Erxian Temple

Erxian Temple

Located at the foot of the central peak of the Taihang Mountains, 12.5 kilometers southeast of Jincheng City, Shanxi Province. It was built between the first year of Daguan (1107) and the seventh year of Zhenghe (1117) during the Song Dynasty. The mountain gate in front of the temple has been destroyed, but ten side halls remain on the east and west sides respectively. On the central axis are a music platform and an incense pavilion, both dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the far end is the main hall with three rooms, flanked on either side by “Heavenly Palace Wall Niches” featuring exquisitely carved and splendidly gilded decorations. Behind the rear altar is a celestial platform adorned with clay statues of the Two Immortal Maidens, with four attendant figures standing on either side—each with delicate features and slender figures, considered fine examples of Song Dynasty sculpture.