Jincheng Erxian Temple

Jincheng Erxian Temple

Jincheng Erxian Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Jincheng Erxian Temple

Jincheng Erxian Temple (Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Song Dynasty

Address: 25 km east of Zezhou County, Nancun Village, Jincun Township

Built in the fourth year of Shaosheng during the Song Dynasty (1097), it was renovated during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The existing structures, except for the main hall, were all built during the Ming and Qing periods.

The temple faces south and is situated to the north, measuring 44 meters in length from east to west and 28 meters from north to south, covering a total area of 1,232 square meters. Along the central axis are, in sequence, the mountain gate (foundation site), passageway hall, offering hall, and main hall, with side halls and wing rooms on both sides.

The main hall is the principal building of the temple, with a width and depth of three bays each, covering a construction area of 126.9 square meters, and featuring a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. Under the eaves, the bracket sets are arranged in a complex pattern, forming a layered effect. The interior beams and brackets are exquisitely crafted, supporting the expansive roof. The hall houses clay sculptures of deities that are finely detailed and vividly expressive, thought to date back to the Yuan Dynasty or earlier. These figures are considered masterpieces of clay sculpture art from that period. On the upper walls inside the hall are remnants of polychrome murals depicting celestial scenes, which, although faded, still allow viewers to imagine their former brilliance. The wooden structure inside the hall is also well-preserved, with many beams and pillars displaying intricate carvings.

To the east and west sides of the hall are two Song Dynasty steles, which record the time of the temple’s construction.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units