Changzhi Zhengjue Temple

Changzhi Zhengjue Temple

Changzhi Zhengjue Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Zhengjue Temple

Zhengjue Temple (Classified as a National Cultural Heritage Site in the Fifth Batch)

Era: Jin to Ming

Address: 10 km north of Changzhi County, Kansi Village, Sima Township

Originally built during the Dazhong era of the Tang Dynasty (827–835), it was reconstructed in the Jin Dynasty and renovated during the Yuan and Ming periods. The existing rear hall is a remnant from the Jin Dynasty, the east and west side halls were rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty, and the passageway hall is a Ming Dynasty structure.

The temple faces south and has a north-south orientation, measuring 64 meters in length and 32 meters in width, covering an area of 2,448 square meters. It consists of a two-courtyard complex, with a passageway hall along the central axis, side halls on both sides, and the main rear hall at the back of the rear courtyard.

The passageway hall is five bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eave hanging hip roof. The interior beam frame features a five-rafter beam paired with double-step beams, spanning the full length using three columns. The eaves are supported by bracket sets with single-layered brackets and single supporting blocks, adorned with carved patterns. The front eaves columns are round and tapering, while the side eaves columns are octagonal. The roof is covered with gray tubular and flat tiles. The interior structure is well-preserved, with clear layering and logical construction. The front eaves feature bracket sets with single-layered brackets and single supporting blocks, and the side eaves also have bracket sets with single-layered brackets and single supporting blocks. The hall is richly decorated, with brackets and beams intricately carved. The roof ridges are adorned with decorative elements, and the wooden structures throughout are exquisitely made.

The rear hall is the main building of Zhengjue Temple. It is five bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, topped with gray tubular and flat tiles. The layout is rectangular. The front eaves feature bracket sets with single-layered brackets and single supporting blocks, and the side eaves also have bracket sets with single-layered brackets and single supporting blocks. The interior columns are round and tapering, and the side eaves columns are octagonal. The wooden structure is robust, with clear layering and logical construction. The roof is covered with gray tubular and flat tiles. The hall is richly decorated, with brackets and beams intricately carved. The interior space is spacious, and the wooden structure is sturdy and well-proportioned. Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units