Yuyan Temple in Bubei Fort

Yuyan Temple in Bubei Fort

Yuyan Temple in Bubei Fort is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

There is currently a temple in Bubei Village called "Yuyan Temple," which was built in the fourth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty. Its main hall features the highest-ranking hip-and-gable roof. This architectural style was absolutely not used by commoners in the rigidly hierarchical Ming Dynasty. The temple faces south with its back to the north, and to its south lies an overgrown, abandoned ancient road — this road was once a vital transportation route from Beijing to Datong in Shanxi, historically known as the "Yanyun Ancient Road." In those days, when Prince Yan Zhu Di commanded thousands of troops, with fluttering banners, resplendent warriors, and countless attendants, to march north and conquer Datong, he traveled along this very road. Tribute missions from the Mongolian Oirat tribe to the imperial court also frequently used this route. The road was heavily fortified with military garrisons and defenses at strategic points. Within Yu County, from Nuanquan in the west through Yu Prefecture City, Xihéying, and Taohuabao, there was a line of four key military defense installations. In the early Ming period, this played a significant role in defending against invasions by the Mongolian cavalry. Ancient relics such as the theater stage and official well still stand by this old road at the front of Bubei Village, silently telling the tale of the road’s former prosperity. This road was also a major trade route, where countless merchants, mule caravans, and expeditionary troops came and went. Undoubtedly, it had a strong influence on Wang Zhen in his childhood. It was along this very road that Wang Zhen later made his way to the capital, taking the first step toward his infamous deeds.

Yuyan Temple is located to the north of the "Yanyun Ancient Road." The temple faces south with its back to the north, and its mountain gate also serves as the Hall of Heavenly Kings. In front of the hall are several brick steps, leading up to the left and right where the bell and drum towers once stood (now destroyed). The main hall is three bays wide and three bays deep, featuring a rare single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a front porch. The beams are adorned with “whirling-cloud colored paintings.” The interior floor is paved with square bricks, and the western wall features murals. To the west of the temple lies a cross-courtyard that houses the abbot’s quarters, meditation rooms, and more. All the pillars in the temple are square with chamfered corners, their surfaces coated with a base of cinnabar and white hemp, then painted bright red. The beams feature “scissor-braced gable supports,” and the roof ridge decoration is a shallow-relief depiction of “seas and waves” — an architectural style quite distinct from local designs but bearing striking similarities to the Lingyan Temple in the county seat. Research suggests that this temple was built by Wang Zhen around the fourth year of the Zhengtong era.

According to the Datong Prefecture Records, the Lingyan Temple in the county seat was destroyed at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt by imperial decree in the sixth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty. It is said to have been built by Wang Zhen. Based on archaeological surveys and historical documents, the sequence of temples constructed by Wang Zhen is as follows:

In the fourth year of Zhengtong (1439), Yuyan Temple in Buzhuang was built (some materials suggest part of the resources were diverted for the construction of a private residence).

In the fifth year of Zhengtong (1440), Jinhe Temple was built.

In the sixth year of Zhengtong (1441), Lingyan Temple in the county seat was built.

Between the seventh and eighth years of Zhengtong (1442–1443), Qingshou Temple in Xicheng, Beijing (later renamed Daxinglong Temple) was built.

Between the thirteenth and fourteenth years of Zhengtong (1448–1449, before the Tumu Crisis), the Confucius Temple in Yu Prefecture was built. This Confucius Temple is said to be the foremost in northern China’s frontier regions, lauded as a “Little Forbidden City,” with all structures modeled after imperial architecture.

In May 2013, Yuyan Temple in Bubei Fort was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Bubei Village: According to the Yu Prefecture County Annals, Buzhuang Village was established in the early Han Dynasty and later developed two forts, north and south. The gate and watchtower of the North Fort in Buzhuang Village are well preserved. On the west side of the tower atop the gate hangs a plaque reading “Wenchang Pavilion,” while the east side bears the name “Zitong Tower.” The large characters above the gatehouse read “Buzhuang North Fort.” Bubei Village in Yongquanzhuang Township is located in the southwestern part of the township, bordering the county seat to the east, Baihedong to the west, Xinzhuang Village to the north, and the secondary highway to the south, about 5 kilometers from the township government seat. The village covers a total land area of over 3,400 mu, including more than 1,900 mu of arable land. There are 469 households and a population of 1,368. ... More detailed information about Bubei Village ++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units in Hebei Province

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units