Zhen Guo Temple in Pingyao: A Buddhist Art Journey Through a Thousand-Year-Old Temple

🌈 Zhen Guo Temple: The Charm of a Thousand-Year-Old Temple · Temple Highlights: Zhen Guo Temple, originally named "Jingcheng Temple," was built in the 7th year of the Later Han Dynasty (963 AD) during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It was renamed "Zhen Guo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The Wanfo Hall in the courtyard is its core building and one of the three existing wooden structures from the Five Dynasties period in China, retaining its general appearance from 1,200 years ago. Zhen Guo Temple faces south and consists of two courtyards, one in front and one behind. The buildings along the central axis are arranged in an orderly manner, and the surrounding buildings are rich and diverse. As it does not have a separate main gate, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings also serves as the main gate. The Wanfo Hall is one of the oldest existing wooden buildings in China, and ink inscriptions from the Five Dynasties period can still be seen. · Address: Zhen Guo Temple, Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City (about 12 km from Pingyao Ancient City) · Public Transportation: Take Pingyao Bus No. 209, which passes through multiple stops such as the South Gate and North Gate of Pingyao Ancient City. Buses run approximately every hour. It is recommended to check the return trip schedule in advance. A taxi from Pingyao Ancient City costs about 30 yuan, but it may be difficult to find a taxi for the return trip. · Ticket Information: Tickets are 25 yuan. Opening hours are 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Holders of the Shanxi Cultural Tourism Annual Pass enjoy a half-price discount. 🗺️ 3-Day Tour Itinerary for Pingyao and Surrounding Areas 📌 Day 1: Zhen Guo Temple - Pingyao Ancient City (South Street and surrounding areas) · Morning: Visit Zhen Guo Temple, a thousand-year-old temple, and experience its unique historical and cultural atmosphere. Focus on visiting the Wanfo Hall to admire the architectural style of the Five Dynasties period and the precious cultural relics. · Afternoon: Return to Pingyao Ancient City and get off at the South Gate. Stroll along South Street, admire the bustling scene of the ancient street, and visit Yamen Street, Chenghuang Temple Street, and the small attractions along the street. Don't forget to watch the Pingyao Yamen performance to experience the majesty and mystery of the ancient Yamen. · Evening: Watch the large-scale live performance "Meet Pingyao Again" for an immersive experience of the historical and cultural charm of Pingyao Ancient City. 📌 Day 2: Shuanglin Temple - Pingyao Ancient City (North Street and surrounding areas) · Morning: Visit Shuanglin Temple, a treasure trove of art, and admire the exquisite painted sculptures and unique architectural style. · Afternoon: Return to Pingyao Ancient City and get off at the North Gate. Visit the attractions on North Street, East Street, West Street, and the surrounding small streets to experience the unique charm of the ancient city. 📌 Day 3: Zhaoyu Ancient City - Qiao Family Compound · Morning: Take a bus to Zhaoyu Ancient City and explore this ancient city full of historical charm, appreciating its unique architectural style and cultural heritage. · Afternoon: After visiting Zhaoyu Ancient City, take a bus to the Qiao Family Compound. Visit the buildings and exhibitions of the Qiao Family Compound to learn about the glorious history of Shanxi merchant culture. · Return Trip: After the tour, if returning to Pingyao, you can take the appropriate transportation. If going to Taiyuan or Jinzhong, you can arrange your itinerary according to your needs. Please note that there are more buses or ride-sharing options from the Qiao Family Compound back to Pingyao, while returning to Pingyao from Zhaoyu Ancient City requires taking a train, which is relatively more inconvenient. If you have luggage and need to return to Pingyao after visiting Zhaoyu Ancient City, it is recommended to visit Zhaoyu Ancient City first, as there is a direct bus from Zhaoyu Ancient City to the Qiao Family Compound. 💡 Travel Tips · Check the opening hours and performance times of each attraction in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. · Most of the roads in Pingyao Ancient City are paved with stone slabs, so comfortable shoes are recommended. · When visiting temples and ancient buildings, please follow the rules of the scenic area and protect the cultural relics. Zhen Guo Temple, Pingyao Ancient City, and the surrounding attractions are rich and diverse. A 3-day tour will allow you to fully appreciate the charm of Shanxi's ancient architecture and historical culture. Come and embark on this unique journey! 😉