Jincheng Erxian Temple

　　   Jincheng Erxian Temple (Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

　　   Era: Song Dynasty

　　   Address: Nancun Village, Jincun Township, 25 km east of Zezhou County

　　   Built in the fourth year of the Shaosheng era of the Song Dynasty (1097), with renovations carried out during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The existing structures, apart from the main hall, were all built during the Ming and Qing periods.

　　   The temple faces south and measures 44 meters in length from east to west and 28 meters in width from north to south, covering an area of 1,232 square meters. Along the central axis are, in sequence, the mountain gate (foundation site), hallway, offering hall, and main hall, flanked on both sides by east and west wing rooms and side halls.

　　   The main hall is the principal building of the temple, spanning three bays in both width and depth, with a construction area of 126.9 square meters and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. Under the eaves, the bracket sets are arranged in a layered fashion, featuring single-step brackets on the upper eave and double-step ones on the lower. The interior beams and brackets are exquisitely crafted, with the caisson ceiling above the altar platform being particularly outstanding. The beams and brackets inside the hall are densely arranged, forming a complex and exquisite wooden structure. The upper eave beams are adorned with delicate carvings, while the lower eave brackets display refined artistry. The central part of the hall is referred to as the "Buddhist Monk’s Treasure Hall," exuding a profound sense of solemnity. On the upper eave beams are carved images of celestial beings, while the lower eave brackets feature finely detailed floral patterns, all highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of the main hall.

　　   On the east and west sides of the hall, there are two stone steles from the Song Dynasty, recording the time of the temple's construction.