient architecture. There are also some surprises nearby, such as the only agricultural mural in China at Jikui Temple and the most beautiful Guanyin statue at Fusheng Temple. 🗺 City Walk, about 4 kilometers, walking tour takes about 4 hours Longxing Temple➠Xinjiang Catholic Church➠Jiangzhou Hall➠Jiangzhou Three Floors➠Three Officials Temple➠Jiangzhou Confucian Temple➠Longxing Temple ❶Longxing Temple The landmark building of Xinjiang, built in the Tang Dynasty, has left many national treasures after several dynasties. The Bi Luo Stele, Yuan Dynasty statues, and the Longxing Temple Pagoda rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty are the three highlights of Longxing Temple. There are also two relocated brick-carved tombs and a 10 yuan entrance fee. ❷Xinjiang Catholic Church Xinjiang is the earliest place in Shanxi where Catholicism was introduced, dating back to 1620. The contrasting Chinese-style building next to the church is the former Ming Palace. You can visit during daily mass. ❸Jiangzhou Hall The use of column reduction and relocation techniques makes the hall very spacious and bright. Archaeological discoveries in front of the hall reveal cultural layers from the Tang Dynasty onwards, covered with tempered glass. The rough pillars and ruins of the Yuan Dynasty echo with modern technology, which is very interesting. The newly built City God Temple is next door. ❹Jiangzhou Three Floors The Drum Tower, Bell Tower, and Music Tower are located on a slope next to Jiangzhou Hall. This area is being planned as the new ancient city of Xinjiang. It is less crowded and more pleasant on non-holidays. ❺Three Officials Temple Cao Xueqin once lived in Xinjiang. The Three Officials Temple is believed to be the prototype of the Gourd Temple in Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Chamber. The ancient building houses 14 Yuan Dynasty polychrome sculptures. It was once closed to the public, but is now open again! ❻Jiangzhou Confucian Temple The double-eaved hip-and-gable roofed Dacheng Hall is very beautiful. Here, you have walked through the ancient architectural remains of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism in Xinjiang. 🗺 Nearby Highlights Fusheng Temple: Admire a beautiful collection of Yuan and Ming polychrome sculptures, including the most beautiful Guanyin statue, the dynamic Ming King, and the graceful Bodhisattva attendants. Jikui Temple: Here is the only known agricultural mural in China, showing a farmer subduing a locust spirit as tall as a man. Unfortunately, Jikui Temple is closed after being open for seven days during National Day. It is currently under construction and will soon be open again. 🔖 Practical Tips 🍁 Autumn is the best season to travel to Xinjiang. The weather is clear, and you can easily take photos of Longxing Temple Pagoda and the Catholic Church together. I recommend having a hot pot in Xinjiang after a day of travel, it's so comfortable! 🚄 Take a high-speed train from Yuncheng North Station to Houma West Station, and transfer to bus No. 36 to reach Xinjiang.

During our trip to Shanxi, we spent most of the day in the car🚗... Until I went to Xinjiang, This treasure town on the edge of Yuncheng not only hides 16 national treasures, It also gave us a full sense of relaxation, I think this is the most suitable city for citywalk in Shanxi🏙️~ If you travel to Shanxi, be sure to leave a day for Xinjiang... - 📈Route suggestions: Fusheng Temple⛩️⇨Xinjiang Confucian Temple⇨Longxing Temple⇨Sanguan Temple⇨Jiangzhou Department Scenic Area (Jiangzhou Third Floor⇨Chenghuang Temple⇨Jiangzhou Lobby⇨Jiang Shouju Garden)⇨Catholic Church⛪ - 🚗About transportation: ✔🚅Yuncheng North or Linfen West-Houma North Station (about 20 minutes by high-speed rail), take a taxi about 8 kilometers from the high-speed rail station to the Confucian Temple (it is recommended to use online taxi-hailing, which is half cheaper than a taxi); ✔🚗Taking a taxi in the city is cheap, starting at HKD5 for 2 kilometers; - 🌇About the scenic spot: ①⛩️Fusheng Temple: 20 kilometers away from the city｜Black Myth·Wukong filming location｜Aspect: The most beautiful colored sculpture of Guanyin crossing the sea; ②⛩️Xinjiang Confucian Temple: 🎫HKD10｜Ming Dynasty architecture, the first of the three Jin Confucian temples; ③Longxing Temple: 🎫HKD10, first built in the Tang Dynasty | HKD5 allows you to climb the Longxing Pagoda and overlook the panoramic view of Xinjiang (it is not recommended to go up, the tower is very narrow and requires both hands and feet); ④⛩️Sanguan Temple: HKD0｜Wenbao Small Temple of the Yuan Dynasty｜worships the Heavenly Officials, the Earth Officials, and the Water Officials; ⑤🏯Jiangzhou Department Scenic Area: ☞Jiangzhou third floor: HKD0, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Music Tower｜are not allowed to go upstairs; ☞Chenghuang Temple: HKD0, a newly built Qing Dynasty style building; ☞Jiangzhou Lobby + Jiangshouju Garden: HKD40｜The only existing Sui Dynasty state capital garden in my country; ⑥⛪Xinjiang Catholic Church: HKD0｜Gothic architecture like a castle🏰｜You will be invited to attend mass in a friendly manner; - 🍲About food: Xinjiang hot pot is a specialty of Shannan region, (different from Sichuan hot pot). There are crispy meat and meatballs in the copper pot, with vermicelli, cabbage🥬, kelp, and bean skin. The staple food is usually eaten with steamed buns; (personal taste It can be full, but it can’t be said to be delicious😂😂) - 🏨About the hotel: Xinjiangcheng is not a big area and there are not many choices for hotels. It is recommended to stay in Linfen or Yuncheng for a day trip; Longxing Temple Xinjiang Catholic Church Jiangzhou Confucian Temple

