Temple of Yang Jiong

Temple of Yang Jiong

The Temple of Yang Jiong is located at the eastern end of Yingchuan Natural Village, Yingchuan Village, Gaojia Town, Qujiang District. Also known as the Yingchuan City God Temple, it was designated as a county-level cultural heritage site in June 1996. The structure faces south and, according to inscriptions within the temple, construction preparations began in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922) and were completed in the autumn of the 19th year (1930). The Temple of Yang Jiong is divided into three halls: east, central, and west. The main building covers an area of 1,374.31 square meters, with a flush-gable roof covered by small, traditional blue tiles arranged in a yin-yang pattern. The front hall of the central building serves as a stage, spanning three bays, with the central bay featuring a lifted-beam wooden frame supported by five pillars and nine rafters. The courtyard spans 50.19 square meters, with covered walkways on either side.

Yang Jiong served as the magistrate of Yingchuan County during the Ruyi era. In 695, a severe drought struck the region. After his prayers for rain failed, Yang Jiong sacrificed himself by jumping into Yingchuan Pool, where he died in service. That very night, torrential rains poured down, reviving the parched crops. To express their gratitude for his benevolence and to pray for peace throughout the year, the local people built the Temple of Yang Jiong. The temple is well-preserved, with grand and spacious architecture and simple, classic carvings. On the first day of the sixth lunar month each year, the villagers of Yingchuan hold a “Yang Jiong Procession” ceremony to honor him.

Yang Jiong (650–695), a literary figure of the Tang Dynasty, was one of the “Four Eminent Scholars” of the early Tang literary scene. He was a native of Huayin in Hua Prefecture (present-day Huayin City, Shaanxi Province). Gifted and studious from a young age, he had a broad knowledge of classical texts and had a particular passion for poetry. In the fourth year of the Xianqing era (659) during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, at the age of 10, he passed the prodigy examination and was appointed to the Hongwen Pavilion. In the third year of the Shangyuan era (676), he again passed the imperial examination and was appointed as a proofreader. In the first year of the Yongchun era (682), he was recommended by Vice Director of the Secretariat Xue Yuan Chao to serve as a scholar of the Hongwen Pavilion, later advancing to the position of Registrar to the Crown Prince.

In 684, Empress Wu Zetian deposed both Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong, taking over governance herself. Xu Jingye... More details about Yang Jiong ++

Gaojia Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Qu County. Established as Gaojia Township in 1950, later converted to a commune, reinstated as a township in 1984, and upgraded to a town in 1986. Located in the eastern part of the county on the northern bank of the Qu River, it covers an area of 34 square kilometers with a population of 22,000. There are three through highways. The town administers Gaojia, Datianfan, Shangwan, Xihu Shan, Duanjia, Yingchuan, Xixi, Zhaitang, Dongkeng, Xujia Shan, Chaye Shandi, Dongjia Shan, Guojia, Hangtou, Huangdun, Dagang, Xicun, Wangjia Qiaotou, Fengshu Di, Houfang, Zhangde Butou, Wuguo, Zhengjia Longtou, Jiangjia Long, Hubei, Chenzhai, Linjia, Lingcun, Dunshang, Huangjialou, Hong... More details about Gaojia Town ++