2025 Jiang County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

📍 Shanxi · Yuncheng · Jiangxian County 🔸On the small country road leading to Nanliu Taishan Temple, the ground is covered with hawthorn pits, and the air is filled with a sweet and sour scent. The temple sits on a raised platform in the countryside, consisting of a few simple ancient buildings and a dead old tree. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but the existing ancient buildings are relics from the Yuan to Qing dynasties. 🔸Inside the temple stands a thousand-year-old cypress tree, said to have been planted during the time of Confucius and known as the "Zhou Cypress." Due to accidental damage to its roots during past rural construction, the ancient cypress is no longer lush and green. It's a shame that this ancient cypress cannot be revived, but it still stands tall, guarding the ancient buildings. 🔸Today, we cannot verify why such a large-scale Taishan Temple was built here a thousand years ago. Perhaps in the long course of history, this place was once a flourishing center of worship, attracting countless believers. Now, we can only observe the companionship of the ancient tree and the old temple, quietly guarding this land. 🔸The power of gods comes from human faith. Without faith, they will only gradually weaken and eventually disappear. 🔸This place possesses a quiet beauty, yet also exudes a sense of everyday life. A thousand-year-old cypress, a few old temple buildings, vibrant plants on the ground, and hawthorns casually drying on the balcony. The smoke from the temple keeper's cooking fire adds a touch of life and vitality, creating a harmonious scene. The temple receives few tourists, mainly architecture enthusiasts who come to explore. If you have time, stay a while and quietly experience the inner peace. 🚗 Transportation: Chartering a car or driving yourself is recommended; parking is available at the entrance. ⏰ Opening hours: The gate was open when I visited, and I went straight in. As I was leaving, a friendly man on a bicycle asked where we were from; he might have been the cultural relic preservationist. He seemed happy to see visitors, as it meant that someone still came to explore the beauty of this ancient temple.

Legend has it that when Chenxiang in "The Lotus Lantern" split the mountain to save his mother, Mount Hua was split into two halves, one half is in Shaanxi, and the other half is in Jiangxian County, Shanxi. The half in Jiangxian County is called "East Huashan". Donghua Mountain faces south and north, and the sun is rarely seen at the foot of the mountain all year round, so it is also called "Taiyin Mountain". The most unique thing about Taiyin Temple is that it is built on the mountain, with its back to the south and facing the north, which is a yin direction, and the name of the temple is related to this. In addition, there are many strange things in Taiyin Temple. Facing north: It overturned the normal situation of temples facing south. The Great Hall: Other temples are called the Great Hall. Reclining Buddha statue: The proportions of the Buddha statue are a bit unbalanced, with a long waist and short legs. Is this the legendary beauty of deformation in art? don't know Buddha statues from the Jin Dynasty: The statues’ faces are distorted and crudely made, and they look like they were made later. But shouldn’t later sculptures have a completely new look? Flesh-and-blood statue of an eminent monk from the Yuan Dynasty: It is said to be a 1:1 life-size flesh-and-blood statue. Is there really flesh and blood in it? Why do I feel like he is just an ordinary statue? Color painting: Reclining Buddha from the Jin Dynasty, Donors from the Ming Dynasty

I found it! This homestay in Jiangxian County is gorgeous!😭 Friends, if you're traveling to Jiangxian County, I must recommend Yuehe Homestay! It's not just a place to stay, but a perfect base for an immersive experience of Jiangxian's charm📍 🏡Homestay Environment The overall style is simple and cozy, the rooms are clean and tidy, and the details are super thoughtful. The common area is arranged like a small garden, filled with local flowers. It's so relaxing to sit here, bathed in sunlight, sipping tea and chatting~ 🌟Attractions near the Homestay 1️⃣ Ziyun Temple: A short drive from the homestay🚗 This ancient temple has a long history and magnificent architecture. Standing in front of the temple, you can overlook the magnificent landscape, and your soul will be instantly purified. 2️⃣ Taiyin Temple: Here you can find the largest wooden reclining Buddha in China. The exquisite craftsmanship is amazing. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the temple offers a tranquil and serene environment, perfect for a relaxing stroll. 🍜Jiangxian County's Special Cuisine The homestay owner is super enthusiastic and recommended many local delicacies to us. "Chao Qi," a crispy and flavorful snack that gets more delicious with every bite, is said to be unique to Jiangxian County. There's also Jiangxian Big Plate Chicken, a generous portion of tender chicken and soft potatoes, served with smooth noodles. One bite is incredibly satisfying. The homestay can also help with ordering meals, so you can enjoy authentic cuisine without leaving the house~

