Xitai Shen Taizai Temple

Xitai Shen Taizai Temple

Xitai Shen Taizai Temple is a cultural heritage site protected by Shanxi Province.

The Taizai Temple is located on the "Ancient Cui Ridge" south of the Fenhe River floodplain, north of Xitai Shen Village, about eight kilometers northwest of Houma City. The temple faces south and covers an area of over 7,000 square meters. Its architecture features a uniquely shaped, intricately laid-out fortress-like structure.

Historical records indicate that Taizai was the fifth-generation descendant of the Yellow Emperor. His ancestors were known for crafting bows and arrows and were thus bestowed the surname Zhang. He was a legendary figure from ancient times who predated Yu the Great in water management achievements. He carved through mountains and rocks to dredge the Fen and Tao rivers, developed water conservancy projects, and brought benefits to the people. Highly revered by later generations, he was honored as the Fen River God.

Over the dynasties, the working people built numerous Taizai Temples along the Fenhe River to commemorate his historical feats in managing the river and benefiting the populace. The Taizai Temple in Houma was first constructed during the reign of Duke Ping of Jin. As recorded in Zuo Zhuan: Duke Ping of Jin fell ill, and when envoys asked about the cause, they were told, “The illness of Duke Ping of Jin is due to the long neglect of offerings to Taizai, who has been causing disturbances.” The duke then consulted Zichan, a renowned scholar of the time, asking, “Who is this deity Taizai?” Zichan replied, “Taizai is the descendant of Jintian, son of the Yellow Emperor’s offspring. One of Jintian’s sons had two children, one of whom was Taizai. Because Taizai was meritorious in managing the Fen and Tao rivers, he was enfeoffed in the Fen River basin. Therefore, Taizai is the god of the Fen River.” Subsequently, Duke Ping of Jin built the Taizai Temple for worship.

It is verified that the large rammed-earth platform in Dongtai Shen Village is the site of the Taizai Temple from the time of Duke Ping of Jin. The current Taizai Temple was reconstructed and expanded during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with most of the existing structures dating back to the Ming and Qing periods. Through investigation and verification, it is concluded that this Taizai Temple is the largest and best-preserved ancient shrine dedicated to worshipping Taizai, the Fen River God, within the Fen River basin.

To strengthen the protection of the Taizai Temple, promote historical culture, and in recent years, cultural heritage authorities have carried out renovations and reinforcements on the endangered East Offering Hall and Spring and Autumn Tower, following the principles of cultural relics preservation. They paved the stage foundation with bluestone slabs, restored the surrounding city walls, reinforced the wall slopes, and reinstated the mountain gate tower of the Taizai Temple, as well as some facilities inside the Taiwang Bao Hall and Spring and Autumn Tower. Additionally, to enrich the content and cultural significance of the Taizai Temple, large murals depicting Taizai taming the Fen River and Yu the Great controlling the floods were painted on the walls of the Taiwang Offering Hall. These vividly reflect the historical scenes of ancient laboring people struggling against nature. At the same time, three screens confiscated by the municipal authorities were transplanted into the temple, adding another attraction. After several years of maintenance and construction, the Taizai Temple now presents itself with an ancient yet renewed appearance. Together with the surrounding lotus ponds, it has become a uniquely distinctive tourist attraction in our city and a sacred site for the Zhang clan to trace their roots and worship their ancestors.

Phone: 0357-4223946

Address: Houma City, Linfen, Shanxi Province

Gaocun Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Houma City. Established as Gaocun Commune in 1958 and restructured as a township in 1980. Located in the western part of the city, 6 kilometers from downtown, it covers an area of 9.1 square kilometers with a population of 16,000. The Houyue Railway and National Highway 108 pass through the area. It administers ten village committees: Huqi, Zhangwang, Xiaping, Shangping, Dongtai, Xitai, Donggao, Xigao, Xili, and Xiaohan. Crops include wheat, grains, etc. ... Gaocun Township detailed information++

Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units