[2025 Xi County Attraction] Travel Guide for Qianfo Nunnery (Updated Jun)

Xixi County's Little Western Heaven (Thousand-Buddha Nunnery), Shanxi I. Attraction Overview - Location: Phoenix Mountain Summit, west of Xixi County (pronounced "xí xiàn"), Linfen City, Shanxi Province. - Features: Renowned for its Ming Dynasty suspended sculptures, particularly the thousands of colorful suspended Buddha statues in the Mahavira Hall, hailed as "the pinnacle of Chinese suspended sculpture art." - History: Built in 1629 (2nd year of Chongzhen reign, Ming Dynasty), its remote location has preserved it exceptionally well, making it highly valuable historically and artistically. II. Transportation Guide 1. Self-drive (Recommended): - From Linfen: Take G22 Qinglan Expressway northwest, then switch to National Highway 209. Total distance ~120km (2-hour drive). - From Taiyuan: ~300km (4-hour drive). 2. Public Transport: - Linfen→Xixi: Take a bus from Linfen West Bus Station (multiple daily departures, ~3 hours), then taxi to the site (~10 minutes). - Train: No direct rail service to Xixi. Nearest stations are Linfen or Hongtong, then transfer by bus. III. Tickets & Opening Hours - Admission: ¥40/person (seasonal fluctuations possible; check official notices). - Hours: 8:00-17:30 (may close earlier in winter). - Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors (60+ with ID); free for children under 1.2m. IV. Must-See Highlights 1. Mahavira Hall: - Dense suspended sculptures of Sakyamuni, Guanyin, and arhats remain vibrantly colored after centuries. - Key sights: Celestial pavilions, flying apsaras, and Putuo Island scenes. Bring binoculars for details. 2. Amitayus Hall: - Houses the Buddha of Infinite Life, showcasing Ming-era temple layout. 3. Moyun Pavilion: - Panoramic views of Xixi County and surrounding mountains. 4. Bell & Drum Towers: - Original Ming structures; experience Zen ambiance with morning bells and evening drums. V. Suggested Itineraries 1. Half-day Tour: - Mountain Gate → Heavenly King Hall → Mahavira Hall (focus) → Moyun Pavilion → Bell & Drum Towers → Scripture Depository. 2. In-depth Tour: - Join a guided tour (~1 hour) to understand sculpture art and Buddhist culture; photograph ancient architecture in afternoon light. VI. Nearby Attractions 1. Xixi County: - Xixi Drum Tower: Ming-era tower showcasing old-town charm. - Zijin Mountain Scenic Area: Blends natural scenery with Taoist culture. 2. Linfen Area: - Hongtong Great Pagoda Tree (1.5-hour drive): Ancestral worship site. - Hukou Waterfall (2.5-hour drive): Yellow River wonder. VII. Dining & Accommodation - Lodging: - Xixi: Budget options (¥100-200/night). - Upscale choices available back in Linfen. - Food: - Xixi Yellow Rice Steamed Cake: Local sweet specialty. - Spicy Beef Meatball Noodles: Linfen specialty; try "Old Bai's Beef Meatball Noodles." - Shaomai (steamed dumplings) and Youmian Kaolaolao: Southern Shanxi noodle dishes. VIII. Tips 1. Conservation: No touching sculptures or flash photography indoors. 2. Attire: Wear anti-slip shoes for climbing steps. 3. Best Seasons: Spring/Autumn (Apr-May, Sep-Oct); winter requires warm clothing. 4. Etiquette: Maintain quiet; avoid pointing at Buddha statues. 5. Safety: Narrow mountain roads—drive cautiously. IX. Photography Tips - Golden Hours: Dawn/dusk for soft light enhancing sculpture depth. - Gear: Wide-angle for architecture; telephoto for sculpture details. - Classic Shots: Upward angles of Mahavira Hall eaves; panoramic views from Moyun Pavilion. Though lesser-known, Little Western Heaven is a gem of ancient Chinese sculpture art, ideal for culture enthusiasts and photographers. Allocate 2-3 hours to fully appreciate its timeless grandeur!

