China: Entrance to the Beijing Dongyue Temple (Temple of the God of Taishan Mountain), a Taoist temple, Beijing

Beijing Dongyue Temple, literally Beijing Eastern Peak Temple, was built between 1314 and 1320, when it was one of the largest Taoist temples in Beijing. The complex has three courtyards. In the centre of the Hall of Taishan Mountain are statues of the God of Taishan Mountain and his high-ranking attendants. Corridors house 72 statues of deities, called 'chiefs of departments', some handing out harsh punishments to people who have done bad things.

Dongyue Temple was burned down during a battle in the Yuan dynasty (1271 - 1368) and was rebuilt during the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644). The current complex dates back to the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912), but retains the style of the Yuan and Ming.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia