Jingzhou's Three Taoist Temples

Jingzhou's Three Taoist Temples refer to Taihui Temple, Kaiyuan Temple, and Xuanmiao Temple, all of which are key national cultural relics protection units. Located in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, they are famous cultural tourism attractions and scenic spots. Taihui Temple was originally a royal palace built by Zhu Bai, the Prince of Xiangxian during the Ming Dynasty. The palace exceeded the prescribed rank and decoration standards at the time (such as stone columns carved with coiling dragons), and just before its completion, it was reported that Zhu Bai harbored rebellious intentions. Fearing punishment, Zhu Bai converted the palace into a Taoist temple and named it 'Taihui'. The existing structures include the Pilgrimage Gate and the Ancestral Masters Hall, built on a high platform made of strip stones, with the platform being 8.2 meters high. There are three sets of stone stairs in front and on both sides. To reach the Pilgrimage Gate, one must climb thirty-two stone steps. Alongside the steps are bluestone railings, with various figures and stories carved on the panels, full of charm and interest. Around the Ancestral Masters Hall, there is a wall over two meters high, inlaid with five hundred different spiritual officials in various postures. The main hall was originally covered with copper tiles, shining like gold, and was known as the 'Mini Golden Dome'. Around the hall and corridors, there are twelve bluestone columns, with the four in front and two at the back intricately carved with coiling dragons, whose heads extend out of the columns, scales and armor vivid as if they were swimming. Inside the hall, the beams and rafters are carved and painted, filled with colorful paintings that dazzle the eyes. Kaiyuan Temple's existing buildings were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties, consisting of three halls: the Thunder Ancestor Hall at the front, the Three Purities Hall in the middle, and the Ancestral Masters Hall at the back. The rear hall is built on a high platform, with a Heavenly Gate in front. The gate tower is exquisite, and the ends of the roof are decorated with a pair of coiling dragons. The Ancestral Masters Hall has several layers of flying eaves and is decorated with dragon heads, symbolizing two precious swords that subdue dragons and tigers, each thrust into a dragon's head. Xuanmiao Temple has three remaining structures: the Jade Emperor Pavilion at the front, the Three Heavens Gate in the middle, and the Xuanwu Pavilion, which is set on a lofty platform at the back.