Machang Chongjiao Temple

Machang Chongjiao Temple

Machang Chongjiao Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Name: Machang Chongjiao Temple (Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Yuan to Qing Dynasties

Type: Ancient Architecture

Suburban District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province

Introduction:

Machang Chongjiao Temple is situated in the northwest of Guyi Village, Machang Town, in the suburban district of Changzhi City. The temple faces south with its back to the north. It was originally designed as a two-courtyard complex, but now only one courtyard remains, which is 27 meters wide from east to west and 54 meters long from north to south, with a total area of 1,458 square meters. According to a stele from the ninth year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Song Dynasty (984 AD), the temple was originally named Shanchao Zhang Chan Yuan and was granted the name Chongjiao Chan Yuan in that year. The existing structures include a front hall, main hall, east and west side halls, east and west wing halls, and east and west side rooms. The temple has undergone multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main hall is a Yuan Dynasty structure, the front hall is from the Ming Dynasty, and the rest were built during the Qing Dynasty.

The main hall is three bays wide and three bays deep, featuring a single-eave gable-and-hip roof covered with tubular and flat tiles. Bracket sets (dougong) are only installed on the front eave columns and spandrels, while none are found on the side walls. The central bay of the front eaves features a bucket arch. The roof purlins are supported by bracket arms. The front eaves columns have cushion blocks, and those at the corners are wrapped in brick. The front eave columns are relatively thick, and the bracket sets at the front eaves are large. The front eaves columns rest on stone plinths, and the rear eaves use bracket arms and struts to support the lower purlin. The ridge purlin is supported by two beams, and the front section is elevated. The rafters are arranged in a neat pattern. The interior features a central altar with sculptures, and the side walls are adorned with murals depicting Buddhist stories. The murals are well-preserved and vividly colored, depicting figures such as arhats and bodhisattvas. The ceiling is supported by wooden beams, with some sections using double beams. The wooden structure is exposed in certain areas, showcasing refined craftsmanship and traditional construction techniques.

Machang Chongjiao Temple has a long history, and its surviving wooden structures from the Yuan and Ming dynasties exhibit distinct architectural characteristics, holding significant historical value.

In May 2013, Machang Chongjiao Temple was designated as part of the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units