The most worthwhile place to visit in Shanxi is not the Yungang Grottoes, but rather

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, officially named the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is located in the Fogong Temple in the northwest of Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province. It is the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda-style building in China. This wooden pagoda was first built in the second year of Liao Qingning (1056 AD), standing 67.31 meters high, with five stories and six eaves. It has an octagonal exterior and is constructed entirely without nails or rivets, using only interlocking brackets and beams, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient architecture. It is recommended to book tickets in advance through official channels. Currently, due to preservation reasons, visitors are not allowed to climb the pagoda, but they can admire the exquisite murals, caisson ceilings, and the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha on the first floor. In front of the wooden pagoda, there are plaques inscribed by famous figures from various dynasties, among which the "Majestic Divine Achievement" by Emperor Yongle Zhu Di and the "Wonder of the World" by Emperor Zhengde Zhu Houzhao of the Ming Dynasty are particularly noteworthy. Additionally, the wind chimes under the eaves of the pagoda sway with the wind, producing pleasant sounds that add to the ancient charm. In terms of transportation, you can choose to drive yourself or take public transportation. Yingxian County is easily accessible, and you can take a direct bus from Datong City to Yingxian County, then transfer to local buses or take a taxi to reach the scenic area. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is not only an architectural marvel but also a treasure of ancient Chinese culture, worth visiting for every ancient architecture enthusiast. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda