Changshu Yanzi Shrine

Changshu Yanzi Shrine

The Changshu Yanzi Shrine is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Changshu Yanzi Shrine is a Ming Dynasty structure covering a total area of 1,008 square meters. It is the only dedicated shrine in China for Yanzi, the only southern disciple of Confucius. This building is the earliest preserved ancient official-style temple architecture in Changshu and also the only shrine within the grounds of a Confucian temple nationwide that is solely dedicated to Yan Yan, a student of Confucius.

Originally named the Shrine of Prince Wu Youyou, the Changshu Yanzi Shrine was built in the third year of the Qingyuan era (1197) during the Southern Song Dynasty by then-county magistrate Sun Yingshi. In the third year of the Duanping era (1236), county magistrate Wang moved the Yanzi Shrine to a location behind the Confucian temple, marking the first time it was incorporated into the architectural complex of the Confucian temple. In the 22nd year of the Chenghua era (1486) of the Ming Dynasty, the Yanzi Shrine was rebuilt east of the Confucian temple (the Dacheng Hall), and renovated again in the 13th year of the Hongzhi era (1500). During the Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing Dynasty, the Kangxi Emperor inscribed the plaque “Cultural Light of Wu Region” during his southern tour, and the Qianlong Emperor inscribed the plaque “Pathway to Enlightenment in the Southeast” during his own southern tour in 1751; both plaques were once displayed in the shrine. In the 11th year of the Tongzhi era (1872), Zeng Guofan, Viceroy of Liangjiang, oversaw another renovation.

The existing Changshu Yanzi Shrine consists of three sections: the first being the shrine gate, the second the ceremonial gate and west wing rooms, and the third the offering hall — all are Ming Dynasty structures. The offering hall is a square, three-bay, single-eave hip-and-gable roof building, approximately 10 meters in both width and depth. Its framework features four-rafter beams connected to front and rear purlins, with bracket sets supporting the load. The central bay is slightly deeper than the side bays.

Today in Changshu city, surviving relics related to Yanzi include his former residence, his tomb, and the Pavilion of Yanzi’s Hometown. These sites are scattered across various locations in downtown Changshu for public veneration.

The Changshu Yanzi Shrine covers a total area of 1,008 square meters. It was designated as part of the third batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units in 1982 and listed as part of the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units in 2019.

Yan Yan (506–443 BC), surname Yan, given name Yan, courtesy name Ziyu, also known as “Yanyou” or “Shushi,” was a native of the State of Wu during the late Spring and Autumn period, specifically from Changshu. Renowned alongside Zixia and Zizhang as one of Confucius’ distinguished disciples, he was one of the “Ten Wise Disciples of Confucius.” He once served as the magistrate (county head) of Wucheng. Yan Yan’s Confucian philosophy has been highly regarded throughout history. Zhang Qiyian, a Hanlin academician of the Yuan Dynasty, remarked: “In the twilight years of the Zhou dynasty, when feudal states vied for supremacy and personal gain was exalted, it was remarkable that a man from Wu alone embraced the teachings of the Duke of Zhou, traveled north to study in the Central Plains, and became a distinguished disciple of Confucius.” (Note: The latter part of the segment appears disjointed or possibly corrupted; translated as presented up to coherent content.)

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units