Pujiu Temple: The Temple of True Love
Pujiu Temple was first built during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty, originally called Yongqing Monastery, a Buddhist sanctuary for all. According to legend, during the Five Dynasties, the military governor of Hedong rose in rebellion. Liu Zhiyuan of the Later Han Dynasty sent Guo Wei to suppress the uprising, but Puzhou was besieged for over a year and the people suffered terribly. Guo Wei summoned a monk from the temple to ask for advice. The monk said, 'General, if you show mercy, the city will be taken!' Guo Wei immediately broke an arrow as a pledge. The next day the city fell, and all the residents were saved. From then on, it was renamed Pujiu Temple ('Temple of Universal Salvation').
The temple is laid out along a central axis: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Bell and Drum Tower, and the Great Buddha Hall stand in succession. On the east side, the Scripture Hall is at the front, followed by monks' quarters; on the west side are the Pagoda Courtyard, the West Wing Study, and finally a villa garden.
The famous historical play 'The Romance of the Western Chamber' tells the love story of Zhang Sheng and Cui Yingying. As the story goes, Zhang Sheng was on his way to the capital to take the imperial examination when he was caught in the rain and stopped to visit Pujiu Temple. By chance, he saw Cui Yingying, who was staying at the temple while escorting her father's coffin back to their hometown. It was love at first sight. Zhang Sheng's study at the temple, the West Study (Xixuan), is located west of the Great Buddha Hall. The Pear Blossom Courtyard where Yingying lived with her mother and maid Hongniang lies to the east. Here you can see the spot where Zhang Sheng jumped over the wall to meet Yingying, and the apricot tree he stepped on as he climbed over.
Location: Pujiu Temple sits on the Emei Plateau, 3 kilometers east of the ancient Puzhou City in Yongji, southwestern Shanxi Province.
Traveling in Shanxi and strolling through Yuncheng? If you’re looking for a perfect match in love, this is a must-visit spot!