🔥Xiaoxitian Temple, also known as "Thousand Buddha Temple," is a Buddhist Zen temple located on the top of Phoenix Mountain in the west of Xi County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province ❗️ Xiaoxitian Temple was founded in 1️⃣6️⃣2️⃣9️⃣ by Zen Master Dongming in the second year of the Ming Chongzhen period 💫. It was originally named "Thousand Buddha Temple" because there were thousands of Buddha statues in the Grand Hall. Later, it was renamed "Xiaoxitian Temple" because the plaque on the main gate was inscribed with "Dao Enters the Western Paradise," and to distinguish it from another Ming Dynasty temple, "Daxitian Temple," in the south of the city ❗️🔥 📍Address: Xiaoxitian Scenic Area, Xi County, Linfen, Shanxi 🚗Transportation: 🚗Self-driving: If you choose to drive, you can reach Xi County via the expressway. Starting from Xi County, follow the signs to Xiaoxitian Temple. The journey is not far and the transportation is convenient. 🚌Public transportation: Take a train or long-distance bus to Linfen City, and then transfer to a bus to Xi County at Linfen Bus Station. After arriving in Xi County, you can take a taxi or bus to Xiaoxitian Temple. 👍️Must-see attractions: 🎈The Grand Hall is full of large-scale painted suspended sculptures. Five main Buddhas are sitting in a row, from left to right: Medicine Buddha (Three Masters Palace), Amitabha Buddha (Amitabha Inner Courtyard), Sakyamuni Buddha (Seven Buddhas Palace), Vairocana Buddha (Vairocana Inner Courtyard), Maitreya Buddha (Maitreya Inner Courtyard) 🎈North Wall (right): The upper part is the Six Desire Heavens, and the lower part is the Ten Disciples. 🎈South Wall (left): The upper part is the Lapis Lazuli Pure Land, and the lower part is the Ten Disciples, with young monks in the back. 🎈There are also 33 layers of heavenly palaces and pavilions in the hall, with colorful paintings, carved beams and painted pillars, and full and vivid figures. 🎈 Buddha statue layout: In addition to the 5 main statues on the Buddha altar, the walls, purlins, and even the roof rafters are covered with painted sculptures in various poses and vivid shapes. The tallest is more than 3m high, and the smallest is only the size of a thumb, complex but not chaotic. 🎟️Ticket information: Adult ticket price is CNY 35/person/time, and half price ticket is CNY 18/person/time. Children, people with disabilities, soldiers, seniors, and religious people have free or discounted admission policies. 💗Other tips: 1. It is recommended to arrive at 10am. When the sun shines directly into the hall, you can also see the light reflecting on the Buddha statues, making them shine. The tour time is 2–3 hours, so take your time to appreciate the exquisite details of the suspended sculptures. 2. Be sure to hire a tour guide to explain the historical and cultural connotations. 3. Do not use flash when taking pictures to protect the cultural relics. 4. Xiaoxitian Temple is located on high terrain, and it is a bit tiring to climb up, but the scenery along the way is beautiful, so don't miss it. Xiaoxitian Temple is really a place that can purify the soul. It is worth experiencing!

As a branch of painted sculpture art, hanging sculptures are colorful, three-dimensional works of art attached to wall surfaces. They are typically decorated with bright, rich colors and intricate layers, creating a visually stunning and dynamic effect. The main hall of Qianfo Temple features over a dozen layers of hanging sculptures. These radiant, multicolored sculptures depict mythical creatures soaring through the clouds and vibrant flowers blooming beyond ornately carved railings. The layered pavilions, surrounded by auspicious clouds, evoke a scene of celestial palaces and Buddhist wonderlands.

