December: Ba'ansi Temple, Gaomiao, Zhongwei

Strolling through the ancient city of Zhongwei in the cold December wind, I was captivated by the unexpected charm of the ancient city. At the corner, the treasure of the city center, Gaomiao, stood quietly like an old man of history, exuding endless charm. This architectural complex covers an area of 4,100 square meters, with overlapping buildings covering a total area of more than 1,700 square meters, containing 260 unique buildings, like a maze, fascinating. Gaomiao sits in the north, facing south, with a rigorous layout, and buildings lined up on the north-south axis, telling stories of a thousand years. Starting from the mountain gate of Ba'ansi Temple, it is simple and solemn, like a gateway to another world. At the top of the mountain gate, the Kui Xing Tower stands majestically, with the statue of Kui Xing inside, holding a red pen, with piercing eyes, as if examining every devout soul. Passing through the mountain gate, a two-story brick archway comes into view, standing gracefully, with a unique structure, like an ancient lady, reserved and elegant. Above the archway, the Maitreya Buddha of the Heavenly Palace is compassionate, hence the name "Maitreya Pavilion." Climbing up the 15 steps seems to connect the mortal world and the pure land, with each step filled with reverence and longing. At the Mahavira Hall, the statue of Shakyamuni is solemn and kind, as if silently watching the joys and sorrows of the world with his wise eyes. On the east and west sides of the Mahavira Hall, the Dizang Palace and the Sanxiao Palace echo each other, each guarding a piece of heaven and earth, providing spiritual comfort to believers. In the side halls, the Ten Directions Buddhas and the Twenty-Four Heavens are vivid, with some glaring and others smiling kindly, each statue containing endless stories and wisdom. Continuing forward, the 34 steps lead straight to the South Heavenly Gate like a ladder to heaven, with each step appearing solemn and sacred. The first half of the steps is cleverly built into a bridge, surrounded by buildings on both sides, forming two quiet courtyards, the East Heavenly Pool and the West Heavenly Pool. They are like two bright pearls, embedded in the embrace of Gaomiao, each shining with unique light. The circular tunnel under the bridge is the "Hell Reincarnation Cave," connecting the east and west heavenly pools, as if telling the profound philosophy of life and death, cause and effect. Walking through such an architectural complex, one seems to travel through time and space, conversing with history.