The Main Hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple

　　The main hall of Xiaozhang Biyun Temple in Zhangzi County is a structure from the Song Dynasty. It is a precious cultural relic newly discovered during the “Third National Cultural Relics Survey” and was directly designated by the State Council as part of the seventh batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level. The temple is located in Xiaozhang Village, about 5 kilometers northwest of Zhangzi County’s urban area. The temple faces south and sits north, currently preserving 15 halls including the main hall, east and west side halls, and wing rooms, while other structures no longer exist.

　　“Biyun” means “Green Cloud.” “Bì” (碧) refers to green, and “yún” (云) refers to the strict, ancient, and ingenious layout of the temple's architecture. From a distance, the entire temple resembles the traditional Chinese character “雲” (cloud), hence the name Biyun Temple. The temple is divided into three parts: the Upper Courtyard, Middle Courtyard, and Lower Courtyard. Looking at the character “碧” (green): The Lower Courtyard has an ancient locust tree over five zhang tall (approximately 16 meters) with a girth that requires 14 people to encircle. From spring to autumn, it provides dense shade with its lush green foliage. The Middle Courtyard has five towering, evergreen cypresses that remain green all year round. Viewed as the traditional Chinese character “雲”: The main hall of Biyun Temple represents the top horizontal stroke of the “雲” character; the pathway and stone steps represent the central vertical stroke of “雨” (rain); the Ksitigarbha Hall and west wing room represent the left vertical stroke of “雨”; the low wall of the Upper Courtyard along with the east Guan Yu Hall and west wing room represent the horizontal-turning-vertical stroke of “雨”; the four large cypresses on both sides of the pathway represent the four dots of “雨”; the large cypress on the eastern side of the stone steps in the southern part of the Middle Courtyard represents a dot of “雲”; the low wall represents the horizontal stroke below the dot of “雲”; the western Hall of Guanyin Who Grants Sons, the stage, and the side rooms in the Lower Courtyard represent the slanted hook under the horizontal stroke of “雲”; and the temple gate represents the final dot of “雲,” together forming a complete traditional Chinese character “雲.” Such ingenious design and creativity leave visitors in awe.

　　The Upper Courtyard of Biyun Temple houses a three-bay main hall constructed with wooden materials. It features a single-eave, hip-and-gable roof with wide bays and far-reaching eaves. The bracket sets (dougong) under the eaves are sparse yet methodical, with a solemn and well-proportioned design. The corner pillars rise slightly, and the eave corners curl gently upward, giving a sense of grand stability. The through-tenons (sichuanfu) span across the front and rear eaves and are fashioned into decorative brackets. The beam framework is neat and compact. At the center of the main hall stands a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, with kind eyes and a serene gaze directed into the distance. To the west is Laozi, and to the east is Confucius, which is why this hall is also known as the “Three Teachings Hall.” Eighteen Arhats statues stand on the east and west altars. In the southwest corner, there is a statue of a monk, said to be the bone-encased image of the temple’s founding monk. The ceiling of the main hall is painted with murals, faintly depicting scenes such as “Magpies on Plum Blossoms,” “Qilin Presenting Auspiciousness,” “Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity,” and “Flowers Blooming in Spring.” The painting style features smooth lines, dignified elegance, lifelike forms, exquisite craftsmanship, and vivid use of ink. These artworks offer a glimpse into the aesthetic values of Song Dynasty society and reflect the site’s precious historical value.