Beizhen Temple is one of the four well-preserved mountain deity temples in China, holding significant historical and artistic value.
The architecture of Beizhen Temple is arranged according to the mountain’s terrain, rising layer by layer from south to north, with all main buildings located on the central axis, grand in scale and majestic in presence.
At the front of the temple, in the center, stands a six-column, five-storied archway, with a stone beast on each side.
Ascending the steps, one arrives at the Xieshan-style triple-arched mountain gate, with the inscription ‘Beizhen Temple’ engraved on the middle of the lintel.
Upon entering the gate and climbing twenty steps, one reaches the神马殿. North of the神马殿, there is a tall platform surrounded by exquisitely carved stone railings, with all main buildings situated atop the platform.
From south to north, they are the Imperial Fragrance Hall, the Main Hall, the Changing Robes Hall, the Inner Fragrance Hall, and the Rear Hall.
The main hall of Beizhen Temple is five bays wide and three bays deep, featuring a Xieshan-style wooden frame structure, covered with green tiles, and adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding a simple yet elegant charm, making it the venue for sacrificial ceremonies.
In the northern central part of the hall, there is an altar dedicated to the ‘Deity of Beizhen Mountain’, and the walls on the east and west sides are adorned with portraits of 32 founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty.
The Rear Hall serves as the ‘private residence’ of the mountain deities, second in scale only to the Main Hall.
The temple is open all year round from 09:00 to 21:00.
