Things to do in Ying County

Built during the Liao Dynasty, this tower has stood for nearly a thousand years. The entire structure is constructed without iron nails, relying entirely on mortise and tenon joints, and the intricate and diverse bracket sets are a marvel of ancient architecture. Standing at the foot of the tower and looking up, its majestic presence is overwhelming. Although only the first floor can be visited today, experiencing firsthand the superb construction skills of the ancients and reading the plaques preserved from various dynasties is still deeply moving. A visit to northern Shanxi to see ancient architecture is incomplete without seeing this place.

It's very close to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, and while not very large overall, the caisson ceiling is beautiful. It's a shame that the stone lions praised by Liang Sicheng have been almost entirely destroyed. However, it's still worth a visit.

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.

太美了！简直太震撼了！世界之最！

The Hanging Temple is ingeniously built into the cliff face, nestled against the mountainside, and has stood for over a thousand years, a testament to the architectural wisdom of the ancients. The temple grounds are small, with narrow and steep steps, so proceed with caution. From afar, it appears rugged and unique; up close, its structure is exquisite, with Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist halls coexisting in a distinctive way. Combining scenic beauty with historical significance, it's a photographer's paradise. It's recommended to visit early to avoid crowds; a must-see spectacle in Datong, it's definitely worth a visit.

The experience was very good! The service was also very good. I experienced both 3D and VR. VR's immersive feeling was more real, as if people were really on the wooden tower. You can see the full picture of each floor of the wooden tower, and there is a 20-minute explanation. Bringing children to see it not only systematically understands the structure of the wooden tower, but it will be more meaningful to see the wooden tower with knowledge! The cost performance is very high! Very worthwhile

The highlight is the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, one of the world's three great pagodas. Its pure wooden mortise and tenon structure, without nails or rivets, has stood for thousands of years and is a true architectural marvel. You can also connect it with Liao Dynasty relics such as the old Guangwu City and the "Moon Gate" of the Guangwu Great Wall to feel the profound history of the frontier.

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.

One Yanmen Pass, half of China's history. This majestic pass guards northern Shanxi, witnessing countless battles throughout the ages. Yanmen Pass, known as the First Pass of China, sits at the mouth of the Hengshan Mountains, flanked by two peaks, a naturally formidable strategic location. Throughout history, countless generals, including Li Mu, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and the Yang family generals, have defended this frontier, and countless battles have taken place here. Standing atop the gate tower, the mountain winds howl, and the Great Wall undulates along the mountain ridges. This is the northern gateway to the Central Plains; when war broke out, the world trembled; in times of peace, caravans thronged here. The clash of swords and the thunder of horses have long since vanished, only the majestic pass, the ancient road, and the mountains remain. It is not merely a scenic spot, but a symbol of the frontier in the nation's memory, witnessing millennia of conquest, steadfast defense, and ethnic integration.

The Yungang Grottoes represent the pinnacle of Northern Wei stone carving art. Each Buddha statue possesses a unique expression, the open-air Buddha is solemn and majestic, and the lines of the sculptures are simple yet vivid, remaining captivating despite the passage of time. The grottoes are spread out in a continuous chain, and as you walk through them, you are immersed in a wealth of history. The scenic area has excellent facilities, and hiring a guide is highly recommended to learn about the stories behind the statues. Seeing it in person is far more breathtaking than seeing pictures; its cultural value is immense, and it's a must-see when visiting Datong. Five stars!