If you come to the small town of Xinjiang, walking on the bustling county center street, looking far away, the first thing that comes into your eyes is the Longxing Pagoda standing on the towering high wall! · Longxing Pagoda, also known as "Jiangzhou Pagoda", is located behind Longxing Temple on the high cliff at the end of North Street in Xinjiang County, Yuncheng City. It is a landmark building of Jiangzhou Ancient City! This tower was built in the Tang Dynasty, originally eight levels high. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, due to the collapse of the old age, the outer skin was re-wrapped and the height was increased to the current thirteen levels. The tower is octagonal and about 40 meters high! · What is even more amazing and puzzling is that there is a thousand-year-old mystery of "smoke from the top of the tower" around this ancient tower. According to records, the tower has appeared 6 times in history. The phenomenon of "smoking" is recorded in the "Reconstruction of Xinjiang Longxing Temple Stele" in the temple: "Guangxu Yihai (1875 AD), the top of the tower smokes, and it is unanimously agreed that Qingyun goes straight up." Since entering modern times, this phenomenon has not stopped. In 1937, 1971, and 1976, the most recent one was in 1993 and lasted for several days. There were tens of thousands of viewers (see the last picture)! What the hell is going on? There are different opinions. Some people say it is smoke, and some people say it is a group of small insects. Someone once climbed to the top of the tower to observe the reason but it was unsuccessful! This mystery that has been shrouded in people's hearts for thousands of years has not yet been solved! · The legend of the legend gives the millennium pagoda a mysterious color, so over the past thousands of years, there have been many tourists and incense guests and explorers, and it has also become a unique talk after the small town of Xinjiang tea and dinner! So why don't you come and find out! I believe that if this phenomenon is encountered again now, the mystery will be revealed soon💪 · PS: This is still a rare ancient tower that can be ascended! You can even explore the outside of the tower and overlook the panoramic view of Jiangzhou Ancient City · 📝Xinjiang Jiangzhou Ancient City Visiting Ancient Route Recommendation: Jiangzhou Sanlou (Le Tower, Drum Tower, Bell Tower)➡️Xinjiang Chenghuang Temple➡️Jiangzhou Shu (Jiangzhou Hall, Jiangshou Juyuan Pond)➡️Xinjiang Cathedral➡️Longxing Temple➡️Sanguan Temple➡️Xinjiang Confucian Temple · ———𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒——— 🚗Yuncheng to Xinjiang self-driving 1.5 hours 🚄The nearest high-speed rail station in Xinjiang is Houma West Station, 25 minutes from Yuncheng 🚌Houma West Station Bus 36 Road to Xinjiang, recommended taxi 25 yuan 🏃🏻The distances between various attractions in Xinjiang Ancient City are relatively close🉑️citywalk 🎫Longxing Temple is free, and the tower is 5 yuan 🥢Come to Xinjiang, you must have a Jiangzhou hot pot

