Explore Linfen, Shanxi.

Visit the Dongyue Temple in Puxian County The Dongyue Temple, also known as the Dai Temple, originated from the ancient Chinese worship of Mount Tai. Over time, this belief spread and developed into a nationwide faith. After the Sui and Tang dynasties, regions with Mount Tai beliefs built Dongyue Temples, leading to the saying, "Dongyue Temples are found throughout the world." The Dongyue Temple is an ancient Chinese temple dedicated to the worship of the God of Mount Tai (the Great Emperor of Dongyue), who held a highly revered status in ancient society. Among the people, the belief in the Great Emperor of Dongyue was deeply rooted, as he was believed to control human destiny and determine life, death, and social status. As a result, many temples were built in his honor, serving as places for national worship and prayers for peace, prosperity, and longevity. The Dongyue Temple in Puxian County, Linfen, also known as the Baishan Temple, is a national key cultural relic protection unit. It is located 2 km east of Puxian County, Linfen, atop Baishan Mountain. This architectural complex holds significant historical and cultural value. The exact founding date of the Dongyue Temple in Puxian County is unknown. However, historical records indicate that since the Tang Zhenguan period, the temple has undergone multiple renovations and expansions. The existing structures were primarily rebuilt during the Yuan Yanyou period (1318 AD), with further repairs and additions during the Ming and Qing dynasties, resulting in the current architectural layout. The Dongyue Temple in Puxian County is a mixed Buddhist and Taoist temple, facing south, with a courtyard-style palace architecture. It consists of the Dongyue Palace, Hell, Huaqing Palace, Taiwei Temple, and Seventy-two Divisions. Along the central axis from south to north are the Changhong Path, General Shrine, Royal Horse Hall, Lianyun Hall, Mountain Gate, Heaven Tower, Lingxiao Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Music Tower, Incense Pavilion, Offering Pavilion, Main Hall of the Palace, Houtu Shrine, Changyan Palace, Qingxu Palace, Dizang Shrine, and Hell. There are over 300 pavilions, towers, and corridors. The Offering Pavilion's column bases are relics from the Jin dynasty, the Main Hall of the Palace is a Yuan dynasty structure, and the remaining halls, towers, and corridors are relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Dongyue Temple in Puxian County, Linfen, differs from other Dongyue Temples nationwide, with its most unique feature being the depiction of the eighteen levels of hell. The hell world here is vividly portrayed... Shanghai, China