Li Cheng Temple

Li Cheng Temple

Li Cheng Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Located on Hexia Street in the county town, the temple faces south with its back to the north. Originally built in the third year of the Tian Sheng era during the Song Dynasty (1025), the temple served as the City God Temple. Its main gate was constructed as a tower, featuring three tiers of double eaves, hence it is commonly known as the Three-Tiered Tower. The existing structures mainly include the gate tower and the main hall. The gate tower has a width of three bays and a depth of two bays, showcasing Ming Dynasty architectural style. The platform is rectangular, measuring 18 meters in length and 12 meters in width, with a height of 2.35 meters.

A plaque inscribed with “Qun Feng Huan Cui” (Surrounded by Verdant Peaks) hangs prominently at the center of the gate tower. The roof is designed in a three-tiered double-eave hip-and-gable style. The main ridge, dragon head ornaments, vertical beasts, diagonal ridge beasts, and cover tiles are all crafted from yellow and green glazed tiles. The gable ends feature bargeboards.

The hanging fish ornament is styled like swirling clouds and ruyi symbols.

The bracket sets are all five-tiered with double downward projecting arms. The materials used are robust and grand, making the structure a majestic masterpiece and the crown jewel among ancient buildings in Li Cheng. The main hall is five bays wide and five bays deep, with six rafters connected front and back to the minor beams, using five columns across the span. It largely adopts a modern style. The platform is square, with each side measuring 18 meters and a height of 1.37 meters.

Inside the hall is a row of front golden brackets. The roof is in a hanging gable style, with the main ridge and dragon head ornaments also made of yellow and green glazed tiles. The bracket sets are all five-tiered with double downward projecting arms, giving the space a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

In May 2013, Li Cheng Temple was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units