1. Overview Destination: Taiyin Temple, Jiang County, Shanxi Province (free entry) Recommended duration: Half a day to one day Best season: All year round, spring and autumn are best 2. History Taiyin Temple, a thousand-year-old temple hidden in Jiang County, southern Shanxi, was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty. It has been repaired and expanded many times during the Tang, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and has become a treasure with profound historical and cultural heritage. In 2001, Taiyin Temple was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council, and its historical value and artistic charm are not to be underestimated. 3. Tour guide Main Hall highlights: The small Buddha altar and wooden shrine in the Main Hall of the Jin Dynasty, the reclining Buddha statue of Sakyamuni in the Buddha tent, and the seated statues of the three great Bodhisattvas of Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra above the Buddha tent. Highlights: If you look closely at the seated statues of the three great Bodhisattvas, you will find that their placement is quite peculiar, as if telling an ancient story. Bodhisattva Shuguang statue location: Right side of the Main Hall Highlights: This statue with a missing left hand is the famous "Bodhisattva Shuguang". To commemorate his outstanding contribution to the temple, the monks created this statue after his death. The statue is lifelike, like a wise and kind old man, quietly guarding the ancient temple. Bodhisattva head comparison tip: Although you can't see the real thing, you can compare the Bodhisattva head in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in the United States with the Bodhisattva statue in the Main Hall by consulting relevant materials or online pictures to feel its artistic charm across time and space. 4. Notes Please respect the religious customs and regulations in the temple, keep quiet, and do not make loud noises. Dress appropriately and avoid wearing overly revealing or inappropriate clothing. Pay attention to the protection of cultural relics and do not touch or climb any items in the temple. If you need to take photos, please follow the temple's photography regulations and do not use flash or tripods. 5. Nearby recommendations While visiting Taiyin Temple, you can also explore the surrounding natural scenery and cultural landscapes, such as nearby ancient towns and villages, to experience the unique cultural heritage and natural scenery of Jiang County. 6. Summary Taiyin Temple is not only an ancient building, but also a living history book. With its unique historical charm and profound cultural heritage, it attracts countless tourists to explore and savor. Here, you can feel the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients, as well as their endless pursuit of beauty. Why not take some time to embark on this journey through time and space!

|Discover the beauty of nature. Zijia Valley is located in the middle of Zhongtiao Mountain, 10 km from the county seat, and is famous for its red leaves in autumn. The vegetation covers an area of 3,247.45 hectares. The red-leaf trees, known locally as "Huanglu firewood," are scattered on the slopes and peaks of Zhongtiao Mountain. The western valley of Zijia Valley is very suitable for the growth and reproduction of these trees. The ridge peaks and valley bottoms are almost all their playgrounds. Zijia Valley is not only known for its beautiful mountains, but also its beautiful water. The Sushui River flows down from the depths of Zijia Valley, passing through Jiang County on the northwest foot of Zhongtiao Mountain, like a necklace around a girl's neck, making Jiang County look particularly beautiful and charming. The Zijia Valley Reservoir is like a golden lock on the necklace. It is golden and green, adding a touch of charm to Jiang County. Address: Village under the jurisdiction of Chencun Town, Jiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province

