Jinci Museum, Shanxi, China

5AndrewYew 5:00 PM Oct 25, 2017

Must Go
This is one of several reviews of the same place called Jinci. It is a mandatory visit because it contains the rich history of this place from 1500 years ago. There are many legends that can be told about this place so find a good tour guide. Originally this temple was to remember Tang Shuyu, a founder of the Jin State during the Spring Autumn Period (that's why it is called "Jinci". But during the Song Dynasty, this was changed to commemorate his mother instead and the Song Emperor felt there is no need for great leaders to arise to usurp his dynasty. Some of the surrounding "Dragon" mountains were also levelled to destroy the auspicious "fengshui." The main temple is constructed with Song architecture with angled pillars to reduce the number of pillars overall so as to create a more open internal space.

4horst_8877 5:00 PM Sep 11, 2015

An legendary place with ancient buildings in a nice park
The Jinci Temple is a very old spiritual place and worth to visit because of rare and uncommon sculptures, art, architecture and legends which point back to pre-Buddhism times and a visit of the temple can be combined with walking around and enjoying some relaxing time with family or friends in the connected beautiful Jinci Park. Jinci Temple is located about 25 km away from downtown Taiyuan which takes about 1 hour by taxi or bus from the main bus terminal near Taiyuan railway station. Even if not familiar with local language it is easy for individual visitors to go there by bus as the lines 301, 804 and 856 go nonstop from downtown to their terminal stop near the entrance of the Jinci Park from where it is another 10min walk straight through the park to the ticket counter of the temple on the opposite side of the gate. The visit of the park is free of charge. The buildings, sculptures and decoration of the temple appear aged but not neglected. It may be considered even as respectful, not to have the original appearance destroyed and covered with superficial loud colorful patterns in course of renovation for tourism industry as it can be found everywhere now. The main temple hall enshrines “The Holy Mother” with “Maidservants”. Their posture and facial expression is very lively and natural. It’s a symbol for eternal mothers love and care demanding highest respect and love in return from following generations. Wooden carved dragons snake around the eight pillars and appear to actively protect the temple hall like watchdogs. The age of the 4 cypress trees in front of the temple is estimated as 3000 years! That supports the belief that the origin of the temple may also date back to the same age and the legend of the “River Goddess with her fishlike servants” began. Sculptures of the “River Goddess” who is considered as the source of the nearby natural fountain illustrate this ancient legend. There are some more interesting legends entwining around the well, the valuable water and how to share among the people living in nearby villages. The Jince Temple allows a glimpse into ancient legends, natural religion, and old social value systems of local people originating from times before Buddhism. It’s worth a visit for all those who want to learn more about Chinese culture than what is available during common guided tours through temple replica which focus on commercial mass tourism.