Yanghu County God Temple Stage

Yanghu County God Temple Stage

The Yanghu County God Temple Stage is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

The Yanghu County God Temple Stage is located at the former site of Xinfangqiao Primary School at the eastern end of Qingguo Lane in the city center. The stage was originally built in the 24th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1759). It underwent renovation in the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign (1896) and was restored again in 2013. The stage faces north and directly overlooks the main hall of the Yanghu County God Temple (which was demolished in 1998). It is a two-story wooden structure with a hip-and-gable roof. The lower level is supported by four square marble pillars, and all three inner and outer sides feature wood carvings. The stage opening is "convex" in shape, with bracket sets on the column heads and beams creating an ornate design. The backstage upstairs consists of three rooms, while the lower level serves as the entrance and exit, featuring brick-carved door frames inscribed with “Songs and Dances” and “Prosperity.” The roof of the ancient stage is adorned with a pair of fish-dragons and a pair of green dragons, both vividly crafted. A stone stele engraved with the “Record of the Renovation of Yanghu County God Temple” from the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign is embedded in the eastern wall beneath the stage. It states: “The stage is particularly tall. During the spring and autumn sacrificial ceremonies, music is played to entertain the deities. Stories of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness from ancient and modern times are also selected for the opera troupes to perform.”