Jinci: A Garden That Encapsulates the Essence of Jin Culture and Half of China's Architectural History

"If you haven't visited Jinci, you haven't truly been to Taiyuan." With curiosity and anticipation sparked by this saying, I embarked on a journey to Jinci. This trip turned out to be more than just a casual outing—it was a profound dialogue with history. What impressed me the most were the "Three Wonders of Jinci": the Zhou Cypress, the Nanlao Spring, and the Song Dynasty maid sculptures, as well as the "Three National Treasure Buildings": the Hall of the Holy Mother, the Offering Hall, and the Flying Bridge over the Fish Pond. Let’s start with the Zhou Cypress. This ancient tree, over 3,000 years old, stands quietly to the north of the Hall of the Holy Mother like a weathered elder who has witnessed the passage of time. Its branches twist and turn, some even leaning precariously, yet it continues to grow resiliently, as if narrating the millennia-old stories of Jinci. Northern Song Dynasty writer Ouyang Xiu once praised it with the words, "The land's spirit nourishes the vegetation, and the ancient cypress exudes a smoky aura." Seeing it in person, I finally understood the charm of its age and strength. Touching the rough bark of the Zhou Cypress, I felt as though I could sense the warmth of history. 🕘【Opening Hours】: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Be sure to enter before 5:30 PM. Note that the park requires real-name ticket purchases, so don't forget to bring your ID. 💴【Ticket Price】: Tickets are priced at 80 RMB per person. Students, seniors, military personnel, and other groups can enjoy discounts with valid identification. Student tickets are half-price, and seniors aged 60 and above can enter for free. ⛺【Activities】: To explore Jinci, following the central axis is a great option. After entering the park, start at the Water Mirror Stage to admire its exquisite architectural artistry. Then, cross the Huixian Bridge to reach the Golden Man Platform and observe the imposing iron statues up close. Continue past the Duiyue Archway and the Bell and Drum Towers to arrive at the Offering Hall, where you can appreciate the unique architectural style of the Jin Dynasty. Crossing the Flying Bridge over the Fish Pond brings you to the core attraction—the Hall of the Holy Mother—where you can marvel at the beauty of Song Dynasty sculptures and architecture. After visiting the Hall of the Holy Mother, head west to the ancient tree area to see the Zhou Cypress, and then to the Nanlao Spring to experience the charm of the clear waters. The entire tour takes about 2-3 hours. 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】: If you have ample time, consider spending a full day exploring Jinci. In the morning, visit the Jinci scenic area. For lunch, try authentic Shanxi cuisine at nearby restaurants, such as knife-cut noodles, fried pork, or "head soup." In the afternoon, you can visit the Tianlong Mountain Grottoes or the ancient Taiyuan County Town, both located near Jinci. The Tianlong Mountain Grottoes feature exquisitely carved Buddhist statues with high artistic value, while the ancient Taiyuan County Town, a filming location for "Full River Red," is rich in traditional charm and perfect for photography. 🧡【Preparation Tips】: The park's paths are mostly stone-paved and uneven, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers. If you plan to take photos in traditional style, consider bringing a set of Hanfu to complement the atmosphere of Jinci.