Xiāngníng

Xiangning lies in the mountains of southwestern Shanxi, west of the Fen River valley. South of the county town rises Yunqiu Mountain, where villages nestle among wooded slopes and ravines. At Ta'erpo, inhabitants built cave dwellings and courtyards from local stone, fitting their houses to the hillside; stone lanes and steps connect the different levels. Old locust and persimmon trees stand among the settlements, while mountain temples preserve traditions of Daoist worship.