|Who is the protagonist being commended? The Nanfan Stone Archway was built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty more than 200 years ago. With its solid brick and stone structure, it has withstood the baptism of wind and rain and still stands tall. The stone archway consists of six pillars and five doors. On the top of the double-eaved hipped roof are stone plaques engraved with "Imperial Edict" and "Honor", which looks solemn and dignified. Each side of the archway is carved with exquisite reliefs, with lifelike animals, flowers and figures that are dazzling to the eyes. The male and female stone lions holding drum stones stand on both sides of the central gate, adding a bit of majesty. On the stone plaque in the middle of the archway are engraved the words "Chastity Archway for Lady Li, Wife of Jia Ningduan, Who Was Conferred the Title of Zhongxian Doctor". Li Gongren was the title given to the wife of a fourth-rank official in the Qing Dynasty, while Jia Ningduan was a fourth-rank Zhongxian Doctor who died in office. As Jia Ningduan's second wife, Li Gongren insisted on remaining a widow and raised her young son with great difficulty. Under the guidance and instruction of his grandmother, Mrs. Li, Jia Zongluo had good conduct and excellent academic performance. He passed the imperial examination and became a scholar in his 20s and was appointed as the Binle Branch of Shandong Salt Transport. When Emperor Jiaqing learned about this, he thought it was a model and ordered the construction of a chastity arch to commend Li Gongren's chastity. There is a pavilion next to the archway, which contains fifteen stone steles, all of which are classical Chinese hymns written by various literati in praise of Li Gong. The general idea is nothing more than praising her for being a widow well and her children and grandchildren are so promising. However, no one mentioned Li Gong's real name, either on the archway plaque or on the inscription, and they all called her Gongren. This makes people wonder, why did these men not mention Li Gong's real name when creating such a strong atmosphere of chastity and filial piety? Address: Xibao Village, Nanfan Town, Jiangxian County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Transportation: Take a taxi from Jiangxian People's Government of Yuncheng City to Nanfan Stone Archway and Pavilion, the journey is about 20.3 kilometers and takes about 37 minutes.

|Early architecture of southeast Shanxi. Located in Nanliu Village, Nanfan Town, Xinjiang, Yuncheng, this temple is like a bright pearl lying quietly in the dust of history. The exact date of construction of Nanliu Taishan Temple is unknown, but the main structures of the main hall, Houtu Hall, and Shengmu Hall are Yuan Dynasty buildings. The architectural layout of Nanliu Taishan Temple is relatively well-preserved, and the characteristics of the three main halls of the Yuan Dynasty are more prominent, providing physical evidence for the study of early architecture in southeast Shanxi. Nanliu Taishan Temple is built on a flat highland, and the architectural layout is well-preserved. Amazingly, there is a cypress tree over 1,700 years old on the south side of the temple, with lush branches and leaves, and the shadow of the tree swaying, forming a wonderful symbiotic picture of the tree and the temple. Address: About 1,000 meters southwest of Nanliu Village, Nanfan Town, Jiangxian County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Opening hours: Open all day, but you need to find a villager to get the key Tickets: Free!

|Zhou Family Merit Stele Tower. Qiaosi Stele Tower is a merit stele tower built by the Zhou family for Zhou Wanzhong, a senior official. The tower faces east, is rectangular, and has a single-eave hip roof with brick carvings of wooden brackets. The roof is decorated with traditional auspicious patterns, and the front of the tower has three couplets and five plaques. The first stele room has a preface. The first couplet: "The sea of blessings gathers all rivers, and the stars of virtue shine brightly." The second couplet: "The family rises with diligence and thrift, and the legacy is poetry and books." The third couplet: "The reputation is high, and the virtue is deep, and the people admire the fragrance." All are words of praise. The five plaques also quote classics and teach future generations to inherit the virtues of their ancestors. Overall, Qiaosi Stele Tower integrates architecture, brick carving, stone carving, and calligraphy art, and is well-preserved, with high historical and artistic value. Address: Qiaosi Village, Hengshui Town, Jiangxian County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Transportation: Drive from Jiangxian County Government, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province to Qiaosi Stele Tower, about 15.2 km, about 25 minutes.

