[2025 Handan Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiangtangshan Caves (Updated May)

The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located in Handan, Hebei, in Fengfeng Mining District, one of the most adorable place names in China. · The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are divided into North and South. Northern Xiangtangshan engraves the grand Buddhist scenes with a royal demeanor, while Southern Xiangtangshan interprets folk beliefs with ingenuity. · The North and South are 15 km apart, but they are like temporal and spatial twin flowers, jointly building the "Northern Qi Model" of Chinese grotto art. --------------- ✨Northern Xiangtangshan · 📍 Address: Xiangtangshan Scenic Area, Hecun Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:00–17:30 (ticket sales stop at 16:30) 🎫 Ticket Price: CNY 60 (CNY 100 for a combo ticket including the shuttle bus) --------------- ✨Highlights · 1️⃣Digital Display Center of Northern Xiangtangshan Digital technology gives new life to Buddhist statues. Here, you can not only see the Buddhist statues that are still at home, but also the statues that are scattered overseas. In the exhibition hall, there is a Northern Qi statue with an "Oriental Smile," which attracts many tourists to take photos. · In order to reproduce the "former glory" of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes a thousand years ago, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes Digital Display Center uses imaging technology to digitally restore the grotto statues, allowing the traditional grotto art to regain its brilliance. · Under many restored Buddhist statues, there are introductory signs thanking foreign XXX museums for providing digital data. These words are always touching. This sad past is certainly sad, but what is even more gratifying is that they are still there. · 2️⃣Great Buddha Cave The core cave is the Great Buddha Cave, the main royal cave of the Northern Qi Dynasty. The central pillar has niches on three sides. The main Buddha, Sakyamuni, has a full face and a smile. Even if partially damaged, the charm remains undiminished, and it is known as the "No. 1 Buddha of the Northern Qi Dynasty." The pagoda-shaped niches on the cave walls and the religious paintings on the base are in the style of Han Dynasty stone carvings, simple and heavy. · 3️⃣Sakyamuni Cave In the Sakyamuni Cave, the flying apsaras on the top of the cave flutter their sleeves, holding the konghou and pipa. The sound of the millennium is frozen on the stone wall. · 4️⃣Sutra Cave The corridors of the Sutra Cave are covered with the Vimalakirti Sutra. The "swallowtail brushstrokes" transitioning from official script to regular script are like swords unsheathed, a "stone library" in the history of calligraphy. · After visiting the Sutra Cave, it is the way down the mountain. The ridges in the distance are rugged, and new leaves cover the hillside. It is another year of spring. Cold and heat come and go, winter goes and spring comes, this mountain accompanies these grottoes year after year. · The grottoes are silent, but there is an echo. From the royal majesty of Northern Xiangtang to the folk fireworks of Southern Xiangtang, Xiangtangshan uses 16 grottoes and 5,000 statues to seal the Buddha's light and ingenuity of the Northern Qi Dynasty for thousands of years. When you lightly touch the cool rock wall with your fingertips, you seem to hear the sound of Sanskrit echoing in your ears—that is the roar of chisels and rocks colliding 1,500 years ago, the rustling sound of the Northern Qi craftsmen's carving knives, and the password that history has left for today.

The Xiangtangshan Grottoes, a treasure trove of Buddhist art located in Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province, is not only an important symbol in the development history of Chinese grotto art, but also a perfect embodiment of the top aesthetics of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Here, you can see the most precious historical, cultural, and artistic relics of the Northern Qi Dynasty and feel the unique pursuit and profound understanding of beauty in that era. ✅ ⏰Opening hours: 8:00–18:00 (ticket sales stop at the scenic area entrance at 17:00, and at the grotto area at 17:30) 📣We recommend booking a guided tour. The grotto area tour costs CNY 300. 🚶Recommended route: Tour from north to south: Sui Dynasty Buddha Cave → Civil Official Cave → Great Buddha Cave (must-see!) → Song Dynasty Cave → Guandi Cave → Sakyamuni Cave (must-see!) → Guanyin Hall → Stage Area → Sutra Carving Cave (must-see!) → Daye Cave → Double Buddha Cave • It is about 1.5 km (approx. 40–50 mins) to walk 🚶🏻‍♂️ from the mountain gate to the grotto area. • It is about 700 steps up the mountain along the walking trail 🚶🏻‍♂️ (approx. 30–40 mins). • After taking the sightseeing bus 🚌 to the platform on the mountain, it is another 200+ steps (approx. 8 mins). Attractions worth seeing: North Xiangtang • Great Buddha Cave: The most famous and largest cave in North Xiangtang, it was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty. The main statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in the cave is 3.5m high, sitting cross-legged in a curtain-shaped niche, wearing a double-shouldered cassock, with sparse and unrestrained clothing patterns, a round and broad body, a full face, a high nose and long eyes, and a smile on his face. The overall shape is thick and powerful, which is very different from the "praising clothes and belts, thin bones and clear appearance" style of the Northern Wei Dynasty. • Sutra Carving Cave: It pioneered the engraving of Buddhist scriptures in China and is the source of Chinese Buddhist engraving culture. The eight-sided cliff walls in the cave are engraved with four classics, divided into inch-sized characters, totaling tens of thousands of words. Although it has been eroded by wind and rain, it is still difficult to hide its charm. • Changle Temple and Changle Pagoda: Located in the front mountain area of North Xiangtang Mountain, Changle Pagoda is an ancient pagoda of the Song Dynasty, simple and elegant. The headless Buddha statue behind the pagoda is also very distinctive. • Xiangtang Temple: Although newly built, it is magnificent, and there are masters from Mount Wutai inside. South Xiangtang • Huayan Cave: It contains precious ancient stone carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra, which are important materials for studying Buddhist culture. • Thousand Buddha Cave: It is named for the many Buddha statues in the cave. Its exterior facade is a imitation wood structure. The most beautiful is its lotus caisson ceiling, with eight flying celestial musicians, two in a group, holding musical instruments such as the Konghou, Shengqin, transverse flute, and Pipa.

