Is Bianque Temple in Xingtai Worth Visiting?

Bianque Temple in Xingtai boasts beautiful scenery, good air quality, and a mountain to climb. It’s a magical and sacred place with simple local customs. The temple architecture is unique and perfect for a family trip. So, how should you explore Bianque Temple in Xingtai?

Travel Guide

Bianque Temple is a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national TCM publicity and education base, and a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

Walking into the scenic area, Bianque Hall is the first building you see.

Bianque Hall is also known as Que Wang Hall, Shen Ying Wang Hall, and Bianque Temple. Historical records show that it existed as early as the Han and Tang dynasties. It is the main building of the Bianque Temple complex.

The main hall is located in the front of the Bianque Temple complex. It faces south and has a typical Yuan dynasty architectural style. It is of great value in studying ancient Chinese architecture and the historical significance of Bianque.

Walking into the scenic area, Bianque Hall is the first building you see.

Bianque Hall is also known as Que Wang Hall, Shen Ying Wang Hall, and Bianque Temple. Historical records show that it existed as early as the Han and Tang dynasties. It is the main building of the Bianque Temple complex.

The main hall is located in the front of the Bianque Temple complex. It faces south and has a typical Yuan dynasty architectural style. It is of great value in studying ancient Chinese architecture and the historical significance of Bianque.

The ancient cypress trees have witnessed the historical changes of Bianque Temple, like an old man with a peaceful demeanor, calmly experiencing the viewing and amazement of every tourist.

The Bianque Temple complex currently includes 15 single buildings, including Huisheng Bridge, the Mountain Gate, Bianque Hall, Houtu Zongsi Hall, Yuhuang Hall, Sanqing Siyu Hall, Laojun Hall, Caishen Hall, Baizi Hall, Sanxiao Hall, Yaowang Hall, and others.

When visiting Bianque Temple, there are eight famous sights you shouldn’t miss. They are: Bianque Hall, Bianque’s Tomb, Touling Stele Pavilion, Huisheng Stone Bridge, Jiulong Shibei, the Ancient Stele Gallery, Sanqing Siyu Pavilion, and the Han Dynasty Divine Beast.

Sanqing Siyu Pavilion is built on the highest slope at the back of the entire complex. From the pavilion, you can overlook the entire Bianque Temple complex.

Below the Sanqing Siyu Pavilion is a release pond. From the edge of the pond, you can see the undulating Que Mountain in the distance.

Looking into the depths of Que Mountain, we can’t help but think of the scene of the divine doctor Bianque leading his disciples to treat illnesses, save lives, and collect herbs on the mountain.

When exploring, you can follow the central axis upwards and then wander back and forth to see the buildings and scenery on both sides.

There are also some easily overlooked attractions behind some of the halls, which are worth exploring.

Below the Caishen Hall is a wishing pool. In summer, it is filled with clear water and is very beautiful.

It is said that if you can throw a coin through the money hole, your wish will come true. Consider it a form of amusement and don’t take it too seriously.

Bianque’s Tomb is located on the left side of the central axis. It is where people pay homage to the medical ancestor and appreciate his outstanding contributions to Chinese traditional medicine.

However, Chinese people have a special sentiment towards tombs. Therefore, there are not many visitors here.

The scenic area is full of steles, preserving many valuable steles from different dynasties. Among them, the Touling Stele is the most complete and is an important material for studying the cultural exchange between Bianque’s Chinese and Western medicine and the development of Chinese medicine.

In the stele gallery, a Han Dynasty divine beast is particularly eye-catching. Although its limbs have disappeared over time, its realistic shape and form are complete, demonstrating the exquisite carving skills of the ancients.

On the Jiulong River in front of Bianque Temple, there is a single-arch stone bridge. The bridge is named Huisheng Bridge, meaning that if you step across this bridge and see Bianque, you will be resurrected.

Coming out of Bianque Temple, the exploration doesn’t end there. After crossing Huisheng Bridge, on the opposite stone wall, there are nine towering ancient trees growing, which are the famous Jiulong Shibei.

The Jiulong Shibei are intertwined and deeply rooted in the rock crevices, arranged in order, with varying heights and thicknesses, reaching up to 8 meters. According to forestry experts, their age is around 2,000 years. They combine three unique characteristics: their long age, large number, and unique growth environment.

The Bianque Temple Scenic Area is adjacent to the Taihang Mountain Expressway, making it easily accessible. There are many Que Mountain cultural attractions scattered around.

A trip to Bianque Temple not only provides an educational experience in traditional Chinese medicine culture but also allows you to visit ancient temple complex buildings, admire ancient steles, and enjoy a multifaceted experience.