Things to do in Jiexiu

Mianshan Mountain is definitely worth a visit. It boasts stunning natural scenery and numerous historical and cultural sites. However, there are many attractions, and they are quite far apart, making it difficult to see everything in one day. Accommodation is available within the scenic area, and staying overnight might be a better option. Two points to note: 1. When dining at Shuitaogou, avoid the temporary stalls near the drop-off point. Walk towards the entrance of Shuitaogou Scenic Area; there are larger self-service restaurants and food stalls there. 2. Plan your energy and time carefully to avoid running out of time or being unable to keep up. Take the elevator whenever possible to save energy and time. Accommodation booking phone numbers are shown in the image for your reference.

Great! 👍 Taking bus number 7 from Lingshi East Station is very convenient. The visitor center offers group tours with guided tours; it's inexpensive, the tours are quick, and the tour lasts about an hour. It's very well done. After the tour, you can walk around again; 3 hours is enough. We explored thoroughly, seeing everything that was open. We brought our own lunch, as there are no restaurants inside the compound. Afterwards, we went to the Confucian Temple, which is right next to the exit. We also visited Wang Family Manor, which requires a shuttle bus ride. There wasn't much to see; it might be worthwhile if you can pick fruit in the summer.

Such ingenious engineering from 1600 years ago deserves only admiration. The wisdom of the ancients is evident in their site selection, their harmony with nature, their ability to see through the soil, and their masterful use of natural forces. The ancients learned wisdom, and of course, only the most exceptional individuals could truly grasp it. We modern people learn knowledge. Wisdom, however, transcends boundaries; it is a profound and unbiased understanding.

Free admission. Most of the buildings date back to the Ming Dynasty, with some from the Yuan Dynasty. This is a massive Taoist architectural complex with resplendent glazed tile roofs. The integrated architectural style of the Sanqing Hall, stage, and offering hall is extremely rare. The conjoined temples of Lü Zu, Guan Yu, and the Earth God are unique in China. These features alone are enough to make a detailed visit worthwhile. It's a fantastic place for taking photos; five-star recommendation! Scenery: The buildings and glazed tile roofs are incredibly beautiful. Fun: A perfect spot for taking photos. Value for money: Extremely high.

Although this place is still some distance away from the main urban area, there are buses to get there, or you can choose other ways to get there like I did. The entire archway is still very shocking. When you walk in, you will feel your own insignificance and the greatness of the wisdom of the ancients. The person looking at the archway is an aunt, who is sometimes a little like a rocket compared to the people outside.

I specifically called the Culture and Tourism Bureau beforehand and was told it was open as usual, but when I arrived, I found I couldn't go in. There was a notice posted at the entrance stating that due to some peeling paint caused by summer rains, the building had been closed for repairs since November 4th. So I could only look at it from the outside!

Shuanglin Temple comprises three courtyards and ten halls arranged in a staggered layout. The temple houses over two thousand painted clay sculptures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, encompassing round sculptures, suspended sculptures, and wall sculptures, earning it the title of "Oriental Treasure House of Painted Clay Art." Each painted clay sculpture is exquisitely lifelike, especially the Four Heavenly Kings in the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Weituo and Guanyin statues in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas—these are considered classic examples. The sculptures are vividly expressive and remarkably realistic. Unfortunately, the gloomy weather prevented me from fully enjoying them!

Pingyao Ancient City is a 5A scenic area. Some residents still live within the area, giving it a lively, lived-in feel, which is different from the commercial atmosphere of other ancient cities. The old buildings and city walls within the ancient city are well worth seeing.

The Hall of All Wonders in the main hall of Daluo Palace is the eighth and ninth floor of the thirteen-story palace. The exhibition hall displays exquisite colored sculptures from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties in Mianshan, which is known as the "Dunhuang of Shanxi". Although the lights in the hall are dim, the colored sculptures are charming and you must take time to see them. The Sutra Pavilion on the top floor is the largest collection of books in China's scenic spots, but it is unfortunately not open to the public for the time being. It is said that the wood carvings, stone carvings and English, Japanese and Russian translations of the "Tao Te Ching" in the hall are a grand view of the culture of the "Tao Te Ching". The total area of ​​Daluo Palace is more than 30,000 square meters, the largest among all temples in the country. However, the date of its construction is unknown. The official record is that in the 11th year of Kaiyuan Period in Tang Dynasty (723 AD), Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty was grateful for the grace of the gods of Mianshan Mountain in protecting the Li Tang Dynasty, and he ordered the repair of the palaces in Daluo Palace. It was repaired many times in later dynasties until it was burned down by the Japanese army in 1940. The more than 60 halls seen now were rebuilt on the original site in 1998. This is why the Daluo Palace still retains its magnificent appearance with green walls and golden tiles today.

绵山云峰寺点评：悬崖佛国藏千古，挂铃奇俗震乾坤云峰寺（抱腹寺）嵌于绵山抱腹岩腹中，1700年历史与奇绝建筑浑然天成。空王佛包骨真身像慈悲肃穆，铁索岭抗战密道诉说峥嵘岁月，千级"之"字栈道险峻如登天。唐风石佛殿以全石榫卯工艺惊艳，檐角铜铃随风鸣响，与崖壁悬铃共奏梵音。农历三月庙会挂铃还愿，飞人凌空系铃的绝技震撼人心，堪称自然奇观与人文信仰的完美交融。