I rarely use the word "stunning" to describe a place unless everyone else is.

🏯 Baonen Temple, located in Pingwu, Sichuan, is a remarkably well-preserved complex of Ming Dynasty architecture. With a meticulous layout and exquisite craftsmanship, the temple's structures are primarily constructed from nanmu wood. Inside, numerous halls, including the grand Mahavira Hall, house awe-inspiring Buddha statues. The temple also boasts intricate murals and wood carvings. Seamlessly blending architecture, sculpture, and painting, Baonen Temple showcases exceptional artistry. Visitors can immerse themselves in the splendor of ancient Buddhist architecture and appreciate its profound cultural significance, making it an invaluable historical and cultural heritage site. This is not only a sacred site for Buddhist culture but also a filming location for the game *Black Myth: Wukong*. 👀 Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, the entire temple is crafted from golden nanmu wood, earning it the nickname "Forbidden City in the Mountains." It's an ideal destination for family excursions and experiencing the charm of ancient architecture! 📍 Address: Baonen Temple Street, Pingwu County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province 🚗 Transportation: 🚘 Navigate to Pingwu Baonen Temple parking lot by car 🅿️ 🚌 Long-distance buses to Pingwu County are available at Mianyang Central Station and Hepingzheng Bus Station, departing approximately every half hour. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Mianyang/Jiangyou, then transfer to a minibus directly to Pingwu. 👍️ Must-see attractions: 🌟 The Three Buddhas of Buddhism in the Mahavira Hall: The three Buddhas—the Buddha of the past, Dipankara Buddha; the present Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha; and the future Buddha, Maitreya Buddha. A 450-square-meter Ming Dynasty gilded mural depicts the journey of Princess Miaoshan to becoming Guanyin Bodhisattva. 🌟 Thousand-Hand Guanyin Statue: Located in the Hall of Great Compassion, this statue stands approximately 9 meters tall. Its main body is meticulously carved from a single piece of golden nanmu wood, resulting in a lifelike and exquisite portrayal. Each hand is intricately carved with a wide-open eye of wisdom and holds various Buddhist instruments, creating a breathtaking spectacle. 🙏 🌟 Avatamsaka Sutra Library: Upon entering the hall, two majestic dragons descend from above, flanking the hall on either side and clinging to the pillars and beams. Their presence is awe-inspiring and breathtaking. The revolving sutra library in the center weighs 10,000 kilograms but can be rotated by a single person. It is the only one of its kind in existence, leaving visitors in awe. The stone platform in front of the library is engraved with Tang Sanzang and his disciples from the *Journey to the West*, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. 🌟 Mountain Dragon Palace: The temple is said to be home to 9,999 dragons. In front of the Mahavira Hall, there is a dragon throne inscribed with "Long live the current emperor," making it a temple of 10,000 dragons. 🌟 Dougong Museum: The museum showcases a rich variety of dougong (interlocking wooden brackets), even surpassing the collection at the Forbidden City. 🌟 Hall of Heavenly Kings: The Golden Water Bridge in front of the hall is a miniature version of the one at the Forbidden City. Although smaller, it exudes grandeur. The roof of the hall, where the Fourth Sister was captured by the Crane Immortal, recreates a scene from the game, resonating with players. Inside the hall, the Four Heavenly Kings stand with fierce expressions, while the coffered ceilings, pillars, beams, and rafters display diverse forms, creating a solemn atmosphere. 🎟️ Tickets: ¥40/person, free for those over 60 years old. Tickets can also be booked online. ⏰ Opening hours: 08:30—17:00 (last entry at 16:30) 💗 Other tips: ‼️ Baonen Temple is a cultural relic preservation site, not a functioning temple. Burning incense is prohibited, and photography 📷 is not allowed in certain rooms. ‼️ The Mahavira Hall is lit only by natural light, so it can be quite dark at times. 📷 Photography is permitted, but please do not use flash! ‼️ There are quite a few 🦇 bats in the Hall of Heavenly Kings, so be prepared. ‼️ Please maintain silence and refrain from loud conversations within the temple. 💕 Follow in Wukong's footsteps and embark on a spontaneous cultural exploration trip with your kids! Baonen Temple awaits your discovery! 👣