Wuxiang Zhenru Temple

Wuxiang Zhenru Temple

Wuxiang Zhenru Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Originally named Zhenru Courtyard, Wuxiang Zhenru Temple was renamed during the Qing Dynasty and is located in Tuhe Village, Hanbei Township, Wuxiang County. Facing south, the temple currently consists of a single-courtyard complex. Historical records indicate that in the Yuan Dynasty, during the third year of the Zhizhi era (1323) and the fourth year of the Zhiqing era (1333), the site—originally a Song Dynasty place of worship for Zhenru—was expanded with the addition of a main hall and southern hall. Further expansions were made during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The existing main hall dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, the southern hall to the Ming Dynasty, while the rest of the structures were built during the Qing Dynasty.

The temple complex extends from south to north as follows: the Southern Hall, the Main Hall, corridor rooms on the west side, with only ruins of corridor rooms remaining on the east side. The Main Hall features a five-bay width and five-rafter depth, with a single-eave hanging gable roof, covered with tubular and flat tiles, and adorned with glazed ridge ornaments. The front eaves have columns topped with five-coursed double downward-angling bracket sets, and the inner eaves also feature bracket arms. The hall is flanked by side halls. The Southern Hall has a complex structure. Many bracket arms are intact. The brackets and beams show fine craftsmanship. The eastern corridor room no longer exists, but traces can be seen. The western corridor rooms remain relatively intact, though some parts are damaged. The roof structure is visible. On the beam frames are inscriptions recording the hall’s construction in the Yuan Dynasty and repairs during later dynasties. The wooden plaque inscribed with the temple name is also preserved. The brackets under the eaves are exquisitely carved, and the painted decorations inside are partially faded. The corridor rooms have collapsed in parts, but the bases remain. The overall architectural layout is clear. The wooden structures are well-preserved, though some painted surfaces have peeled off.

The Main Hall of Wuxiang Zhenru Temple largely retains the architectural characteristics of the Yuan Dynasty and holds significant historical value.

In May 2013, Wuxiang Zhenru Temple was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Read more:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units