Taiyuan, Shanxi Province

The turbulence of history has left very few ancient Chinese mansions intact, and the passage of years makes it even harder to preserve their typically wooden structure.

Sadly, only two original Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) mansions can be found in Shanxi province, where it is estimated that 90 percent of Chinese architecture from before the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) exists. Its capital, Taiyuan, the political, economic and cultural hub of the province, still offers the best of ancient North China's culture.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Shanxi merchants became the epitome of national wealth for their cleverness in managing their fortunes. During this period, Taiyuan became the financial center of the Qing Dynasty. The capital has become a hub for heavy industrial since 1949, with its surrounding areas accounting for more than half of China's total coal mining output.

However, Taiyuan is adjusting its reliance on heavy industries, which have brought it wealth but also heavy pollution. The city is balancing its industry structure in an effort to attract tourists to its rich and storied culture. Here are some of the places you should not miss.

1. Jinci Temple

Located 25 kilometers away from downtown Taiyuan, Jinci Temple is a grand collection of ancient wooden buildings set against a lush landscape of cypresses that was built in memory of Tang Shuyu, the local king during the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC). His decision to make use of the nearby Jin River to irrigate and foster agriculture transformed Taiyuan from barren lands to a thriving city.

The Hall of the Sacred Mother is the most famous building in Jinci Temple, with its 43 Song Dynasty (960-1279) figures of maids set in two rows to serve Yijiang, Tang Shuyu's revered mother. The clay sculptures inside are an important source for scholars studying the clothing style of the Song Dynasty.

On the right side of the hall stands a famous cypress that is at least 1,000 years old. Legend has it that a Taoist was selling ointments under the dead cypress, but no one was buying them. The Taoist sighed and plastered ointment on the tree, which soon sprang to life. Today, most travelers stop to pray under the tree in the hope of bringing eternal health to their family.

Nanlao Spring gurgles from the hill behind the hall and flows ceaselessly in any season. The statue of the Sacred Mother, the maid sculptures and the spring are known as the three wonders of Jinci Temple.

2. The Giant Buddha of Mengshan Mountain

This 1,461-year-old Buddha statue was carved on one side of a south-facing hill cliff located 20 kilometers southwest of downtown Taiyuan. It is believed to be 162 years older than the world's largest sitting stone sculpture of the Buddha in Leshan, Sichuan province, but is not as well known.

The Mengshan Mountain Buddha statue is 63 meters tall. When first discovered in the 1980s, parts of the main body were buried, and it was not until 2008 that it was opened to visitors after years of restoration.

3. Tianlong Mountain Grottoes

These grottoes, 40 kilometers southwest of Taiyuan, include a series of 24 caves in the mountainside.

Nestled within them are 1,500 Buddhist sculptures that are as magnificently carved as they are solemn. The second and third grottoes have a history of more than 1,500 years.

The multi-story ninth grotto is home to an eight-meter-tall Maitreya statue as well as an 11-meter-tall, soberly clothed Bodhisattva statue. The ornaments on the stone carvings are succinct and in line with the dogma of Buddhism. The roof of the shrine is decorated with motifs such as lotus and dragon.

4. Shanxi Museum

The four-story building is located at 13 Binhe West Road, situated along the Fen River in central Taiyuan.

The collection of antiques on display is rich and important as Chinese civilization first began to develop in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan provinces. The building itself is architecturally pleasing, and is designed to depict structures of the past. Visitors will be mesmerized by the many Buddhist statues, porcelain, paintings and calligraphy.

Food and Drinks

Shanxi claims to have more than a hundred varied styles of noodles - there are sliced noodles, pulled noodles and maoerduo (cat's ears) to name a few. Daoxiaomian (sliced noodles) are the most popular. The cook's ability to fashion noodles from dough requires years of training and is considered an art.

The famous dish here is guoyourou (fried boiled pork). Like most Taiyuan delicacies, it is flavored with vinegar and tastes salty and is crispy. Travelers might also try some local snacks such as tounao, a Muslim soup with three large pieces of lamb and Chinese herbs.

