Jingyuan Temple

Jingyuan Temple

Jingyuan Temple is a national key cultural relics protection unit.

Jingyuan Temple is located in Sunzhaqi Nonglu Township, 6 kilometers west of Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County. Built in 1892, it is one of the more influential temples among the Eight Great Temples of Ili during the Qing Dynasty. It is now a key cultural relics protection unit at the autonomous region level, covering an area of 15,000 square meters with a building area of over 2,000 square meters. The entire temple features a symmetrical and proportionate layout, with staggered pavilions that are simple and natural. It is a microcosm of the fusion between Central Plains culture and frontier culture, fully reflecting the architectural artistry of the Xibe people, as well as serving as physical evidence of the Xibe people and other brotherly ethnic groups defending the frontier and safeguarding national unity.

Jingyuan Temple is grand and magnificent in scale, with a building area of 1,000 square meters. It is surrounded by tall walls, and there is a brick-carved screen wall in front of the mountain gate. Above the main gate, there are large gilded characters reading “Jingyuan Temple” in both Xibe and Chinese scripts, written in neat, vigorous strokes. The courtyard is spacious and tranquil, and the pathways connecting the various halls are all paved with bricks. The entire architectural complex of Jingyuan Temple is arranged symmetrically, with an orderly layout, fine craftsmanship, carved beams and painted rafters, upturned eaves at unique angles, and is extremely elegant. The architecture of Jingyuan Temple makes extensive use of brick carving and wood carving arts, complemented by colorful paintings and clay sculptures.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units