The Main Hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple

The Main Hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple

The Main Hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

The Main Hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple in Zhangzi County is a Song Dynasty structure and a precious cultural relic newly discovered during the “Third National Cultural Relics Survey.” It has been directly designated by the State Council as part of the seventh batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level. The temple is located in Xiaozhang Village, about 5 kilometers northwest of Zhangzi County’s urban area. The temple complex faces south and features 15 extant halls, including the main hall, east and west side halls, and wing rooms, while other structures no longer remain.

“Biyun” means “Green Clouds.” “Bi” refers to green, while “Yun” describes the temple’s rigorous and ancient architectural layout. From a distance, the entire temple complex resembles the traditional Chinese character “雲” (cloud), hence the name Biyun Temple. The temple is divided into three sections: Upper Courtyard, Middle Courtyard, and Lower Courtyard. Interpreting the “Bi” (Green): The Lower Courtyard contains an ancient locust tree over five zhang tall (approximately 16 meters) with a trunk so large that it takes 14 people to encircle it. From spring to autumn, its dense foliage provides shade and remains lush green. The Middle Courtyard features five towering, verdant cypresses that stay green all year round. Interpreting the traditional Chinese character “雲”: The main hall of Biyun Temple represents the top horizontal stroke of “雲”; the pathway and stone steps form the vertical stroke of “雨” (rain); the Kṣitigarbha Hall and west wing room make up the left vertical stroke of “雨”; the low wall of the Upper Courtyard along with the Guan Yu Hall and west wing room on the east side form the horizontal-turning-vertical stroke of “雨”; the four large cypresses on both sides of the path represent the four dots of “雨”; the large cypress on the eastern side of the stone steps in the Middle Courtyard’s southern part forms the dot of “雲”; the low wall represents the horizontal stroke below the dot of “雲”; the Hall of Guanyin Who Grants Sons, the stage, and the side rooms in the western part of the Lower Courtyard form the left-falling stroke beneath the horizontal line of “雲”; the temple gate serves as the final dot of “雲,” together forming a complete traditional Chinese character “雲.” Such ingenious design and creativity leave all visitors in awe.

The Upper Courtyard of Biyun Temple houses a three-bay main hall constructed with wooden materials. It features a single-eave, hip-and-gable roof with spacious bays and far-reaching eaves. The bracket sets under the eaves are sparse yet meticulously structured, with slightly raised corner pillars and gently upturned eave corners, giving an impression of grand stability. The four-rafter beams extend through the front and rear eaves to form decorative brackets, and the overall beam-frame structure is neat and compact. At the center of the main hall stands a statue of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, with kind eyes gazing into the distance. To the west is Laozi, and to the east is Confucius—this area is also known as the “Three Teachings Hall.” The eastern and western shrines house statues of the Eighteen Arhats. In the southwest corner, there is a statue of a monk, said to be the bone-encased remains of the temple’s founding monk. The ceiling of the main hall is painted with murals, faintly depicting scenes such as “Magpies on Plum Blossoms,” “Qilin Presenting Auspiciousness,” “Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity,” and “Flowers Blooming in Competition.” The painting style features smooth lines, solemn elegance, vivid representation, exquisite craftsmanship, and expressive brushwork. These artworks offer insight into the aesthetic values of Song Dynasty society and reflect the site’s significant historical value.

In May 2013, the Main Hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple was announced as part of the seventh batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level