Erxian Temple

　　Erxian Temple is situated at the foot of the central peak of the Taihang Mountains, 12.5 kilometers southeast of Jincheng City, Shanxi Province. It was constructed between the first year of the Daguan era (1107) and the seventh year of the Zhenghe era (1117). The mountain gate in front of the temple has been destroyed, but ten side halls remain on the east and west sides respectively. Along the central axis are a music platform and an incense pavilion, both dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main hall at the rear consists of three rooms, with “Heavenly Palace Wall Niches” on either side, featuring exquisitely carved and splendidly gilded decorations. On the rear shrine platform stand clay statues of the Two Immortal Maidens, flanked by four attendant figures. These statues, with delicate features and slender figures, are considered masterpieces of Song Dynasty sculpture.