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Zhongyue Temple, located at the southern foot of Mount Song in Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Backed by Huanggai Peak and facing Yu'an Mountain, Zhongyue Temple boasts Wangchao Ridge to the west and Muzigang Hill to the east. Surrounded by mountains, the temple boasts a meticulously planned and magnificent structure, with red walls and yellow tiles, creating a magnificent splendour. With a total area of 130,000 square meters, it is the largest ancestral temple in Zhongzhou and the largest and most well-preserved ancient architectural complex among the Five Sacred Mountains. It is also the largest and most complete ancient architectural complex in Henan Province.
Zhongyue Temple has largely retained its design after its renovation during the Qing Dynasty. It boasts 39 buildings, including halls, palaces, towers, and pavilions, encompassing nearly 400 rooms. The temple covers a total area of nearly 130,000 square meters, with a central axis stretching 650 meters. The temple boasts seven courtyards and 11 stories. The buildings along this axis are majestic, with the main hall, Junji Hall, being the largest of the Five Sacred Mountains. Flanking this axis are numerous courtyards, including the Ancient Gods' Storehouse, the Four Sacred Mountains Hall, the East and West Corridors, the Fire God Palace, and the Patriarch Palace, where Taoists held ceremonies and conducted their daily lives. The temple also boasts 73 ancient inscriptions and over 330 ancient cypresses dating from the Han to Qing dynasties. The comprehensive architectural layout makes Zhongyue Temple a vast complex with a clear hierarchy, a well-organized layout, a compact structure, and harmonious tones.
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Taishique
The Taishi Que, located on the central axis of Zhongyue Temple, lies over 600 meters south of Tianzhong Pavilion. It served as the sacred que for the Taishi Shrine, the predecessor of Zhongyue Temple. Construction began in 118 AD, the fifth year of the Yuanchu reign of Emperor An of the Eastern Han Dynasty, by Lü Chang, then the governor of Yangcheng. Along with the Shaoshi Que and the Qimu Que, it is known as one of the Three Ques of the Han Dynasty in Zhongyue. The location and sacred que remain unchanged, making it a valuable physical testimony to the ancient worship of the Taishi Mountain deity.
Zhonghua Gate
The front gate of Zhongyue Temple, originally named "Famous Mountain First Archway," was a wooden archway. In 1942, it was rebuilt into a brick and tile hipped-roof archway and renamed "Zhonghua Gate." The eight characters "Yisong," "Daiying," "Songjun," and "Tianzhong" are inscribed on the inside and outside of the gate, briefly describing the temple's location.
Three Gates of Transformation
Huasanmen, named after the Taoist concept of "One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones," was once the main gate of Zhongyue Temple. To the west of Huasanmen, there's a pavilion with no inscriptions. Inside the pavilion stands a Qing Dynasty stone stele, carved with only borders and no words, hence the name "Wordless Stele." This stele symbolizes the Yue God's great virtue, which is difficult to describe in words, so the empty stone was erected as a memorial.
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Zhongyue Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Taoist temples in China, located on the sacred Songshan Mountain. The temple has a history dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty and is considered the center of Taoist culture in Henan. It is revered as a place of spiritual importance, with deep historical connections to Taoism and Chinese culture.
Zhongyue Temple is located in the middle of Songshan Mountain, in the Dengfeng region of Henan. The best way to get there is by taking a bus or taxi from Zhengzhou, or directly from the Shaolin Temple area. The temple is well-signposted and can be reached by walking from the nearby main roads.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the temple grounds are less crowded. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee to Zhongyue Temple is approximately 60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, though during peak seasons, it’s advisable to buy them online to avoid long waiting times.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak seasons, especially in spring and autumn. You can book tickets online at least 1-2 days before your visit.
You’ll need around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore Zhongyue Temple, including time for walking through the temple grounds, admiring the architecture, and appreciating the surrounding natural beauty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English are available, though it’s best to check in advance. Some private tours offer more extensive explanations in foreign languages.
Start at the main entrance, explore the main halls, then ascend to the higher levels for panoramic views. Walk through the peaceful pathways around the temple grounds and enjoy the nature surrounding the site.
Night visits or light shows are not typically offered at Zhongyue Temple. However, special Taoist rituals may be held during certain festivals, which you can check for in advance.
The temple can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning or during the off-peak seasons like winter.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available within the temple grounds. There are a few small shops selling souvenirs and snacks nearby, but there is no full-service restaurant inside the temple.
Zhongyue Temple is situated on a mountain, and while the main temple area is accessible, the pathways leading to higher elevations may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy exploring the lower grounds with ease.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at Zhongyue Temple. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to carry cash or use mobile payment services.
There are no full-service restaurants inside Zhongyue Temple, but several local eateries and small cafes are located nearby, offering simple Chinese dishes and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants near the temple. Halal food may be limited, so it’s advisable to check nearby eateries for specific needs.
There are a few hotels near Zhongyue Temple, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range options. The area around Songshan Mountain has a variety of hotels catering to tourists visiting the temple and surrounding attractions.
There are several souvenir shops near the temple selling Taoist-themed items, including statues, incense, religious artifacts, and traditional Chinese handicrafts.
After visiting Zhongyue Temple, you can take a taxi, bus, or rideshare service to continue your trip. The nearby Shaolin Temple and Songshan Scenic Area are easily accessible by car or bus.
