Fayun Temple

Fayun Temple

Fayun Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located in Xibayi Village, 12 kilometers south of Changzhi County, Shanxi Province. It was first built during the Tang Dynasty and underwent renovations in the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. The existing front hall is a remnant from the Song Dynasty; the rear hall was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty but still retains the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty; the remaining side rooms and auxiliary halls were all reconstructed in the Ming Dynasty. The front hall’s platform is about 1 meter high, with a main hall structure spanning three bays in both width and depth, featuring six rafters and a gable-and-hip roof, with very long overhangs, roughly half the length of the side bays. The roof has a gentle slope, with relatively large eave overhangs, and the glazed ridge ornaments are entirely in the Ming Dynasty style, finely crafted. Only column-top bracket sets are used under the eaves. The interior beams and frames are exposed, precisely cut, and entirely reflect the architectural style and craftsmanship of the Song and Jin periods. The rear hall is slightly larger than the front hall, using a single purlin beam throughout, with decorative vine motifs under the eaves. The beams and frames are also exposed, but mostly made of round timber, continuing the construction techniques of the Jin Dynasty. The interior finishes and roof ridge ornaments were modified during the Ming Dynasty.

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units