Jiyuan | Jidu Temple

Jidu Temple is one of the core scenic spots in Jiyuan, a cultural landmark of Jiyuan, and a national key cultural relic protection unit. It is one of the largest ancient building complexes in Henan.

In ancient China, sacrifices to mountains and rivers were very important. In addition to the famous Three Mountains and Five Sacred Mountains, there were also the Four Rivers (Yellow River, Yangtze River, Huai River, and Ji River). Jidu Temple was built to worship the Ji River and is the largest water god temple in China.

Jidu Temple was built in the second year of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty. It was a place for official sacrifices by the court. It was repaired and expanded in successive dynasties, and 22 ancient buildings are still preserved. Sacrifices were usually held before the winter solstice every year, and the number of sacrifices would increase in the event of droughts, floods, or major national events. After a series of complicated rituals, jade slips and tributes were thrown into the river to pray for protection (the Song Dynasty jade slips in the Jiyuan Museum were discovered during repairs).

The main buildings of Jidu Temple include the Jidu Palace (Northern Song Dynasty), one of the earliest wooden buildings in Henan. Linyuan Gate (Yuan Dynasty), Qingyuan Dongfu Gate (Ming Dynasty), a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty wooden buildings in Henan, Jade Emperor Hall (Qing Dynasty), and Jiegong Building (Qing Dynasty).

Inscriptions: There are 36 inscriptions from different dynasties in the temple, which can be roughly divided into three categories: sacrifices, repairs, and travel notes.

Jidu Temple Beihaitan Sacrifice Monument, built in the 13th year of the Zhenyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, records the names and numbers of sacrifices, as well as some ceremonial procedures, which are important historical evidence.
Lingfu Stele, built in the 6th year of the Zhenghe period of the Northern Song Dynasty, with the text of the teaching decree written by Emperor Huizong of Song in slender gold script.
Tolongjianji, built in the first year of the Yanyou period of the Yuan Dynasty, written by Zhou Yingji, calligraphy by Zhao Mengfu, and seal script by Guo Guan.
Daming Edict Stele, built in the third year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, records that Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, conferred the title of "God of the Great Ji of the North" on the Ji River. The inscription was written by the calligrapher Zhan Xiyuan.

The main content is concentrated on the central axis, mainly ancient buildings and stone tablets, as well as some garden landscapes. You can hire a guide or do some research in advance. The recommended tour time is about 2 hours. Ticket price: CNY 30. It is located in Jiyuan City, with convenient transportation.

Post by jacksapphire | Feb 18, 2025