Zhenze Palace

Zhenze Palace

Zhenze Palace is located in Shengjiao Village, Huguan County, and was first built in the early years of the Qianyu era during the Tang Dynasty. It underwent renovations during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The palace enshrines two goddesses known as the "Zhenze Goddesses." Locals refer to them as "Granny," and it is said that they are sisters to the "Granny" in Gaoping County. Gaoping County, located in the southern part of Shangdang, is the site where the legend of Nüwa mending the sky took place. According to research by experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the so-called Nüwa mending the sky refers to a major meteor shower that occurred during prehistoric human times. This meteor shower swept from the Hetao region to Xingtai in Hebei, leaving craters in a straight line — Baiyangdian is said to be one of the massive impact craters. The "Wahuang Cave" (a natural cliff cave) where the Nüwa tribe lived was inevitably affected. The "sky" that Nüwa repaired was actually the cave ceiling. As a result, there are many "Granny Temples" around the border areas of southeastern Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan, among which the "Wahuang Palace" in She County, Hebei, is the largest. Zhenze Palace is also one of them. The temple faces south with its back against green mountains and looks toward Cuiwei Peak. It has five courtyards, boasts a grand scale, and features an intact layout. Existing structures include the memorial archway, mountain gate, River-Watching Tower, bell and drum towers, theater stage, dressing tower, and more, totaling over 200 rooms. With its beautiful legends and exquisite architecture, it is a must-visit destination for tourists in Huguan County.