[2025 Taiyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Tianlongshan Caves (Updated Mar)

Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum Travel Guide 1⃣ Museum Overview The Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum, located in Wangjiafeng Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, is the first museum in China built on the original site of the Northern Qi Dynasty tomb of Xu Xianxiu, specifically dedicated to murals. Covering an area of 20,000 square meters with a building area of 5,355 square meters, the museum showcases the mural art and historical culture of the Northern Qi Dynasty, serving as an essential window into understanding the culture of that period. 2⃣ Opening Hours and Ticket Information 📆Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00—17:00 (last entry at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except national holidays). Tickets: Free, but advance booking is required through the official WeChat public account. A real-name, timed-entry reservation system is in place. 3⃣ Transportation Guide 🚎Bus Routes: Several bus routes, including No. 70, 822, and 813, can take you to the museum. 🚗Self-driving: The museum is located in Wangjiafeng Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, approximately a 30-minute drive from the city center. 4⃣ Exhibition Highlights Hall 1, "Splendor of the Other Capital": Centered around the murals from the tomb of Xu Xianxiu, this hall showcases the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Hall 2, "A Thousand Years at a Glance": Utilizing 3D projection, virtual reality, and other technologies, this hall offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the Northern Qi Dynasty. Hall 3, "Simple Elegance": This hall focuses on displaying Northern Dynasty murals unearthed within Shanxi Province, such as the camel caravan and horse herding scenes from the tomb of Lou Rui. 5⃣ Interactive Experiences and Special Activities Interactive Programs: Visitors can participate in activities such as mural copying and simulated relic restoration, enhancing their understanding of mural art. VR Experience: Put on 4K resolution VR glasses and experience a "tomb roaming" adventure, immersing yourself in the life of Northern Qi Dynasty nobility. 6⃣ Recommended Nearby Attractions Tianlongshan Grottoes: Located approximately 11 km from the museum, these grottoes are renowned for their stone carvings, showcasing artistic styles from the Eastern Wei to the Five Dynasties period. Jin Temple: The oldest existing royal garden in China, housing precious cultural relics such as the "Three Treasures of Jin Temple." A visit of 2–3 hours is recommended. Shanxi Noodle Museum: Learn about Shanxi noodle culture and experience traditional noodle-making techniques. 7⃣ Important Notes‼️ ✔️Book in Advance: Be sure to book your visit in advance to avoid being unable to enter the museum. ✔️Bring ID: Please bring your original ID card. Visitors over 60 years old are exempt from the reservation requirement. ✔️Visiting Time: It is recommended to allow 2–3 hours to fully experience the museum's exhibitions and interactive programs.

