Xidun Jidu Temple

Xidun Jidu Temple

Xidun Jidu Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Jin to Qing dynasties

The temple is situated east of Xidun Village, Gaodu Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng, and was constructed during the transition between the (Northern) Song and Jin dynasties. Inside the temple are two restoration steles: one dated 1188 (28th year of the Dading era of the Jin Dynasty) and the other 1778 (43rd year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty). Its construction not only reflects the continued human reverence for nature but also holds significance for studying the social changes in the region during the Song and Jin periods.

The most valuable part of the temple is the main hall, which was built in the 4th year of the Xuanhe era of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. It features a brick-and-wood structure with intersecting beams, bracket sets (dougong), and exquisite craftsmanship. To prevent damage from insects and weathering, ancient builders applied black ink coating on the wood.

Built in the 4th year of the Xuanhe era of the Song Dynasty, Xidun Jidu Temple has stood for nearly a thousand years. With its unique architectural style, it carries profound cultural heritage and reflects the political, economic, cultural, and artistic characteristics of the period following Cheng Hao's promotion of education during the Song and Jin eras.

On December 4, 2011, Xidun Jidu Temple was selected as one of the “Top 100 New Discoveries of the Third National Cultural Relics Survey.”

In May 2013, Xidun Jidu Temple was designated as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Xidun Village: Basic Information

Located on a hilly area, 2 kilometers west of Gaodu Town, the village has 52 households and a population of 230. It covers 346 mu of arable land, with agriculture as the main industry, producing mainly wheat, corn, soybeans, and other crops. The village has one primary school, one clinic, and is traversed by Gaobo Road, making transportation very convenient.

…… More details about Xidun Village ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units