Xishan Temple in Foshan
Xishan Temple, located in the eastern foothills of Fengshan (凤山) in Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan City (佛山市顺德区大良凤山), is a historic temple originally built in the Ming Dynasty. The temple, also known as Guan Di Temple (关帝庙), was established during the 20th year of the Jiajing reign (1541) and completed in the 43rd year of the Jiajing reign (1564). Over time, the temple has undergone several reconstructions, with the current structure dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, during the reign of Guangxu (光绪). The temple covers an area of 4,800 square meters, with a building area of 3,700 square meters. It is a key cultural relic protection unit in the district.
Location
Xishan Temple is located at the eastern foot of Fengshan (凤山) in Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China. It’s a well-known historical site and tourist destination in the region.
- Geographical Location: Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong, China
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
- Construction Time: 1541 (Ming Dynasty)
Architecture and Layout
Mountain Gate (山门)
The main entrance to the temple is a grand structure featuring a five-arch design, flanked by exquisite clay sculptures and artwork. The central door features “Xishan Temple” (西山庙) in golden wood carvings, with intricate depictions of dragons, phoenixes, and historical stories related to the Three Kingdoms.
The mountain gate is adorned with a distinctive style of ceramics, such as double-faced ceramic art of the sun god, moon god, and harmony deities, as well as ceramic sculptures narrating tales like “Candlelight Reading,” “The Ox Mountain,” and “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage.” These scenes portray pivotal moments from the Three Kingdoms period.
Main Hall (正殿)
The main hall of Xishan Temple follows the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty’s Siheyuan (four-sided courtyard), covering approximately 6,000 square meters. The hall faces the northeast and consists of multiple sections, including the mountain gate, front hall, main hall, side halls, garden steps, incense pavilion, and verandas. The main hall is topped with a green glazed tile roof, and the beams and pillars are adorned with elaborate wooden carvings depicting various figures and plants.
In the center of the main hall sits a large statue of Guan Yu (关羽), standing at 2 meters tall and made of bronze. This statue is an important cultural relic from the early Qing Dynasty.
Cultural Significance
The Xishan Temple is known for its integration with the surrounding natural landscape, being built into the mountainside, and for its grand architectural design. It serves as a focal point for the local community, with significant cultural and historical importance.
Poetic Inscription
One of the most notable features of the temple is the inscription carved onto the pillars of the main hall. The poem reads:
“The land’s veins control the three cities, thanks to the divine spirit that forever stands guard; the emperor’s heart transcends the ages, with loyal guardians who continue to protect and transmit their name.”
This inscription celebrates the historical importance of the temple’s location and the enduring legacy of the worship of Guan Yu.
Artistic Features
The temple is renowned for its artistic elements, such as brick carvings, plaster sculptures, and wall murals, each contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the area. These artistic features depict scenes from Chinese mythology, historical events, and local customs.
- Brick Carvings and Plaster Sculptures: The temple is decorated with numerous intricately crafted brick carvings and gray plaster sculptures, which represent themes like “The Cicada’s Call,” “The Kingfisher on the Waves,” and “A Peaceful View.”
- Ceramic Sculptures: The clay sculptures are key features, with depictions of historical figures and deities from the Three Kingdoms period, each capturing the essence of ancient Chinese art.
Renovations and Protection
In 1985, the local government funded a major renovation of the temple, ensuring the preservation of its historical architecture and cultural relics. In addition, the temple now houses part of the Shunde County Museum’s collection, with a gallery dedicated to showcasing artifacts excavated from the area.
The temple and its surrounding structures have been officially recognized as a cultural heritage site and were listed as a provincial-level protected unit in 1991.
Tourist Information
Scenic Surroundings
The temple is situated in a picturesque area, with natural beauty enhancing the temple’s aura. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of Fengshan Mountain while strolling through the temple’s courtyards and gardens.
- “Yuqing” Scenic Spot: This small landscape is located within the temple grounds and features a gentle stream running through a winding path, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors.
- Shunde Eight Scenic Views: The temple is also part of the “Shunde Eight Scenic Views” (顺德八景), which includes sights like “Deer Path Banyan Shade” and “Phoenix Ridge Morning Sun.” These scenic spots are located around the temple, adding to its charm.
Artifacts and Exhibits
The temple houses a wealth of artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and other historical relics. The Shunde County Museum is also located nearby and showcases items related to local history and culture, attracting visitors interested in Chinese art and heritage.
Additional Features
Side Halls
In addition to the main hall, there are side halls dedicated to other important deities, including the Hall of Guanyin (观音堂) and the Hall of the Arhats (罗汉堂), which house detailed statues and art depicting various Buddhist figures.
Cultural Heritage Protection
Xishan Temple is considered a significant cultural and architectural site, recognized for its contribution to local religious practices and its preservation of traditional Chinese building techniques. The temple has been an integral part of Shunde’s cultural landscape for centuries.
