Jinci Temple
Shanxi Sheng
Jinci Temple is the most prominent temple complex in Shanxi Province, China, located about 25 km southwest of Taiyuan at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain. Founded approximately 1,400 years ago, it has evolved into a sprawling site featuring over 100 sculptures, buildings, terraces, and bridges. The temple honors Tang Shuyu, the founding lord of the Jin state during the Zhou dynasty, and his mother, Yijiang. The complex is famous for its architectural masterpieces from the Song dynasty, particularly the Hall of the Holy Mother, built between 1023 and 1032, which showcases intricately carved wooden dragons on its pillars and houses 43 life-sized clay sculptures of the goddess and her attendants. Key highlights include the "Three Treasures" of Jinci: the Hall of the Holy Mother, the Fish Pond Flying Bridge-a unique cross-shaped stone and wooden bridge over water-and the Xian Hall, used for offerings. The temple grounds also feature a classical garden with a cypress tree estimated to be 3,000 years old, one of the oldest living trees in China. Nearby is the Wang Family Hall, a Ming dynasty villa built in 1532. Jinci Temple combines religious, historical, and architectural significance, representing one of China's earliest royal ancestral temples and a rare example of classical Chinese garden design. It is recognized as a national key cultural relic protection unit, a first-class museum, and a 5A-level tourist attraction.
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Tip: The best time to visit Jinci Temple is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the gardens are at their most vibrant. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. Visitors should allocate sufficient time to explore the extensive grounds and appreciate the detailed Song dynasty sculptures and unique architectural elements. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours or audio guides enhance the experience by providing historical context. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the complex's size and varied terrain.
Interesting facts
- •The Hall of the Holy Mother contains 43 Song dynasty clay sculptures, including a central goddess and 42 life-sized attendants in realistic poses.
- •The Fish Pond Flying Bridge is the oldest surviving water-land intersection bridge in China and a unique example of a cross-shaped bridge supported by stone pillars and wooden beams.
- •A cypress tree in the temple garden is estimated to be around 3,000 years old, dating back to the Zhou dynasty, making it one of the oldest living trees in China.
- •The temple complex includes the Wang Family Hall, a Ming dynasty private villa built in 1532 for a high-ranking official, Wang Qiong.
- •Jinci Temple is considered the earliest royal ancestral temple in China, originally named Tang Shuyu Temple, and has been expanded and maintained for over a millennium.
History
Jinci Temple was originally established over 1,400 years ago to honor Tang Shuyu, the founding lord of the Jin state during the Zhou dynasty, and his mother.
The earliest records date back to the Northern Wei period, indicating the temple's existence for over a millennium.
Significant expansions occurred during the Northern Qi and Tang dynasties, with major construction in the Song dynasty, including the Hall of the Holy Mother.
The temple complex has undergone multiple renovations due to natural disasters and war damage over centuries.
It was recognized as a national key cultural relic in 1961 and has since been restored and developed into a major museum and tourist attraction, receiving a 5A-level tourism rating in China.
Place Guide
Hall of the Holy Mother (圣母殿)1023-1032
Built between 1023 and 1032 during the Song dynasty, this hall is the centerpiece of Jinci Temple. It features a double-eave roof with upward-curving edges and intricately carved wooden dragons coiled around its eight supporting pillars. Inside, visitors can see 43 clay sculptures including the seated goddess and her 42 attendants arranged in lifelike poses. It exemplifies Song dynasty architectural and sculptural artistry.
Fish Pond Flying Bridge (鱼沼飞梁)Northern Wei period origins, rebuilt in Song dynasty
This unique cross-shaped bridge spans a square-shaped pond filled with fish, supported by 34 octagonal stone pillars and wooden beams above the water. It connects the Hall of the Holy Mother with the Xian Hall and is the oldest existing water-land intersection bridge in China, originally built during the Northern Wei period and rebuilt in the Song dynasty.
Xian Hall (献殿)1168
Built in 1168 during the Jin dynasty, this hall is used for placing offerings to the Holy Mother. It is a pavilion-like structure without walls, featuring a single-eave roof and elegant wooden beam construction praised for its simplicity and durability.
Jinci Cypress TreeApprox. 1000 BCE
Located in the temple’s classical garden, this cypress tree is approximately 3,000 years old, dating back to the Zhou dynasty. It is one of the oldest living trees in China and symbolizes the long history of the site.
Contact
Phone: 0351 602 0038