If this is your first trip to Handan, be sure to save this itinerary. A local Handan resident's summary of the best Handan routes (no tourist traps). Perfect for a historical and cultural trip with parents and children. One-stop exploration of Handan, the millennial capital of the Zhao Kingdom… · 𝓓𝓪𝔂❶ Northern Dynasties Archeological Museum - Kaihe Wharf 🕘 Northern Dynasties Archeological Museum Address: Northwest side of the intersection of Hexie Avenue and 107 National Highway 🐫｜Cixian was historically the imperial mausoleum area for emperors, generals, royalty, and nobles during the Eastern Wei and Northern Qi dynasties of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, with as many as 134 Northern Dynasty tombs. In recent years, a large number of precious cultural relics such as pottery figurines, murals, porcelain, and gold and silver wares have been unearthed in Cixian. - 🕐 Kaihe Wharf Address: Northeast of Ruyi Lake, Cixian 🏮｜Kaihe Wharf can be called the "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" on the Fuyang River. The streets along the river have various snack shops, handicraft workshops, restaurants, shops, and more. At night, the wharf is brightly lit, instantly transporting you back to the Song Dynasty. · 𝓓𝓪𝔂❷｜ Cizhou Ink Garden Address: 50 meters southeast of the intersection of Binhu Road and Fenghuang Road, Cixian Tickets: CNY 60 for adults, free for children under 1.4m 🌲｜Although the Ink Garden borrows from the design style of Jiangnan gardens, it does not appear rough or commercial. A careful tour of the garden will take about a day. The "Cizhou Kiln Museum" hidden in the garden also offers performances. · 𝓓𝓪𝔂❸｜ Xiangtangshan Grottoes Address: Xiangtangshan, Hecun Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City Tickets: CNY 60/person (half price for children) 📿｜A must-visit in Handan, a treasure trove of Buddhist art. There are 16 existing grottoes, more than 450 cliff statues, more than 5,000 large and small statues, and a large number of engraved scriptures and inscriptions. · 𝓓𝓪𝔂❸｜Handan Museum - Huiche Lane 🕘 Handan Museum Address: No. 399, East Section of Renmin Road, Congtai District, Handan City Tickets: Free Hours: 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays ⚱️｜Focus on visiting "Gandan Fenghua" to understand the development history of Handan from ancient times to the present; "Handan Ancient Stone Carving Art Exhibition," "The Square and Round World - Chinese Ancient Coin Exhibition," "Cizhou Kiln Porcelain Exhibition," etc., to admire exquisite stone carvings, coins, porcelain and other cultural relics. - 🕑 Huiche Lane Address: No. 4, Jia 12, Chengnai Middle Street, Congtai District, Handan City 🏯｜In Huiche Lane, you can visit the Lin Xiangru Huiche Lane Monument, experience the historical allusion of "Generals and Ministers United in Harmony," admire the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and pick out some souvenirs with Handan characteristics in the small shops in the lane. · 👍🏻Handan Eating, Drinking, and Shopping Guide ‼️Search for 🔍Handan Street Food Guide on the homepage for Handan cuisine ❶ Recommended Handan specialty restaurants: Xiaofang Niu, Yanbei Youmian Village ❷ Specialty breakfast: Guo Ba Huoshao, Xuebu Bridge Tofu Soup ❸ Must-visit night markets: Handan Road, Chengnan Night Market, Xuebu Bridge Snack Street

Travel Back 1,400 Years: A 4-Day Northern Qi Art Journey with Great Food from Handan to Anyang Hey everyone! I just traveled from Handan to Anyang, immersing myself in the fascinating art of the Northern Qi Dynasty over 4 days, enjoying tons of delicious food and comfortable accommodations. Let me share my experience with you! 🎈Itinerary Day 1: Handan Museum (featuring precious cultural relics and rich history) ➞ South and North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes (South Xiangtang has 3 original Northern Qi head sculptures, North Xiangtang is rumored to be Gao Huan's tomb and features the "Oriental Venus" reclining Bodhisattva statue) ➞ Fengfeng Museum Day 2: Northern Dynasty Archaeological Museum (exhibits related to Emperor Gao Yang's tomb and Northern Qi Buddhist statues) ➞ Ye City Archaeological Museum ➞ Anyang Museum (Qu Qing and his wife's tomb with exquisite relief stone coffins, and the romantic epitaph "The stars don't shine at dawn, but years bring eternal spring") Day 3: Xiuding Temple Pagoda (lifelike glazed reliefs, truly deserving the title "China's First Magnificent Pagoda") ➞ Tianning Temple Wenfeng Pagoda (Five Dynasties architecture with a unique umbrella-shaped body and intricate brick carvings) ➞ Chinese Character Museum Day 4: Yinxu Museum (artifacts that pushed Chinese history back over 3,300 years, with numerous oracle bone inscriptions and bronze vessels) ➞ Yinxu Archaeological Site 🍱Food Experiences In Handan, you must try the donkey meat wrapped in pancakes 🥞. The freshly made thin pancakes are fragrant and soft, wrapped around flavorful braised donkey meat and green peppers—so satisfying! Also try Wuan pulled noodles, which have a great chewy texture and come with rich broth and toppings that will fill you up. In Anyang, don't miss Daokou Roast Chicken 🐔, with its tender, fall-off-the-bone meat and rich flavor. The Bianfen vegetable dish is also excellent—a big bowl of vermicelli noodles, tofu, and vegetables in a special broth that's especially comforting. 🏠Accommodation In Handan, I stayed at a guesthouse near the city center with distinctive traditional decor, a small balcony overlooking the street, and convenient access to late-night snacks. In Anyang, I chose a hotel close to the Yinxu Museum that was clean and tidy with attentive service—perfect for a good night's rest 🛏 after a day of exploration. 📸Sightseeing Tips 1. This route focuses on Northern Qi Dynasty sites, but both Handan and Anyang have many other attractions worth visiting if you have extra time. 2. All these destinations are accessible by public transportation, so check routes in advance. 3. If time permits, I strongly recommend visiting the Northern Qi Lingquan Temple and Xiaonanhai Grottoes for more amazing discoveries. Save this guide and embark on your own journey through time!

· 🤎Route planning: I originally planned to go to the grasslands, but it unexpectedly started snowing. So, I changed my destination. Having visited most of the ancient architecture in northern and central Shanxi before, and with southern Shanxi being too far, I decided to go to southeastern Shanxi this time. · 🤎Actual self-driving route: 1⃣️Driving directly from Tianjin to Changzhi is too far, so we first drove to Handan to visit the Southern and Northern Xiangtang Grottoes and the Shuiyu Temple Grottoes. We stayed at the Ji Feng Hotel in Fengfeng Mining District for the night. 2⃣️From Handan to Changzhi, we drove through the Zhuozhang River Valley, making a pilgrimage to the "Eight Great Guardians" of ancient architecture. It was perfect, except for the winding mountain roads. We stayed at the Home Inn in Changzhi for the night. 3⃣️In the morning, we visited the Guanyin Hall in Changzhi, then drove to Faxing Temple and Tiefo Temple. We stayed at the Gaoping Fanfan Hotel in Jincheng for the night. 4⃣️In the morning, we drove straight to Yuhuang Temple, then went to the Erxian Temple in Xiaonan Village. This section of the road was not easy to drive, with many mountain roads and large vehicles. In the afternoon, we went to Qinglian Temple, and in the evening, we visited the Huangcheng Xiangfu and Xiangyu Castle. We stayed at the Home Inn in Houma for the night. 5⃣️From Houma, it was a half-hour drive to Xinjiang, where we visited the ancient city of Jiangzhou. In the afternoon, we went to Fusheng Temple and the Fencheng Ancient Architectural Complex. We stayed at the Hongtong Grand Tang Hotel for the night. 6⃣️In the morning, we went to Guangsheng Temple, and in the afternoon, we went to Xiaoxitian Temple in Xixian County. We encountered the largest crowds of tourists that day. We originally wanted to drive back to Tianjin in one go, but we were too tired, so we stayed in Huozhou for the night. 7⃣️We returned to Tianjin in the morning, passing by Pingyao, where we visited Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple. Then we drove straight back to Tianjin, perfectly concluding our trip. · 🤎Summary: 1⃣️Impromptu trips are so much fun! I didn't find many guides or itineraries before departure, relying entirely on real-time searches and asking friends. As a result, I saw many ancient buildings that were not part of the original plan, such as the Fencheng Ancient Architectural Complex. 2⃣️Refuel when half a tank of gas is used. Many gas stations along the way were out of gas. 3⃣️Prices were quite low. Even during the Golden Week holiday, hotel rooms could be booked for around two or three hundred RMB. Most of the ancient buildings didn't charge admission fees, only requiring registration at the entrance. The cultural and creative refrigerator magnets were so beautiful that I bought several hundred RMB worth. The return trip coincided with free highway tolls, saving us another few hundred RMB.

