Cui Fu Jun Temple in Shuidong

Cui Fu Jun Temple in Shuidong

Cui Fu Jun Temple in Shuidong is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Yuan to Qing Dynasty

Address: Zezhou County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province

Cui Fu Jun Temple in Shuidong is located on Beijie Street, Shuidong Village, Jinshan Town, Zezhou County. The exact date of its establishment is unknown. According to the “Stele for the Reconstruction of Qisheng Guangyou King Temple” within the temple and inscriptions on the eaves pillars of the main hall, it underwent multiple renovations in the 30th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1293), the 4th year of the Dade era (1300), and the 21st year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1593). The temple faces south and has a single-courtyard layout. It is 35.2 meters long from north to south and 23.7 meters wide from east to west, covering an area of 834 square meters. Based on the current architectural condition, the main hall is believed to be a remnant of the Yuan Dynasty, the worship hall and the east and west side halls are Ming Dynasty structures, while the remaining buildings date to the Qing Dynasty.

From south to north, the temple mainly consists of: the Dance Tower, Worship Hall, and Main Hall, flanked by Dressing Towers (Mountain Gate), Viewing Towers, Side Rooms, and Side Halls. The Main Hall is three bays wide and two bays deep, with a single-eave hanging gable roof and barrel-tile roofing. The front eaves feature octagonal chamfered sandstone pillars with slight entasis, resting on inverted lotus bases. The outer eaves columns have bracket sets forming a complex set of interlocking layers. The inner eaves column heads also have bracket sets, while the side halls have simpler bracket configurations. The roof structures use a system of purlins and beams, with the central bay supported by larger beams. The bracket arms are robust and extend outwards, supporting bracket arms that extend over the eaves. The side halls have simpler wooden structures. The wooden components also preserve some original painted decoration. Additionally, stone carvings and inscribed tablets are preserved inside.

The architectural layout of Cui Fu Jun Temple in Shuidong is relatively well-preserved. The Main Hall exhibits architectural features from the late Jin Dynasty period in southeastern Shanxi. In particular, the inscription on the base of the eastern eaves pillar in the central bay of the Main Hall records the renovation in the 30th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1293), giving it significant historical value.

In May 2013, Cui Fu Jun Temple in Shuidong was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Shuidong Village: Shuidong Village is under the jurisdiction of Jinshan Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City. It is about 15 kilometers from the city center. The village has 560 households, with a farming population of 1,764, including 780 laborers—over 200 of whom work outside the area, mostly in other provinces. There are 11 villager groups. Shuidong is an agricultural village primarily focused on grain cultivation and tourism. Agriculture, forestry, and primary industry account for 50% of total income, while tourism in the Longmen scenic area contributes 20%, and processing industries such as stone quarries make up 30%. There is a stone material site in the eastern part of the village, generating an annual income of 50,000 yuan. The collective economy has limited revenue, and agriculture... More detailed information about Shuidong Village++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units