Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area

Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area

Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Zhenwu Temple, also known as Wulihou Grand Temple, is located five li north of the city center. According to records, the temple faces south and consists of three main courtyards. It was built during the Yuan dynasty’s Zhiyuan era, renovated by Ming Dynasty’s chief clerk Fang Bohui, and further repaired through public donations during the Chongzhen era. The main entrance is flanked by east and west wing rooms, with a central hall, front hall, and rear hall. The rear hall is designed like an opera-stage-like hall, and the front, middle, and rear halls are all roofed with glazed tiles, among which the central hall is the most magnificent. It is a two-story structure with seven main chambers surrounded by corridors, featuring flying eaves on all sides and a glazed tile roof. It is supported by 24 coiling dragon pillars, all intricately carved with openwork dragon designs, making it extremely majestic. The main deity enshrined in the central hall of the temple courtyard is the Jade Emperor, crafted from wood with a golden face and seated posture. The figure appears serene and composed, gazing into the distance with a tranquil expression. In front of the hall stand the Four Heavenly Kings (Four Great Heavenly Guardians), depicted in standing positions with lifelike appearances, powerful and imposing, each holding their own divine weapon. On the east, west, and north walls of the central hall are the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, each deity with a stern visage and distinct expressions, wielding their own sacred objects, exuding an awe-inspiring presence. Originally, there was a square in front of the temple courtyard, covering approximately 12 mu, with an east-west thoroughfare. Temple fairs were once held here, and the incense offerings were very popular. During the Cultural Revolution’s campaign to “Smash the Four Olds,” Zhenwu Temple was damaged. Currently, only parts of the temple foundation, stone tablets, tablet pedestals, and a small pond remain.

Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area covers approximately 330 mu and includes several components: the Zhenwu Temple architectural complex, supporting facilities, Zhenwu Temple Square, Chengxin Park, and Chengxin Square. The Zhenwu Temple architectural complex is 160 meters long and 80 meters wide, designed in the Ming and Qing architectural styles, with a symmetrical layout along the central axis. From south to north, it includes nine individual structures: the Mountain Gate, Zhenwu Hall, Bell and Drum Tower, and Sanqing Hall.

Administrative authority: Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area Office, Jinxiang County, Jining City

Scenic area type: Cultural heritage site

Customer service phone: 0537-6552906

Address: Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area, Jinxiang County, Jining City

Business hours: 8:30–17:00

Visiting time: Approximately 2 hours

Price: Free

Tourist route: Zhenwu Temple Square — Chengxin Park — Chengxin Square — Mountain Gate — Zhenwu Hall — Bell and Drum Tower — Sanqing Hall

Information source: Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism