Shengjiao Temple

Shengjiao Temple

Shengjiao Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shengjiao Temple, also known as Sanjiao Temple, is located at Tianjiapo, Lixin Street, Yuncheng. The temple was built in the first year of the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty (1403), originally serving as a Mon Buddhist monastery of the Dai ethnic group practicing Theravāda Buddhism. In the 32nd year of the Wanli era (1604), the monastery was incorporated into the national monastic official system and came under the administration of the Ministry of Rites. New structures such as the Guanyin Hall and meditation rooms were added, and the main hall was remodeled to depict the full panorama of Mount Putuo, making it the first-generation Zen ancient temple in Yun County. The Buddhist statues in the temple were destroyed before the Cultural Revolution, and only one main hall remains today. In 1985, with approval from the county government, Shengjiao Temple was designated as a Taoist activity site. The Guanyin Hall was rebuilt, normal religious activities resumed, and the main hall was remodeled to house deities such as Laozi. New plaques and couplets were added, attracting constant worshippers, and it has since become another important cultural heritage site under protection in Yun County.

Shengjiao Temple is located at Tianjiapo, Lixin Street, Yuncheng. It was first built in the first year of the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty (1403). The original name of the temple is unknown, as it was initially a Mon Buddhist monastery of the Dai ethnic group practicing Theravāda Buddhism. In the 32nd year of the Wanli era (1604), it was incorporated into the national monastic official system and came under the administration of the Ministry of Rites. New structures such as the Guanyin Hall and meditation rooms were added, making it the first-generation Zen ancient temple in Yun County. During the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty, Chen Shiju, the prefect of Yunzhou, inscribed the name “Shengjiao Temple.” Later, as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism were unified, the temple was renamed “Sanjiao Temple.” After several cycles of prosperity and decline, it is still known today as Shengjiao Temple. The temple complex includes the main hall, Tongming Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, and the Yunzhou City God Temple. In 1985, with approval from the county government, Shengjiao Temple was designated as a Taoist activity site and became the headquarters of the Yun County Taoist Association. The Guanyin Pavilion was also renovated.

On the ninth day of the eighth lunar month in the 12th year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (September 14, 1639), Xu Xiake traveled to the old city of Yunzhou. After inquiring about the flow direction of the Lancang River, he continued eastward. His travelogue states: “Half a li ahead, there is a newly built wall enclosing a very neat Guanyin Pavilion that is not yet completed, but its grand and magnificent scale is also something I have not seen here before.” After observing the Mengyou River, the Shunning River, and the surrounding mountain ranges from outside the Guanyin Pavilion, Xu Xiake went inside to drink tea. He wrote: “I took a short rest in the pavilion. The sun was at its zenith, and a cool breeze blew gently. The monk served me tea.”

Shengjiao Temple – Guanyin Pavilion boasts a serene environment with incense lingering all year round. The temple features the unique spectacle of “Twin Trees Arching the Gate.” It was designated as a county-level cultural heritage site in 1992, the main hall was renovated in 1998, and it was listed as a municipal-level cultural heritage site in 2006.