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.

In this episode of the Cantonese travel series "Cantonese Travelogue - Tang Dynasty Architecture," we will first head to Shanxi. Our journey in Shanxi will start from the largest city, Taiyuan, and then we will travel to various cities from there.

Although our stay in Taiyuan will be brief, there will still be plenty to see and eat.

The most famous and representative breakfast food in Taiyuan is known as "Tou Nao." This specialty snack has a history of three to four hundred years and was invented by the renowned scholar and physician Fu Shan during the late Ming dynasty. It contains lamb, lamb tail fat, yellow wine, and long yam, among other ingredients. Many locals enjoy this as their breakfast.

After Taiyuan, we will head to the ancient city of Pingyao, which was praised as the "ancient Wall Street" during the Qing dynasty. After modern revitalization, the city has retained its original appearance, including the city walls and shops. To help travelers experience ancient life, there are interactive theater performances arranged at the banks, escort agencies, and government offices. The two hosts will certainly not miss the opportunity to dress up, with one portraying an ancient general and the other a historical beauty, creating a commotion at the bank.

We also enjoyed one of the country's largest immersive theaters, "You See Pingyao," which features several large-scale dramas like "Choosing a Wife in Jin City," "Bathing the Teacher," and "Homecoming Noodle Dance," weaving together stories of Shanxi's humanity and righteousness.

In addition, the two hosts participated in a paper-cutting workshop at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center and tasted a variety of famous Shanxi noodles.