Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple

Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple

The Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple (Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Yuan Dynasty to Republican Era

Address: Central part of Baicaopo Village, Yudaoh River Town, Fenyang City, Lüliang, Shanxi Province

The Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple is located in the central part of Baicaopo Village, Yudaoh River Town, about 11.5 kilometers north of Fenyang City. It faces south and features a single-courtyard layout, with dimensions of 28.81 meters east-west and 49.71 meters north-south, covering an area of 1,432 square meters. Historical records indicate that the temple was originally built during the Jin Dynasty and underwent multiple renovations after the Yuan Dynasty. Along the central axis from south to north, there are mainly a stage, an offering hall, and the Dragon King Hall, along with three side halls on the eastern side. The Dragon King Hall was first built in the Jin Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty, while the other structures date from the Qing Dynasty and Republican Era.

The Dragon King Hall has a width of three bays and a depth of two bays, with a single-eave hanging hip roof covered with tubular and flat tiles. The front eaves feature bracket sets, with a recessed balcony supported by brackets. The upper eaves are adorned with hanging ornaments, and the lower eaves have decorative carvings. There is no partition between the upper and lower eaves. The beams are decoratively carved, and the column bases are circular. The roof ridges are decorated with sculptures. The upper eaves columns are not bracketed, and the lower eaves columns are set on stone plinths, with carved patterns. The gable walls feature relief carvings. Based on the current architectural style, the main structure of this hall is primarily from the Yuan Dynasty.

The architectural layout of the Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple remains largely intact, with distinctive building styles. In particular, the Dragon King Hall has a clearly defined dating, which holds significant historical value for studying the development and evolution of architecture in this region during the Jin and Yuan periods.

In May 2013, the Baicaopo Longtian Earth God Temple was designated as part of the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units