|The Name "Dongfeng" The name "Dongfeng" can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and is related to Dong Hu, the Grand Historian of the State of Jin. According to the Zuo Zhuan, in the second year of Duke Xuan, Dong Hu, the Grand Historian of the State of Jin, was upright and incorruptible. He recorded the content of "Zhao Dun assassinated his monarch" in the Book of Rites, winning the praise of the world. Confucius called him the "good historian of ancient times" who "did not hide the law of writing." Later, the monarch of the State of Jin granted thousands of acres of fertile land to Dong Hu as a fief for him and his descendants. To commemorate this event, later generations called this village "Dongfeng." When you arrive at Dongfeng Village, you will see crisscrossing alleys. When you reach the center of the village, you will see an ancient building with long eaves extending out onto the road. The glazed tiles on the roof shine brightly in the warm winter sun, exuding an ancient charm. Like most ancient stages, Dongfeng Stage faces north. However, the south side faces the road, so passersby mostly see its tall and magnificent red walls. Entering the courtyard, you will see a majestic, simple, and elegant stage. It is 32 meters long from east to west, 38 meters wide from north to south, with a platform base 0.9 meters high. The stage has three rooms and four rafters, with a single-eave hip roof. It is said that the stage used to be even larger than it is now. Due to repairs and reinforcements over the years, there was originally a Qing Dynasty stage in front of this stage, but it was demolished because it was too old. Locals say that there are sound-enhancing clay jars buried under the three walls and the platform base. They mainly act as resonators to amplify or absorb sound. The ancients were so wise, and their understanding and use of sound were so ingenious. Address: Central Dongfeng Village, Anyu Town, Jiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Tickets: Free

Qiaosi Stele Tower is located on the side of the road. The entire building is tall and majestic, with exquisite composition, delicate lines, and exquisite carvings. It is a rare work of art that integrates architecture, brick carving, stone carving, and calligraphy art. Qiaosi Stele Tower was built in the 17th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty (1873) and is a merit stele tower built by the wealthy Zhou family for Zhou Wanzhong, a senior official. Historical background: Zhou Wanzhong was diligent and thrifty, versatile, and good at business. After becoming rich, he benefited the local people, donated public buildings, and was loved by the people. The single building faces north and south, with a stone platform of 17 meters long and a tower body of about 15 meters high. The tower body has six rooms, a single-eave hip roof, five stele rooms, and seven steles on the front. The preface was written by Qiao Jinfang, the top third scholar in the 15th year of Daoguang, and the nephew of the Zhou family. There are stone couplets and stone plaques between each room. The calligraphy level of the stele inscriptions is high. The upper part of the tower is decorated with imitation wooden dougong brick carvings on all four sides, with three-step single eaves and dragon-shaped heads. The brick and stone carvings include figures, animals, flowers, etc., and the overall preservation is relatively complete.

🌿 Exploring the Tranquil Ancient Temple - Taiyin Temple in Jiang County 🌿 🌄 Hidden in a corner of Jiang County, Shanxi Province, Taiyin Temple may not be well-known, but it holds national treasure-level secrets. Here, not only is there a long history, but also breathtaking wood carving art. 🏯 🕗 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 💸 Admission: Free 📍 Address: Zhangshang Village, Weizhuang Town, Jiang County, Shanxi Province 🏛️ Honor: Fifth batch of national protected units 🌟 Highlights: Single wood-carved reclining Buddha, Taiyin Temple stele 📜 Taiyin Temple, also known as the Reclining Buddha Temple, was first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and has undergone expansions and renovations during the Tang, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The main hall here is a relic from the Jin Dynasty, while other buildings are newly constructed in recent years. 🏺 The plaque inside the main hall, titled "Hall of Great Hero," has a unique writing style that is rare nationwide. The main hall is spacious, cleverly using the "reduced column method," making the space appear particularly open, supported only by four golden pillars behind the reclining Buddha. 🌈 The most dazzling treasure in the main hall is undoubtedly the largest single wood-carved reclining Buddha in the country. The reclining statue of Shakyamuni in Nirvana is 4 meters long, with a golden body shining brightly and flowing robes. Every detail of the Buddha statue is vividly lifelike, as if telling the Zen meaning of a thousand years. 🖼️ Inside the wooden shrine, there are also precious wooden panel murals from the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, depicting a mourning scene that makes one feel as if they have traveled through time, experiencing the sorrow and solemnity of that era. 😔 Unfortunately, the Jin Dynasty murals and colored sculptures inside the hall were stolen during the Republic of China period and lost to the Netherlands. The Buddha's head on the statue was also later repaired; although the craftsmanship is superb, it is ultimately not the original appearance. 📜 The "Stele of the Reconstruction of Taiyin Temple by the Master of the Carved Sutras" inside the temple is equally precious and closely related to the national treasure "Zhaocheng Jin Tripitaka" in the National Library. The stele records the carving and printing process of the "Zhaocheng Jin Tripitaka," which is important material for studying the Song Dynasty woodblock printed Chinese Tripitaka. 👨‍🦲 The statue of Monk Fashu beside the reclining Buddha is extremely realistic, as if a high monk is sitting on an ancient chair, waiting for visitors through the millennia. 🏞️ Taiyin Temple, a niche and mysterious place, awaits every history lover to explore. Here, every step is a journey through time, and every glance is a discovery.

