Millennium Ancient Temple with Shining Buddha Light｜Datong Shanhuasi Nanny-Level Guide

A hidden treasure temple in northern Shanxi! A Jin Dynasty gem tucked inside the ancient city 💎 Shanhuasi, founded during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, has preserved the essence of Liao and Jin architecture through dynastic changes and is a must-visit national treasure ancient building in Datong! 📍Address: No. 6, Nansi Street, Ancient City, Pingcheng District, Datong City 🕰Opening Hours: Peak season 8:00-17:30 / Off-season 8:30-17:00 1️⃣ Shanmen Hall of Heavenly Kings A stunning opening! The colorful sculptures of the Four Heavenly Kings are lifelike, and the gilding craft still shines after 700 years✨ Remember to check out the little demons under the kings’ feet—they’re quite dramatic! 📸Best photo spot: Stone lions in front of the hall + eaves corner beasts in the same frame 2️⃣ San Sheng Hall (Three Saints Hall) A representative work of Liao and Jin architecture! The three golden Buddha statues inside exude an aura of majesty, and the caisson ceiling is breathtakingly exquisite 👀Hidden gem: Mini flying apsaras paintings are hidden behind the Buddha statues in the backlight 3️⃣ Daxiong Baodian (Mahavira Hall) Centerpiece The largest existing wooden Jin Dynasty building in China! The lineup of Five Directional Buddhas + Twenty-Four Heavenly Deities sculptures is luxurious, and the flowing effect of the Bodhisattva’s robes is amazing 🙏Blessing spot: Making wishes under the millennium-old ginkgo tree in front of the hall is very effective 🌟Special Highlights: - The only temple in the country that fully preserves the Liao and Jin architectural complex - The "reduced pillar method" in San Sheng Hall is a textbook example of ancient architecture - The sculptures in Daxiong Baodian are known as the "Oriental Venus" 🍜Nearby Food: • Fenglin Pavilion (3km): Baihua Shaomai, an intangible cultural heritage • Xijin Dao (2km): The Hermes of knife-cut noodles • Shunyi Liangfen (1.5km): A local-certified old brand 🚶‍♂️Connecting Route: Shanhuasi ➡️ Huayan Temple (15 min walk) ➡️ Nine-Dragon Wall (10 min by bus) ➡️ Datong City Wall (8 min by taxi) 💡Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: - The light and shadow are most beautiful after 4 PM but watch the closing time - Don’t miss the less crowded and scenic garden area on the west side of the temple - Guided tours can be joined in groups