Jidu Temple

Jidu Temple is the short form for the Temple of Jidu North Sea, which is a key point cultural relic unit under government protection. Lying at the headstream of Jishui River, northwest of Jiyuan City, well preserved, it is the only one historical and cultural heritage of the four rivers, that is, the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Huaihe River and Jishui River. The temple is also the largest existing ancient architectural clusters which are acclaimed as the museum of the ancient architecture of central China.

In ancient time, Jishui River directly flew into the sea, so together with the Yangtze River, Yellow River and Huaihe River, they are called Sidu, literally four rivers.

In 582 of Sui Dynasty, a temple (also named Qingyuan Temple) was built to offer sacrifices to Jidu god under the order of the emperor then. Since the Han Dynasty, emperors sent government officials to come to the temple to offer sacrifices to Jidu god and this gradually developed into a fixed ceremony. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, government officials were sent to the temple to offer sacrifices and inform Jidu god or the god of North Sea when anything important occurred, such as wars, change of governments, praying for rain, even the fortune of royal members. There were more such activities among folk people, especially in the Tang and Song dynasties. Therefore, the rise and decline of the Temple witnessed the idolatry to gods in ancient China.

Water played an important role in the appearance and development of the ancient Chinese civilizations. The headstream of Jishui River helped to build the capital of Xia Dynasty—the first slavery dynasty. Poets and Literati of various dynasties eulogized the river and left numerous poems and songs.

Covering an area of 86,255 square meters, the layout of Jidu Temple looks like a big T. Now there are 72 rooms in the temple with a floorage of over 100,000 square meters. The temple is one of the largest existing ancient architectural clusters in He'nan Province. Along the axle line are Qingyuan Courtyard Gate, Qingyuan Gate, Yuande Gate, Rest Palace, Dragon Pavilion and Lingyuan Pavilion, etc. On each side of the axle line are Yuxiang Palace, Jieguan Building, Yuhuang (Jade Emperor) Palace and Longlife Pavilion, etc.

Qingyuan Courtyard Gate is a cluster of wooden structure buildings. So far as its cultural relic value is concerned, it is the most important one in He'nan Province. The main buildings are located on three axle lines from north to south. In the deep courtyard, visitors can see door after door, ancient cypresses, stone steles, clean streams and pavilions. Here is not only the place to offer sacrifices to gods in ancient time, but also a typical garden in north China. Moreover, it is a place of interest in Jiyuan now.

Publishes at : 07-12-11 16:13

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