Ancient building treasures in Shanxi

“Ancient Chinese Civilization and Good Sceneray in Shanxi”。Shanxi has a long and splendid history and an endless cultural context. It is the province with the largest number of ancient architectural relics in China. With complete sequence of times, numerous categories and complete shapes, Shanxi is known as the "treasure house of ancient Chinese architecture". There are 2,8027 ancient buildings in existence, including 518 early wooden buildings in the Yuan Dynasty and before, accounting for more than 80% of the early ancient buildings in China.Today Xiaobian will introduce you to a few historical and ancient architectural attractions in Shanxi Province!

1.Foguang Temple

Foguang Temple is located on the mountainside of Foguang Mountain, Doucun Town, Wutai County, Shanxi Province. With a history of more than 1,300 years, it is one of the only four ancient wooden buildings built during the Tang Dynasty. There are many Buddhist heritages in the temple, for which it’s called “Asian Buddha's Light”. The buildings, sculptures, murals, and inscriptions of the Tang Dynasty in Foguang Temple are of high historical and artistic value, and are known as the “Four Wonders”. Occupying an important position in the history of architecture in China and even in the whole world, the temple is known as “China's No. 1 National Treasure”.

2. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, also named the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is located in Yingxian County, Shanxi Province. It is regarded as one of the “Three Great Pagodas in the World” together with the Eiffel Tower in France and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Being the only one pure wooden Pagoda existing in China, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is also the tallest, most complex, and most outstanding wooden structure existing in the world. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is similar in height to the medieval Turkish Galata Tower, equivalent to a 22-story modern building. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda was recognized as “the Tallest Wooden Pagoda in the World” by Guinness World Records in 2016.

3.Jinci Temple