A single-eave hanging mountain top, Cylindrical tile roof, Receiving the low hum from the sky. Loneliness, a million kinds of loneliness, It is the Nanliu Taishan Temple. No walls, No mountain gate, Empty and vast. It is the symbol of all wandering, seeking, and homesickness, Yet stubbornly hangs between time and eternity. ♥️ A visit is not easy, only accessible by self-driving. Hard to find. Directly navigate to Nanliu Village, ask locals, cross the fields, by the crops drying on the roadside (because really few people walk this road). You can fly a drone, it's super beautiful from high above, with a strong sense of fate.

When we arrived at the Nanfan Stone Archway, it was already dark. A local vehicle happened to arrive at the same time, and I heard people telling their friends how they played here when they were young. Later, the head of the turtle carrying the monument was cut off and disappeared. Another person pointed out a missing corner. I was so stunned that I forgot to take pictures. After they left, I hurried to take pictures. It was getting darker and the archway was barely visible. The stone tablet was photographed with a lot of noise. This was taken with another phone as the light To be honest, it is still very beautiful and worth seeing. Right in the middle of the street, vehicles can actually pass under the archway. It is so carelessly protected... I didn't realize until I arrived in Yuncheng that Shanxi really has no shortage of them. It feels like they can't even get a place in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Also, there are so many national treasures to visit in Yuncheng. This trip made me so tired! Returned one day early - watched 1/2 of the original plan It’s so beautiful that I don’t want to leave! I can't walk at all. The main reason is that I was too greedy and didn't want to give up anything, although I gave up a lot of things in the end. I kept thinking along the way: Making a travel guide is something I can do with ease, but Yuncheng stumped me. I read it until 2:30 in the morning on the night before departure and even drew a map. Even so, the plan was not perfect. I can only say that empiricism kills people...and it also directly leads to the possibility that I may have to make another trip in the future? Some small reminders 1️⃣ Direct navigation to arrive 2️⃣The road to turn in is very narrow. If there are no vehicles, you can actually drive to the front of the archway. There is an open space that can park two cars.

