In Shanxi Province in northern China, there is an underrated 5A-level scenic spot - Jiexiu Mianshan. It is the birthplace of Qingming Festival culture, and it is also the place where Taoist culture and Buddhist culture meet. The natural scenery and cultural landscape of Mianshan complement each other, making people feel as if they have traveled through time and space and are in a vivid historical picture.
Jiexiu Mianshan is located in Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, spanning Jiexiu, Lingshi, Qinyuan three cities and counties, with a total area of 294.75 square kilometers and a maximum altitude of 2566.6 meters, which is a branch of the Taiyue Mountains. Mianshan is not only known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, but also attracts countless tourists for its beautiful natural scenery.
Cultural heritage and ancient architecture of Daluo Palace
Daluo Palace was built in the Tang Dynasty, located on the top of Mianshan, and its buildings are built according to the mountain, which is scattered. It is one of the important holy places of Taoism in China and is known as "the first Taoist palace in the world". There are dozens of halls in Daluo Palace, such as the God of Wealth Palace, the Sanguan Palace, the Doumu Palace, etc., among which the Doumu Palace and the Medicine King Palace are particularly eye-catching. The Doumu Palace is dedicated to the Doumu Xingjun, and the Medicine King Hall is dedicated to the Shennong clan, both of which are extremely important deities in Taoist culture.
Yunfeng Temple and the Belly Rock
Yunfeng Temple was built in the Cao Wei period of the Three Kingdoms and is another important landmark of Mianshan. The belly rock in the temple is a huge natural cave, and the temple is cleverly embedded in the cave, forming a unique cultural landscape. Many bronze bells hang on the top wall of the rock, which is said to be a symbol of people's wishes.
Zhengguo Temple
Zhengguo Temple is an ancient temple of the Tang Dynasty, the temple preserves thirteen real statues of bones, these physical statues are rare and precious cultural relics in the country, witnessing the development of Buddhist culture in Mianshan.
Jiegongling and Jieshen Temple
Jiegongling was established to commemorate the Jin Dynasty in the Spring and Autumn Period. Jie Zitui lived in seclusion with his mother in Mianshan, preferring to die rather than survive, and was finally burned with his mother. Jin Wengong felt deeply guilty about this, so he ordered a fire ban on the annual Jie Zi Tui Ji Day to show mourning, which gave rise to the tradition of the Cold Food Festival.
Natural landscapes
Ancient vine valley and water wave ditch
The ancient vine valley is located on the west side of Shuitao ditch, and the ancient vines in the valley are intertwined with each other, forming a variety of peculiar rattan scenes. Known for its crystal clear streams, spectacular waterfalls, and lush forests, Shuitaogou is an ideal place for hiking adventures.
Qixian Valley and Wulongthi
Qixian Valley and Wulongyi are also known for their natural beauty, with quiet valleys and babbling water forming a moving picture.
Jiexiu Mianshan is not only an important part of traditional Chinese culture, but also a model of the perfect integration of nature and humanity. Whether you're following in the footsteps of history or enjoying the tranquility of nature, there's something extraordinary about it. If you have the opportunity to visit Shanxi, you may want to arrange a trip to Mianshan to experience this unique charm for yourself.