#discoverchina When the setting sun shines through the skylight of the grottoes onto the golden statues of the Buddha, I finally understood what "a thousand years in one glance" truly means. Why You Must Visit Xiangtang Mountain: 1500 years ago, the Northern Qi royal aesthetic was on display! The flying celestial dancers, flame-patterned Buddha niches, and breathtaking artistry leave you speechless. This is the landmark site that Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin once studied. It's also the birthplace of the national treasure seen on the show National Treasures. Few domestic places offer this "light and shadow grotto" experience, where at 3 PM, the Buddha light shines down, creating a miraculous moment. This half-day tour is not tiring at all, with a moderate hiking intensity, and the stunning scenery feels like something out of a martial arts movie. Transportation Guide: By Car: Navigate to the "Xiangtang Mountain Scenic Area Visitor Center." Parking fee is 10 yuan/day. By Train: Take a high-speed train to Handan East Station, then a taxi to Fengfeng Bus Station, and take bus 1 to directly reach the site. Tip: It’s recommended to buy a round-trip sightseeing bus ticket (40 yuan) to reach the grottoes directly. #thingstodo #travel

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Handan Beixiangtangshan Grottoes When we step into the realm of Xiangtangshan Grottoes art, it is as if we have traveled through a time tunnel and entered the most precious historical, cultural and artistic treasure house of the Northern Qi Dynasty! 🕰️ 🎨 Xiangtangshan Grottoes are one of the representatives of Buddhist sculpture art in the Northern Qi Dynasty. The Buddha statues carved in the grottoes are lifelike and in various postures, showing the unique artistic style of the Northern Qi Dynasty. This is one of the important treasure houses for studying Chinese Buddhism, architecture, sculpture, painting and calligraphy. Behind every Buddha statue lies the crystallization of ancient wisdom and skills. 🏛️ The statue-making activities that began in the late Eastern Wei Dynasty continued into later dynasties and have now reached their current scale. These grottoes bear witness to the ancient craftsmen's tireless pursuit of art. Their ingenuity is unique, and each of their works carries their hard work and wisdom. 🧐 Exploring the Xiangtangshan Grottoes, you can not only appreciate beautiful works of art, but also feel the profound heritage of ancient culture. Every carving seems to tell you an ancient story, making you immersed in it and gaining a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of ancient Chinese art. During this trip, Xiangtangshan Scenic Area opened a door for us to natural scenery, historical culture and artistic miracles, and our souls were richly nourished and inspired! 🏞️🎭✨ #Xiangtangshan Grottoes #Hebei Province #Handan 📍Address: Xiangtangshan Scenic Area, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province (east side)

Hidden in Handan, Hebei Province, lies a severely underrated tourist treasure. While the Yungang Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes have gained widespread fame amidst the tourism boom, the equally remarkable Xiangtangshan Grottoes remain relatively unknown and unassuming. This treasure, listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Site, is nestled in 📍Handan, Hebei Province, quietly waiting for people to unveil its mystique. The Xiangtangshan Grottoes were first carved during the Northern Qi Dynasty, a short-lived dynasty that lasted only 28 years, yet devoted a third of the nation's resources to this national project. Whether you consider it niche or simply understated, it deserves to be seen and understood by more people. Its historical significance and artistic value should not be overlooked. 🚩A well-planned itinerary to help you experience the charm of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes: Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes—Big Buddha Cave—Sakyamuni Cave—Sutra Inscription Cave—Chang Le Temple Ruins—Digital Museum—Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes 📸Practical travel tips for a smooth trip: 1. Area distribution: The entire Xiangtangshan Grottoes are divided into the Northern Grottoes and Southern Grottoes, about 15 km apart. If you have enough time, I highly recommend visiting both. They each have unique characteristics and won't disappoint. 2. Key points for visiting the Northern Grottoes: The Northern Grottoes are grand in scale, with awe-inspiring Buddha statues. The grottoes are located on the mountain. To save energy and improve your touring efficiency, it is recommended to take the shuttle bus directly and tour from top to bottom, taking in all the highlights of the Northern Grottoes. 3. Recommended attractions in the Northern Grottoes: The main attractions in the Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes include the Big Buddha Cave, Sakyamuni Cave, and Sutra Inscription Cave, each bearing profound historical and cultural significance. After visiting the grottoes, don't miss the Chang Le Temple and the Northern Xiangtangshan Digital Museum at the foot of the mountain. Chang Le Temple has a long history and exudes an ancient charm; the Digital Museum uses modern technology to give you a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the past and present of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes. 4. Characteristics of the Southern Grottoes: Although smaller in scale, the Southern Grottoes are known for their exquisite details. The Thousand Buddha Cave, the lotus relief on the cave ceiling, and the eight Apsaras playing musical instruments are all examples of superb craftsmanship. Every detail is lifelike, leaving visitors in awe of the ancient artisans' skills. 📍Location: Xiangtangshan Grottoes 🚗Transportation: Driving is the most convenient way to get there. There is a parking lot 🅿️ at the entrance of the scenic area, so parking is hassle-free. 🎫Tickets: Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes: CNY 60, sightseeing bus: CNY 40, Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes: CNY 15. It's definitely worth it to experience such stunning historical and cultural treasures at such a great value.

Due to limited time and the long distance, I couldn't visit the Xiangtangshan Grottoes. While exploring the Handan Museum, I discovered a replica exhibition of the grottoes and took some photos to ease my regret. Handan Museum — National First-Class Museum Handan — A city whose name has remained unchanged for 3,000 years Its history is naturally profound, and the relics left behind are abundant. 🎫Tickets: Free, bring your ID card 🚍Transportation: Accessible by multiple routes 📍Address: 399 East Section of Renmin Road, Congtai District, Handan City If you don't have time to visit the Xiangtangshan Grottoes, you can visit the museum to ease your regret. Visiting a museum allows you to learn more about the stories, events, and historical figures of a city.

The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are divided into the Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes and the Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes. Here are some tips for visiting: Preparation • Learn the history: Watch documentaries such as "Exploration and Discovery - Exploring the Xiangtangshan Grottoes" or review materials on the history of the Northern Qi Dynasty and the development of grottoes in China. • Ticket information: Tickets for the Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes are 60 yuan, and tickets for the Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes are 15 yuan. • Transportation: If driving, take the Qinglan Expressway directly from Handan city center; you can also take a direct bus from Handan East Railway Station or a city bus. Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes itinerary • Digital Exhibition Center: The center houses a large number of stone carvings from the Eastern Wei and Northern Qi dynasties, as well as restored Buddha statues from the Northern Qi Dynasty. It is recommended to spend 30 minutes here. • Ruins of Changle Temple: Known as the "First Ancient Temple of Heshuo," it features a nine-story, octagonal Song Dynasty pagoda and statues of the Three Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. Here, you can experience the vicissitudes of history. • Grottoes area: Focus on visiting the Big Buddha Cave, admiring the 5-meter-high seated Sakyamuni statue and the exquisite backlight relief; enter the Sakya Cave and experience the unique inverted-bowl-shaped pagoda roof design; in the Sutra Inscription Cave, view the inscribed scriptures such as the "Sutra of Immeasurable Meanings" and over 300 small Buddha statues. Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes itinerary • Indoor exhibition hall: Learn about the history, cultural background, and related knowledge of the Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes. • Song Dynasty Pagoda: Admire the simple and elegant Song Dynasty pagoda outdoors and experience its historical charm. • Grottoes area: The main Buddha head in the Huayan Cave is an original from the Northern Qi Dynasty, and the flying apsaras outside the halo form a flame shape; the Thousand Buddha Cave has 1028 Buddha statues, with exquisite lotus caissons and flying apsara reliefs. Other matters • Guided tours: It is recommended to hire a guide. The guide fee for the Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes is 200-300 yuan, and for the Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes, it is 100 yuan. • Visiting time: Allow 3 hours for the Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes and about 1.5 hours for the Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes. • Local cuisine: After your visit, you can enjoy local specialties such as Pengcheng Sanxia Guo.

