Baishan Dongyue Temple

Welcome to the Baishan Dongyue Temple, located in the eastern part of Baishan in Puxian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province, China. This temple was listed as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units in 2001. The Baishan Dongyue Temple was built in an unknown year, but it had already taken shape during the Tang Dynasty. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an earthquake in Pingyang in the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty (1303). It was rebuilt from the third to the fifth year of the Yuan Dynasty (1316-1318). The temple faces north and sits south, covering an area of 20,000 square meters. It is composed of five parts: Dongyue Palace, Hell, Huaqing Pool, and Taiwei Temple. Among the existing buildings, only the main hall of the palace was built in the Yuan Dynasty, while others were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The main hall has a width and depth of five bays and a double-eaved gable roof. As a tourist guide, let me take you on a detailed tour of the Baishan Dongyue Temple. Firstly, we will visit the Dongyue Palace. This palace is the main building of the temple and is dedicated to the god of Mount Tai, who is believed to be the leader of all gods. The palace is grand and magnificent, with exquisite carvings and decorations. The main hall is supported by dozens of red pillars, which are engraved with dragons and phoenixes. In the center of the hall, there is a statue of the god of Mount Tai, which is made of bronze and is about 10 meters high. The statue is vivid and lifelike, showing the power and majesty of the god. Next, we will visit the Hell. This is a unique part of the temple, which is dedicated to the punishment of evil spirits and demons. The Hell is divided into eighteen levels, each of which represents a different kind of punishment. Visitors can see various kinds of torture instruments, such as iron cages, stone mills, and fire pits. It is said that those who commit sins will be punished in the Hell after death, so this part of the temple serves as a warning to people to behave themselves. After visiting the Hell, we will go to the Huaqing Pool. This is a beautiful pond located in the middle of the temple. The pond is surrounded by green trees and flowers, and there are several pavilions and bridges on the water. Legend has it that the god of Mount Tai once bathed in this pool, so it is considered a sacred place. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery and take some beautiful photos here. Finally, we will visit the Taiwei Temple. This temple is dedicated to the god of war, who is believed to protect soldiers and bring victory in battles. The temple is not as grand as the Dongyue Palace, but it has its own unique charm. There are several statues of the god of war inside the temple, each of which has a different expression and posture. Visitors can pray for good luck and success in their careers or studies here. In conclusion, the Baishan Dongyue Temple is a must-visit attraction in Shanxi Province. It not only showcases the ancient Chinese architecture and culture but also provides visitors with a spiritual experience. I hope you enjoy your tour and have a wonderful time at the temple!

Location: Pu County

Source: Wikimedia