Zhujiajiao Chenghuang Temple, also known as Qingpu City God’s Palace, was relocated to its present site by Huizhou native Cheng Lujing in the 28th year of the Qianlong era (1763). The temple complex consists of a main gate, a stage, and a grand hall, flanked by side buildings, with a small winding stream nearby, where peach, plum, and willow trees are abundant, creating an elegant layout with 12 scenic spots. The stage’s ceiling is a rare circular spiral top composed of 160 dougong brackets. On the stone pillars are inscribed a couplet, ‘Building this stage, long and far, observing the past, dream or truth,’ with the horizontal banner ‘Peaceful and Elegant Praise.’ In 1986, it was listed as a county-level cultural protection unit. The temple faces east and west, with the main entrance facing a river and a wall, flanked by eastern and western gates, and in front of it are a pair of stone lions holding embroidered balls with soft lines. Upon entering, there are two side halls to the left and right, followed by a stone pillar fish spine and a stage with upturned eaves and corners. In front of the stage is a temple square paved with stone slabs. Beyond the square is the main hall, where in the center of the hall, there are statues of the City God and his wife, both with kind and peaceful expressions. To the sides of the grand hall are the side buildings. In the past, on the left side, there were Yinqing Hall, Yuzhao Corridor, Yue Xiang Room, and Zhao Chun Terrace. On the right side, there were Ninghe Study, He Jing Mountain House, Tan Ying Pavilion, Keyu Studio, Yixiu Pavilion, and Hanqing Pavilion. Ninghe Study was a gathering place for local literati at the time. In front of Tan Ying Pavilion, there is a lotus pond with stones piled by the pond; next to Hanqing Pavilion, there is a small stream with a small stone bridge overhead, and hundreds of goldfish are raised in the pond; around it are planted hibiscus, willow, peach, and plum trees. These pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds were collectively known as the ‘Twelve Scenic Spots of the City God Temple.’ After restoration, they regained their former splendor. The City God Temple is also the main place of activity for Taoists in Zhujiajiao Town. Taoism venerates Li Er of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (Laozi) as the founder, called the Supreme Lord, and has four sects. Zhujiajiao Town has a majority of ‘Zhengyi Taoists.’ The temple is open year-round from 08:30 to 16:30.
Zhujiajiao Chenghuang Temple
Zhujiajiao Chenghuang Temple, also known as Qingpu City God’s Palace, was relocated to its pre[...]
