Hidden Gem in Hongtong, Shanxi | Guangsheng Temple, a Millennium-Old Ancient Building Full of Wonders

Shanxi’s treasure ancient temples never disappoint! Guangsheng Temple in Hongtong is tucked away in the mountains, avoiding the crowds and noise, naturally exuding a serene ancient charm. Whether you’re seeking historical depth or checking in at stunning ancient architecture, it’s a top choice for niche travel, offering an immersive experience of the unique charm shaped by time. 🏯 Millennium-old temple, engraved with traces of time Guangsheng Temple was founded in the Eastern Han Dynasty and has stood firm through the ages. The existing buildings blend styles from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, with every brick and tile holding historical stories. Walking through it, the rich cultural atmosphere is overwhelming, and every corner reveals the texture of time’s accumulation. A must-visit for ancient architecture enthusiasts! 🌈 Feihong Pagoda goes viral, the pinnacle of glazed tile aesthetics As the temple’s core highlight, Feihong Pagoda is the most complete and tallest glazed tile pagoda in China. The octagonal thirteen-story tower is inlaid with yellow, green, blue, purple, and white glazed tiles that shimmer brilliantly under sunlight, stunning in appearance. It was also the filming model for the Golden Light Temple in the 1986 TV series "Journey to the West" during the Jisaiguo scenes. Climb to the top to enjoy mountain views, and every photo you take is atmospheric. It’s been recognized as the “world’s tallest colorful glazed tile pagoda,” carrying a unique aura. 🎨 Yuan Dynasty murals, unlocking the everyday life in ancient paintings The Yuan Dynasty murals inside the Water God Temple are artistic treasures, depicting scenes of daily life, rain prayers, and opera performances. The colors are vivid, and the figures lively. Viewing them up close feels like traveling back to the Yuan era, directly experiencing the social landscape of the time. Among them, the "Hongtong Water God Temple Opera Mural" is a precious resource for studying opera history, with details full of craftsmanship. 🪵 Exquisite craftsmanship, encounter ancient architectural aesthetics The temple is divided into upper and lower sections, with buildings like the Mahavira Hall, Pilu Hall, and Heavenly King Hall arranged in a staggered layout. The style is simple and elegant, with intricate dougong brackets and superb wood, brick, and stone carvings. Every detail showcases the wisdom of ancient builders, offering an immersive experience of traditional ancient architectural aesthetics. 📝 Practical travel guide ✅ Transportation guide 1. High-speed rail: After arriving at Hongtong West Station, take a taxi directly to the scenic area. The route is convenient, and carpooling with friends is even more hassle-free; 2. Self-driving: Navigate to “Guangsheng Temple Scenic Area.” There is a dedicated parking lot inside the scenic area, making travel flexible and convenient. ✅ Photography tips 1. Feihong Pagoda: Best to shoot during well-lit hours. Front lighting highlights the glazed tile patterns, side lighting emphasizes the warm texture, and low-angle shots can capture the ancient pagoda framed against the sky; 2. Murals: The hall is dimly lit, so turn off the flash and focus on close-up details to better highlight the murals’ delicate texture. ✅ Local delicacies 1. Handmade Sanzi: Freshly fried at the temple entrance, golden and crispy with a rich wheat aroma, satisfying and refreshing; 2. Cagetu: A local specialty staple food with a chewy texture, paired with exclusive sauce, offering an authentic and flavorful taste. ✅ Travel tips 1. The scenic area has many ups and downs, so wearing comfortable sports shoes is recommended to enhance your travel experience; 2. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring clothes that balance warmth and comfort; 3. Mornings have fewer crowds and suitable lighting, perfect for shooting photos without people and enjoying a more immersive temple visit. Escape the crowds and noise, head to this millennium-old temple, and unlock the collision of history and aesthetics at Guangsheng Temple. A niche spot that won’t disappoint, definitely worth adding to your Shanxi travel list~