I was amazed! In the loess highlands of Shanxi, there is also a 'Little Jiangnan' of the north

🏯✨ In Guangling County of Datong, there is a place that doesn't fit in with the loess plateau. This place is called Shuishentang, surrounded by bare loess high slopes, only this area is encircled by a lake. If you don't mention that this is Datong, Shanxi, the scenery is just like the landscapes of Jiangnan. 🏯✨ The uniqueness of this ancient building can be known by its name. While most temples are called something-si (temple), this place is simply named Shuishentang in three characters. The overall architectural style dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Although not grand in scale, it is exquisitely delicate and charming. 🏯✨ The only way to enter Shuishentang is through an arch bridge. The site is surrounded by a lake on all sides, with the current appearance dating back to the Qing dynasty. The architectural complex is generally octagonal, resembling a castle surrounded by walls. With a central axis design, the main hall and the pagoda are located in the middle, flanked by side halls and wing rooms. 🏯✨ The courtyard of Shuishentang is not large, but the layout is rich. The small yard includes the Lingying Pagoda, Holy Mother Hall, Zen rooms, Wenchang Pavilion, mountain gate, bell and drum towers, and Laojun Hall, among others. 🏯✨ The appearance of the Bagua courtyard is not common in the history of ancient architecture. The entire Shuishentang seems to be closely nestled together, with its towers and pagodas ingeniously integrated with the distant mountains. The complete Ming and Qing architecture adds an ancient charm to Shuishentang. 🏯✨ Inside Shuishentang, there are also some exquisite murals and reliefs. The murals are quite old, while most of the reliefs have been carved in the last decade or so. The small Shuishentang is like a microcosm of Guangling County in Datong, a place with a profound cultural heritage. It also has a different style from Datong city, yet the scenery of Shuishentang in the north resembles the landscapes of Penglai.