China's Largest Surviving Yuan Dynasty Theater

In Wuchi Village, Yicheng County, Linfen, Shanxi Province, lies an ancient Yuan Dynasty theater known as the Qiaoze Temple Stage. Built over 700 years ago (in the first year of the Yuan Dynasty's Taiding era, 1324), it is one of the oldest existing theaters in the country and was designated a "national treasure" in 2006. Why is it called "Qiaoze Temple"❓️ This site was originally a temple dedicated to the "Water God." According to legend, during the Spring and Autumn Period, a general of the Jin State named Luan Cheng transformed into a spring after his death, nourishing the farmlands. Grateful villagers built a temple to honor him. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, the temple became a bustling place of worship, and the theater was used to perform plays for the deities. What makes this ancient theater special❓️ 1️⃣ Three-sided viewing: The stage is open on the front, left, and right sides, allowing audiences to watch from all around, a stark contrast to modern theaters. 2️⃣ Wooden "sky dome": Four large pillars support a wooden framework, with an octagonal caisson ceiling crafted using interlocking wooden brackets without nails—an incredible testament to ancient craftsmanship. 3️⃣ Hidden Yuan Dynasty clues: Under the brackets in the northwest corner, craftsmen inscribed "Built in the first year of Taiding," providing definitive evidence of its Yuan Dynasty origins. 🌟 Theater as a grand event In ancient times, grand operas were performed here annually during temple fairs, both to honor the gods and entertain the people. In 2018, renowned Jin opera artists performed "A Thousand Autumns of Pear Garden Love" here, bringing the old stage back to life. Although it no longer hosts regular performances, standing before the stage, one can almost hear the drums and music of Yuan Dynasty operas. ⚠️ Travel tips Address: Wuchi Village, Nanliang Town, Yicheng County, Linfen, Shanxi Province 🚩 Status: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit 📌 Highlights: Yuan Dynasty wooden caisson ceiling, three-sided viewing design, Water God temple legend ✨ Nearby attractions: Visit Foye Mountain in Yicheng and the Yugu Monk Stele inscribed by Zhao Mengfu.