Zhongde Palace: A Historical and Cultural Attraction in Xiamen

Zhongde Palace is originally located on the western slope of Jimu Mountain in Gulangyu, Xiamen, near a small river, facing […]

Zhongde Palace is originally located on the western slope of Jimu Mountain in Gulangyu, Xiamen, near a small river, facing the sea with its back to the mountain, and is known by believers as the Great Dao Public Temple. For unknown reasons, the temple ceased its activities dedicated to the Great Dao Public, hence it is referred to as the Old Temple; the river in front of the temple is called the Old Temple River.

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According to legends, the statue of Great Dao Public was invited into Zhongde Palace for worship around the Ming Chenghua period (1455-1487). After the aforementioned Zhongde Palace ceased its activities, residents gathered along the current Neicuo Ao Road and Jishan Road raised funds to build a new Zhongde Palace on the southeast slope of Wanzaiwei Mountain in the northwest of Gulangyu (currently numbered as 373 Neicuo Ao Road).

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The exact year of its construction is not recorded in historical texts. Zhongde Palace is a three-door, two-hall temple with a construction area of approximately 78 square meters. Behind and to the right of the palace, additional protective buildings were constructed, with the entire temple complex nestled under ancient banyan trees, creating a tranquil environment, covering a total area of about 600 square meters.

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Above the central main gate, the stone beam is inscribed with the words: ‘Baosheng Emperor’. Above it, a wooden plaque reads ‘Zhongde Palace’ vertically. On the stone pillars framing the middle gate, there are inscriptions: ‘Dabbling in water to bring life, the temple worships the mulberry country and promotes the cultivation of virtue’ and ‘A thread of divine pulse, the imperial edict still honors the real person of the great emperor’.

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On both sides of the temple gate, a pair of finely carved large stone lions are placed. Upon entering the temple gate is the worship hall, where a sacrificial table is set in the middle, and in front of the table is a large copper incense burner, donated by the faithful Zhuang Tianshao in 1992. Further in is the Dragon and Tiger Well, originally named for the dragon and tiger images carved on both side walls, hence the well in the courtyard was called the Dragon and Tiger Well, which was capped during previous house repairs.

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Now, after reconstruction, the courtyard has been restored. In the central niche of the rear hall, the statue of the Baosheng Emperor is enshrined. The statue has a golden face and black beard, with bright and spirited eyes, sitting upright in the niche, exuding a sense of righteousness and solemnity, commanding respect. On both sides of the rear hall, there are 36 statues of official generals, adding to the solemn and respectful atmosphere.

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