Sacred Taoist Mountain: Kongtong Mountain

Kongtong Mountains  is one of the sacred mountains of Taoism. It is located in Pingliang City, Gansu Province. It is the mythical meeting site between the Huangdi (also known as Yellow Emperor) and Guangchengzi. It is said that an immortal named Guangchengzi once lived in a stone cave in the mountain, and the Yellow Emperor once came here to hear his preaching. So it is said to be one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. Kongtong Mountain boasts dozens of grotesque peaks. It is covered with dense forests rolling from one steep peak to the other.

Tourists can enjoy the wonderful landscapes, the beautiful trees and flowers, the interesting caves, strange rocks and the running clouds. With precipitous scenery of natural beauty and ancient cultural leftovers in collection, this mountain is worth for both landscape appreciation and cultural relics review.

As one of the most famous Taoist Fairyland well known for its wonderful scenes, Kongtong has its name“Kongtong”meaning “emptiness, lustration and naturalness” in the doctrine of Taoism religion. Kongtong Mountain is also highlighted as one of important places for health maintenance. (Source: chinadaily.com.cn)

Zhengzhou-- Hub of history

Zhengzhou offers peek into origins of Chinese civilization amid modern development

Shaolin Temple is a mecca for the countless number of Chinese martial arts fans across the globe weaned on popular action movies. But not many know that Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province where Shaolin is located, offers much more as the hub of a historically and culturally rich area in Central China.

The ancient city was already the capital of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) when porcelain and the Chinese technique of bronze smelting were available.

Zhengzhou is now an economic center and transport hub, with major investments in the agricultural, manufacturing and mining sectors.

But travelers will also find that the city remains a treasure trove of Chinese history and culture, making it a rewarding stop for even short-term visitors.

1. Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple was built in AD 495 when an Indian monk Damo, also known as Bodhidharma, arrived to spread Buddhism in China.

The temple has more than 200 towers dating back seven dynasties from the Tang (AD 618-907) to the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, with one "modern" tower from AD 689 to 1820.

The monastery is considered an ideal spot for a comprehensive study of the history of Chinese architecture, sculpture and religious art.

Fans of Chinese martial arts should catch a 30-minute kung fu show offered daily. Shaolin kung fu is considered the largest system in Han Chinese martial arts, with more than 700 actions and moves.

Practitioners believe the essence of the art form reflects the unity between Zen and martial arts. Shaolin monks also practice kung fu as a form of meditation.

2. Songyang Shuyuan

This is one of the four great academies of ancient China built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386-534).

A 12-sided pagoda in the compound was built in AD 520. Many famous Chinese thinkers lectured in this academy, while emperors also made it an important stop in their inspection tours and sacrificial rites to heaven.

The academy's building is divided into five courtyards and the precise layout of the structures also reflects Confucian thought.

3. Henan Museum

This is one of China's oldest museums. As a major repository of Chinese relics, it boasts modern displays and exhibitions housed in unique architecture.

Henan province, located in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, was called Zhongzhou, or central region, in ancient times. It was an important area in early Chinese civilization.

The museum's exhibits are mostly related to the ancient history and culture of the Henan region, including historical artifacts, buildings, major archaeological discoveries and the arts and crafts of the early Chinese settlers.

4. Yellow River scenic area

This scenic spot is located 30 kilometers northwest of Zhengzhou. It is bounded by the surging Yellow River in the north and Yueshan Mountain in the south, which together help offer some of the most breathtaking views in the region.

Eating and drinking

Zhengzhou cuisine centers on carp and chicken.

There are three famous ways to cook a local carp from the Yellow River: the fish is cut into three pieces, one fillet being fried and one cooked with sweet and sour sauce. The fish head and tail is boiled together with radish slices to make a delicious and nutritious soup.

Famous local dishes also include traditional pastries and translucent noodles.

The best food in town is available from the dense concentration of eating and drinking spots on Jinshui Road.

Source: China Daily

Scenery of Jueshan Temple in Lingqiu county, Shanxi province

Photo taken on July 20, 2012 shows an old pagoda of Jueshan Temple in Lingqiu county,Shanxi province. Jueshan Temple, also known as Puzhao Temple with an area of 8,100 square meters, was built in the fifth century. The thirteen-tier Jueshan Temple Pagoda, a masterpiece of classical architecture, is the landmark of the temple.



