Jiqing Temple Introduction
Jieyun Temple is located on Ximen Street in Banqiao District and is primarily dedicated to Guanyin Buddha. It was originally established as "Ciyun Rock" at Shibi Lake in Zhonghe during the Yongzheng period, and counting from that time, it has surpassed two hundred years of history. In the third year of the Xianfeng period, Ciyun Rock was burned down by people from Quanzhou, and in the sixth year of Xianfeng, it was relocated to the northwest corner of Banqiao City, welcomed by Lin Guofang. Later, due to the construction of the Lin Benyuan residence, it was moved to its current location to serve as a temple. Subsequently, Jieyun Temple replaced Ciyun Rock, becoming the center of faith for the thirteen villages of Bajie (now Banqiao, Zhonghe, Yonghe, Tucheng, and other areas). The name Jieyun means "to welcome" and "to receive incense." The destruction of Ciyun Rock without rebuilding it on the old site and relocating it to Banqiao indicates that Banqiao, under the extensive developments by the Lin family, has replaced Zhonghe as the center of commerce, faith, and self-defense for Bajie Fort at that time. The temple houses numerous precious ancient plaques and couplets, and the roof of the main hall is adorned with many gilded wooden carvings of flying immortals, which are very eye-catching, along with a uniquely designed long oval-shaped coffered ceiling, offering significant historical and religious value.