Itinerary Overview: * **Day 1: Taiyuan Exploration**—Jinci Temple, Tianlongshan Grottoes. * **Day 2: Dai County Ancient Charm**—Ayuwang Pagoda, Bianjing Tower, Confucian Temple, Yanmenguan Pass. * **Day 3: Ancient City Tour**—Taiyuan to Pingyao, Zhenguo Temple, Pingyao Ancient City, Tianyuankui Hotel, Shuanglin Temple, overnight in Xixian County. * **Day 4: Linfen Impressions**—Xiaoxitian, Guangsheng Temple, overnight in Changzi County. * **Day 5: Changzhi Scenery**—Chongqing Temple, Faxing Temple, Yuhuang Temple in Zezhou County, overnight in Changzhi. * **Day 6: Return Journey**—Visit Guanyin Temple, end of a pleasant trip. Travel Tips: 1. **Transportation Advice:** Shanxi's attractions are widely distributed, so self-driving or chartering a car is recommended, as public transportation is inconvenient. 2. **Winter Skincare:** Shanxi is dry in winter, so remember to moisturize and bring a thermos to replenish hot water at any time. 3. **Photography Tips:** Most indoor attractions prohibit the use of selfie sticks and flash. **Attraction Details: **✅Jinci Museum:** * The Water Mirror Platform from Journey to the West, the prototype of the Land Temple where Sun Wukong transformed. * The Golden Man Platform, with four majestic iron statues standing tall. * The Sacrificial Hall, an ancient "big refrigerator" showcasing the wisdom of the ancients. * The Fish Pond Flying Bridge, China's earliest overpass. * The Holy Mother Hall, with lifelike wooden dragon carvings and maid statues. * The ancient dragon cypress tree, witnessing the vicissitudes of history. * The Nanlao Spring, with its water telling stories of the past and present. **✅Tianlongshan Grottoes:** * One of the most severely damaged grottoes in China, with 25 existing caves and over 1,500 statues, none of which are complete. * **Combo Ticket Tip:** Purchase a combo ticket for Jinci Temple and Tianlongshan Grottoes to visit both places in one day. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 110/2 attractions **✅Dai County:** * The only "living" ancient city, just 1 hour by high-speed train from Taiyuan, a great choice for a day trip. **✅Zhenguo Temple:** * The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas houses 11 mysterious and solemn colored sculptures of Buddha from the Five Dynasties period. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 23/person **✅Pingyao Ancient City:** * Tianyuankui Hotel, an old brand lunch experience. * Stroll through the ancient city and taste the special hollow mooncakes. **✅Shuanglin Temple:** * A treasure trove of Eastern colored sculpture art, with over 2,000 colored sculptures that are breathtaking. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 33/person **✅Xiaoxitian:** * The Mahavira Hall covers an area of 169.6 square meters and houses over 1,000 Buddha statues. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 35/person **✅Guangsheng Temple:** * The Upper Temple's Feihong Glazed Pagoda, China's most exquisite glazed pagoda. * The Lower Temple's Water God Temple, with exquisite Yuan Dynasty murals. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 70/person **✅Chongqing Temple:** * An important part of the Ziyun Mountain Scenic Area. * The Thousand Buddha Hall, Great Earth Hall, and Dizang Hall are arranged in sequence. * The 18 Arhats in the hall are known as the "Crown of Song Dynasty Sculptures." * Try the award-winning chef's Changzi fried pancakes at the scenic area entrance. * Chongqing Temple is adjacent to Faxing Temple and can be visited together. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 25/person **✅Yuhuang Temple:** * The inspiration for characters in Black Myth: Wukong, with mysterious and unpredictable colored sculptures of 28 constellations. **✅Guanyin Temple:** * An ancient temple with over 400 years of history, with over 500 colored and hanging sculptures. * **Ticket Price:** CNY 10/person Shanxi, a province full of history and culture, awaits every adventurer. How can you appreciate its charm without a guide? This 6-day travel guide will help you explore Shanxi without regrets!

What a wonderful fate it was to climb Tianlong Mountain on the same day that Jinci Tianlong Mountain Tourist Scenic Area in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province was rated as a national 5A-level scenic spot. Due to time constraints, we chose to visit the Tianlong Mountain Museum from top to bottom. The first thing we visited were the grottoes on the East Peak and the West Peak. Most of the Buddha head statues were destroyed. When we saw a dilapidated cave, we felt very complicated. There is regret for the loss of civilization and hatred for the invaders. At Dongfeng, the security guard was very enthusiastic in explaining to us, and also suggested that we go to the museum to see the Buddha head that was featured on CCTV. Climbing the stairs all the way down, I happened to enjoy the slightly drunken sunset and saw the bright moonlight. It is recommended to come in the morning, first see the Royal Garden Jinci, then climb Tianlong Mountain, and then go around to visit the Liuzhi Valley Scenic Area. It will take a day to play seriously.