| Xinjiang · Longxing Temple's Three Wonders: 5 Yuan to Climb the Tang Tower. Longxing Temple is probably the most famous attraction in Xinjiang County. After getting off the bus, I found that the square in the scenic area was under construction, but the old problem remained: it was rather rustic and had not formed a good synergy. Observations: There are three highlights and wonderful experiences in Longxing Temple. This article first writes about one of them, which is climbing the Tang Tower for 5 yuan! Longxing Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and was originally named Biluo Temple. In the first year of Emperor Gaozong of Tang's Xianheng period (670 AD), it was renamed Longxing Temple. During the Song Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin stayed here, converted the temple into a palace, and later the monks occupied it and restored the name Longxing Temple. Passing through the Mahavira Hall is the Longxing Temple Tower. From outside the scenic area, you can also see the Longxing Temple Tower standing like a crown on top of the hall, towering into the clouds. The Longxing Temple Tower faces south, was built in the Tang Dynasty, and originally had eight levels. The existing tower body was rebuilt after it collapsed in the 49th year of Qianlong (1784), covered with blue bricks, and increased to 13 levels, with a height of 42.4 meters. The plan is octagonal, with each side 4.3 meters long, and it is a pavilion-style brick tower. The temple preserves three stele inscriptions from the 47th year of Kangxi (1708) and the Republic of China period, and one stone pillar. There is also the spectacle of the tower emitting blue smoke. According to the 1941 'Reconstruction of Xinjiang Longxing Temple Stele Inscription,' in the first year of Guangxu (1875), 'the top of the tower emitted smoke, and the blue clouds rose straight up, which was a sign of success in the imperial examinations.' There are very few ancient towers in China that you can climb, and even fewer Tang towers. But in Longxing Temple, you only need to spend 5 yuan to climb this ancient tower. The inside of the tower is very cool and dark. Each level requires both hands and feet to climb. Carrying two cameras and a large bag made it extremely difficult for me. I was already sweating profusely after climbing just three levels. Fortunately, the scenery on each level is very good, and the experience of curling up to climb the tower is unique! Travel Tips: Transportation: Located in the center of Xinjiang County, you can take a bus or taxi. Nearby are the Xinjiang Catholic Church, Jiangzhou Hall, and Sanlou, which can all be visited in one trip. Tickets: Full price ticket 18 yuan, climbing the tower costs 5 yuan Opening hours: 9:00-16:00

Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, once resided here. Longxing Temple houses three treasures: the Tang Dynasty calligraphic gem, the Biluo Stele; the Yuan Dynasty relic, the colorful sculptures in the Mahavira Hall; and the Longxing Temple Pagoda that frequently emits blue smoke. Inside the Mahavira Hall, there are seven Song and Jin Dynasty colored sculptures. In the center is the Dharma Body Buddha 'Vairocana Buddha', to the east is the Reward Body Buddha 'Ratnasambhava Buddha', and to the west is the Response Body Buddha 'Sakyamuni Buddha'. On both sides of these three main Buddhas, there are also the four great Bodhisattvas: Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Ksitigarbha, and Avalokitesvara. The sculptures are 4.5 meters tall, with solemn faces, broad robes, and robust figures, very beautiful. Several statues in the hall have blackened faces, said to be because during the Republic of China period, local people lived here to avoid the chaos of war, and the smoke from heating and cooking gradually blackened the statues or covered them with a layer of ash. The Longxing Pagoda, originally built during the Tang Dynasty and restored in the Qing Dynasty, is octagonal, thirteen levels high, and entirely constructed of green bricks. The rafters, columns, and dougong under each eave of the pagoda body are all imitation wood structures. Inside the pagoda is a wooden staircase, which is very narrow and can only accommodate one person at a time. The top of the pagoda is a viewing platform, which can also be described as an iron cage. The space outside the cage is narrow, but it overlooks the entire old town of Xinjiang. Climbing the pagoda costs only five yuan, and this thousand-year-old treasure should be cherished! The Biluo Stele, with its small seal script, is graceful and unique in writing, with neat strokes and a strict layout. It is difficult for later generations to read and is a treasure in the history of Chinese calligraphy.

Walking on the streets of Xinjiang County, no matter where you stand, you can see that towering ancient pagoda, which is Longxing Temple. The entrance fee is 20 yuan, and if you want to visit the tower, you need to pay an additional 5 yuan. 🌟Highlights: Longxing Temple Longxing Temple, it is said to have been established during the Tang Dynasty and was originally named 'Biluo Guan'. In the first year of Xianheng of Tang Gaozong (670 AD), it was renamed Longxing Palace. According to the 'Zhili Jiangzhou Zhi', it was renamed Longxing Temple because Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin once stayed here. Biluo Stele The Biluo Stele was engraved in the third year of Zongzhang of Tang (670 AD). It was erected by the four brothers of Li Xun, Li Yi, Li Yi, and Li Mou, the sons of Han Wang Li Yuanjia, the eleventh son of Tang Gaozu Li Yuan, for their mother Fang Taifei (the daughter of Fang Xuanling) to pray for blessings. The content is to praise the virtuous style of his mother Fang Fei. The stele is full of 21 columns, each with 32 characters, and a total of 630 characters except for the vacant places. The whole article is engraved with various characters such as Tang Xiaozhuan, Zhongding, Xie, and Liu, and the writing is ancient and exquisite. Zhang Han, a famous calligrapher and ancient philologist of the Tang Dynasty, called it 'the only existing inscription in China that uses the ancient script written in Xiaozhuan script'. Longxing Pagoda The Longxing Pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty, originally eight floors. In the forty-second year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1777 AD), it was rebuilt in the form of a pagoda and increased to thirteen floors. The pagoda is 43.7 meters high, with a delicate structure and a beautiful posture. It is octagonal in shape, and the pillars and brackets are all made of imitation wood structure. Each level is inlaid with stone inscriptions. The bottom of the pagoda has doors on all four sides, and there are hanging ladders for climbing. What is magical and puzzling is that the tower has 'smoked' many times, but there is no scientific explanation for its cause to this day.