Linfen
Southern Shanxi prefecture used as a rail-and-coach base for Little Western Heaven's hanging sculpture in Xi county, Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, and Guangsheng Temple near Hongdong.
Two Thousand Figures in One Hall: Seeing Little Western Heaven in Xi County
Little Western Heaven (Xiaoxitian) is a small Ming hillside temple whose main hall is crammed with gilded hanging sculpture; book a real-name ticket, give the hall most of your time, and allow a long day from Linfen.
Linfen West First, Then a Tourist Coach: Reaching Xiaoxitian, Hukou and Guangsheng Without a Car
Take the high-speed train to Linfen West, then use the day-return tourist coaches that run to Xiaoxitian and Hukou Waterfall; Hongdong's sites are a taxi ride from Hongdong stations. Book coaches a day ahead.
One Ticket, Two Banks: Seeing Hukou Waterfall from the Ji County Side
Hukou Waterfall's Shanxi bank, in Ji county, now shares one 80-yuan ticket with the Shaanxi bank for two days; go in summer or autumn flow, arrive early, and expect a long road from Linfen.
A Glazed Pagoda and a Wall of Yuan Theatre: Is Guangsheng Temple Worth the Detour?
Guangsheng Temple near Hongdong is two sites on one 70-yuan ticket: the Upper Temple's glazed Flying Rainbow Pagoda and the Lower Temple's Water God Temple with Yuan murals, including a famous theatre scene.
Ancestral Roots, Not an Old Tree: What the Hongdong Big Locust Tree Site Is For
The Hongdong Big Locust Tree Root-Seeking Park commemorates Ming-era migrations remembered by families across north China; it is a heritage park more than a botanical sight, best as a short stop paired with Guangsheng Temple.
Emperor Yao's Temple and a Village of Ming Courtyards: Linfen's Close-to-Town Half Day
If you base in Linfen, Yao Temple in the city and the Ding Village Folk Museum in Xiangfen make a near-town half day; the temple is a much-rebuilt shrine to a legendary sage king, Ding Village a real cluster of Ming–Qing houses closed on Mondays.
Hanging Sculpture, a Yellow River Gorge and a Glazed Pagoda: Three Days Based in Linfen
Base in Linfen and run three day-trips: Xiaoxitian in Xi county, Hukou Waterfall, and Hongdong's Guangsheng Temple with the Big Locust Tree; add Yao Temple or Ding Village if a slot opens.