The site of Wang Xitong’s uprising, a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit, is located at No. 20, Taoyuan South Road, Ninghai County. Originally a city god temple, it was constructed during the Guangde period of the Tang Dynasty. The current structure was rebuilt in the 24th year of the Jiaqing era in the Qing Dynasty, which corresponds to the year 1819.
The main building features four entrances and is arranged along a central axis from south to north. The sequence includes a screen wall, the Wufeng Tower, a stage, a pavilion, a main hall, and a back palace. Affiliated structures consist of a gate tower, Zongcao Hall, Impermanence Hall, east and west viewing corridors, and a treasury. The total building area spans 1244 square meters, making it a relatively large ancient building within Ninghai County.
The Wufeng Tower is notable for its curved roof, while the pavilion’s beams are adorned with exquisite carvings. The stage boasts a stacked and spirally constructed caisson, and the wishful brackets on the lintel protrude layer by layer, topped with lifelike and auspicious dragons and phoenixes.
Wang Xitong, also known as Shouzhen and with the courtesy name Fengqi, hailed from Dali Village in the northern part of Ninghai. Born in 1860, he became a scholar in the 24th year of Guangxu (1898) and taught in his hometown for an extended period, setting a fine example as an educator. Despite his scholarly background, Wang was known for his uprightness and heroism, possessing unique courage and insight. He was a lifelong friend-maker, an advocate for righteousness, and had a chivalrous spirit. Free and easy by nature, he was resolute and despised evil as an enemy. Wang once compiled the ‘Collection of Righteous Qi in Goucheng’, using Fang Xiaoru’s integrity as a source of inspiration for himself.
