Temple of King Lingze

Temple of King Lingze

The Temple of King Lingze is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Temple of King Lingze

Temple of King Lingze (Sixth Batch of National Heritage Protection)

Era: Jin, Ming, Qing Dynasties

Address: Taiping Village, Xiadian Town, Xiangyuan County

Established in the second year of the Dian’an era of the Jin Dynasty (1210), with additions and renovations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple faces south and currently preserves structures such as the main hall, corner halls, side towers, east and west side halls, east and west corridors, mountain gate, theater stage, bell and drum towers, etc. It is a well-preserved architectural complex that integrates buildings from the Jin, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

The Main Hall of King Lingze is a Jin Dynasty structure, with a width of three bays, a depth of four rafters, a single-eave hanging hip roof, a gently sloped roof, and far-reaching eaves. The bracket sets feature intricate craftsmanship and distinctive designs. The wooden structure follows the typical method of interlocking beams and columns. The central bay is slightly elevated, highlighting its importance. The front eaves columns are adorned with lotus-shaped pedestal bases and octagonal column capitals, reflecting the elegant style of the Jin Dynasty. The side bays and rear sections, although later renovated, still retain much of the original design. The overall layout is symmetrical, with a rational spatial arrangement and a solemn, ancient aesthetic character.

The Temple of King Lingze is also known as the Temple of Duke Li Wei. Duke Li Wei was originally named Li Jing. According to the Book of Han and the Luocheng City Annals: Li Jing (571–649), originally from Sanyuan, Shaanxi, later settled in Goudong Village, Luocheng. At the end of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty, he served as the assistant magistrate of Shuoxian (present-day Shuozhou). In the early years of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (618), due to his meritorious service, he was appointed as a supervisory official and formulated twelve strategies for attacking Xiao Xian. Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan issued an edict appointing him as the military commander, granting him the title of Kaifu, later assigning him as the official of Yongkang County, and appointing him as the imperial envoy to pacify Lingnan, where he went to various regions in the south to recruit surrendering forces. After the pacification of the south, he served as the Minister of War of the Southeastern Provincial Administration and the Chief Secretary of the Yangzhou Metropolitan Government. In the eighth year of the Wude era (625), when the Turks invaded Taiyuan, Li Jing served as the military commander and stationed ten thousand troops in Taigu. At that time, many senior generals were defeated, but only Li Jing’s forces returned victorious. In the second year of the Zhenguan era (628), Li Jing was promoted to Minister of Justice and concurrently served as the acting Director of the Secretariat. Amid internal strife among the Turks, Emperor Taizong ordered Li Jing to lead three thousand elite cavalrymen, decisively defeating the Turkic army led by Khan Jiali, thereby extending the Tang Empire’s territory to the desert. Upon returning to the capital, he was promoted to Left Guanglu Grand Master and Right Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel. Due to his foot ailment, Li Jing requested to retire to his hometown. Later, when the Tuyuhun tribe invaded the border, Emperor Taizong once again appointed Li Jing to lead troops to quell the invasion, after which the emperor granted him the title of Duke of Wei. In the 23rd year of the Zhenguan era, Li Jing passed away at the age of 79. Emperor Taizong posthumously awarded him the title of Situ and the posthumous name Jingwu.

Taiping Village: Overview of Taiping Village

Taiping Village is located in the eastern part of Xiadian Town, Xiangyuan County, adjacent to National Highway 208 with convenient transportation and a superior geographical location. The village comprises four natural villages, with a total of 315 households, 1,167 residents, and 40 Party members, covering an arable land area of over 4,000 mu. The main crop is corn.

In recent years, with the rapid economic development of the county, under the correct leadership of the county and town party committees and governments, the Taiping Village Party branch and village committee have actively created a favorable environment, increased villagers’ incomes, and improved the living standards of farmers. They have vigorously promoted a healthy and civilized lifestyle and carried out afforestation... More detailed information about Taiping Village++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units