No matter how many places you have been to or how many pictures you have seen online, you will be amazed when you come to Little Western Heaven! The moment you walk into the Mahavira Hall, your mind will be blown away, and you will be at a loss for words to describe this hall. No wonder it is the filming location of Black Myth: Wukong. The ancient architecture and sculpture art are simply amazing! 👏 The scene that only exists in the game CG is truly shocking in front of your eyes, and the camera cannot capture even one-tenth of the shock of Little Western Heaven. 1️⃣ Little Western Heaven Also known as Qianfo Nunnery, it is located on the top of Phoenix Mountain in Xixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. It was built in the second year of the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty (1629) and was named after the thousand Buddha statues in the Mahavira Hall. The temple buildings are built on the mountain with exquisite layout and are known as the "suspended sculpture masterpiece." The Ming Dynasty colored suspended sculpture art in the Mahavira Hall is particularly precious, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship and the charm of Buddhist art. Little Western Heaven vividly showcases the "extreme complexity aesthetics" of the late Ming Dynasty. These colored sculptures range from over 3 meters tall to the size of a thumb, and the full hall of suspended sculptures seems to be about to emerge from the wall and descend on clouds. In this full hall of suspended sculptures and countless gods and Buddhas, another soul-stirring dialogue is connected, and another peak of extreme aesthetics is built. 2️⃣ Guangsheng Temple Guangsheng Temple is located in Hongtong County, Shanxi Province. It was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty. It is famous for the Yuan Dynasty murals in the Water God Temple. These murals were painted in the first year of the Yuan Taiding period (1324) and depict themes of praying for rain, rainmaking, and offering sacrifices to gods, showcasing the social life and opera culture of the Yuan Dynasty. One of the opera murals was included in the Chinese History textbook, with high artistic and historical value. ✔️ Water God Temple, dedicated to the Water God, has stunning murals on the walls, with vibrant colors and well-preserved details. The murals were completed in the first year of the Yuan Taiding period (1324) and were painted by two separate teams, but the level of skill is not much different. The content includes opera, praying for rain, ancient Guangsheng Upper Temple map, Dragon King rainmaking map, dressing map, fish selling map, food offering map, treasure offering map, and ball hammering map. 🔸 The main images on the two walls are the rain praying map and the rainmaking map. The images are full of dramatic tension, and the Water God looks like Zhong Kui. 🔸 The most famous "Da Xing San Le Zhong Du Xiu Zai Ci Zuo Chang" makes people travel back in time to history class in a second, no wonder it looks so familiar. ✔️ Guangsheng Lower Temple has many highlights. The Yuan Dynasty architectural complex is divided into front and back courtyards. The front courtyard is spacious, with a mountain gate and front hall, while the back courtyard is densely built, forming a traditional courtyard structure. 🔸 The mountain gate of the Lower Temple is included in the Chinese Architectural History, with a single-eave hip roof and eaves on the front and back, resembling a double-eave pavilion. The Four Heavenly Kings are strong and powerful, with very luxurious clothing. 🔸 The front hall is a five-bay suspended mountain style, with only two columns inside, and the beam frame is supported by large beams, resembling a human-shaped truss, with exquisite design. 🔸 The back hall is one of the most important buildings in the Lower Temple, with statues of the Three Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra, all of which are Yuan Dynasty works. The hall originally had exquisite murals (beautiful Three Buddhas and Medicine Buddha transformation map), but they were dismantled into over 100 pieces and sold to the United States in 1928. The remaining murals in the hall were originally on the upper part of the gable wall (too high, so they were left behind). The content is the Fifty-three Visits of Sudhana.

On the peak of Phoenix Mountain in Linfen, Shanxi, lies a hidden Buddhist treasure - Qianfo Temple. It is not just a temple, but a heavy history book. As you turn each page, you can feel the Zen and artistic fusion that transcends time and space. Stepping into Qianfo Temple, the grandeur of the Mahavira Hall is instantly awe-inspiring. Even more astonishing are the hanging sculptures of Buddha statues, sitting or standing, smiling or angry, in a thousand different postures, as if they have truly descended from the Buddha's realm to the human world. These hanging sculptures are not only superb in craftsmanship, but also a profound understanding and interpretation of Buddhist culture by the artists. They are not just cold clay sculptures, but soulful and emotional works of art, telling Buddhist stories and conveying endless compassion and wisdom. In this hall of art, there is also a precious official edition of the "Ming Yongle Northern Canon". It lies there quietly, as if telling the vicissitudes and changes of a thousand years. This canon is not only a Buddhist treasure, but also a treasure of Chinese culture. It bears witness to the spread and development of Buddhism in China and carries the faith and aspirations of countless believers. Walking in every corner of Qianfo Temple, you can feel the tranquility and peace. It is a pure land of the soul, a haven away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you are a Buddhist believer or an art lover, you can find your own peace and enlightenment here. Qianfo Temple, a place full of Zen and art, awaits the arrival of every destined person. Here, you can let go of worldly troubles and let your soul be purified and sublimated. Qianfo Temple

