Gai Zhou Shangdi Temple

Gai Zhou Shangdi Temple

Gai Zhou Shangdi Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Gai Zhou Shangdi Temple in Yingkou, originally named Xuanzhen Temple and also known as Xuan Di Temple, is located in Gai Zhou District, Yingkou City. It sits on the north side of West Gate Inner Street in Gai Zhou Town. Originally called Xuanzhen Temple and also referred to as Xuan Di Temple, it was first built in the 15th year of the Hongwu reign during the Ming Dynasty (1382) and underwent multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple is renowned for its fusion of architectural styles from the Yuan and Ming dynasties and folk characteristics, its grand and magnificent structure, and its unique all-timber frame construction, exquisite craftsmanship, and vivid paintings. In 1988, it was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. Currently, only the main hall, the mountain gate, monks’ quarters, and meeting rooms remain.

The main hall of Shangdi Temple is five bays wide and four bays deep, featuring superior architectural craftsmanship. The entire structure uses a large timber frame, with a hip-and-gable roof and a blue-tiled five-ridged design. The main ridge is adorned with carved dragons running along its length, and at the center stands an inscribed plaque reading “Xuán Tiān Shàng Dì” (Heavenly Emperor). At both ends are chiwen (mythical beast ornaments), adorned with ancient coin-shaped rings and flying birds. The corner ridges feature carvings of sea horses, entwined floral patterns, seated beasts, and muscular figures. Inside the hall are eight golden pillars, with two inverted-basin style plinths beneath the front pillars. The beams, brackets, and spandrel panels are painted with decorative patterns including scrollwork, Song-style brocades, coiled dragons, lions, phoenixes, qilins, peonies, antique motifs, and other floral designs. The roof trusses have a modest pitch, and the brackets are relatively large, highlighting the distinct architectural features and preserving a strong architectural style from the Jin and Yuan periods. Some of the painted murals inside the hall have longer spacing between sections, with smooth and lively brushwork, representing one of the earlier sets of such artwork among surviving ancient buildings in the province. In addition to ink inscriptions stating “Erected on the auspicious date of the 29th day of the 4th month in the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Great Ming, supervised by officials and commoners of the prefecture,” the beams also bear renovation inscriptions from the 9th year of the Tiancong reign of the Later Jin (1635), the 54th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1789), the 4th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1865), and the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922).

Shangdi Temple is famous for its fusion of architectural styles from the Yuan and Ming dynasties and folk characteristics, its grand and magnificent structure, all-timber frame construction, unique form, exquisite craftsmanship, and vivid paintings. It is now a National Cultural Relics Protection Unit, open all day and free to visit.