Temple of the Filial Son Zhou

Temple of the Filial Son Zhou

The Temple of the Filial Son Zhou is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou.

Temple of the Filial Son Zhou

The Temple of the Filial Son Zhou is located near Huayuanbang in Nanshimen Tantang. The original structure consisted of two courtyards, with the main hall being a three-bay shrine, fronted by a covered porch, featuring high eaves and slender wooden materials.

Zhou the Filial Son, surname Zhou, given name Rong, was a native of Tangshi in Changshu during the Qiandao era of the Southern Song Dynasty. He was extremely filial to his parents—his father passed away when he was young, and his acts of filial piety were widely praised. He died before his mother. He descended from heaven to his home to tell his mother: “I have become a deity and will protect the imperial court and do my utmost for our hometown.” As a result, the local community built a temple in his honor. Later, temples dedicated to him were established all over the urban and rural areas of Changshu, too numerous to count. The existing buildings of this temple were constructed during the Qing Dynasty, consisting of two courtyards and three bays, and are well preserved. After major renovations in 2016, it was restored as the Temple of the Filial Son Zhou. It was announced as a cultural relic protection unit of Changshu in May 2017.