Changzhi-Jincheng-Handan, an eight-day in-depth tour, will take you to experience the unique customs of Shanxi and Hebei. Start your wonderful journey now! -------- 📅Itinerary: D1: Shanghai -> Zhengzhou Depart from Shanghai and arrive in Zhengzhou, ready to start a wonderful journey in Shanxi! D2: Wangmangling Scenic Area Spend the whole day exploring Wangmangling, experiencing the natural scenery and cultural landscape. D3: Huangcheng Xiangfu -> Situ Town Visit the historical Huangcheng Xiangfu and experience the grandeur of the ancient Xiangfu; in the afternoon, head to Situ Town to experience the local customs. D4: Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquanxia Scenic Area Go deep into the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, admire the spectacular Baquanxia Scenic Area, and enjoy the magnificence of nature. D5: East Taihang Scenic Area Continue the Taihang Mountain tour, visit the East Taihang Scenic Area, and experience the vastness of the mountains and the mystery of nature. D6: Jingniang Lake Stroll along Jingniang Lake, admire the beautiful scenery, and enjoy the peace and comfort. D7: Xiangtangshan Grottoes Visit the Xiangtangshan Grottoes and appreciate the charm of ancient stone carving art. D8: Zhengzhou -> Shanghai End your pleasant Shanxi trip, depart from Zhengzhou, and return to Shanghai. -------- Must-see attractions: - 🏞️Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquanxia Scenic Area: Taihang Baquanxia, see the waterfalls hidden among the peaks and the beautiful scenery of springs converging into a blue lake, it is truly a fairyland on earth! - 🏰Huangcheng Xiangfu: Want a glimpse of the Ming and Qing Dynasty castle-style official residence? The inner city, Heshan Building, carries a profound history, and every step is like traveling back to that era. - 🙏Xiangtangshan Grottoes: This is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Buddha statues in the grottoes are all exquisite, and the surrounding mountain scenery is also incredibly beautiful, a double enjoyment for the soul and vision! - 🌄Jingniang Lake: The lake is like a mirror, surrounded by crimson cliffs. The landscape here is picturesque, like a masterpiece of nature, making people linger. - 🎇Situ Town: Want to experience the authentic folk customs of Shanxi? This is the right place! Especially the iron flowers, as dazzling as scattered flowers, will definitely open your eyes! -------- 🎒 Travel essentials: 👕 Clothing: Mainly spring and autumn clothing, such as long-sleeved T-shirts and jeans, bring a light jacket to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening. 🎫 Documents and cash: ID card, student ID, and other documents, as well as a small amount of cash for emergencies. 🎧 Entertainment accessories: Mobile phone, power bank, headphones, listen to music on the road, take beautiful photos, and record travel moments. 💊 Emergency medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and other commonly used medicines, as well as sunscreen and mosquito repellent. 🧴 Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, facial cleanser, maintain personal hygiene, and make your trip more enjoyable! -------- 🎉Changzhi-Jincheng-Handan, explore three cities, and enjoy endless fun! Remember to like and bookmark so you don't get lost on your trip~

I went to the Yungang Grottoes and the Longmen Grottoes, but I didn't expect that the Xiangtangshan Grottoes in Handan would shock me even more. It is mainly divided into the north and south grottoes. There are 7 caves in the South Xiangtang Grottoes, 8 caves in the North Xiangtang Grottoes, and 2 caves in the Small Xiangtang (Shuiyu Temple), totaling 17 caves, with a total of more than 4,000 statues. Address: Xiangtangshan Village, Fengfeng Mining District and Village Town, Handan City, Hebei Province 👉It is recommended to drive or take a taxi to the scenic spot. The bus is not convenient. There is a parking lot in the scenic spot 🅿️10 yuan per time💰 It is recommended to take the shuttle bus 👇 The first bus is at 8:00 and the last bus is at 17:10 40 yuan/person💰Stop when you wave at the station 🚌Terminal - Digital Exhibition Center (Digital Museum) - Song Tower (Changle Temple) (In front of the God of Wealth Temple) "You must transfer to the mountain sightseeing bus to the Grottoes at this station" - Xianren Cave (Grottos) "You must walk about 200 steps to the Grottoes" and take the bus down the mountain from this station to the transfer station (Blessing Platform) to transfer to the mountain sightseeing bus - Xiangtang Temple - Shanju Post Station (Ruyi Lake) - Xuanyun Pavilion - Sightseeing Bus Terminal ⚠️For a one-way ticket to the mountain sightseeing bus, you need to walk to the exit of the God of Wealth Temple to buy a ticket (the fortune-telling in the God of Wealth Temple is very effective) 1⃣Big Buddha Cave This is the largest and most artistically valuable cave among the Beixiangtangshan Grottoes. The main Buddha in the Big Buddha Cave is 5 meters high, with a backlit relief of flames and honeysuckle patterns and seven fire dragons interspersed between them, and the shape is extremely gorgeous. It is recommended to go there at 2:00 pm or 3:00 pm, when the sun shines on the Buddha's body, and it is as if the Buddha's light has reappeared. It is very photogenic. . 2⃣Shaka Cave The outer top adopts the typical stupa-shaped cave of Beixiang Hall. The Sakyamuni Cave is characterized by the central pillar cave, and its shape inherits the central pillar cave style that can be seen in the Yungang Grottoes. . 3⃣ Scripture Cave There are a large number of cliff-carved sutras, such as the "Infinite Meaning Sutra" and the "Mojie Sutra". It is an important site for sutra carving during the Northern Qi Dynasty. There are also many small Buddhas and statues carved in the cave, with a total of more than 300 statues. . 4⃣Jorak Temple Site Located halfway up the mountain in the Beixiangtang Grottoes area, it houses a Song Dynasty pagoda, a sutra pillar, and stone tablets and statues from the Song Dynasty to the Republic of China. It is an affiliated building complex of the grottoes, allowing you to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple. . 5⃣Beixiangtangshan Grottoes Museum The exhibition displays Buddhist statues and stone carvings unearthed from Xiangtangshan Grottoes and Changle Temple. They were excavated from the Eastern Wei to Northern Qi periods and are representative of Northern Qi Grottoes. This is an opportunity to experience these precious stone carvings and Buddhist statues up close.

