North Wudang Mountain in Baiyin, Gansu
North Wudang Mountain, also known as Diélìe Temple (迭烈寺), is a prominent Taoist site located in Shuiquan Town (水泉镇), Huangwan Zhong Village (黄湾中村), Pingchuan District (平川区), Baiyin City (白银市), Gansu Province (甘肃省). The mountain has a rich history, dating back to the Western Han Dynasty, and is considered one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Pingchuan” (平川八景). It is a key Taoist activity center, recognized by the local government, and serves as the headquarters of the Taoist Association of Baiyin City.
History and Development
The temple was first established during the Taichu period of the Western Han Dynasty (around 102 BCE) as the Xuantian Temple (玄武庙) near the ancient Yinjing ferry (鹑阴渡口) on the Silk Road. During the Tang Dynasty, the site was renovated by General Jingde (敬德) during his westward expedition to Qinghai, and the temple was renamed “Zhenwu Temple” (真武神庙).
In the 12th year of the Guangding era of the Western Xia Dynasty (1222), the temple was renamed “Diélìe Xun” (迭烈逊, meaning “reed marsh”), and a fort was built nearby. During the Ming Dynasty, the temple underwent several renovations, especially during the Hongwu (1370) and Jiajing (1537) periods. After a significant rebuild by the Governor of Guyuan (固原) in 1558, the temple became known as North Wudang Mountain (北武当山).
During the Qing Dynasty, there were seven Zhenwu temples in the Jingyuan (靖远) region, with Diélìe Xun being the largest. The temple suffered severe damage during the Cultural Revolution, with many valuable relics being lost. However, since the 1950s, restoration efforts have taken place, and the temple was rebuilt in the early 21st century.
In 2017, Pingchuan District (平川区) invested 130 million yuan to create the North Wudang Zhenwu Cultural Scenic Area (北武当真武文化风景旅游区), covering about 5 square kilometers. This expanded site includes several scenic spots such as the North Wudang Taoist temple complex (北武当道教寺庙群), Fushou Mountain Buddhist temple complex (福寿山佛教寺庙群), Tahe Island luxury resort (太和岛高端休闲度假村), Yuantun Gorge Stone Forest (元屯沟石林), Mianshawan Yellow River Rock Paintings (绵沙湾黄河岩画群), and Yuwan Yellow River Wetlands (玉碗黄河湿地).
Temple Layout
The temple complex is divided into two parts by a natural ravine: North Mountain (北山) and South Mountain (南山). North Mountain is shaped like a giant turtle, facing the Tashan Mountain (塔儿山) across the Yellow River (黄河), while South Mountain resembles the head of a snake. Together, these two formations represent Xuanwu (玄武), one of the Four Sacred Beasts (四大神兽) in traditional Chinese culture.
North Mountain
North Mountain consists of both a high platform and flatland structures. At the foot of the mountain, two Ming Dynasty (明代) stone lions (镇水神狮) guard the Kunyu Gate (坤域门) on both sides, with the Mountain God Temple (山神庙) on the east side and the Earth God Temple (土地庙) on the west. Visitors climb 72 stone steps to the first gate, where the True Monarch Temple (真君殿) and Law King Temple (法王殿) are located. Higher up, 36 steps lead to the Zushi Hall (祖师大殿) complex, where the main building sits facing south. The hall includes the Hall of the Wealth God (财神股) on the east and the Empress Palace (娘娘殿) on the west.
South Mountain
On South Mountain, the Five Dragon Temple (五龙殿) stands, modeled after the Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿) in Beijing’s Forbidden City (故宫), but on a smaller scale. Visitors climb 28 steps to an octagonal pavilion (八角亭), and then ascend another 108 steps to reach the Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven, 天坛), which mimics Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. The temple is a three-tier structure symbolizing the three realms: Heaven (天), Earth (地), and Humanity (人). Inside, there are images of the Four Great Masters (四大教主) of Taoism and the Eight Immortals (八仙).
Main Attractions
Gate of the Temple
At the entrance, a plaque inscribed with “Zhenwu Temple” (真武神庙) greets visitors. The high platform measures about 3 meters tall, 10 meters wide, and 17 meters long. Constructed with interlocking stone slabs and covered with Ming Dynasty-style bricks, it is a remarkable example of ancient Chinese architecture.
Water Guardian Lions
The Water Guardian Lions (镇水神狮) stand at the entrance to the temple. The male lion, on the east side, and the female lion, on the west, are over 6 feet tall and date back to the Ming Dynasty. The female lion is depicted playing with a smaller lion, creating a lively and powerful image.
Five Dragon Temple
Located on a platform at the foot of North Wudang Mountain, the Five Dragon Temple (五龙殿) is modeled after Beijing’s Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿). It features a dramatic representation of the five dragons and is an important part of the temple complex.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven (天坛) on South Mountain is another key attraction. It is a three-story structure symbolizing the connection between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, with layers of Taoist images and symbols.
Zhenwu Hall
The Zhenwu Hall (真武大殿) is the centerpiece of the complex. It has four floors, including two levels below the ground. The lower floors represent Hell and Heaven, while the main hall houses the statue of Zhenwu (True Martial Emperor, 真武大帝), surrounded by other Taoist deities such as the God of Wealth (财神) and the Goddess of Mercy (观音). The hall also features a large bell (钟) weighing 3,200 kilograms.
Kunlun Divine Bell
A legendary bell, known as the Kunlun Divine Bell (昆仑神钟), is an integral part of the temple. According to legend, the bell arrived from the Yellow River and was said to ring by itself, producing the sound “Diélìe… Diélìe…” It was later placed in the temple, and people came to call it the Kunlun Divine Bell. The original bell was destroyed during the Great Steel Movement, but a replica was cast in 1985 and is now located in front of the Zhenwu Hall.
Cultural Significance
Myths and Legends
North Wudang Mountain is rich in myths and legends. One popular story is that of the Water Guardian Lions, which allegedly roared to stop a flood in the Yellow River (黄河), saving countless homes and fields. Another famous legend is related to the Five Dragon Temple, where the birth of the True Martial Prince (真武太子), Zhenwu, is told. According to the legend, the prince, after meditating for 42 years, ascended to immortality, aided by five dragons.
Sculptural Art
The temple complex is home to a wide variety of sculptures, including stone carvings (石雕), cliffside inscriptions (摩崖石刻), wooden sculptures (木雕), and metalworks (金属雕刻). These sculptures reflect a blend of Western and Central Asian styles, alongside strong influences from traditional Han Chinese culture (汉文化). They represent the long history of cultural exchange between China and the West, as well as the unique local artistic styles.
Preservation Efforts
In 2010, the Diélìe Temple site (迭烈寺遗址) was recognized as a District-level Cultural Heritage Site (区级文物保护单位) by the Pingchuan District Government. Efforts to protect and restore the temple complex have been ongoing, with major renovations carried out in the 1950s, 1980s, and early 2000s.
Temple Activities
The temple hosts two major festivals each year: one on the third day of the third lunar month (三月三日) to celebrate the birthday of the True Martial Emperor (玄武大帝), and another on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (九月九日) to commemorate his ascension to immortality. These festivals have been revived since the mid-1980s, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over China, including provinces such as Liaoning (辽宁), Beijing (北京), Tianjin (天津), and Shanghai (上海).
North Wudang Mountain (北武当山) offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and Taoist culture. Whether you’re exploring the ancient temple structures, admiring the sculptural art, or experiencing the local legends, this site offers a profound glimpse into China’s spiritual heritage.
