Temple of Yi Yin

The Temple of Yi Yin is located within the county town of Shenxian. Yi Yin, whose given name was Zhi, was a high-ranking official in the early Shang Dynasty. As stated in "Mencius · Gaozi I": "Yi Yin farmed the fields of Youxin." He was born in Kong Sang, grew up by the Yi River, and in adulthood once toiled in the fields of Jiu Xin. The "Supplementary Chronicles of Shenxian County" (1887), compiled during the 13th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty, records: "The north gate of Shen is called Yi Yin Field. Eight li north of Yi Yin Field lies Shen Ting, traditionally regarded as the place where Yi Yin once farmed." In the 55th year of the Kangxi reign (1676), Cheng Guangzhu, Prefect of Dongchang, sought out ancient relics and inscribed six large characters: “Shen Yi Yin Geng Geng Chu” (Yi Yin’s Farming Place in Shen), with the accompanying note: “The way of Yao and Shun was seen in the fields; the sagely deeds appeared amid tillage, with dragon clouds and tiger winds.” To this day, in Xidaliwang Village, Shenxian County, stands a stele inscribed with “Shen Ting Yi Yin Geng Chu” (Yi Yin’s Farming Place at Shen Ting). To the east of Shen Ting, there once was a Temple of Yi Yin, also known as the Ren Sheng Shrine. Established during the Han Dynasty, it was relocated and rebuilt multiple times. In the Qing Dynasty, it was moved inside the county town. The temple had three main halls, one entrance, and surrounding walls. Towering pines and cypresses filled the courtyard, creating a solemn and ancient atmosphere. It was once one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Shenxian County, known as “Pine Winds at Yi’s Temple.”