Temple of the City God, situated on the main Nanda Jie of Pingyao City, was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty. This temple is a fine example of both deeply rooted religious and cultural traditions of our country. The Buddhism, the Taoism and the residential customs have combined to one in this temple.
Covering an area of 7,302 square meters, Temple of the City God is made up of Liucao Fu, Tudi Tang, Zaojun Miao and Caishen Miao. The Tudi Tang (Hall of the City God) is the principal building. Four courtyards set on a north-south axis together with the buildings that compliment them have been maintained in good condition and each serves a specific purpose. Altogether there are forty eight figures in the temple, all with different vivid and lifelike facial expressions.
The buildings of the Temple are very meticulous and exquisite. The architectural style is Taoist involving the use of blue and green tiles. The walls are decorated with fine realistic paintings in a true Chinese style. |