Hejin Taitou Temple | Open-air, ancient and majestic, primarily worships the God of Mount Tai

Hejin Taitou Temple is a grand folk Taoist temple primarily dedicated to the Great Emperor of Mount Tai (Dongyue) and other deities, which held significant influence from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. With its vast scale, majestic architecture, rigorous layout, exquisite craftsmanship, and simple style, it was designated as a "National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit" (7th batch) in 2013 due to its Yuan Dynasty structural components. The temple's elevated platform stands about 3 meters higher than the surrounding flatland, requiring visitors to look up when entering—hence its alternative names "Taitou Temple" (Raise-Head Temple) or "Xiyue Temple." Its founding date is unclear, though it traces back to the Han Dynasty and flourished during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Originally the site of Hejin's grain depot, it has been well-preserved. 🌈 Highlights: ✅ Taitou Temple has no walls or gates, making it a fully open-air temple and a cultural leisure square for locals, brimming with vibrant daily life. Its glazed ceramic sculptures differ from typical temples, featuring cartoonish designs that are remarkably lifelike. ✅ The existing structures unfold along a central axis, from south to north: Main Gate, Middle Gate, Offering Hall, and the principal hall—Dongyue Temple (Deyun Hall)—dedicated to the Great Emperor of Mount Tai. The east side hall is Houtu Shrine (Holy Mother Hall) for the Earth Goddess, while the west side hall is Xiyue Temple (Haoling Hall) for the Great Emperor of Mount Hua. ✅ The temple complex includes 10 ancient buildings, five of which date back to the Yuan Dynasty, showcasing the era's architectural techniques, features, and craftsmanship. ✅ Astonishingly, the entire temple was built without a single nail, relying solely on sophisticated mortise-and-tenon joints, reflecting the ingenuity and skill of ancient artisans. 🎫 Admission: Free 🚗 Transportation: Accessible via Hejin Bus Routes 5, 8, 21, or 2. For faster and more convenient travel, navigate 🧭 by car.