“Hidden in the mountains, unknown to the world, once known, the world is amazed.” 🔥 The Daxiong Hall of Xiaoxitian, which is only 169.6 square meters, houses nearly 2,000 hanging sculptures of Buddha. Gilded and painted, they are densely packed and stacked in layers. The largest Buddha is nearly 3 meters tall, while the smallest celestial musician is only the size of a thumb. The sculptures are intricately stacked, yet not at all cluttered. They are not only a passionate swan song in the history of Chinese sculpture art, but also an artistic sanctuary where you can experience Eastern aesthetics in person. 🔥 Look up and see the heavens, and be amazed.

🌄 A millennium-old art palace awaits your exploration Xiaoxitian, originally known as Qianfo Temple, is located in a quiet corner of Xi County, Shanxi. Despite its remote location, its unique hanging sculptures have attracted countless visitors. Today, let's explore this mysterious ancient temple and experience its unparalleled beauty. 🚗 Convenient travel tips for an easy journey to this art sanctuary Getting to Xiaoxitian is not complicated. First, arrive in Linfen, which has a convenient airport and high-speed rail station. Then, you can drive or take a shuttle bus to Xi County, which takes only 2 hours. Remember to book your tickets in advance, avoid the last row, and enjoy a more comfortable journey. 💰 Great value tickets to the Mahavira Hall Tickets to Xiaoxitian are only CNY 35, which is a great value compared to other attractions in Shanxi. Upon arrival, head straight to the Mahavira Hall, where the hanging sculptures are located. Each statue is lifelike, and every detail is breathtaking. ⏰ Arrive early to avoid the crowds We recommend arriving before Xiaoxitian opens, as it is a popular destination. The Mahavira Hall is limited in space, and arriving late may mean missing the best viewing time. Additionally, there is no lighting in the hall, and flashlights are not allowed. Choose a sunny day to visit, as the sunlight will make the gilded statues shine. 📸 Professional photography tips to capture stunning moments If you are a photography enthusiast, we strongly recommend bringing a tripod. In the sunlight, the gilded statues will emit a charming glow, providing you with an unparalleled shooting experience. 🌟 Xiaoxitian: An artistic marvel worth seeing Xiaoxitian is not only an ancient temple but also a beautiful work of art. It was built using 7 kg of pure gold, making it a luxurious masterpiece. Along the way, you will also pass by the Dongyue Temple, which, together with Xiaoxitian, is known as "Heaven and Hell." Come to Xiaoxitian and embark on a feast for the eyes and soul!

Recommended index ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🚌Transportation: It is recommended to drive by yourself or charter a car. The parking fee is 5 yuan, and there is no time limit. 💸Tickets: 35 yuan per person, half price for students with student ID. Explanation 50 yuan. ⏰Opening hours: Spring to autumn 08:00-18:00, winter 08:00-17:00. Classification of colored sculptures in Xiaoxitian: 1️⃣Round sculpture: Five main Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, ten disciples, all belong to this category. 2️⃣Shadow sculpture: characters on the five Buddha niches. 3️⃣Hanging sculpture: also known as wall sculpture, belongs to the category of relief. The layered buildings and various characters on the south wall, north wall and above the Buddha niche all belong to the hanging sculpture. Precautions: Smoking and loud noise are prohibited in the temple. Do not use flash when taking pictures to avoid damage to cultural relics. Wear comfortable shoes, because there are some steps in the scenic area that need to be walked. ❤️Xiaoxitian, also known as Qianfo Temple, is located on the cliff of Phoenix Mountain. It was built in the Ming Dynasty. The architectural style of Xiaoxitian is unique. The temple is built on the mountain and is scattered. The sculptures and murals in the temple are exquisite, especially the Daxiong Hall in the Daxiong Hall, which is world-famous and is known as the cliff masterpiece in the history of Chinese sculpture art.

