China's Three Great Temples: Yanqing Temple by Bao Gong Lake

This Yanqing Temple by Bao Gong Lake in the old city of Kaifeng, originally named Chongyang Temple, is a Taoist temple built in memory of Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism. It is known as one of the three great temples in China, along with Baiyun Temple in Beijing and Changdao Temple in Sichuan. Although the temple is not large, its architecture is worth a look. Architectural highlights: The overall architectural style of the temple is unique, clearly different from other buildings in the Central Plains region. The biggest highlight is the Jade Emperor Pavilion in the temple. The Jade Emperor Pavilion faces south with its back to the north, constructed with green bricks and glazed tiles, with a rigorous and unique structure and brilliant colors. It is a building that cleverly combines a pavilion with a Mongolian yurt, featuring the style of the Yuan Dynasty. The existence of Yanqing Temple has maintained the complete sequence of ancient buildings in Kaifeng since the Song Dynasty, including the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The building has three floors. Inside the pavilion, there is a bronze statue of Zhenwu, and inside the pavilion, there is a statue of the Jade Emperor carved from Han white jade. Kaifeng is a city suspended over a river, and also a city covered by another city. The Jade Emperor Pavilion has been attacked by the Yellow River floods and silt several times, and it was only after excavation that it was restored to its original appearance. Now, around the Jade Emperor Pavilion, there have been built the Sanqing Hall, side halls, and other antique buildings, but the Jade Emperor Pavilion cannot be entered due to cultural relic protection. Ticket price: 35 yuan. The overall visit time does not exceed one hour, so buying a single ticket is more expensive. It is recommended to buy an 80 yuan pass for 10 attractions in Kaifeng Songdu Imperial City Resort. With this pass, you can visit Wansuishan Da Song Wuxia City, Qifeng Ancient Garden, China Han Garden, Kaifeng Ancient City Wall Scenic Area, Zhou Bridge and Bian River Ruins, Underground War Preparedness Grain Depot, Shanxi Gansu Guild Hall, Yanqing Temple, Fan Tower, and Zhu Xian Town Yue Temple, valid for 5 days. Address: No. 53, Guanqian Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City. Parking is inconvenient in the old city area, you can park in the Kaifeng Mansion parking lot and then walk over. Nearby attractions: Within 1 kilometer, there are must-visit places in Kaifeng such as Kaifeng Mansion and Daxiangguo Temple, as well as the crowded Gulou Night Market at night. This part of the old city of Kaifeng needs to be arranged for at least 1 day to experience the flavor of the ancient city of Kaifeng.