Qingxu Yao Temple

Qingxu Yao Temple

Qingxu Yao Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Qingxu Yao Temple (Fourth Batch of Provincial-Level Protected Sites)

Era: Ming Dynasty

Location: Yaocheng Village, Mengfeng Township, Qingxu County

Qingxu Yao Temple is located in Yaocheng Village, Mengfeng Town, Qingxu County. The exact date of its establishment is unknown. It was rebuilt in the third year of the Tianhui era of the Jin Dynasty (1125), reconstructed during the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty, and underwent multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple faces south and covers an area of approximately 4,200 square meters. The existing Emperor Yao Hall is a structure from the Ming Dynasty, while the rest are from the Qing Dynasty.

Qingxu Yao Temple is divided into two axes: east and west. The east axis only retains the Emperor Yao Hall; the west axis runs from south to north with a back-facing theater stage, the Goddess Hall, and the Four-Star Tower and Fox Immortal Tower on the east and west sides respectively. The Emperor Yao Hall, also known as the Beamless Hall, is built on a square brick platform, with a total height of about 12.4 meters. It is five bays wide and five bays deep, surrounded by corridors, and features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof. The lower eaves have bracket sets forming a layered cornice, while the upper eaves have more intricate bracket sets. The central hall columns are round and extend directly to the roof, supporting the structure without internal beams. The roof is covered with green glazed tiles, and the ridges are decorated with colorful carvings of divine beasts and other patterns.

The buildings of Qingxu Yao Temple are well-preserved, and the architectural style of the Emperor Yao Hall is unique, possessing high historical value.

In May 2013, Qingxu Yao Temple was announced as part of the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units