Southeastern Shanxi: Song & Jin Dynasty Architecture Pilgrimage
Journey from Jincheng to Changzhi and Pingshun to admire early wooden structures and painted sculptures from the Tang, Song, and Jin dynasties.
This is an advanced route popular among ancient architecture enthusiasts, traveling from south to north without backtracking. It connects Yuhuang Temple, Kaihua Temple, Chongqing Temple, and the Zhuozhang River Valley's Tiantai Temple and Dayun Temple. Since most temples are in rural areas, self-driving or chartering a car is necessary. You will visit 4 to 5 sites daily with short stops. It is perfect for second-time visitors to Shanxi who want to focus on details, though it bypasses the Taihang Canyons.
Rural temples often require contacting the caretaker to open the doors; have alternative spots in mind in case of renovations or closures.
Day by day
Day 1 · Painted Sculptures & Murals in Jincheng Suburbs
Jincheng（Jincheng Museum、Qinglian Temple、Xiaonancun Erxian Temple、Fucheng Yuhuang Temple）
Pick up your car in Jincheng. Visit Qinglian Temple at the foot of Jue Mountain, then head to Xiaonan Village and Fucheng Village. Each leg is under 1 hour.
Qinglian Temple has been closed to the public in the past; call to confirm before setting off.
Stay: Jincheng Urban Area
Day 2 · Lingchuan Ancient Temples to Kaihua Temple
Jincheng（Xixi Erxian Temple、Chong'an Temple (Lingchuan)、Nanjixiang Temple、Kaihua Temple, Gaoping）
Drive from Jincheng to Lingchuan (approx. 1 hour) to visit two sites in the county. Drive west for about 1 hour to Kaihua Temple, then continue to Gaoping.
Kaihua Temple has short opening hours in the morning and afternoon; plan to arrive after 3:00 PM.
Stay: Gaoping
Day 3 · Gaoping & Zhangzi to Changzhi
Jincheng（Tiefo Temple, Gaoping、Erlang Temple (Wangbao Village)） → Changzhi（Chongqing Temple、Faxing Temple）
The two sites in Gaoping are close to each other. Drive north for about 30 mins to Zhangzi, then head to downtown Changzhi in the afternoon (approx. 50 mins).
Parking at Tiefo Temple is very limited. The visit takes about 30 mins, so it is best to arrive early.
Stay: Changzhi City Proper
Day 4 · Changzhi Guanyin Hall to Pingshun
Changzhi（Guanyin Hall (Changzhi)、Changzhi Museum、Shangdang Gate (Lu'an Prefecture Yamen)、Jiutian Shengmu Temple）
Drive times between downtown sites are within 20 mins. Head east to Jiutian Shengmu Temple and Pingshun County in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours).
Museums often have adjusted closing days; check announcements in advance.
Stay: Pingshun County Seat
Day 5 · Tang & Five Dynasties Architecture in Zhuozhang River Valley
Changzhi（Yuanqi Temple、Tiantai Hermitage、Dayun Temple、Longmen Temple (Pingshun)）
Travel west to east along the Zhuozhang River. Longmen Temple is the most remote. The return drive to Changzhi East Railway Station takes about 2 hours; leave plenty of buffer time.
The valley roads are narrow. Temple caretakers may be away during lunchtime, so avoid visiting during meal hours.