🏞️ Qianfo Temple on Phoenix Mountain is a tourist attraction that combines natural beauty and Buddhist culture. Here are some travel tips: 1. 📍 Location: Located on Phoenix Mountain in Linfen, Shanxi Province. You can follow your navigation system to get there. 2. 🕒 Opening hours: Usually from 8:00 to 17:00. It is recommended to confirm the opening hours in advance. 3. 🎫 Tickets: There may be a ticket fee. The specific price is recommended to be checked in advance or at the entrance. 4. 🚗 Transportation: It is recommended to drive or take local transportation to get there. The mountain road may be rugged, so please pay attention to driving safety. 5. 🏞️ Featured experience: Qianfo Temple attracts tourists with its quiet environment and Buddhist culture. It is a good place to seek peace of mind. 6. 📸 Photo check-in: Qianfo Temple on the top of the mountain provides excellent photo opportunities. You can capture the harmonious picture of the temple and the natural landscape. 7. 🌟 Cultural experience: Visiting Qianfo Temple can deepen your understanding of Chinese Buddhist culture and history. Hope these suggestions can make your trip to Qianfo Temple more fulfilling and enjoyable! 🌟🏞️

Xiaoxitian in Xi County, located at the top of Phoenix Mountain, one kilometer northwest of Xi County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province, is a Zen Buddhist temple. Originally named Qianfo An, it was founded by Zen Master Dongming in the second year of the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty (1629). It was named after the thousand Buddha statues in the Mahavira Hall. Later, it was renamed 'Xiaoxitian' to distinguish it from another Ming Dynasty temple 'Daxitian' in the south of the city, as the plaque on the main gate reads 'Dao Ru Xitian' (Path to the Western Heaven). The entire temple of Xiaoxitian covers an area of more than 1,100 square meters, with many halls and buildings such as the Mahavira Hall, Manjusri Hall, Samantabhadra Hall, Amitabha Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Weituo Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower. The temple is divided into upper, middle, and front courtyards by gates. In fact, two-thirds of the temple's halls are double-story structures. The cultural relic value of Xiaoxitian in Xi County mainly lies in the well-preserved hanging sculptures in the Mahavira Hall. Most of these hanging sculptures were painted and sculpted between the seventeenth year of the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty (1644) and the thirteenth year of the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (1656), remaining dust-free for over three hundred years. The murals in the Mahavira Hall are even more precious, made with gold leaf and powder, resembling the dragon and phoenix patterns and imperial seals of the palace.

Shanxi, China Xiaoxitian Xiaoxitian 'Seeing the future, why not worship'. Let's follow 🔥 'Black Myth: Wukong' to tour ancient buildings and feel the profoundness of Chinese culture 👍 📍Phoenix Mountain, west of Xixian County, Shanxi Province 🚘Transportation: Xixian is quite far from Linfen City, it is recommended to drive 🚗 or hire a car. 🎫Tickets: 35 yuan for adults, 18 yuan for half-price tickets 🔈Guide: 50 yuan (regardless of the number of people) 🏘️Introduction to Xiaoxitian: Xiaoxitian, also known as Qianfo Temple, was founded by Zen Master Dongming. The main hall, Daxiong Hall, is filled with wooden and clay sculptures, exquisitely crafted, and is considered the 'masterpiece of suspended sculptures' in the history of Chinese sculpture. 📖Xiaoxitian is divided into the upper and lower courtyards. The lower courtyard is the main part of the temple, with the Wuliang Hall facing east, and the Weituo Hall opposite Wuliang Hall. The upper courtyard is the essence of the entire temple. The main hall, Daxiong Hall, is where the suspended sculptures are located, with the Manjusri and Samantabhadra halls on either side. 📖Daxiong Hall is divided into three parts: the main wall, the north wall, and the south wall🔈 📖Sculptures: There are more than 1,000 statues in total. The largest is 3 meters high, and the smallest is only the size of a fingernail. The Buddha statues are serene, kind-faced, vivid, and lifelike. 🏜️Main attractions of Xiaoxitian: ✅Dizang Hall ✅Kuixing Pavilion ✅Guanyin Hall ✅Heavenly King Hall ✅Weituo Hall ✅Daxiong Hall ✅Wuliang Hall ✅Three Saints Hall ✅Manjusri Hall ✅Samantabhadra Hall ⚠️⚠️Attention❗️ Xiaoxitian offers free vegetarian meals 🍚, but only before 11 o'clock Pets are prohibited 🚫 in the scenic area Parking fee 🅿️ is uniformly 5 yuan (no time limit) The visitor center at the entrance offers free stamps Only Xixian specialty Yuluxiang pears are sold near the scenic area, you can go to the county town for meals 🍽️