Discover the secrets of the forest on this 8-day Changzhi-Jincheng-Handan tour. Explore the lush natural wonders and don't miss out! / 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Shanghai 🛫 and arrive in Zhengzhou 🛬 to start your wonderful journey. Day 2: Depart from Zhengzhou and head to Wangmangling Scenic Area to enjoy the magnificent mountains and rich history. Day 3: Experience history and culture at Huangcheng Xiangfu and folk customs at Situ Town, and travel through time in one day. Day 4: Visit the Taihang Grand Canyon and Baquan Gorge Scenic Area to marvel at the wonders of nature. Day 5: Visit Dongtaihang Scenic Area to climb the mountain and enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 6: Visit Jingniang Lake to explore the history among the beautiful scenery. Day 7: Visit Xiangtangshan Grottoes to experience the charm of ancient stone carvings. Day 8: End your wonderful journey and return to Shanghai from Zhengzhou 🛫 and arrive in Shanghai 🛬. / Must-see attractions: - 🏞️ Taihang Grand Canyon and Baquan Gorge Scenic Area: Get close to nature! Explore the Taihang Grand Canyon and Baquan Gorge, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of waterfalls and springs among the mountains. - 🏰 Huangcheng Xiangfu: Travel through history and visit the castle-style official residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The inner city river and mountain buildings tell ancient stories. - 🙏 Xiangtangshan Grottoes: Visit the Buddhist holy land and admire the vivid Buddha sculptures in the Xiangtangshan Grottoes. The beautiful scenery will make you feel relaxed and happy. - 🌊 Jingniang Lake: The lake and mountains complement each other. The lake surrounded by red cliffs looks like a painting. Come and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Jingniang Lake. / Tips: - February weather: Changzhi and Jincheng are cold, so wear more clothes 🧣; Handan is warmer, but you should also bring a coat 🧥. - Local customs: The three cities have a long history. You can experience local folk activities 🎊 and feel the strong cultural atmosphere 📜. - Specialty prices: Compare prices before buying 🛍 to avoid being overcharged 💸. - Photo spots: Jincheng Huangcheng Xiangfu, Changzhi Tongtian Gorge, and Handan Xiangtangshan Grottoes are ideal photo spots 📸. / 🎉 After visiting Changzhi, Jincheng, and Handan, don't forget to share your travel stories! 🎉

1. Attraction introduction 🌟 Xiangtangshan Grottoes is located in Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province. It is one of the famous Buddhist grottoes in China. It was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty, and was expanded during the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties. There are 16 grottoes and more than 4,000 Buddha statues. The grottoes are divided into North Xiangtang, South Xiangtang, and Shuiyu Temple (Small Xiangtang). North Xiangtang is the largest and best-preserved. 2. Opening hours North Xiangtang: 08:00–17:00⏰ South Xiangtang: 08:00–17:00⏰ Shuiyu Temple: Open only on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month. 3. Ticket prices North Xiangtang: CNY 60 (half price for students)💰 South Xiangtang: CNY 15💰 Shuiyu Temple: Free, but only open at specific times. 4. Transportation guide North Xiangtang: Navigate to "North Xiangtang Grottoes Parking Lot". Parking fee: CNY 20🚗. You can also take Bus 66 from Handan City to Handan West Bus Station, transfer to Bus 805 to Fengfeng Mining District, and then transfer to Bus 2. South Xiangtang: Located near the urban area of Fengfeng Mining District, it is easily accessible. Navigate directly to the site📍. Shuiyu Temple: Located about 10 km north of Fengfeng Mining District. It is recommended to drive there🚗. 5. Tour route North Xiangtang: Area in front of the mountain: Visit ancient buildings such as Changle Temple and Song Pagoda to experience the weight of history. Grotto area: The main grottoes include Kejing Cave, Shijia Cave, and Dafuo Cave. Each grotto has its own unique charm. Mountain top and back of the mountain: Enjoy the natural scenery and visit Xianren Cave (an additional CNY 3 ticket is required). South Xiangtang: The grottoes are divided into two levels, with a total of 7 main grottoes, including Huayan Cave, Bore Cave, and Qianfo Cave. Each one is worth savoring. Shuiyu Temple: Small in scale, it is divided into east and west caves. The Buddha statues are mainly from the Tang and Song Dynasties, and have a strong sense of history. 6. Tour suggestions Time arrangement: It is recommended to spend 3–4 hours at North Xiangtang and about 2 hours at South Xiangtang. ⏰ Physical preparation: North Xiangtang requires climbing. It is recommended that tourists with good physical strength walk, or take an electric car. 🚶‍♂️ Notes: Photography is prohibited in the grottoes. Please protect the cultural relics and take care of these precious cultural heritages. ⚠️ 7. Food recommendations North Xiangtang: There are starch sausages outside the scenic area, CNY 10 for 3, which taste very good. 🍜 South Xiangtang: There are local snacks and restaurants near the scenic area, where you can taste local specialties. 🍽️

This year, I spent two days in Handan, Hebei Province during the Lunar New Year. It was an unforgettable experience. I set off from Beijing on New Year's Eve and arrived at Guangfu Ancient City in Yongnian, Handan after more than four hours. The ancient city is surrounded by water on all sides, which is rare for a northern city. After a tour of the city, I went to a hotel in the city center to spend New Year's Eve. On the morning of the first day of the new year, I went to the Xiangtangshan Grottoes. The ticket for the North Xiangtangshan Grottoes is CNY 60. I went to the digital museum first, and then climbed the mountain to the grottoes. Although I have been to the Yungang Grottoes in Datong and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes are not as well preserved as the other two and are smaller in scale, but they are still very impressive. They are the swan song of the Northern Dynasty grottoes and the tomb of Gao Huan, the founding monarch of the Northern Qi Dynasty, with a desolate artistic conception. In the afternoon, I went to the Handan Road Historical Block in the city center, Huiche Lane, the birthplace of Qin Shi Huang, and the Congtai Terrace of King Wuling of Zhao. There were many people and it was very lively. I learned a lot about the historical stories of Handan. On the morning of the second day of the new year, I visited the Handan Museum, and in the afternoon, I went to Guangfu Ancient City in Yongnian again, changed into a battle robe to take photos, and enjoyed the night view, which was very beautiful. I was impressed by Handan, which has a long history and many historical sites. There are also other attractions nearby, such as the Yecheng Ruins and the Nuwa Palace, which I will visit next time. According to my plan, I went to Xinxiang, Henan Province that night. I will write about my trip to Xinxiang in the next article. Handan, Hebei

Xiangtangshan Caves: A journey through a thousand years of awe and regret Xiangtangshan Caves are a historical treasure hidden in Zhifang Village, Linshui Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province. They bear the glorious mark of the crazy Northern Qi Dynasty, but have also been weathered by time, full of historical "regrets." A beautiful but weathered historical gem During the Northern Qi Dynasty, craftsmen carved these caves with their extraordinary skills. Every statue and carving embodies the ancients' dedication to faith and pursuit of art, making them truly beautiful works. However, large-scale destruction and theft in later generations have left the gods and Buddhas in ruins, with countless Buddha heads scattered overseas. The stark contrast between past glory and present decay is heartbreaking, leaving only endless sighs. Small caves, full of essence Although the Xiangtangshan Caves are not large in scale, with only nine caves, every part is worth savoring. Among them, the "Great Buddha Cave" in Cave 3 and the "Shakyamuni Cave" in Cave 6 are classics. The statues in the Great Buddha Cave are solemn and majestic, still exuding a sacred glow despite the hardships they have endured. The carvings in the Shakyamuni Cave are delicate and meticulous, showcasing the high artistic standards of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Here, you can not only feel the rich historical and cultural atmosphere but also take artistic photos, with every shot being a masterpiece. Travel guide - Self-driving route: Depart from Henan and head north. The scenery along the way is also worth looking forward to. Follow the navigation instructions to easily reach the Xiangtangshan Caves. - Ticket information: Tickets are CNY 60, and the round-trip sightseeing bus is CNY 40 (optional). If you buy a package online, it's only CNY 98, which is more cost-effective! - Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00, but note that ticket sales stop at 17:00, so don't miss the entry time. Learn more: Recommended documentary If you want to learn more about the history and excavation process of the Xiangtangshan Caves, the CCTV documentary "Xiangtangshan Caves" is a must-see. It will take you through a thousand years and uncover the unknown stories behind these caves. If you've been to the "Longmen Grottoes" in Luoyang and the "Yungang Grottoes" in Datong, then you can't miss the Xiangtangshan Caves. They have a unique historical charm and a different kind of regretful beauty, which will surely give you an unforgettable travel experience.

