Shatu Temple

　　Shatu Temple is situated in Yanshikou Village, Yanshi Town, Juancheng County. The temple boasts a long history, having been initially constructed during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty. Legend has it that when Emperor Taizong of Tang was traveling east to Mount Tai, he stopped at this place and dreamed of the Goddess of Mount Tai welcoming him. To express his gratitude for the goddess’s welcome, he piled up sand to form a makeshift temple and led his followers in worship. Later generations built the Mount Tai Palace here, which became the origin of Shatu Temple. Over more than a thousand years since its establishment, the temple has survived wars and floods, suffering multiple destructions and reconstructions, while gradually expanding. By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, Shatu Temple had grown into the foremost comprehensive religious site in southwestern Shandong, integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It served as a major religious hub for Hebei, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui provinces. A long-standing local saying goes, “You may have traveled to Nanjing and Beijing, but you haven’t truly experienced anything until you’ve visited Shatu Temple.” During the 1930s and 1940s, the Japanese invasion, the eight-year War of Resistance, and the three-year Liberation War led to the temple's final destruction in the turmoil of war, after which Shatu Temple ceased to exist.

　　In the late 20th century, as the nation implemented reform and opening-up policies, the Party’s religious policies were put into effect. In response to strong public demand, in the spring of 1994, respected elders from Yanshikou initiated a proposal to rebuild Shatu Temple, a move widely supported by people from all walks of life. To fund the restoration of the ancient temple, many generously donated, joining forces in this benevolent endeavor. After fifteen years of effort, the reconstructed Shatu Temple began to take shape. It now includes over 70 halls and pavilions, covering a total construction area of 2,400 square meters, with more than 1,000 carved statues, each hall featuring distinctive architectural styles and the statues displaying lifelike expressions.

　　The traditional temple fairs of Shatu Temple are held on the 16th day of the first lunar month, the 3rd day of the third lunar month, and the 6th day of the tenth lunar month. Each fair lasts six days, featuring traditional folk performances such as opera, acrobatics, and folk music to celebrate the occasion. In 2008, a new management committee was established, and a senior citizens’ activity center and a calligraphy and painting room were set up within the temple grounds. A yangko dance team was also formed. Through several years of efforts, Shatu Temple has been developed into a venue for religious worship, tourism, and leisure entertainment. It has played a positive role in promoting the development of the tourism industry and building a harmonious rural society.