🏞️Taiyuan Tianlong Mountain, Stone Grottoes, and Internet-famous Bridge Day Tour! Attraction Address: Near Tianlong Mountain Road, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan, Shanxi Booking Tips: We recommend booking tickets in advance via the official website or a travel platform to avoid queuing on-site. Transportation Tips: • Self-driving: From downtown Taiyuan, drive along Binhe West Road to Jinci Road, then turn onto Tianlong Mountain Road to reach the destination. • Public transportation: Take a bus to Jinci Station, then transfer to the Tianlong Mountain Special Line to reach the scenic area. Attraction Highlights: • Tianlong Mountain Stone Grottoes: With a long history and exquisite carvings, the grottoes are valuable resources for studying ancient Chinese art. • Internet-famous Bridge: A new internet-famous spot on Tianlong Mountain, the bridge features a unique design and stunning views, making it a great place for photos. • Natural Scenery: Tianlong Mountain boasts beautiful natural scenery, steep mountains, and lush vegetation, making it a great place for hiking and sightseeing. Ticket Information: • Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area tickets are reasonably priced and include multiple attractions such as the stone grottoes and internet-famous bridge. • Special groups (such as seniors and students) may be eligible for discounted tickets. Please check in advance. Scenic Area Opening Hours: • Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area is generally open all year round, but specific opening hours may vary due to seasonal and weather changes. • We recommend checking the scenic area announcements in advance for the latest opening hours. Travel Tips: • Pay attention to safety when hiking, wear comfortable shoes, and bring enough water and food. • Keep quiet when visiting the stone grottoes, and do not touch or damage the cultural relics. • Pay attention to safety when taking photos on the internet-famous bridge, and do not crowd or climb the railings. Come to Taiyuan Tianlong Mountain and experience the ancient charm of the stone grottoes and the fashionable style of the internet-famous bridge! 🏞️🏰📸

Tianlongshan, originally called Fangshan, was the summer palace of Grand Chancellor Gao Huan of the Eastern Wei Dynasty. In the first year of the Northern Qi Dynasty (560), Emperor Xiaozhao Gao Yan built Tianlong Temple, and the mountain was named after the temple. The mountain is known for its peaks, pine and cypress trees, streams, and temples, making it a famous mountain in Jinyang. From the top of the mountain, the first thing you see is the summer palace of Gao Huan. The pavilions are rebuilt on the site, and you can enjoy a distant view. The pavilions are empty, and you can read Zhu Yizun's poem about his time in Taiyuan. From Bailong Temple, you enter the grotto area, which is located on the southern slopes of the east and west peaks, with a total of 25 caves stretching about 500 meters. The caves are numbered from east to west, with 8 caves on the east peak, numbered 1 to 8. There are also 4 unnumbered caves above caves 2 to 5, so there are actually 12 caves on the east peak. There are 13 caves on the west peak, numbered 9 to 21. Caves 9 and 13 are cliff niches. The caves generally face north to south, with caves 19 and 20 facing west. Tianlongshan Grottoes Theft and weathering are very serious. Since the "rediscovery" of the Tianlongshan Grottoes by the Japanese in 1918, large-scale theft has been rampant, and most of the statues have been transported overseas, leaving almost no complete statues. Based on the photos in the 1922 book "Tianlongshan Grottoes" by Taijiro Sotomura, and the survey photos of Zhen Guan and Longren Xi, we have made a brief record of the east and west peak grottoes.

Shanxi Tour - Taiyuan Day 1 Check in at Taiyuan Nan Zhonghuan Intercity Hotel (very satisfied) at noon. The front desk upgraded us to a deluxe double room, which was very large. In the afternoon, we took our child for a nap and left for the Coal Museum at 3 pm. We had to queue up at the entrance to make an appointment for a guide, which cost CNY10 per person. Everyone had to make an appointment, and no one could enter alone. This museum mainly introduces the formation of coal, and there is a 4D short film that you can experience. Then you can go down the mine and let your child experience the environment and mining equipment of the coal mine. PS: There is a "Jinhuagong Underground Adventure" near Yungang Grottoes. Friends who have been there said it was also amazing, so if you haven't arranged a Taiyuan itinerary, you can consider going to Datong. In the evening, we went to Zhonglou Street. Taiyuan really invested a lot in Mayday, and their presence was felt everywhere on Zhonglou Street. I personally think Zhonglou Street is better than Wuhan's Jianghan Road. The architecture is more distinctive, and there are a lot of "Jinli" cultural and creative products. Day 2 It rained all day. We were originally going to Tianlongshan Grottoes in the morning and then to Jinci. As the rain didn't stop, we finally couldn'