Xiangtangshan Grottoes, is the largest grottoes discovered in Hebei Province, and is located in Fengfeng Mining Area, Handan City. As one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in the country, Xiangtangshan Grottoes has a long history and rich cultural atmosphere. Visiting Xiangtangshan Grottoes in winter has a unique experience. Rather than a cave, it is more like a treasure museum. The Xiangtangshan Grottoes were excavated in the Northern Qi Dynasty, and were subsequently expanded during the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Xiangtangshan Grottoes are divided into two parts, north and south, about 15 kilometers apart. It is not only a national AAAA-level scenic spot, but also a picturesque forest park.

I thought Yungang and Longmen were impressive enough until I came to Xiangtangshan Grottoes. I was amazed again by the ingenious craftsmanship of our ancestors. I regretted it and realized that it was too low-key. 🚗Self-drive📲 Navigate to Xiangtangshan Scenic Area, there is a parking lot available🅿️, the parking fee is 10💰. 🎫Tickets: Adult ticket 60💰 per person, student ticket 30💰 per person, senior citizen and child ticket 30💰 per person 【Tour route】🚶🏻‍♀️ There is a shuttle bus in the scenic area 🚌, which goes directly to the top of the mountain. The tour route from top to bottom: 🚶🏻‍♀️Big Buddha Cave (the most important) ➡️Shakya Cave ➡️Scripture Cave Changle Temple Ruins (cover of "National Geographic") ➡️Digital Museum (Big Buddha in the first picture) ➡️Xiangtang Temple 【Must-check-in highlights】🏝 ✅Big Buddha Cave The main Buddha of the largest cave in Beixiangtang Mountain with the highest artistic value is 5m high, with backlit relief flames and seven fire dragons with honeysuckle patterns. It is recommended to come in the afternoon, when the sun shines through the cave from the west and just falls on the Buddha statue✅Shakya Cave Typical stupa-shaped cave in Beixiang Hall🏔 Inherited the central pillar cave style of Yungang Grottoes ✅Scripture Cave An important site for the engraving of Buddhist scriptures during the Northern Qi Dynasty🎒 You can vaguely see scriptures such as "The Sutra of Infinite Meaning" and "The Sutra of Demonic Questions"📖 Note ⚠️ 1️⃣Light problem: It is darker in the morning when you go to Beixiangtang because it faces west, so the light is better when you go in the afternoon. But if you take the through train, there is no way.👀 2️⃣Please be civilized and do not touch the statues🏔 3️⃣Pet-friendly 👍 4️⃣Currently Changle Temple is not open and can only be photographed through the window 🥳 Be sure to go to the Digital Art Museum🥰

|This family hotel next to the high-speed rail is so healing! Handan | This family hotel next to the high-speed rail is so healing! The first thing I saw when I checked into the hotel was The warm yellow appearance and atmospheric design attract! 😜😜 The hotel rooms are spacious and bright, and the beds are very comfortable, with moderate hardness and softness, giving a full sense of security. 🏡🏡 Each room is equipped with a large-screen TV, smart devices, massage chairs, and even luxury suites have bathtubs, combining a sense of technology with comfort! 🏡🏡 The thoughtful ❤️ design of children staying free and providing children's breakfast makes family travel more worry-free. 🍀🍀🍀 There are also free midnight snacks and fruits 🍒🍇 delivered to the room, the service is very considerate! The hotel is located in the Handan East Station business district, with convenient transportation, great surrounding scenery and facilities! Congtai Park is nearby. On winter mornings, the sun shines on the lake in the park, making for great photo opportunities. 🌴🌴 If you want to shop, Melco City and Tianhong Plaza are both nearby. The hotel is a one-stop shop for eating, drinking and having fun! 🍁 There is also a library area and an audio-visual room in the hotel. You can watch movies in the room at night and feel very happy! 🌷🌷 If you bring your kids, the hotel's childcare services and parent-child activity areas are also very considerate. ☺️The kids can have fun and the adults can also enjoy a moment of relaxation. 🍀 Living here, the surrounding tours are clearly arranged! 👻👻 It is recommended to go to Beixiangtangshan Grottoes on the first day to experience the magnificence of the Northern Wei Royal Grottoes;🍀 In the afternoon, we went to Nanxiangtang Mountain⛰️. There were few tourists, and it was quiet and beautiful. In the evening, we returned to the city, strolled along Huiche Lane, tried authentic snacks 🥟🥙, and checked out the special stalls at the Chengnan Night Market. ❤️ On the second day, you can arrange a cultural tour of Congtai Park and Handan Museum, where history and nature complement each other! 🍁🍁 In terms of transportation, the hotel provides free pick-up and drop-off service. Just make an appointment in advance, and travel is very convenient. ✌🏻 ⚠️Tips: The temperature difference between morning and evening in Handan in winter is quite large, so remember to bring an extra coat. When taking photos, you can choose the quaint buildings of Congtai Park as the background. The Warring States style is very charming!

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Very beautiful 3️⃣ Xiangtangshan Grottoes are relatively far from the city. Except for the weekend when there is a direct bus, you have to drive or take a bus to get there. The north and south grottoes are 15 kilometers apart 4️⃣ It is recommended to take a sightseeing bus to visit the north grottoes from bottom to top, but there is no need to go up the mountain for the south grottoes -

Starting from "Dawa Village", we ran to "Xiangtang Mountain" in more than an hour. I didn't train my legs and went straight to the eco-car. After running in Handan for several days, my legs were a little tired. Xiangtang Mountain is divided into north and south. We only went to North Xiangtang. First, we were a little tired. Second, many friends in South Xiangtang said it was nothing. I have been to all the large grottoes in China, and I am currently making up for the remaining smaller ones. This is not a big place, but it is a serious royal grotto. The great leaders of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Northern Qi Dynasty were the initiators of the grottoes here. There are not many remaining grottoes. Many of them have had their Buddha heads stolen, and some of them are from later generations. However, it is still worth seeing. Several caves are relatively complete, and the beautiful craftsmanship is obviously exotic. I ate a box of instant noodles on the way down the mountain. It was so delicious. I found that eating instant noodles at tourist attractions is so delicious. In fact, there are several places to eat here, but I just want to eat instant noodles. The fare here is not expensive, there are discounts for prices above 60, and it is 30 by bus, but there is no discount. Many young men and young girls climbed up. It seems that there are quite a lot of children who love to see historical sites.

