Cantonese Travelogue - Tang Dynasty Architecture (ENGLISH)
In this episode of Tang Dynasty Architecture, we finally set off for the main event!
After leaving the ancient city of Pingyao, we head to Wutai Mountain, home to two great ancient Tang Dynasty buildings: "Foguang Temple" and "Nanchan Temple."
Tang Dynasty architecture is noted for its rigorous structure and grand dougong (bracket set). Although the two ancient temples differ in scale, each showcases its own beauty in structure.
The historical significance of Foguang Temple is particularly noteworthy. Many years ago, before Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin discovered Foguang Temple, people believed that to study Tang Dynasty architecture, one could only visit Japan to see Tang relics. However, after Liang and Lin found Foguang Temple, this notion was proven wrong. This demonstrates that Foguang Temple holds a crucial place in the history of architecture in our country.
Moreover, Lin Huiyin, the most talented woman of the Republic of China, along with her husband Liang Sicheng, dedicated their greatest efforts to documenting and studying the architectural history of China. Their poignant love story is not just about romance; it also has far-reaching implications.
Shanxi is rich in ancient architecture, and these unique landscapes attract not only ordinary travelers but also the recently popular AAA game "Black Myth: Wukong," which was filmed in Shanxi. Locations such as Foguang Temple, Nanchan Temple, Yungang Grottoes, and Shanhu Temple have all become real-life filming sites for "Black Myth: Wukong." The remarkable talent and cultural heritage of Shanxi serve as a wellspring of modern inspiration.
After Wutai Mountain, we will continue to Datong, starting with a visit to the great Buddhist site, the Yungang Grottoes.
The Yungang Grottoes were initiated during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty in 460 AD and were basically completed by 524 AD. The grottoes are carved into the mountains, extending 1 kilometer along the eastern and western banks of the Wuzhou River, with 51 main caves housing over 51,000 large and small Buddha statues. The largest statue reaches 17 meters in height, while the smallest is only 2 centimeters tall. The cultural and religious characteristics displayed within are a veritable museum of the Northern Wei period.
In recent years, visitors to the Yungang Grottoes, especially players of "Black Myth: Wukong," can imagine themselves as the chosen one, wielding the Golden Staff, and breaking out of your Five Finger Mountain.
