Lubao Dragon King Temple

Lubao Dragon King Temple

Lubao Dragon King Temple is a cultural heritage site protected by Shanxi Province.

Lubao Dragon King Temple (Fifth Batch of Provincial-Level Protected Sites)

Era: Yuan, Ming, Qing

Address: Lubao Village, Chengjiashan Township, Licheng County, Changzhi City

According to inscriptions in the temple, it was established in the second year of the Yuandade era (1298) during the Yuan Dynasty and has been repaired and renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Historical records state that Lubao Dragon King Temple was originally called Shengyuan King Temple. It faces south with a total area of 1,028 square meters and follows a single-courtyard layout. Along the central axis are the Mountain Gate, Dragon King Hall, and Sanbao Hall, flanked by dressing towers, side rooms, Guan Yu Temple, and Earth God Temple. The extant structures, the Dragon King Hall and Sanbao Hall, date back to the Yuan Dynasty. Their beams, columns, and bracket sets retain distinctive features of Yuan-era wooden architecture. Other surviving elements include colored paintings and carved bricks from the Ming and Qing periods.

The Sanbao Hall is a three-bay wide and two-bay deep structure, standing parallel to the Dragon King Hall, facing south. Its platform is built from brick, with stone steps leading up to the front. The roof is of the hanging gable style, and the bracket sets are of the bucket arch type, but they are not positioned directly under the eaves — a unique feature of this building. The design reflects a distinct architectural characteristic. The hall’s interior also preserves remnants of murals, showcasing typical Yuan Dynasty design traits.

The Dragon King Hall is five bays wide and two bays deep, standing parallel to the Sanbao Hall and also facing south. The front of its platform features stone steps. Inside, the beam structure is a six-rafter double-purlin corridor style. The central bay of the main hall has a wooden door with five rows of door studs and four door knockers. The bracket sets are of the bucket arch type, arranged beneath the eaves — a construction method commonly used during the Yuan Dynasty. The hall interior preserves painted sculptures of dragons, as well as painted panels on the ceiling and beams. These artworks reflect the grand scale of Yuan Dynasty architecture and are preserved in good condition. Information source: Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Lubao Village: Lubao Village is located on the north bank of the Zhuozhang River, at the foot of Ta’er Mountain, south of Licheng County’s urban area. It is traversed by the Xi (Wu)–Shi (Hui) Highway. To the northeast lies Gujiazhuang, to the southeast Beiliu Village, to the southwest the ancient city of Lucheng in Lucheng City, and to the northwest it borders Longwang Village. The village has 450 households and a population of 1,533. It comprises 2,890 mu of arable land. Agriculture is the main industry, with notable production of peanuts, watermelons, and bagged apples. The village has eight villager groups and a total of 61 Party members, including 11 female members. … More detailed information about Lubao Village ++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Heritage Protected Sites in Shanxi Province