Bao Yan Temple Main Hall

　　    The main hall was constructed in the first year of the Dashaun era of the Tang Dynasty (890 AD), originally called "Xinghui Temple." In the first year of the Longde era of the Later Liang during the Five Dynasties (921 AD), it was renamed "Zaixing Temple." In the first year of the Tian Sheng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1023 AD), it was changed to "Bao Yan Temple." It underwent two major renovations during the Yuan Dynasty's Yan reign period (1314–1320) and the 12th year of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1533 AD). Originally, the complex included a mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, a scripture hall, the abbot’s quarters, monks’ dormitories, and a flower garden. Today, only the Mahavira Hall remains. It faces south, has a square floor plan, and is built with wooden structures. It features a double-eaved, hip-and-gable roof, is five bays wide and deep, stands 18 meters tall, and covers a construction area of 400 square meters. There are 36 pillars inside the hall, and the lotus stone bases of the four central golden columns from the main hall are relics from the Tang and Song dynasties. The beams bear inscriptions in regular script reading “Reconstructed on the 22nd day of the 2nd month in the year of Gui Si, the 12th year of the Jiajing reign of the Great Ming — a most auspicious time” and “Wishing long life and eternal prosperity to His Majesty the Emperor.” The beams between the golden columns and the rafters are adorned with intricate carvings and colored paintings. The interior paintings depict Buddhist figures, flowers, birds, and landscapes, with rich colors and refined brushwork. These artworks vividly reflect the religious content and social life of the time.

　　    The temple is a valuable physical relic for studying ancient architectural art in northern Fujian, and it now houses the Shaowu City Museum. In 2006, the Bao Yan Temple Main Hall, as a Ming Dynasty structure, was listed in the sixth group of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level by the State Council.