Compared to Datong, I prefer Shanxi, this lesser-known city

Shanxi is truly a place filled with national treasure-level ancient sites! 🌟 And Gaoping, this severely underrated historical city 🏰, is simply the hometown of Shennong Yan Emperor 🌾, the cradle of Chinese civilization 👶, and the battlefield of the Battle of Changping! 🏯🏘 As soon as you step into Gaoping, you can feel the rich cultural heritage 📚, with ancient buildings 🏯, murals 🎨, ancient theaters 🎭, and ancient residences... Every spot is breathtaking, as if you've traveled through a thousand years! 👣✨ Come, let me plan an amazing travel route for you: Chongming Temple 🏯, Youxian Temple 🏰, Dinglin Temple 🏯, Kaihua Temple 🏰, Wangbao Erlang Temple 🏛, not a single one can be missed! But note, these places are quite scattered, mostly in suburban villages, so driving or hiring a car is the most convenient! 🚗💨 Here's the highlight, among these attractions, I most recommend Chongming Temple! 🎉 Built in the Northern Song Dynasty, it is the earliest existing Song Dynasty building in the country! The broken beam structure and giant dougong of the Middle Buddha Hall are simply breathtaking! 👏 And it's free of charge! 🎫 Then there's Dinglin Temple, which is huge, featuring architectural styles from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties! 🏛️ The multi-eaved, nine-ridged compound high pavilion at the mountain gate is so majestic that you can't help but take a few more photos! 📸 But remember, there's a 30 yuan entrance fee here. 💰 The murals of Kaihua Temple are also a masterpiece, with the largest and best-preserved Song Dynasty murals in China! 🖼️ Although the hall doors are fitted with iron bars, there is a complete replica of the murals in the side hall that you can admire up close! 👀 Lastly, if you have enough time, Gaoping's Yangtou Mountain Grottoes 🗿, Dazhou Village Ancient Building Complex 🏘, Suzhuang Village 🏡, and Fushan Village 🏞 are also worth visiting! But be aware, Tiefo Temple is currently closed, so don't make a wasted trip! 🚫 How about it? Are you already eager to set off to explore Gaoping? 🏃‍♂️ Pack your bags 🎒 and join me on this journey through a thousand years! 🚀