Jiyue Temple in Suiping

Jiyue Temple in Suiping

Jiyue Temple in Suiping is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located within Suiping, there is the “Jiyue Temple” approved by imperial decree. Historically, Jiyue Temple in Suiping was renowned for its large scale, bustling incense offerings, and strong community presence. During both the Shunzhi and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty, it was recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of the county, earning historical praise and accolades. Regrettably, this ancient temple has been lost to history, leaving behind some relics and plenty of room for imagination. An ancient poem praises it: “Among the Four Rivers, revered as nobles, who would pray on the plains? It’s all for the sacred spring that faces north, thus drawing reverence across the land.” Reading it truly stirs the imagination.

Jiyue Temple in Suiping is located in the eastern plain area of the county, in Renzhuang Village, at the western end of Miaomai, more than 20 kilometers from the county seat. The temple is surrounded by the Xiehu Gully (an ancient branch of the Dayangzi River, also legendarily called the Ji River) to the north and west, with open land to the east bordering Shangcai County, and the temple fair grounds to the south. Devotees from all directions gather here to worship. The surrounding environment features clear rivers, shaded green trees, and a serene atmosphere — truly an excellent feng shui site that captivates visitors. Its status as one of Suiping County’s ancient Eight Scenic Spots is due not only to its beautiful surroundings but also the undeniable charm of Jiyue Temple itself.

It has the earliest temple-building history.

Legend has it that the temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty, over 1,370 years ago. According to surviving fragmented inscriptions at the temple: In the seventh year of the Zhenguan era (633 AD) of Emperor Taizong of Tang, a man surnamed Ma, traveling with his wife, children, and entourage — whether for official duty or leisure, the records are unclear — passed through Renzhuang Village. His mother suddenly fell ill, and in a critical moment, he sought local help for treatment. The locals told Ma that the area was remote and doctors were scarce, but there was a spring that flowed from the Ji River (ancient Dayangzi River), believed to be spiritually potent and capable of healing. Ma immediately had the spring water fetched for his mother to drink. Miraculously, shortly after drinking the water, his mother recovered, and their journey continued uninterrupted. Later, to repay the spring for saving his mother, Ma funded the construction of a temple in Renzhuang Village called “Jiyuan Shrine,” dedicated to the water deity. He then petitioned the emperor for imperial approval to rename it “Jiyue Temple.” Since then, incense offerings to the water deity flourished, and the temple’s social influence grew. Legend also says that Shangcai County once disputed ownership of Jiyue Temple with Suiping, engaging in lawsuits for years, but ultimately lost because the temple was within Suiping’s territory.

It has the largest temple complex in scale.

According to some elderly locals, after its initial construction in the Tang Dynasty, Jiyue Temple in Suiping underwent renovations during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, as well as the Qing Dynasty’s Shunzhi, Jiaqing, and Guangxu eras, making the temple increasingly grand and magnificent. The temple faces south and originally covered an area of 200 mu (approximately 33,500 square meters). Its overall layout resembles the character “甲” (jiǎ), stretching 500 meters from north to south and 200 meters from east to west. Along the central axis from north to south stand three main halls: the rear hall known as the Cloud Pavilion Hall, the middle hall known as the Jiyue Hall, and the front hall known as the Three Gates Hall. Surrounding these three main halls are over 120 temple rooms. The temple also houses several large cypress trees and a massive iron incense burner, which burns incense continuously. Additionally, there are 200 mu of temple fields providing economic stability. At the time, Jiyue Temple was the most grandiose and magnificent among all temples in the county.

It has the most thriving incense offerings and worship.

The Jiyue Temple Fair is held annually on the 28th day of the third lunar month, believed to be an auspicious day when the Jiyue Deity (referred to as “Ye” or lord by locals) bestows blessings. During the fair, devotees from neighboring regions, as well as those from Xiping, Shangcai, Xinyang, and even some counties in Anhui Province, along with merchants, street performers, and local opera troupes, flock to the site, attracting tens of thousands of visitors daily. The festivities last ten days to half a month. Villagers from the western mountains of Suiping arrive days early in oxcarts pulled by two oxen, demonstrating the fair’s immense appeal. The event is truly massive, drawing large crowds and leaving a lasting impact. The prosperity of the Jiyue Temple Fair rivals that of the Chaya Mountain Temple Fair.