Photo taken on July 20, 2012 shows exquisite frescos in Jueshan Temple in Lingqiu county, Shanxi province. Jueshan Temple, also known as Puzhao Temple with an area of 8,100 square meters, was built in the fifth century. The thirteen-tier Jueshan Temple Pagoda, a masterpiece of classical architecture, is the landmark of the temple.

Tourists visit Jueshan Temple at the hillside of Jueshan Mountain in Lingqiu county, Shanxi province, July 20, 2012. Jueshan Temple, also known as Puzhao Temple with an area of 8,100 square meters, was built in the fifth century. The thirteen-tier Jueshan Temple Pagoda, a masterpiece of classical architecture, is the landmark of the temple.

Photo taken on July 20, 2012 shows a gate decorated with carved bricks of Jueshan Temple in Lingqiu county, Shanxi province. Jueshan Temple, also known as Puzhao Temple with an area of 8,100 square meters, was built in the fifth century. The thirteen-tier Jueshan Temple Pagoda, a masterpiece of classical architecture, is the landmark of the temple. (Source: Xinhua)

South Putuo Temple Fujian province

South Putuo Temple is adjacent to Xiamen University in the Southeast of the city. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the temple was destroyed many times over the course of following dynasties. In the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912), it was once again rebuilt and given its present name. A statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, or Avalokitesvara, is enshrined in the temple, which receives an endless stream of worshippers and pilgrims throughout the year. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Fayuan Buddhist Temple in Beijing

Situated south of Jiaozi Alley outside Xuanwumen, Fayuan Temple is the oldest ancient Buddhist temple in Beijing. It also houses the China Buddhist Association, the China Buddhism Institution and the China Buddhism Library and Relic Center, thus serving as an important venue for nurturing young monks and Buddhist research. (Source:China.org.cn)

Confucian Temple in Deyang

The Confucian Temple (Wenmiao) in Deyang, Sichuan Province, is the most well-preserved ancient architectural complex dedicated to Confucius in the city proper. It was first built in 1206 during the Southern Song Dynasty.

Source: china.org

Chinese people celebrate Lunar New Year

Friday is not only the first day of the Lunar New Year, it has also kicked off more than a week's celebrations across China. Temple fairs, folk performances, traditional food stands are all visible in the country. And most celebrations have a symbolic meaning.

People rang the bell at the stroke of midnight at Badachu, a Buddhist temple in Beijing, in the hope of a new year filled with luck.

"I am burning incense and candles, and ringing the bell for good fortune and the health of my family in the new year." a tourist from Beijing said.

The temple, with a history of over 1,300 years, was where Chinese emperors' families used to hold celebrations.

This year, the attempt has been to recreate what the temple looked like in those times.

"It is the first year we are holding a traditional temple fair. We arranged activities and decorations according to old photos of a hundred years ago." Ti Genlong, Vice Director of Badachu Park management Office said.

Meanwhile, in Longtan Park, the atmosphere of the New Year can be easily felt. Artworks that symbolise good fortune have been displayed. Folk dances were performed.

In the Earth Temple fair, a photo exhibition shows what the city looked like in the old days. Typical food of various regions of China were on sale. This year has been the first that businessmen from Taiwan have attended the fair. The performance displaying the ethnic culture of Taiwan attracted lots of people.

"It's good there are so many cultures gathered in one fair. It helps me know more about different places." a Beijing resident said.

The demonstration of imperial rites showed the same ceremonies emperors used to perform in the past.

In Changsha city of Hunan province, temple fairs have a history of 250 years.

It is also a reminder for people to learn more about traditional crafts.

"I have attended the fair for over two decades. Painting with sugar has a history of a hundred years. I hope our culture will be well preserved." Mr. Liu, Sugar painter said.

Organisers say temple fairs are an important way to refresh memories about traditions. For foreigners, it is also definitely a cultural experience.

Source: cntv via china.org.cn