🏰Explore Xiangtangshan Caves: Northern Qi Buddhist relics, echoing sounds🎶 Attraction address: Xiangtangshan Caves (North Xiangtang), Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province Booking tips: No reservation is required, but it is recommended to check the opening hours of the scenic area in advance. You can check the official website or call for more information. Transportation tips: • Self-driving🚗: Depart from Handan City, drive south along National Highway G309, and follow the navigation to Xiangtangshan Caves. The journey takes about 1 hour. • Public transportation🚌: Take a bus to Fengfeng Mining District in Handan City, and then transfer to local transportation to the scenic area. Please check the local bus information for specific schedules. Attraction features: • Northern Qi Buddhist relics: Xiangtangshan Caves were carved during the Northern Qi Dynasty and preserve a large number of exquisite Buddhist statues. They are important physical materials for studying Buddhist art and Northern Qi history.🕍🖌️ • Echoing sounds: The caves are deep, and clapping or waving your sleeves can produce a loud echo, hence the name "Xiangtang" (Echo Hall). It is an excellent place to experience the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture.🌄🎶 • Long history: The caves have been expanded during the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, witnessing the spread and development of Buddhist culture in northern China.📜🕰️ Ticket information: The ticket price is CNY 60, including a visit to the caves in the scenic area. Parking fees are charged per visit and are reasonably priced. Please refer to the scenic area announcement for details. Scenic area opening hours: Generally from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, subject to the announcement of the scenic area on the day. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and arrange your time reasonably. Additional tips: • There are sightseeing buses in the scenic area, but the cost performance is not high. You can choose whether to take them according to your needs.🚌 • When visiting the caves, please keep quiet, respect the cultural relics, and do not touch or damage the statues.🙏 • There are limited dining facilities in the scenic area. It is recommended to bring water and light food for emergencies.🍔🥤 Come to Xiangtangshan Caves, explore the Northern Qi Buddhist relics, and listen to the echoes reverberating in the caves!🎶🏰 Let this trip become an unforgettable moment in your life!

Visit this underrated city and explore a city that has been waiting for you for 3,000 years. Handan, the underrated pearl of the Yanzhao land 💎 🌑 Background The Northern Qi Royal Grottoes! A dynasty that lasted only 28 years, but spent one-third of the country's financial resources to build this national project. Whether it is niche or low-key, it should be seen and understood by more people! 🌑 Travel route ➡️ Beixiangtang Mountain Grottoes - Great Buddha Cave - Shijia Cave - Carved Sutra Cave - Changle Temple Ruins - Digital Museum - Nanxiangtang Grottoes ⬅️ 🌑 Travel guide 1️⃣ The entire Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes are divided into the North Grottoes and the South Grottoes. The two places are 15 kilometers apart, and if you have enough time, both are worth a visit. 2️⃣ The North Grottoes are large in scale and the Buddha statues are stunning! The grottoes are on the mountain, so it is recommended to take the shuttle bus and visit from top to bottom. 3️⃣ The main attractions of the Beixiangtang Grottoes are the Great Buddha Cave, Shijia Cave, and Carved Sutra Cave. After visiting the grottoes, the Changle Temple and the Beixiangtang Mountain Digital Museum at the foot of the mountain are also worth a visit. 4️⃣ The South Grottoes are small but exquisite, with the Thousand Buddha Cave, Lotus Caisson, 8 Flying Apsaras, and Carved Sutra Cave. 5️⃣ Beixiangtang Grottoes tour order: If you only have half a day, come here. Changle Temple Ruins ➡️ Grotto Temple ➡️ Song Pagoda ➡️ Digital Museum Changle Temple, where a large number of Tang Dynasty headless Buddha statues were excavated, is both shocking and regrettable. 🗼 Song Pagoda: Ruins of a Song Dynasty pagoda 📍 Digital Museum: Very exciting, don't miss it, no entry after 16:30 6️⃣ Homework: "Exploration and Discovery - Exploring the Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes", which makes it easier to understand the connotation of the grottoes. 🌑 Check-in The history of Beixiangtang is no less than that of Datong, and it is worth spending a weekend to visit, even if you are traveling alone.

🌟Highlights: In order to better understand the cultural history and art of Xiangtangshan Grottoes, we specially invited professional explanations. Xiangtangshan Grottoes, also known as Xiangtang Temple Grottoes, are located in Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City. It is one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units (there are few historical sites in the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units that are not worth visiting). It was originally excavated in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577 AD). Later, additions were made during the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties. There are 16 grottoes and more than 4,000 statues, all of which were carved into the rocks of Gushan Mountain. Currently, only six caves are open to the public, of which caves three and six are relatively large in area and the statues are all exquisite. I have been to the Yungang Grottoes, the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Kizil Grottoes in Xinjiang and the Tianti Mountain Grottoes in Gansu. What shocked me the most was the Xiangtangshan Grottoes, which were completely destroyed and sad. However, with a kind of incomplete beauty, it shows the unique personality and temperament of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes. It is an irreplaceable artistic relic in the history of grotto art and a treasure of Chinese culture. Visiting the Xiangtangshan Grottoes will give us a deeper understanding and admiration for the wisdom and creativity of the ancients. This precious artistic treasure requires us to protect it with our heart and soul!

You can visit Nuwa Palace and Xiangtangshan Caves in one day, and even have time to visit the Zhao Wang City Ruins Park! These are niche attractions, so there are not many people even on holidays, but the scenery is not inferior at all. It's perfect for a weekend getaway for people in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei! Transportation 🚗: Arrive in Handan the night before and stay overnight. Rent a car and drive from Handan in the morning. Take the Qinglan Expressway and National Highway 309. Take a break at the service area on the way. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Nuwa Palace in Shexian County. Take the same route to Xiangtangshan Caves, which takes about 1 hour. You can visit the Zhao Wang City Ruins on the way back to the city. It takes about half an hour to drive there, and another half an hour to return to the city. We set off at 8:30 am and returned to the hotel at around 6 pm. We didn't rush at all. Attractions 🏞: It is highly recommended to buy the Handan Tourism Card in advance, which covers the tickets for these two attractions. The card is activated on the day of purchase and takes effect the next day, so be sure to prepare it in advance. 1️⃣ Nuwa Palace You can buy a sightseeing bus ticket 🚞 at the entrance, which costs 20 for a round trip. It saves time. It is not difficult to climb from the foot of the mountain to the main scenic area. It is a zigzag gentle slope, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the top. The main scenic area preserves buildings and stone carvings from the Northern Qi Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You can also climb up the Bell and Drum Tower to ring the bell and beat the drum to fully appreciate the charm of ancient architecture. It is recommended to try the slide when going down the mountain. It costs 40 per person 👱🏻‍♂️, and you can control the speed yourself. It's super fun and effortless to go down the mountain. 2️⃣ Xiangtangshan Caves There is also a sightseeing bus from the entrance to the mountain. I don't think it's necessary to take it unless you are really tired. The difficulty of climbing the mountain is similar to that of Nuwa Palace. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the main scenic area 🏕. The most famous ones are the Great Buddha Cave and the Shakyamuni Cave. Unfortunately, almost none of the Buddha statues are complete, and the overall scale is not large, but you can still clearly see the vivid paintings of that time. When I went there, the scenic area was undergoing lighting renovation, and I don't know if it will be open for night tours in the future. 3️⃣ Zhao Wang City Ruins Park 🏞 The park is very large, and the main open area is the city wall ruins. It is recommended to visit. The grass by the city wall is very photogenic in good weather. There is a museum at the end of the road from the entrance. It is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to open this year. You can keep an eye on it.

