Taiyuan: A Scroll of Picturesque Scenery

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Twin Pagoda Temple

The Twin Pagoda Temple, officially known as Yongzuo Temple, is located in the southeast of Taiyuan City. Surrounded by trees and red walls, the pagodas and temple stand tall and solemn. In the quaint place, tone tablets are orderly placed, flowers and pine trees flourish.

The twin pagodas of Yongzuo Temple have attracted lots of attention. The local chronicles of all previous dynasties regard the "Twin Towers Reaching the Cloud" as one of the eight views of the ancient Taiyuan City and the "Jinyang Wonder", and they are symbols of Taiyuan. Both pagodas are 13-storeyed, eight-cornered and more than 50 meters high. They are made by bricks, and each floor is carved with bricks to imitate wood structures such as bucket arches and column heads. The stairs in the pagoda spiral up to the top floor, where visitors enjoy a spectacular panorama of the city.

Peonies named “Zixiaxian (purple light fairy)” of the Ming Dynasty is grown in the temple. Their new branches germinate and flowers blossom every spring, becoming a great attraction. The temple is also a collection of more than 200 pieces of stone carvings titled “Baoxian Hall Collected Ancient Copybook (《宝贤堂集古法帖》)” and “Ancient Baoxian Hall Copybook (《古宝贤堂法帖》)” from the Ming and Qing dynasties, adding to the glory of relics and scenery in the temple.

Tianlong Mountain

Tianlong Mountain, formerly known as Fangshan Mountain, is located at an altitude of 1370 meters and 11 kilometers west of Jinci Temple. The mountain is named after the Tianlong Temple that was built in 560 during the reign of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Grottos on Tianlong Mountain are famous historical sites recommended for visitors and a major cultural heritage protected at the provincial level in Shanxi. They are scattered on the east and west peaks, totaling 25 grottos. Now there are about 500 stone Buddhas varied in size and 1,144 pieces of portrayals, reliefs and caissons. The stone is well-preserved and the grotto is filled with light. They present artistic works of the Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Sui and Tang Dynasties over nearly three centuries and reflect grotto-related artistic styles and achievements in different times.

Wang Feng Yixiantian Rift Valley

Wang Feng Yixiantian (“a thread of sky” granted by Prince of Jin) Rift Valley is located in the northwest of Geduo Village, 25 kilometers west of Wanbailin District of Taiyuan City. Made of the workings of nature, the valley hides in the lofty mountains of Erlong Mountain. Due to crags of various shapes and the winding stretch of the valley itself, the valley is known as “a thread of sky”.

The valley has an average width of 3 meters and its deepest part is only 0.3 meters wide. It’s known for its crags. The limestone on the two sides of the valley has a peculiar shape. The clear stream at the bottom of the gorge tumbles and runs, forming a lot of loud underground waterfalls among the strange rocks. Looking up, the grotto provides a magnificent view with water drops from the top like pearls. Several smaller grottos extend to an unfathomable depth on the grotto side. The mountains here are surrounded by more mountains. The place is remote except for a few tourists. In this world of stones, huge rocks stand as if reach the sky. The only path is less than 2 meters wide, where footprints of beasts can be found from time to time and remind passengers to speed up. The jagged stones on both sides of the mountain add a mysterious air to the quiet canyon and arouse reveries. Looking up, you will find the threadlike sky between the stones. Some light beams may reach here through the plants on the mountain. In the shredded light, grasses grow from the narrow stone crevices, increasing the charm of yellow mountain flowers.

Taitai Mountain Skid World

Taitai Mountain Skid World is located in the suburban forest park of Xiaoshangou Village in Yingze District, where there is no shortage of skidding equipment, skiing equipment, cableway and shooting racecourse. Ice caves and colorful ice carvings are provided all year long. Stroll in the forest. Appreciate the flowers. Enjoy more than you can imagine. There are also the culture of fortifications and the streets of ancient town. Come and explore!