Xixian County, Shanxi Province, the Thousand Buddha Nunnery of Xiaoxitian. The mountains have lush foliage, and the marshes bloom with lotuses. In Xixian County, Shanxi Province, lies the Thousand Buddha Nunnery of Xiaoxitian, a filming location for the Black Myth. It's breathtaking! Cameras fail to capture the awe that meets the eye! Staring too long may lead to obsession.

Xixian Xiaoxi'tian, also known as Qianfo Temple, is located on the top of Fenghuang Mountain west of Xixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. It is a Buddhist Zen temple founded by Zen Master Dongming in the second year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty. It was originally named because there are thousands of Buddha statues in the Main Hall. The value lies in the well-preserved hanging sculpture art in the Main Hall. Most of the hanging sculptures in the Main Hall were painted in the Ming Dynasty and have remained dust-free for more than 300 years. "Before Xiaoxitian, there was no hall full of hanging sculptures. After Xiaoxitian, there is no more hanging sculptures filling the hall." Walking in from the ticket gate, there are many poems inspired by the visit to Xiaoxitian. Reciting one song after another, I walked to the foot of the mountain "It is more important to embark on the journey to obtain scriptures than to reach Lingshan Mountain", Walking up the stone steps to the gate of Xiaoxitian, you will feel far away from the world. It is not far from the county town and the height is not very high, but climbing up the steps can still calm your heart. From the perspective of artistic and cultural value Shuilu Temple has largely retained the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are more than 2,000 statues of various sizes and shapes placed inside. The colored sculptures of Shuilu Temple are important materials for people to study the Shuilu Temple in Ming Dynasty. The main hall of Shuilu Temple looks majestic, but also friendly. Three of the statues are similar in form and display techniques. For example, there is Buddha light above and Sumeru throne below. Overall, the lines of the Buddha statue are relatively simple, and the entire body is covered in gold. Even the smaller strong man below can embody a sense of power. On the back of the three Buddha statues are statues of Bodhisattvas, the difference is that they are all shaped like males. But there is the kindness and warmth of a female Bodhisattva in her eyes. At the bottom of the gable is the wonderful part of Shuilu Temple These “24 divine generals” have different expressions, each one is majestic, and their facial features and body shapes all reflect traditional sculpture techniques. The Buddhist stories on the gables show that the craftsmen took the viewer's psychology into consideration when depicting the characters, and eliminated the viewer's discomfort through color matching and reasonable layout. Whether in terms of the overall work or the portrayal of individual characters, the creative level of Shuilu Temple is top-notch. It reflects the progress of ancient Chinese sculpture technology while also showing its own artistic charm, such as the reasonable layout of the sculpture positions, the rational use of colors, and the combination of the individual and the whole. These elements constitute the artistic characteristics of Shuilu Temple. Precautions 1️⃣Don't use the flash when taking photos 2️⃣Don’t pay attention to strangers who talk to you near the scenic area, as there may be karma or you may be asked to donate merit. 3️⃣Human explanation is cheaper, it should be 50, you can hire one if you have the conditions, the electronic explanation should be 20, it can be shared by several people, the explanation is relatively shallow 4️⃣The journey is quite long. If you are prone to motion sickness, you can take motion sickness medicine half an hour in advance.