Taiyin Temple, it is said to be named for its south-facing north or for its exclusive use by noble women. Although it is located in a remote location and the temple is not large, it has a rare treasure in the country! ⏰: 8:00-18:00 💰: Free 🏛: Zhangshang Village, Weizhuang Town, Jiang County, Shanxi Province, 📍: The fifth batch of national protection units 🌟: Wood-carved reclining Buddha Taiyin Temple stele Taiyin Temple, commonly known as the Reclining Buddha Temple, was established during the Northern Wei Dynasty, expanded during the Tang Dynasty, rebuilt the main hall during the Jin Dynasty, and was repaired during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. At present, only the main hall is a relic of the Jin Dynasty, and the rest are newly built. The plaque of the main hall is huge, named 'Hall of the Great Hero', which is different from the writing of the Hall of the Great Hero in other places, which is rare in the country. The main hall is five bays wide and six beams deep, with a single eave and a hanging mountain top. The interior uses the 'column reduction method', and almost no columns can be seen in the entire main hall, only four golden columns are left behind the reclining Buddha. The highlight of the entire temple, and the largest single-wood carved reclining Buddha in the country, is in the Buddha's tent in the main hall. The reclining Buddha is 4 meters long, a single-wood golden body Sakyamuni Nirvana reclining statue, wearing a kasaya, with a dignified shape and a peaceful expression. The bun on the Buddha's head is clearly visible; the face is square and round, and the eyes are like 'pretending to sleep' and 'meditating', half-open and half-closed. The right hand is curved up, gently supporting the right cheek, the head is slightly raised, looking at the sky at a 45-degree angle. His left hand seems to be gently lifting the sleeve, and it seems to be lightly placed on the leg, which is very natural. In addition, a group of precious wooden panel murals painted during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty are well preserved in the wooden carved shrine, depicting a mourning scene, which is very rare. There were originally Jin Dynasty murals and colored sculptures in the hall, but unfortunately they were stolen and sold to the Netherlands during the Republic of China. Only the body of the Buddha statue is original, and the Buddha's head is repaired during the Republic of China, which is really not flattering. The 'Taiyin Temple Stele of the Main Reconstruction of the Carved Sutra' in the temple is also a treasure. It is related to the treasure of the National Library, the 'Zhaocheng Gold Collection'. The inscription records in detail the origin, initiator, engraving place and some incidents during the engraving process of the 'Zhaocheng Gold Collection'. The 'Zhaocheng Gold Collection' is a large-scale sutra collection engraved and printed based on the format of the first Song Dynasty woodcut version of the Chinese Tripitaka 'Kaibao Zang'. Because it was engraved during the Jin Dynasty and found in Guangsheng Temple, Zhaocheng County, Shanxi Province (now Hongdong County, Linfen), it was named 'Zhaocheng Gold Collection'. The statue of Monk Fashu next to the reclining Buddha is quite realistic, just like a real person. The chair he sits on is of an earlier age and is very rare.

'Enjoy the folk customs of Jin, and the winter fun of Shanxi' Time favors Shanxi Shanxi favors lovers of ancient architecture. Here, treasures are everywhere Always bring unexpected joy The beauty of Shanxi's ancient architecture not only stays On those relics known to the world, but also scattered in the streets and alleys hidden in the fields and villages Especially those sporadic archways and arches in the villages, there are simply too many to see Nanfan Stone Archway Qing Dynasty filial piety archway Located in Xibao Village, Nanfan Town, Jiang County, Yuncheng, it is composed of an archway and a stele building The archway is made of stone imitation wood structure, the whole body is made of bluestone, up to ten meters high, six pillars and five doors, double eaves and palace roof Ridge decoration, tile decoration using wooden structure carving from the base to the top Decorated with beasts, flowers and characters and other stone carvings If you go in and take a closer look, you will be surprised to find The lion and the characters are carved 'alive', and the stone carving craftsmanship is evident Yangwu Zhu's Archway Built in the late Qing Dynasty Located in Yangwu Village, Yuanping City, the archway is four pillars and three floors The front is decorated with four life-size strong men, vivid and lifelike The main body is supported by four Overlord pillars, and the two Overlord pillars in the middle Connected by carved two dragons playing with pearls, placed on the top of the eaves The top of the column is carved with flowers, grass, characters, etc. The majestic archway is full of ancient patterns, and the carving is superb. Just one glance is unforgettable Quwo Mother's Tower The Mother's Tower is located in Quwo County, with the same shape on all four sides, so it is also called 'Four Archways' The structure of this building is peculiar, and the shape is beautiful. Each side protrudes from the middle to hold the whole archway The glazed carving is colorful, and the wood carving skill is pure No wonder After four hundred years of devastation It still stands in a corner of the county today When you come to Shanxi, you will be amazed There are cultural relics everywhere here But no one is in charge, few people know they are not attractions they do not charge It has nothing to do with the wind and the moon, but it is in it and becomes a local person It's a must for people to come and go This sense of vicissitudes that has not been completely immersed in modernity is the unique beauty of Shanxi Those ancient architectural gems left in the countryside tell the past that has stayed and also witness the prosperity of today. The meaning of ancient architecture is probably so