The first Taoist temple in Central China, Yanqing Temple, is the only Yuan Dynasty relic in Kaifeng!

Yanqing Temple, the first Taoist temple in Central China, is the best-preserved Yuan Dynasty building in Kaifeng! Its main building, the Jade Emperor Pavilion, is the only surviving Yuan Dynasty relic, with a history of nearly 800 years. It faces south and is divided into three levels: upper, middle, and lower, each with its own unique architectural style. The upper level houses a statue of the Jade Emperor carved from white marble (not visible), the middle level is a solid octagonal shape with green glazed tiles, and the lower level is shaped like a yurt, with walls that gradually taper to a round dome without beams, columns, or stairs, reflecting Mongolian cultural characteristics. In addition, the two Mongolian warriors riding lions and two Westerners on the roof ridge of the Jade Emperor Pavilion are also lifelike. They wear pointed felt hats, boots, and fur clothing with clear patterns. These are all iconic features of the fusion of Han and Mongolian cultures, as well as a clever combination and vivid reflection of Han and Mongolian culture in architectural art. In addition, the lower level of the Jade Emperor Pavilion houses a 1.96-meter-high, 1-ton bronze statue of Zhenwu, cast in 1486. Zhenwu, also known as Xuanwu, is the water god of the north, and was revered as the main god of Wudang during the Ming Dynasty. The Jade Emperor Pavilion was originally built on a high platform, but due to frequent flooding in Kaifeng, it was submerged several times. After nearly 800 years of exposure to the elements, the Jade Emperor Pavilion gradually sank into the ground, buried more than 3 meters deep. On November 21, 2008, the Jade Emperor Pavilion elevation project began, and after more than a year, on January 18, 2010, the Jade Emperor Pavilion was raised above ground level, lifted by 3.1 meters. This elevation not only solved the problem of the pavilion being eroded by groundwater, but also extended its life. Yanqing Temple is small, but exquisite and rich in content. It is one of the three famous Taoist temples in China, along with Baiyun Temple in Beijing and Changdao Temple in Sichuan, and is considered the first Taoist temple in Central China.