Ancient Zhong Temple

　　Ancient Zhong Temple (Sixth Batch National Heritage Site)

　　Era: Yuan to Qing Dynasty

　　Address: 10.5 km northeast of Gaoping City

　　on the highland northwest of Xiatai Village

　　The temple’s exact founding date is unknown. It faces south and is divided into an upper and lower courtyard, featuring a grand architectural scale. The lower courtyard includes a stage, viewing pavilion, and incense kitchen, among other structures. The upper courtyard contains a mountain gate, Prince Hall, main hall, side halls, and wing rooms.

　　The mountain gate has three archways. Above the western arched gateway is a Ming Dynasty stone inscription bearing the three large characters “古中庙” (Ancient Zhong Temple). The Prince Hall is a relic structure from the Yuan Dynasty, measuring three bays in width and four rafters in depth, with a square floor plan and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. The hall has no beams, hence it is also called the Beamless Hall. Large beams encircle the exterior eaves, while the interior features an octagonal caisson ceiling, from which hangs a pendant lotus column. The column capitals and bracket sets display intricate carvings. The architecture is uniquely refined and represents one of China’s earliest and most significant surviving examples of religious wooden structures. The main hall is from the Ming Dynasty, with thick walls and a simple yet majestic form. On the second bracket arm on the eastern side, there is an inscription from the Ming Dynasty, which reads: “The temple stands solemnly, as if the spirit of Emperor Shun still lingers within. His virtue is noble, his achievements glorious, and his influence profound. It is truly a place where sages once gathered.” The Ancient Zhong Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.