Click here to enter photo gallery >>

- Location: Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province

Located 25 km southwest of Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, Jin Ancestral Temple (晋祠) boasts ancient buildings set in a tranquil environment. It is famous for its combination of solemn architecture and skillfully-carved sculptures. It combines buildings, garden, sculpture, wall painting and tablets, making it a precious source of Chinese cultural heritage.

It is said that if you don't visit Jin Ancestral Temple when you come to Taiyuan, it's just like not visiting the Forbidden City when you are in Beijing. Construction of the temple began prior to the Northern Wei Dynasty to memorize Shu Yu, the second child of the emperor. Saint Mother Hall, the oldest building in Jin Ancestral Temple, is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come to the temple.

An added draw is that many emperors and poets left their tablets here. Among them, the most famous stele was written by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty in 646.

Travel Tips:

1. The best time to visit is from May to October;

2. Visitors can sample the many delicious local snacks available nearby.

- Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

- Admission: 40 yuan

- How to get there: take bus No.8 at Taiyuan Railway Station (Costs 2.5 yuan)