The 'Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi' - Huayin Xiyue Temple

Xiyue Temple is located in Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province. It is a sacred site of the mainstream Quanzhen sect of Taoism, dedicated to the deity Jin Tianwang of Mount Hua, and is praised as the 'First Temple of the Five Sacred Mountains' and the 'Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi.' Xiyue Temple was originally built during the Han Dynasty and was initially named Jiling Palace. It was later relocated to its current site and renamed Xiyue Temple. It has been an important place for emperors of various dynasties to worship the deity of Mount Hua. The layout and grandeur of the temple imitate the Forbidden City in Beijing, hence the nickname 'Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi.' The architectural style of Xiyue Temple embodies the essence of ancient Chinese architecture and holds significant historical and cultural value.