Mianshan

Near Pingyao in Shanxi Province stands Mianshan. It combines beautiful scenery with ancient traditions. This holy place is known as the birthplace of the Qingming Festival. The mountain has cliffside temples, green valleys, and waterfalls. Both history lovers and nature fans can enjoy its peaceful environment.

Daluo Palace

Daluo Palace

Daluo Palace is a highlight of Mianshan. It's often called the "Taoist Versailles of the East." It sits on a mountainside. The large complex covers 30,000 square meters and has 13 levels of halls. The halls have detailed carvings and golden roofs. It was built in the Tang Dynasty. Inside, there are rare things like the Tang Dynasty Stele of Baofu Temple and old scriptures. It combines Taoist ideas and grand imperial style, making it a spiritual and architectural wonder.

Shuitao Valley

Shuitao Valley

Shuitao Valley is a great place for nature lovers. There are green pools and foggy waterfalls. The 7 - kilometer path goes through thick forests and limestone cliffs. It passes more than 20 waterfalls, like the well - known Moonlit Waterfall and the hidden Water Curtain Cave. In winter, the valley becomes a place full of ice sculptures. The sound of flowing water and the shady paths offer a peaceful place to escape the summer heat.

Yunfeng Temple

A ladder on the cliff of Yunfeng Temple

Yunfeng Temple is carved into the side of Baofu Rock. It shows human creativity and religious devotion. This 1,800 - year - old Buddhist temple has a "Z - shaped" walkway on the cliff that seems to defy gravity and stone carvings from the Tang era. Pilgrims have a tradition of hanging bronze bells to pray for blessings. The main hall of the temple is made completely of stone. It has beautiful Ming Dynasty murals showing heavenly places.

Qixian Valley

There's an adventure in Qixian Valley. It's a rough gorge well - known for its iron - chain bridges and scary cliffs. The valley is called the "Nine - Bend Sky Ladder". It has narrow plank paths and noisy streams that make hiking here a challenge. Legend has it that this was the way Jie Zitui, a loyal hermit from the Spring and Autumn Period, escaped. The valley's natural beauty - like tangled vines, boulders covered with moss, and rare Qin Dynasty cypress trees - makes it feel like another world.