Changning Grand Temple

　　Lingyuan Sacred Well Temple, commonly known as Shengwang Temple, is located in Changning Village, Dongyangguan Town, Licheng County, and is also called Changning Grand Temple. It has a two-courtyard layout facing south, measuring 49 meters in length from north to south and 31 meters in width from east to west, covering an area of 1,519 square meters. The exact date of its establishment is unknown. The existing main hall is a remnant of the Yuan Dynasty, while the rest of the structures date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Along the central axis from south to north are a brick screen wall, the mountain gate (a reverse-facing theater building), the offering hall, the main hall, and the rear hall; on the east and west sides are side rooms, wing rooms, ear halls, and corridors. The main hall is built on a bluestone platform that is 11.26 meters long, 2.85 meters wide, and 0.75 meters high. It features a five-bay width, six-rafter depth, single-eave hanging gable roof, and glazed ridge decorations. The four-rafter beams rest on bracket sets, and the interior uses natural wood materials. The hall’s ceiling is adorned with carved patterns. The side halls are elegantly constructed. The mountain gate is built on a bluestone foundation, with its front facade featuring a brick-carved screen wall. The platform is 11.26 meters long, 2.85 meters wide, and 0.75 meters high. The main hall has five bays in width, six rafters in depth, a single-eave hanging gable roof, and glazed ridge ornaments. The four-rafter beams are supported by bracket sets, and the interior uses natural timber. The ceiling is decorated with carved designs. The side halls are exquisitely built.

　　The mountain gate consists of two parts: the lower level serves as the entrance to the temple, and the upper level functions as a reverse-facing theater stage. On either side of the main gate are additional round-arch side entrances. Inside the temple are one Ming Dynasty and one Qing Dynasty stele commemorating renovations, as well as four stone tablets.

　　Lingyuan Sacred Well Temple is a well-preserved ancient architectural complex that integrates the styles of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The main hall retains numerous architectural components from the Yuan Dynasty, featuring carefully selected and grand-scale materials. The offering hall and the theater-style mountain gate exhibit Ming Dynasty characteristics, while the wing rooms reflect Qing Dynasty features. The overall layout is rigorous and follows traditional norms, showcasing distinct temporal features and local construction techniques. The temple also houses several Qing Dynasty stone tablets inscribed with poems by local notable figures.

　　The temple serves as physical evidence for the study of early ancient architecture and local cultural history. It is an important cultural heritage site in our city, with high historical and artistic value.