Xue Zhuang Jade Emperor Temple

Xue Zhuang Jade Emperor Temple

Xue Zhuang Jade Emperor Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Period: Yuan to Qing

Xue Zhuang Jade Emperor Temple is located in the northwest of Xue Zhuang Village, Gaodu Town, Zezhou County. It faces south with a single-courtyard layout, measuring 35.8 meters from north to south and 22.2 meters from east to west, covering an area of 795 square meters. The exact time of its initial construction is unknown, but based on its current condition, the existing main hall is believed to be a relic from the Yuan Dynasty, while the other structures exhibit Qing Dynasty architectural styles.

From south to north, the temple complex includes a dance stage, the main hall, and on both sides, dressing rooms, side chambers, corridors, and side halls. The main hall features a three-bay width and six-rafter depth, with a single-eave suspended gable roof covered in glazed tubular tiles. It is fronted by a terrace. The front eaves are supported by octagonal chamfered bluestone pillars with a slight taper, resting on inverted lotus column bases. The outer eave pillar capitals feature bracket sets forming a tiered architrave, adorned with carved motifs. The second-tier bracket arms are fitted with floral decorations. The roof eaves showcase delicate carvings. The interior beams follow the lifting beam construction method, with layered brackets above the columns. The chamber walls are coated with plaster, and remnants of murals can still be seen. The ceiling is decorated with caisson patterns. The secondary halls are comparatively simpler in design. The wooden structure employs mortise-and-tenon joinery, and some beams and columns retain traces of original paint. The ground is paved with stone slabs, and the main hall floor is higher than that of the front section. The temple interior also preserves murals, inscriptions, couplets, and wood carvings.

The overall layout of Xue Zhuang Jade Emperor Temple is relatively well-preserved, and its architectural structure is rich in variation, reflecting the architectural characteristics of the Yuan Dynasty in southeastern Shanxi. In particular, the Ming and Qing Dynasty murals on the rear wall and the two side walls of the main hall are largely intact and hold significant historical value.

In May 2013, Xue Zhuang Jade Emperor Temple was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Xue Zhuang Village: Xue Zhuang Village... More details about Xue Zhuang Village ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units