Jinci Temple (晋祠 - Jìncí)
Jinci Temple is a park and architectural complex, formed in different periods of time, which united variety of buildings in its walls. The place is very popular among the Chinese and is considered a must to visit by everyone, who came to Taiyuan. Jinci is located approximately 25 km to the south-west from Taiyuan at the foot of the Xuanwengshan mountain (悬瓮山 - Xuánwèngshān). It is said that the Jinshui river (晋水 - Jìnshuǐ) originates here, but I could not find it anywhere nearby on the map.![](entrance.jpg)
![](jin-shanxi.jpg)
![](in-front-of-entrance.jpg)
![](way-to-the-mirror-terrace.jpg)
Literal translation is the Water Mirror Terrace (reflecting the true nature).
![](the-mirror-terrace.jpg)
![](iron-statue.jpg)
![](iron-statue-terrace.jpg)
![](3000yo-cypress.jpg)
![](saint-mother-hall.jpg)
In fact, this Pavilion was built in honor of Shu Yu mother, whose name was Yijiang (邑姜 - Yìjiāng).
![](saint-mother-hall-2.jpg)
![](guardian.jpg)
![](figures-of-maidservants.jpg)
![](fish-pond.jpg)
![](ticket.jpg)
The ticket bears a photo of the Yuzhaofeiliang bridge.
![](nanlao.jpg)
Located next to the pavilion of the Mother Goddess. Built in the era of Northern Qi (北齊 - Běiqí), 550-577 AD, during Tianbao era (天保 - Tiānbǎo), 550-559 AD. It is believed that the year-round water temperature is 17 degrees, that it never dries and it is here that the river Jinshui originates.
![](tang-stone-tablet.jpg)
![](lishimin-stone-tablet.jpg)
![](temple-jinci.jpg)
![](guandi-temple-jinci.jpg)
![](guanyu-temple.jpg)
![](tree.jpg)
![](the-pagoda-of-jinci-temple.jpg)
![](west-lake.jpg)
![](the-pagoda-of-jinci-temple-2.jpg)
Built during Sui Dynasty (隋 - Suí) 581—618 AD., at Kaihuang era (开皇 - kāihuáng).
![](the-pagoda-of-jinci-temple-3.jpg)
![](gate.jpg)
![](buddha.jpg)
![](peony.jpg)
![](stone-tablet.jpg)
![](garden.jpg)
![](ten-marshals-of-china.jpg)