So breathtaking! | A Massive Temple Complex on a Cliff in Shanxi

Can you believe it? Deep in the mountains of Mianshan in Shanxi Province, nestled among cliffs, lies a vast complex of temple buildings. From the air, the structures appear to follow the contours of the mountain, layer upon layer, built between massive cliffs. A 300-meter-long, winding path, with over 400 steps, clings to the precipice, leading to the summit. Hidden among these cliffs and forests are numerous halls and pavilions of varying sizes. From a distance, the entire complex blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains. This is Zhengguo Temple in Mianshan, Shanxi. But what is truly awe-inspiring here is not just the architecture. Zhengguo Temple preserves 12 extremely rare undulled mummy statues, including 8 high-ranking monks and 4 Taoist priests. These statues date back to the Tang Dynasty, spanning the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and are over a thousand years old. These are not ordinary clay sculptures, but rather images of the remains of enlightened monks and Taoist masters after their passing, hence the name "wrapped-bone remains." These special remains have been preserved for over a thousand years. So, who are these mysterious remains? And why have they been preserved in this way? Today, let's step into Zhengguo Temple on Mianshan Mountain to find out.