🌟Historical Background: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes were carved during the Northern Qi Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (550 - 577 AD). The Northern Qi was a dynasty established by the Xianbei people. From Emperor Gaozu of Northern Qi onwards, successive emperors worshipped Buddhism. With the support of the imperial court, Buddhism almost reached the status of a national religion. Based on this, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes were carved on a large scale. 🌟Grotto Landscape: Walking into the Xiangtangshan Grottoes is like travelling back a thousand years. The Buddha statues inside the grottoes are exquisitely carved and lifelike. Each Buddha statue has a unique expression and demeanor, making one marvel at the superb craftsmanship of the ancient artisans. Although they have been eroded by time, they still give a sense of the past glory. 🌟Historical Culture: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are an important Buddhist grotto complex and are among the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. They are known as one of the "treasures of Northern Chinese grotto art." The grottoes also contain engravings of scriptures from the Northern Qi period, with diverse artistic forms. These engravings record the history of the grottoes and the development of Buddhist faith, and have important historical value. However, they have been repeatedly damaged and looted by humans, and many fine pieces are scattered in Japan and European and American countries. 🌟Experience: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located on a mountain. From the entrance, there are two sections where you can take a shuttle bus (sold separately). Take an electric car from the entrance, and transfer to a mountain car at Changlesi Temple. Taking a car can save time and effort. The most impressive caves are the Big Buddha Cave, the Shakyamuni Cave, and the Scripture Engraving Cave. There are also other caves with unique features, such as the Sui Buddha Cave and the Song Dynasty Cave! Ticket: 98 yuan/person (including sightseeing shuttle bus) Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:30 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, with ample parking space.

🌟Highlights: Xiangtangshan Grottoes is the most important royal grotto temple left over from the Northern Qi Dynasty and is a treasure trove for studying Chinese Buddhism, architecture, sculpture, painting, and calligraphy. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Xiangtangshan has been subjected to large-scale theft, and many Buddha statues have been lost overseas. You can watch up close and touch the Buddha statues. The Buddha statue is in the transition period from foreign culture to Central Plains culture. The Buddha statue has also changed from a high-nosed, wide-shouldered, naked body to a flat-shouldered, draped, localized, fully reflecting the historical development value of art. 🗓Itinerary: The park is not big and is built on the mountain. There is a sightseeing car to the middle of the mountain, and then more than 100 steps can reach the grotto area on the mountain. It is easier to visit from top to bottom. You can visit according to the sightseeing car route. After visiting the Xiangtangshan Grottoes in the north and the south, don't rush to leave. There is a place you must visit, that is, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes Digital Display Center. It's very big inside, with several floors, and many precious Buddha statues have been restored using 3D printing technology. There is also a cinema inside, playing historical short films, which is very good. 🚉Transportation strategy: You can drive by yourself, or you can take a bus to the nearby and then call a car, which is very convenient. ❤Recommended reason: Seeing that almost all the Buddha statues have been destroyed and only the body is left, I feel very sad. I hope that history will not repeat itself and protect this millennium treasure.

At the Chang Le Temple, I learned about the beauty of imperfection.💕 🌟In the long river of time, every ancient site is like a thick history book, quietly telling the stories of the past. The Chang Le Temple on Xiangtang Mountain is such a place that inspires awe and emotion. It interprets the beauty of imperfection in a unique way. 🌟Xiangtang Mountain is majestic and lush, as if it is a backdrop specially laid out by nature for Chang Le Temple. Chang Le Temple is located in these mountains. It has experienced thousands of years of wind and rain and witnessed the vicissitudes of countless dynasties and times. 🌟At first glance, you may be attracted by its incomplete architectural form, but if you taste it carefully, you can feel the unique charm of imperfection. 🌟Stepping into the temple, it is not actually inside the temple, because the entire temple is already open-air. Although these statues have left imperfections due to the erosion of time, they are more charming because of this. It seems that every crack is a mark of time, and every piece of peeling color is a whisper of history. 🌟Walking in the temple, I can't help but think, why can imperfection show such a moving beauty here? Perhaps, it is because of these imperfections that people cherish what they see more, and feel the heaviness of history and the depth of culture more deeply. 🌟The beauty of Chang Le Temple lies not in its completeness, but in its ability to accept the baptism of time with an open and inclusive attitude, showing the most real and simple side of life. 🌟Standing in front of the temple, looking at the mountains, it seems that you can hear the echo of history and feel the tranquility and solemnity that transcends time and space. 🌟Chang Le Temple is like a kind old man, using his weather-beaten body to tell us: imperfection is also a part of life, it makes our existence more real and colorful. 🌟In the future, I will continue to move forward with this understanding, looking for the more moving beauty of imperfection in every corner of life.

Xiangtangshan Grottoes, a national treasure-level attraction that has been overlooked, finally attracted my attention this year with its unique charm. In those museums that collect Chinese cultural relics, the statues of Xiangtangshan Grottoes have repeatedly caught my eye, making me realize its important position in the history of Chinese art. Xiangtangshan Grottoes: The pinnacle of Northern Qi art Geographical location: Located in Handan City, Hebei Province. Historical background: It was built during the Northern Qi period (550-577) and is a representative work of Northern Qi art. Cultural value: As the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Xiangtangshan Grottoes not only witnessed the Buddhist culture of the Northern Qi period, but also a treasure of Chinese grotto art. The division and characteristics of Xiangtangshan Grottoes: North Xiangtang: Including North Cave (Big Buddha Cave), Middle Cave (Sakyamuni Cave) and South Cave (Engraved Sutra Cave), it is considered to be excavated by the Northern Qi royal family. South Xiangtang: The 7th cave (Thousand Buddha Cave) is the most famous. Shuiyu Temple: Also known as "Little Xiangtang", it is also worth a visit. The special features of the North Cave (Big Buddha Cave) in North Xiangtang: Historical speculation: According to historical records, the North Cave, Middle Cave, and South Cave of North Xiangtang may be the tombs of the founding emperor Gao Yang of the Northern Qi and his family members. Mystery of the stone cave: The stone cave at the top of the central pillar of the Big Buddha Cave, the size just fits a coffin, but its interior has been emptied, adding a touch of mystery. Overseas treasures: The stone coffin bed components collected by the Freer Art Museum are speculated to be from the stone cave of the Big Buddha Cave. Transportation and ticket information for visiting Xiangtangshan Grottoes: Self-driving route: North Xiangtang is about an hour's drive from Handan City, and South Xiangtang takes an extra half an hour. Tickets: South and North Xiangtang need to buy tickets separately, and the North Xiangtang ticket includes museum visit fees. North Xiangtang provides shuttle bus service for tourists to go up the mountain. Recommended surrounding attractions: Handan City Museum: Learn more about the history and culture of Handan. Ye City Archaeological Museum: Located in Linzhang, it is about an hour's drive from Handan and Xiangtangshan Grottoes. Xiuding Temple Tower: Another cultural heritage not to be missed. Xiangtangshan Grottoes, a treasure place worth exploring for a weekend. Here, you can not only appreciate the Buddhist art of the Northern Qi period, but also experience the profound cultural heritage of Chinese grottoes. More about Xiangtangshan Grottoes.