🌈Dear friends, today I must share with you my wonderful journey to Tianlong Mountain! 🎄Tianlong Mountain, like a hidden gem in the world, is located in . 🏯Stepping into the mountain, the ancient temple buildings are scattered in an orderly manner, exuding a strong historical atmosphere. The traces of time have left mottled marks on the walls, as if telling stories of the past. 🌄Climbing to the top of the mountain, looking into the distance, the continuous mountains and rolling sea of clouds present a magnificent scenery that makes one marvel at the craftsmanship of nature. 🌸The flowers, plants, and trees in the mountains change colors with the seasons, each season having its unique charm. The sea of flowers in spring, the lush greenery in summer, the colorful hues in autumn, and the silver attire in winter—all bring surprises no matter when you visit. 🐒There are also those cute little animals frolicking in the forest, adding vitality and vigor to the mountain. 📸Tianlong Mountain is really perfect for photography. Whether taking pictures with ancient buildings or using natural scenery as a background, every shot can be stunning. 💖This place is not only a spot for physical relaxation but also a sanctuary for the soul.

Tianlongshan Grottoes are located in Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City. They were first excavated during the Northern Wei Dynasty and currently have 25 caves, which are distributed along the cliffs of the east and west peaks. The superb carving techniques of Tianlongshan Grottoes, the distinctive front porch and back chamber caves, especially the round sculptures, combine the elegance of Indian 🇮🇳 Buddha statues with the inherent fresh rhythm 🎶 and lines of traditional Chinese 🇨🇳 carving. They have had a profound impact on Chinese 🇨🇳 Buddhist statues! However, due to wars or theft, most of the cave heads in Tianlongshan Grottoes have been almost completely stolen, and some exquisite statues have even been entirely stolen and transported abroad. In 2001, it was announced by the State Council as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units! In February 2021, a stolen Buddha head returned after a hundred years, attracting global 🌍 attention! In 2023, it was successfully selected as one of the first 32 cultural memory projects in Shanxi Province! It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot!

During my trip in Shanxi, after visiting Jinci, my friend took us to the Tianlongshan Grottoes. Before that, I had never heard of or even knew about these grottoes, assuming it was just an ordinary tourist attraction. But to my surprise, it was far from ordinary. After listening to the introduction, I learned that the Tianlongshan Grottoes were carved during the Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang dynasties, with a history of nearly 1500 years. Between the east and west peaks, there are 25 caves, with more than 500 statues, and over 1000 pieces of reliefs, caisson ceilings, and murals... The carving techniques of the Tianlongshan Grottoes are skillful, the expressions are delicate, and they possess distinct characteristics of the times and a rich sense of life. They hold a high artistic value and occupy an important position in the history of grottoes in China and the world. 💢The largest and most unmissable grotto is the ninth one—Mantian Pavilion. A grand wooden pavilion is built above the cave to protect the stone carvings. Inside the cave, the Maitreya Buddha, the eleven-faced Avalokitesvara, the Samantabhadra Bodhisattva riding an elephant, and the Manjushri Bodhisattva riding a lion are all very spectacular. However, due to theft, weathering, and other factors, the damage and loss to the Tianlongshan Grottoes are extremely severe. The sight of the broken and fragmented statues is heartbreaking 😭. I hope there will be strengthened protection for the grottoes, and that the Buddha heads and bodies that have been lost overseas will soon return. 📍Address: Tianlongshan, Jinci Town, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province.