Yubei Taishan Temple

Yubei Taishan Temple

Yubei Taishan Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Yubei Taishan Temple

Era: Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties

Address: Xiyubei Village, Sunjiazhuang Town, Yu County, Yangquan City

Taishan Temple, also known as "West Temple," faces south with its back to the north. It is a single-courtyard structure, 32.6 meters long from north to south and 19 meters wide from east to west, covering an area of 619.4 square meters.

The construction date of Taishan Temple is unknown. It was repaired in the 30th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1904). The extant structures include the Main Hall (Yuan Dynasty), West Side Hall (Ming Dynasty), Theater Stage (Qing Dynasty), and West Side Chamber (Qing Dynasty).

The Main Hall is three bays wide and four rafters deep. Its beam framework consists of front through-ties supporting three rafters, with a front-facing set of bracket sets (dougong) extending beyond the eaves to form "grasshopper head" ornaments. The secondary bays have simplified bracket sets. The central bay features a protruding roof ridge decoration. The side bays have bracket sets with unique designs, and the eave beams extend at a 5-degree angle to support diagonal braces. The roof is covered with tiles, and decorative patterns are found below the eaves. The interior walls and ceiling also display remnants of painted art, though partially faded. The beam ends and bracket arms showcase refined craftsmanship. The secondary rafters are inclined at specific angles, and decorative wooden elements are visible. The roof structure and ornamentation highlight the architectural elegance of the period.

The West Side Chamber is three bays wide and four rafters deep, with a five-rafter beam system spanning the full depth and supported by two pillars. It has a single-eave, flush-gable roof covered with interlocking clay tiles.

The West Side Hall is three bays wide and four rafters deep, featuring a five-rafter beam system spanning the full depth and supported by two pillars. It has a single-eave, hanging-gable roof covered with tubular clay tiles. The front eave bracket sets consist of three-step single-angels on the exterior and five-step double-angels on the interior. The wall-bracket sets are uniquely arranged, with diagonal braces extending from the secondary bays at a 5-degree angle. The roof is adorned with traditional clay tiles, and decorative patterns are visible below the eaves. The design reflects typical Qing Dynasty architectural features.

The Theater Stage is three bays wide and six rafters deep, using a five-rafter front beam system opposite a two-rafter rear beam system, all supported by three pillars. It has a single-eave, flush-gable roof. The front eave bracket sets are simplified in design. The stage structure emphasizes functionality and traditional performance space layout.

The beam frameworks of the various buildings in Taishan Temple are well-preserved. Among them, the most valuable is the mural in the Main Hall. The murals feature vivid designs, an elegant and subdued style, smooth lines, and strong brushwork.

Taishan Temple preserves architectural structures from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The Main Hall contains Qing Dynasty murals that are exquisitely painted and retain a high degree of authenticity.

On October 7, 2019, Yubei Taishan Temple was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Sunjiazhuang Town: Located in the eastern part of the county, the town government is seated in Sunjiazhuang, approximately 5 kilometers from the county seat. The town covers a total area of 84 square kilometers, with 7,750 households and a population of 25,295. It governs 39 natural villages and has 31 village committees. The terrain is higher in the north and lower in the south. The Xiushui River and Xiang River converge in the southern part of the town and flow through it. The area has abundant underground deposits of bituminous coal, iron ore, aluminum ore, and clay. Annual rainfall exceeds 500 mm, and the frost-free period lasts 140 days. By the end of 2001, the town had 2,606 hectares of arable land, with a total grain output of 5,845 tons. Major crops include millet... More details about Sunjiazhuang Town++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units