Zhongyue Temple
Zhongyue Temple, first built in Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC) was once named as “Taishi Temple”. In the first year of Yuanfeng period, Emperor Wudi in West Han Dynasty asked officials of this temple to expand the temple. It was rebuilt and expanded throughout the following dynasties. Its reputation reached the highest peak in Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. It was rebuilt again under the reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty.
It still remains unchanged in style and size since Qing Dynasty. From the Gate of China to the Yao Shen Pavilion, Central Heaven Pavilion, Pei Tian Zuo Zhen memorial archway, Chong Shen Gate, Hua San Gate, Jun Ji Gate, Song Gao Jun Ji memorial archway, the Main Hall of the Central Mountain, Bedroom Hall and Imperial Book Building, the temple has totally 11 courtyards along with the central north-south axial lien, lasting over 1,000 meters. Covering an area of 100,000 square meters, it is the biggest and the best-preserved ancient temple.
There are more than four hundred palaces, buildings, pavilions, lanes, booths, platforms, porches and corridors, most of which are in the style of Qing Dynasty. It possesses 335 ancient cypresses. More than one hundred cast irons and tablets are preserved here, such as the Taishi tablet, stone statue of Han Dynasty, tablets of Wei Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, the eight edges stone print, the iron men of Song Dynasty, the number one scholar tablet, the layout drawing tablet of Zhongyue Temple, iron lions in Jin Dynasty and Ming Dynasty, the stone tablet inscribed with a sketch map of China’s five sacred mountains dating from the Ming Dynasty.
Besides, more than one hundred precious wood prints about Daoism and hundreds of other prints, such as Geography of Songshan Mountain, The History of Temples in Songshan Mountain, History of Long Tan Temple, providing valuable historical materials for the researches of our architect history and art history.
How to Get There?
Take coaches to Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Coach Station and then take taxis there. It costs no more than 10 RMB.
Opening Hours
08:30 AM to 17:00 PM
More Tips
Recommended Visiting Hours: Half Day