Things to do in Ying County

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-star review! The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is breathtaking. This thousand-year-old pure wooden mortise and tenon structure from the Liao Dynasty was built without a single iron nail. The brackets are exquisite. It has stood majestically for a thousand years and is a gem of ancient architecture. It is a must-see for any road trip in Shanxi and is well worth a special trip!

Although Jingtu Temple is a lesser-known tourist attraction, it boasts a wealth of cultural significance. The murals on the ceiling of the main hall, in particular, are breathtakingly beautiful, making the trip worthwhile. Definitely worth seeing.

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, an ancient building bearing a thousand-year history, stands silently on the land of Shanxi. Its unique structure and exquisite craftsmanship showcase the wisdom and ingenuity of ancient artisans. Through the passage of time, it remains steadfast, seemingly recounting its past glories and vicissitudes. Every brick and tile bears the marks of time, every beam and pillar a testament to historical changes. Standing before it, one can almost hear the whispers of the wind through the pagoda and feel a profound sense of awe that transcends time.

Every snapshot is a beautiful scene! The park is very well maintained, with picturesque views at every turn and a wonderful atmosphere. The scenery is captivating, offering a high success rate for photos. You don't need to specifically find the right angle; every shot is a beautiful picture, making it a perfect blend of sightseeing and photography.

This is a Buddhist temple rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. It is located next to the Main Hall of Fogong Temple in Ying County. It is not large in scale and houses a seated statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. There are also many painted clay sculptures and murals around it. It is open to the public free of charge.

My favorite attraction—Yanmen Pass—I highly recommend hiring a local guide. Many of the defensive fortifications are difficult to understand on your own, especially the distinctive barbican of Yanmen Pass. Its layout differs from ordinary passes; after a guide explains the defensive logic of "catching a turtle in a jar," the experience of walking inside is completely different. The most striking impression is how the pass separates two climates. Standing in the fortress and looking towards the inside and outside, the difference in the state of the trees is very obvious. Inside the pass is relatively warm and humid with more lush vegetation; outside, it's windy, cold, and the vegetation is withered. Seeing it with your own eyes, you truly understand why the ancients said Yanmen Pass divides north and south—it wasn't an exaggeration. The entire scenic area stretches along the mountain ridge. Just looking at the stone tablets can be overwhelming. A guide will connect the historical battles and the changes in the ancient road, explaining the function of each point. To truly understand this first pass of China, a guided tour is essential; I recommend allowing ample time to explore at your own pace.

Massive caves. The actual caves are truly spectacular but I find the decorations a bit cheap giving it a tourist trap feeling. They do try hard but it feels like trying to justify the high prices. They even let scammers fool you at the entrance with slightly more expensive tickets that have absolutely no extra value. Also be warned, it is not a “relaxed walk” as there are 800 steps within it and no way to opt out 😅

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Absolutely mesmerising, the sheer size of the palace and it's architecture is just breathtaking. Can't believe it's more than 8000 years old and still in immaculate condition. Highly recommended for anyone to at least visit once in their lifetime!!!

The Hengshan shuttle bus from the east city wall of Datong Ancient City is very convenient. It departs on time, the seats are clean, and it goes directly to the Hengshan Visitor Center, saving you the hassle of transferring. It's good value for money, and choosing it for your trip to Hengshan is worry-free 👍 and they are very responsible.