Zhongyue Temple

Zhongyue Temple on Zhongyue Street in Dengfeng, in the Zhengzhou area of Henan province, is the largest Taoist temple complex at the foot of Mount Song, one of China's Five Great Mountains. Mount Song is the Central Peak, and the temple was where emperors and officials offered sacrifices to the mountain god. Its origins go back to the Qin dynasty, more than two thousand years ago, and the present buildings are largely Ming and Qing, extended over centuries. The complex is arranged along a long central axis with more than a dozen gates, halls and courtyards, and it is one of the larger temple layouts in the region. Visitors pass through the Chongsheng Gate, the Tianzhong Pavilion and the main Junji Hall, which has a broad roof, carved beams and a large statue of the mountain deity. Along the way are old stelae, iron figures cast in the Song dynasty and rows of ancient cypress trees. Four large iron guardian figures from the Song period, known for their fierce expressions, are among the most distinctive objects on site. The layout has a ceremonial feel, with wide stone paths and open courtyards that give a sense of imperial ritual. A visit takes one to one and a half hours. Mornings are calm and lighting on the red walls and roofs is strongest, while the site is busiest around the Spring Festival, when local worshippers make offerings. The temple is often visited together with Songyang Academy and Shaolin Temple in a Mount Song day. Photography is allowed in courtyards and generally restricted near altars. A Didi from Dengfeng city costs about ¥15, and the site is less visited by foreign tourists, giving it a quieter feel than nearby Shaolin.