China’s Tiefo Temple, long hidden, unveils its 500-year-old sculptures, sparking a tourism boom as thousands flock to witness this breathtaking ancient marvel.
Nestled within the quiet village of Mixi in Gaoping, Shanxi province, the historic Tiefo Temple remained largely unknown for centuries. Its exquisitely painted 500-year-old sculptures were hidden from the public eye—until August, when the temple’s 72-square-meter main hall finally opened its doors to visitors.
This sudden unveiling coincided with the rising popularity of Black Myth: Wukong, a blockbuster AAA video game inspired by ancient Chinese architecture. Among the 36 real-world locations showcased in the game, Tiefo Temple stood out, drawing massive attention to its intricate sculptures and centuries-old artistry.
A Cultural Surge: Tourism Booms in Gaoping
Since the temple’s opening, an unprecedented wave of visitors has descended upon Gaoping. On weekends and holidays, the temple quickly reaches its daily limit of 3,000 guests, while even on regular days, between 400 and 500 travelers arrive to witness its artistic marvels.
According to Shen Fei, a senior official from the Gaoping Culture and Tourism Bureau, visitors must pre-book online and endure long queues for a fleeting glimpse of the fragile sculptures. Some enthusiasts wait for hours just to spend a few minutes admiring the deities from a safe distance.
This surge in interest mirrors China’s broader cultural tourism boom, prompting heritage organizations to reconsider the delicate balance between preservation and public accessibility.
Protecting History While Sharing It with the World
As demand for cultural experiences grows, policymakers have taken notice. During China’s annual Two Sessions, Hang Kan, a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and director of the Yungang Research Institute, proposed a classification and evaluation system for cultural heritage sites. This approach could ensure public access while maintaining rigorous monitoring for the preservation of priceless relics.
For Tiefo Temple, carefully managed access has not only safeguarded its sculptures but also revitalized Mixi village, where the temple is located.
Originally built before the 12th century and later reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the temple’s main hall houses 28 vividly detailed statues of deities, each crafted using iron wire supports and showcasing exaggerated expressions, intricate armor, and elaborate clothing.
Due to its fragile nature, visitors are restricted to a 6-square-meter viewing area and allowed entry in small groups. The temple courtyard accommodates up to 50 people at a time.
To enhance the visitor experience, local villagers have stepped in—offering chairs, parasols, and refreshments, even organizing traditional performances that highlight the temple’s artistic and historical significance. Wang Gaiying, 78, and his family have personally safeguarded the temple for three generations, ensuring its upkeep and cultural preservation.
The Future of Heritage Access: Expanding Cultural Offerings
Experts argue that expanding access to cultural heritage is key to sustaining public interest. Yang Chaoming, a deputy to the 14th NPC and professor at Shandong University, advocates for greater public and financial support to university museums, many of which house significant archaeological collections. He emphasizes the need for digitization, free access, and private sector investment to make historical treasures more accessible.
Meanwhile, Shanxi province, known for its 28,000+ ancient structures, continues investing in infrastructure improvements, including better roads to facilitate cultural tourism. The province is home to over 80% of China’s surviving timber-framed buildings from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and earlier, making it a focal point of heritage preservation and historical study.
One of its most renowned cultural landmarks, the Yungang Grottoes, has stood for over 1,500 years, boasting 59,000 Buddhist sculptures that serve as a testament to East-West artistic exchanges in the 5th century.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
As heritage tourism flourishes, balancing conservation with accessibility remains a challenge. The Tiefo Temple’s newfound fame highlights the growing global fascination with China’s ancient art and architecture. Moving forward, strategic policies and community engagement will play a crucial role in safeguarding these cultural treasures while making them more accessible to future generations.
