Ningxia Gao Temple, China

One of the main attraction in Ningxia province of Zhongwei is Ningxia Gao Temple. The entrance fees is RMB30 (it was RMB20 before this).

The most unique about this temple is the temple is build up and up towards the sky, which is know as heaven. The underground of the temple is know as Hell. Yes it sound a bit scary but it is nice to visit as it has a magnificent view. This temple has more than 100 rooms and according to them, it used to serve a few religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucian.

Here you can see the statue of Buddha, Jade emperor and etc. The temple is made of wooden structure and it really an eye opener. There are a few levels and you will climb from one lever to another till you reach the highest level you will see a compact structures at both sides of the temple.

Heaven is the part above ground. The Gao Miao rises up and up towards the sky, tier upon tier. You enter a flower-filled courtyard, walk through a colourful  temple and climb (stairways) to the next level, where you then repeat the process. You continue passing through other, smaller courtyards and temples while you ascend higher and higher, until you come to the final temple hall and its surrounding platform from where you get fine views over the city of Zhongwei.

Underground level of the temple is converted to religious Hell. Accordingly to some sources, it was a communist bomb shelter during the Cultural Revolution Years. Before you reach the entrance of this side of temple, you can hear the scary sound.

Overall, you are able to explore this temple freely. Most of the places here there is no restriction and if you are a photographer or interest in taking photos, this is place is good for you.