The "Three Wonders" of Jiwang Temple.

Jiwang Temple is located on West Street in Jishan County, Shanxi Province. Its founding date is unknown. It was destroyed by fire in the 16th year of Daoguang reign of Qing Dynasty (1836). It was rebuilt in the 23rd year (1843) under the leadership of Li Jingchun, the magistrate of Jishan County. The existing buildings are relics from the Yuan and Qing dynasties. The temple faces north and south. From front to back, there are the Xian Hall, Houji Hall, Bagua Pavilion, Jiang Yuan Hall, etc., with bell and drum towers on both sides. Colored glaze, wood carvings and stone carvings are the "three wonders" of Jiwang Temple. The capital beams at the front and back of the Offering Hall are carved with various figures and patterns of agricultural activities, such as oxen plowing the fields, fanning the cart to clean wheat, family members delivering meals, and celebrating a good harvest. The characters include officials, old farmers, strong men, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and children; the domestic animals include cows and goats; the farm tools include plows, hoes, and fan carts. Each group of scenes is separated by trees, flowers, plants or rocks. The images are vivid and lifelike, reflecting the busy scenes of ancient farming activities, and the carving skills are superb. There are 20 stone-carved columns around the Houji Hall. The two flat columns in the front eaves are stone columns with relief carvings of coiled dragons. They are well preserved, with long dragons baring their fangs and claws, looking mighty and strong, and the carving techniques are delicate and skillful. The rest are shallow flat carved columns with rich patterns and themes, various variations, and superb carving techniques. Although the two carving techniques are different, they each have their own merits and sharp contrast, and both are the work of skilled craftsmen. The glazed tile roof is magnificent, and the carvings on the main ridge are particularly gorgeous and beautiful. There are three triple-eaved pavilions in the middle of the ridge; the two sides are decorated with reliefs of peonies and peony flowers and leaves, and the top is decorated with running flying horses; the two ends are decorated with dragon kisses swallowing the ridge. The shape is vivid and lifelike, and the colors are bright and eye-catching. It is a superior masterpiece of Qing Dynasty glazed products.