Main Hall of Xuancheng Temple

Main Hall of Xuancheng Temple

The Main Hall of Xuancheng Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Main Hall of Xuancheng Temple (Fifth Batch of Provincial Protected Sites)

Era: Song to Qing Dynasties

Address: Xijianzi Village, Changning Town, Yuci District, Jinzhong City

According to the Wanli Edition (1573–1620) of the Yuci County Annals from the Ming Dynasty, the main hall of Xuancheng Temple was originally built in the second year of the Xianheng era of the Tang Dynasty (671), renovated in the seventh year of the Xining era of the Song Dynasty (1074), and granted its current name in the second year of the Dading era of the Jin Dynasty (1162). The existing structure dates back to the Song Dynasty.

The main hall is built on a high platform foundation, with a plan that is approximately square. It faces south and features a three-bay width and a six-rafter depth. It has a single-eave, flush-gable roof with a gentle pitch and deep overhanging eaves. The eave and interior columns are square-sectioned with chamfered corners, showing clear entasis and curved tapering. The eave columns are connected by architraves, above which are set the dougong (bracket arms), both forming a “T” shape in cross-section. The beam frame spans a considerable distance, with four rafters supported on bracket sets. The central purlin rests on the inner columns, while the bracket sets on the outer columns support the eave purlins. The front and rear bracket sets are interconnected, and the purlins and bracket arms form a complex interlocking structural system. The central bay features a front-bracket set and rear-bracket set, with the four rafters and their connections forming an interdependent structural whole. The rear bay also shows a similar interconnection. The wooden structure exhibits distinct features of the Song Dynasty. The roof construction is highly characteristic.

The main hall of Xuancheng Temple has an approximately square floor plan and a gently pitched roof. Its large wooden framework features an ancient design with distinct characteristics of Song Dynasty architecture, giving it significant historical value.

The main hall is one of the few surviving wooden structures from the Song Dynasty in Yuci District, providing valuable physical material for the study of early wooden architectural forms and structures in the region.

Source: Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Xijianzi Village: Xijianzi Village…… More detailed information about Xijianzi Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units in Shanxi Province