The Ruicheng County City God Temple spans four dynasties: Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, all under one roof

A City God Temple that encompasses ancient architecture from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties is a unique example in the whole country. The Ruicheng County City God Temple is a group of ancient buildings constructed during the Northern Song Dynasty, with renovations and expansions in each subsequent dynasty. The existing central axis consists of the Xiangting Pavilion, Xian Hall, Main Hall, and Bedroom Hall, which are ancient buildings from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, respectively, making it a case study for the history of ancient Chinese architecture. 🏯 Xiangting Pavilion Built during the Yuan Dynasty, the Xiangting Pavilion is five bays wide and three bays deep, with a single-eave Xieshan-style roof. The large and simple dougong brackets are characteristic of the robust and solid architectural style of the early Yuan Dynasty. 🏯 Xian Hall Added during the Ming Dynasty, the Xian Hall has a single-ridge roll shed with a steep roof, and was renovated during the Republic of China. It is primarily used for placing sacrificial offerings and incense. Between the Xian Hall and the Main Hall behind it, there is a 'sliver of sky' that, on clear days, allows sunlight to cast a distinct beam between the two buildings. 🏯 Main Hall The Main Hall, built during the Song Dynasty, is simple and elegant, yet grand and magnificent. It is five bays wide and three bays deep. Despite restorations over the centuries, the large wooden structural elements, including the beams and dougong brackets, are original from the Song Dynasty, making it a rare example of ancient architecture that has survived to this day. Due to the close proximity of the added Xian Hall, it is difficult to capture a full frontal view of the Main Hall even with the camera zoomed out to the maximum. 🏯 Bedroom Hall Constructed in the third year of the Shunzhi Emperor during the Qing Dynasty, the Bedroom Hall has a single-eave Xuan Mountain-style roof. Its architectural style and scale are noticeably less grand than the previous halls, but it serves as an excellent direct comparison of the architectural styles from different dynasties. 📍Address: About 180 meters south of Fortune Plaza, Liushu Street, West Yellow River Street, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🈺️Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 🎫Admission: Free