Jinci Temple - Earliest Royal Ancestral Temple Garden Building Complex in China

Shengmu Hall (Holy Mother Hall 圣母殿)

Shengmu Hall is the earliest existing main building of Jinci temple, constructed in Tiansheng Period (A.D. 1023-1032) of the Song Dynasty. It is said that the sacred mother is Jiang, the mother of Shuyu’s. The hall is wide and spacious surrounded by corridors, which is the earliest example of existing ancient buildings in China. It is a representative work of Chinese architecture in Song Dynasty, which is of great significance to the study of architecture and architectural development history at that time. It is identified as national treasure by the Ministry of Culture. The sculptures in the hall are also of great value.

Twining Dragons Carved on Wooden Column (木雕盘龙)

This is the earliest extant dragon wood carving column in China, which was carved in A.D. 1087 in the second year of Yuanyou Period of Song Dynasty. Each of the eight dragons twines round a big pillar with angry eyes and sharp claws. It is like they are about to ride on mists and clouds. Although it has been nearly a thousand years, the dragon scales and beard are still lifelike with vigor and vitality.

Flying Bridge Across Fish Ponds (鱼沼飞梁)

Built in the Song Dynasty with a history of over 1000 years, the Flying Bridge Across Fish Ponds is an exquisite square bridge architecture between Shengmu Hall and Xiandian Hall. The whole beam frame is a relic of the Song Dynasty and this cross shaped bridge is also unique in the existing ancient bridges in China. There are 34 small octagonal stone columns in the pool, the top of which are bucket arches and sleeper beams supporting the bridge deck, which is the flying beam. The ingenious design wins this bridge the honor of the “oldest flyover in the world” and is identified as national treasure by the Ministry of Culture.

√ 2 Days Cultural Exploration in Taiyuan

Zhou Bai Tang Huai (Cypress of the Zhou Dynasty and Chinese Scholar Tree of the Tang Dynasty 周柏唐槐)

Zhou Bai Tang Huai are representatives of the old trees in Jinci Temple. Zhou Bai is a lush cypress planted in the Zhou Dynasty (1046 B.C. - 256 B.C.). It is located on the north side of Shengmu Hall. After thousands of years, it leans severely now and supported by a tree next to it. Tang Huai is a Chinese Scholar Tree planted in the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 - 907) in front of Shuijingtai. It is one of the most prosperous ancient trees in Jinci with thick shade every spring and summer.

Colored Sculptures of Song Dynasty (宋代彩塑)

These colorful sculptures are in Shengmu Hall. There are 41 statues of female servants in Song Dynasty (A.D 960 - 1279) and 2 statues in Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368 - 1644). Among these colored sculptures, Jiang sits in the middle, with solemn and elegant appearance, a phoenix crown on her head and resplendent outfit, which is an image of a court ruler. These vivid statues presenting different shapes and moods are valuable materials for studying the sculpture art and costumes of the Song Dynasty.

Nanlao Spring (难老泉)

Nanlao Spring, also known as "the eye of the South China Sea", comes from fault rock strata and gushes water all year round. There is a pavilion on the spring, which hangs a board with the Chinese characters "难老泉" written by Fu Shan, a scholar of the Qing Dynasty. Nanlao spring is the main source of Jinshui River (main river in Shanxi) which enables water to flows out here unceasingly.

√ 3 Days Taiyuan Pingyao Brief Tour

Jinci Temple is located 26 km (40 minutes’ drive) southwest of Taiyuan downtown (Yingze Park).

• 26km away from Taiyuan city center (Yingze Park), about 40 minutes' drive;
• 24km away from Taiyuan South Railway Station, about 35 minutes' drive;
• 24km away from Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, about 30 minutes' drive.

Getting to Taiyuan First: Before getting to Jinci Temple, you are suggested to reach Taiyuan city first. It is recommended to take a high speed train from Beijing (3 hrs), Xian (3-4 hrs), Pingyao (40min), etc. Flight is also available from Beijing (1.5h), Shanghai (2.5h), Chongqing (2h), Chengdu (2h10min), Wuhan (2h), etc.

Taiyuan to Jinci Temple Transfer: It is recommended to take a taxi or chart a car to Jinci Temple as it is a little far from downtown area and taking a bus will be too time-consuming. You can also book a private Taiyuan tour package from us that covers the transfer, ticket, accommodation, meal, etc. to save all the troubles. Contact Us Now>>