Pushi Shousheng Temple

Pushi Shousheng Temple

Pushi Shousheng Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Pushi Shousheng Temple (Fifth Batch of Provincial Protected Sites)

Era: Ming Dynasty

Address: Pushi Village, Zhuangzi Township, Yuci District, Jinzhong City

The founding date of Pushi Shousheng Temple is unknown. According to inscriptions within the temple, it underwent renovations during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, and the Qianlong, Daoguang, and Guangxu eras of the Qing Dynasty. The temple faces south and has a single-courtyard layout. Along the central axis from south to north are, in sequence, the mountain gate and the main hall. On the east side of the mountain gate is the bell tower. On the east and west sides of the courtyard are side halls, totaling five structures. The existing buildings are all remnants from the Ming Dynasty.

The mountain gate is three bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eave flush gable roof and an approximately square floor plan. The central bay’s beam framework consists of a five-rafter beam opposite two forward-step beams, supported by four columns. The front and rear eaves feature bracket sets, and the bracket arms are inclined at about 5°.

The main hall is three bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eave hanging gable roof and a seven-rafter front corridor, also featuring an approximately square floor plan. The side-wall columns show obvious inward tilt. The beam framework in the central bay consists of a five-rafter beam opposite front and rear single-step beams, supported by four columns; the side-bay framework consists of a three-rafter beam opposite front and rear double-step beams, also supported by four columns. The front eave bracket sets are arranged in a manner typical of main halls. The central bay features supplementary bracket sets, and the side bays display character-shaped motifs.

The beams and brackets inside both the main hall and the mountain gate are painted with colored designs, covering approximately 72 square meters and are relatively well preserved. There are a total of four extant stone tablets recording renovations from the Ming Zhengde era, and the Qing Qianlong, Daoguang, and Guangxu eras.

Pushi Shousheng Temple has a single-courtyard, four-sided layout. The courtyard is compact in scale but complete in arrangement. The five existing structures all retain characteristics of Ming Dynasty architecture. Although repaired in the Qing Dynasty, the primary frameworks of the buildings still prominently exhibit Ming architectural styles, giving the site high historical research value.

The main hall and mountain gate have approximately square floor plans. The proportions of the two halls are harmonious, with strong, vigorous roof curves, gentle pitches, and deep overhangs. The beam spans are relatively large with nearly square cross-sections. The central bays are spacious, while the side bays are narrower. The components are crafted in a simple style, with rigorous structure, skilled craftsmanship, and features reminiscent of early architecture, making them important references for studying the temple’s founding period.

Information source: Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Pushi Village: Introduction to Pushi Village

Pushi Village, Zhuangzi Township, located in the southeastern rocky mountainous area of Zhuangzi Township, has a population of 245 and 97 households. The village includes 1,721 mu of arable land, 80 mu of orchards, with crop farming as the dominant industry. Grain production reaches 1 million jin, and the per capita income is 5,000 yuan.

The village has one health clinic, with a 95% participation rate in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme.

Village Party Branch Secretary: Li Linyuan (in charge)

Village Chief: Zhang Zaicheng

Term Goals: To develop 1,000 mu of high-quality crop farming industry, achieving a per capita income of 7,000 yuan. So far, village-level hard... Pushi Village detailed information++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units