Shijingshan Ancient Building Complex | Bixia Yuanjun Temple

Shijingshan Ancient Building Complex | Bixia Yuanjun Temple Bixia Yuanjun is a Taoist mountain deity worshiped in North China. Her main temple is on Mount Tai, and she is respectfully called the Holy Mother of Mount Tai, Bixia Yuanjun. In folklore, she is referred to as the Lady of Mount Tai, with her full title being the Celestial Jade Maiden of the Eastern Peak, Bixia Yuanjun. Dongtian Gate, a late Ming Dynasty structure. It faces east and is a brick and stone arched gate; the stone walls on both sides of the gate have carvings. This place consists of three parts: Bixia Yuanjun Temple, Yuanjun Hall, and Sky Temple. ◼️ Bixia Yuanjun Temple (post-modern architecture), a replica based on the original configuration, with a plaque reading 'Bixia Yuanjun Temple' above the beam. Upon entering the courtyard, there are three main halls and additional halls on the east and west sides. ◼️ Yuanjun Hall, only a small part of the structure remains, and it is also a reconstructed hall. 🔘 In front of the hall are two stone steles, with almost illegible inscriptions. 🔘 There is a Qing Dynasty poetry stele, inscribed with poems by poets Gui Bencheng and Fang Rulin about climbing the mountain. 🔘 Opposite the hall is a reconstructed opera stage. 🔘 Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the 18th day of the 4th lunar month is celebrated as Bixia Yuanjun's birthday, and a temple fair is held here, known as the Shijingshan Temple Fair. 🔘 Timeline of the construction of Bixia Yuanjun Temple: ① Bixia Yuanjun Temple is located on the southern slope of Shijingshan and was first built during the Zhengde period of Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty, funded by the eunuch Qian Ning, a close attendant of the emperor. ② During the Ming Dynasty In the first year of the Jiajing period (1522), to vent his dissatisfaction with the eunuch Qian Ning's flattery and treason, Emperor Jiajing ordered the destruction of all buildings constructed by Qian Ning, including Bixia Yuanjun Temple. During the Wanli period, the eunuch Dong Changshi rebuilt Bixia Yuanjun Temple. ③ During the Qing Dynasty In the 31st year of the Qianlong period (1766), the temple was renovated by 'scholars, commoners, merchants, and benevolent people from Beixinan' and 'devout men and women from nearby villages.' This place is rich with ancient pines and cypresses, has an ancient well, and still has 4/5 of its mysterious areas yet to be opened!