Zhengjue Temple

CHINA, Shanxi, Changzhi

Zhengjue stands for Perfect Enlightenment. Built between 827 and 835 during the Tang dynasty, the temple was rebuilt during the Song dynasty (960–1279). It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
Facing south and covering 2,448 sq m, the temple has two courtyards. Surviving buildings include the intermediate hall, rear hall, and side halls. All structures have a single-eave overhanging gable roof covered in gray cylindrical tiles. The intermediate hall was built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and is a five-bay by six-rafter structure. The rear hall is the main building of the temple. Judging by its layout, it was probably constructed during the Song dynasty. It is a five-bay by six-rafter structure measuring 18 m wide. The entrance is located in the central bay and the eaves are supported by two-tier bracket sets with a single projecting bracket arm and single downward-pointing cantilever. Inside, the roof frame is exposed and it is supported by three rows of columns. The hall has a sense of space and simplicity, characteristics of Song dynasty architecture.
The side halls are original Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) buildings measuring three-bays by four-rafters. Since most of the buildings have retained their original form, they have a high historic and cultural value.