Jinci Museum
Jinci Museum
4.5
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4.5
32 reviews
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Paul G
Essex230 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
The Jinci temple complex is a fascinating group of very ancient buildings, with beautiful statues, a unique bridge and a tall pagoda. The dragons on the pillars of the Holy Mother Hall are amazing, and there are some huge statues inside. Jinci is not on the normal tourist circuit, but it is well worth visiting; it can be easily reached from Taiyuan on your way to Pingyao.
Written April 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
horst_8877
Shanghai, China415 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
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.
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.
Written September 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Y
Singapore, Singapore5,059 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
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.
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.
Written October 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sigehaizi
Sooke, Canada207 contributions
Dec 2011
One cold Saturday afternoon seemed like an excellent time to check out the museum. The only cost was the taxi to get there. An afternoon at a museum is always a chance to learn something - even if it seems to be much the same as other ones; and this one did have the usual coins, jade etc found in museums throughout China. Therefore, I strongly suggest taking extra to really see the many buddha statues. They are all from the region I believe - many with a broken right hand, or without a head - often missing hands, head and/or a foot. However, they are still quite magnificent.
I found the scrolls, the more modern ones at least, rather boring, most likely because similar works are found everywhere in China.
The models of outdoor theatres and of temples were exquisite; however, these only depict the outer view.
Overall, being free made it an easy choice for a cold winter day and I expect hot days would be ideal also for spending a quiet afternoon wandering up and down the stairs.
Downside, nowhere to eat; difficult to find transportation.
I found the scrolls, the more modern ones at least, rather boring, most likely because similar works are found everywhere in China.
The models of outdoor theatres and of temples were exquisite; however, these only depict the outer view.
Overall, being free made it an easy choice for a cold winter day and I expect hot days would be ideal also for spending a quiet afternoon wandering up and down the stairs.
Downside, nowhere to eat; difficult to find transportation.
Written December 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yz1991
530 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
the location is quite inconvenient from city center, and it's impossible to find direct bus. the price is 80 yuan, which is fairly high for this place
Written October 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hamdan268
Hong Kong, China80 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
It is a huge park with many different plants and trees. There are several trees are more than 1,000 years! The Saint Monther's Hall with nine dragons are amazing. To protect the maid status inside the hall, it is blocked and can only have a glance from outside. I recommend to read the website first before the visit. It help a lot to understand the stories inside the museumn. And also hire a guide after the entrance where to show the ticket. I spent 3.5 hours on walking around and quiet enjoyable.
Written July 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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