Things to do in Wanrong

This place is definitely worth visiting. The character, kindness, generosity, and love of Shanxi merchants can be fully experienced here. I am deeply amazed by the harmonious blend of artistry and practicality in Chinese architecture; it fills me with immense pride.

Wanrong Feiyun Tower, hailed as the No. 1 wooden tower in China, is a pinnacle of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. The entire tower is constructed entirely of wood, without a single iron nail, relying solely on mortise and tenon joints for connection – a testament to its ingenious design. While appearing to have three stories, it actually contains five, with four colossal pillars extending from the ground floor to the roof, supported by 32 auxiliary pillars forming a stable framework. Beneath the eaves are 345 sets of uniquely shaped brackets, layered like clusters of clouds, both sharing the load and possessing aesthetic appeal. Thirty-two upturned eaves gracefully extend into the air, their chimes ringing in the wind. Standing below and looking up, the orderly arrangement of the wooden components, standing firm through centuries of wind and rain, fully demonstrates the superb construction skills of ancient craftsmen, making it a must-see wooden architectural marvel in Shanxi.

Stepping into the Houtu Temple in Jiexiu, the entire Taoist temple complex is a treasure trove of glazed tile roofs, shimmering with iridescent light. The interconnected courtyards are ingeniously laid out, featuring a unique three-section ancient stage and the majestic Sanqing Tower, exuding ancient charm. The Houtu Hall is solemn and dignified, with delicate and vivid brick and tile carvings. Strolling through the courtyards, the craftsmanship of the Ming and Qing dynasty artisans is truly admirable. Every brick and tile embodies the belief in the Earth Mother and the aesthetics of ancient Jinzhong architecture; a quiet contemplation leaves one deeply moved.

The temple is dedicated to Houji, the god who taught people agriculture. The main hall has a hip roof, with dougong brackets and a hall-style beam frame. Because it does not have a continuous beam, the locals call it the "Beamless Hall." In 2011, when the School of Archaeology and Museology of Peking University surveyed the main hall, they found traces of ink writing "Tiansheng First Year" (1023) on the outer surface of the beam in the lower part of the front eaves. Based on the structure, they determined that it was a building from the Northern Song Dynasty. A stone tablet on the east wall records that in the eighth year of Zhiyuan (1271) of the Yuan Dynasty, the Jiwang Temple "built a dance hall." In front of the hall is an iron bell from the fourth year of Xuanhe (1122) of the Northern Song Dynasty, which was originally from the Puzhao Temple in the area.

When talking about Qiufeng Tower, everyone must think of Emperor Wu of Han. At that time, Qiufeng Tower left us not only the story of Emperor Wu of Han, but also many well-known stories in Chinese history. Therefore, when you come to Yuncheng, you must visit Qiufeng Tower in Houtu Temple Scenic Area. Although it can't be compared with Feiyun Tower, it is also a beautiful building.

If you have been to the brick and wood carvings of Macun in Jishan, you will have a deeper understanding of the stone carving art of the underground ancient tombs. It embodies very sophisticated techniques and provides great help for our study of Chinese opera.

The Beixin Relic Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda from the Ming Dynasty, was built in the 16th year of the Hongwu reign (1383), and has a history of over 640 years. It is a national key cultural relics protection unit (eighth batch). This pagoda is a combination of a Lamaist stupa and a Vajrasana throne, slender and elegant.

There were quite a few people when we went; the tour guide said it was considered relatively few, as it was truly packed during the National Day holiday. The Terracotta Army formation was awe-inspiring, and the craftsmen's dedication was truly admirable. The bronze chariots and horses were especially breathtaking and definitely worth seeing.

Qinglong Temple has been closed for maintenance since March 30, 2024.

Jishan Jiwang Temple (National Cultural Relic) Located in Jishan County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, it was first built in the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in 1843 (the 23rd year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty). Jiwang refers to Houji, whose original name was Ji Qi. He was the ancestor of the Zhou tribe and the founder of Chinese agricultural civilization, revered as the god of agriculture and grain. The term "Sheji" (社稷) originates from him, referring to the god of grain; "She" (社) refers to the god of earth. The Offering Hall, Main Hall, and Jiangyuan Hall feature wood carvings and stone engravings. The Offering Hall has a gable roof with glazed tiles. The lintel of the front eaves is decorated with reliefs depicting ancient agricultural activities such as plowing, sowing, harvesting, and threshing. The Main Hall has a double-eaved hip roof with 20 stone-carved pillars, including two in the central bay with reliefs of coiled dragons. The stone balustrade of the corridor is composed of 52 stone slabs depicting flowers, exquisitely carved. The pillars and beams of the front and rear of the Jiwang Hall are carved with various scenes of agricultural activities, and a large stone carving is embedded in the inner side of the east and west walls of the hall. Travel Guide Transportation: High-speed rail from Houma West Station to Jishan Railway Station, or by bus, and then a taxi for the last three kilometers (no public transportation within the county). Ticket Price: 20 yuan (Free for those over 60 years old and veterans with preferential treatment cards, no ticket exchange required). Duration: 20 minutes. Accommodation and Dining: Convenient. Nearby Attractions: Longxing Temple, Jishan Jiwang Temple, Fusheng Temple, Chishen Temple, Guan Gong's Hometown, Guangrenwang Temple, Wanrong Dongyue Temple-Feiyun Tower.