Yuncheng Wanrong Houtu Temple|The source of Chinese ancestral culture.

|The source of Chinese ancestral culture. Wanrong Houtu Temple, located in Wanrong County, Shanxi Province, is the oldest temple in China that worships Houtu (Mother of the Earth). Its history can be traced back to the fourth year of Yuanding in the Han Dynasty (113 BC). Our Lady of Houtu is known as the oldest ancestor of China and the most respected god of the land. According to the inscription "Records of Temples Built in the Past Dynasties" and the "Puzhou Prefecture Chronicles" preserved in the temple, the ritual of offering sacrifices to Houtu existed during the Xuanyuan clan, and it was further established in the Han Dynasty. The emperor would come here to hold a big sacrifice every three years. . Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty visited the Wanrong Houtu Temple six times to offer sacrifices, and left behind the popular "Autumn Wind Ci". It was not until the Ming Dynasty that the rituals were moved to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The architecture in the temple is exquisite, and the main hall, dedication hall and stage are all of high quality. In particular, the unique "pin"-shaped stage layout and the inscription "Fenyin Two Saints Pei Fang Inscription" written by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty personally demonstrate its profound historical heritage. The Autumn Wind Tower is located behind the main hall and is named after the inscription "Autumn Wind Ci" written by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. The building is 32.6 meters high. The lower part is a tall platform and a sweeping altar, which connects the east and west. The building has three floors and is surrounded by corridors. The brackets under the eaves have a simple and exquisite structure and a majestic shape. They are rare treasures among existing ancient buildings. Today, Houtu Temple has become the source of Chinese ancestral culture, and its profound historical and cultural connotations are gradually being discovered and cherished by the world. Tickets: 20 (free on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month every month) Transportation: There are buses from Wanrong West Bus Station to Miaoqian Village where Houtu Temple is located, and some buses only go to Ronghe Town. If you drive by yourself, there is a large parking lot at the entrance of the scenic spot.