Tangxi Chenghuang Temple

Tangxi Chenghuang Temple

Tangxi Chenghuang Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Tangxi Chenghuang Temple is a key cultural relic protection unit in Zhejiang Province. Built in the eighth year of the Chenghua era during the Ming Dynasty (1472) by Song Yue, the first county magistrate of Tangxi County, the current structure dates back to the fifth year of the Tongzhi era in the Qing Dynasty (1866). Covering an area of approximately 22,600 square meters, with a built-up area of 3,300 square meters, it is a grandly built, intricately carved, and well-preserved ancient structure. It is also a tourist destination for visiting ancient sages and deities. The architectural components and carvings showcase the artistic characteristics of ancient Chinese architecture, holding high artistic and historical value. It is now praised as the “No. 1 Temple in the South of the Yangtze.”

The horse-legs, brackets, spandrels, and most beams and crossbeams of the Chenghuang Temple are carved with delicate patterns, painted with multicolor shading techniques. Originally, the main walls, ceilings, beams, and crossbeams were all painted with murals — each depicting a scene from an opera — giving the entire structure a magnificent and resplendent appearance. At each end of the beams are carved four-pattern designs adorned with intertwined floral motifs, while the middle sections feature vase-and-flower or teapot-and-fruit offerings rendered in scroll shapes. At the joints of the beam frames, exposed timber structures are used, with gull-like forked supports as the main motif, decorated with floral patterns. The brackets are carved in the shape of baskets and further enriched with additional carvings. On the front pair of moon beams, dragon-beard patterns are carved at both ends, followed by peonies in the middle, and a depiction of a phoenix facing the sun symbolizing happiness and brightness. A pair of xiezhi (mythical beasts) on the veranda of the main hall stand on auspicious objects, their mouths open and heads turned sideways as if leaping, with primitive yet lively designs that fully convey the xiezhi's loyalty, bravery, and spirit of upholding justice for the people. Unfortunately, the flying eaves, upturned corners, and caisson ceiling of the central pavilion were dismantled during the Cultural Revolution. Many murals were erased and many carvings chiseled away. Still, the grandeur of dragon-and-phoenix designs and gilded splendor can be appreciated. Take a look at this pair of “carp leaping through the Dragon Gate” — each section between three beams is carved from a single piece of wood, giving you an idea of how huge the original tree must have been, and how exquisitely those corbel blocks were carved, so intricate and refined.

Origin

The reason why Tangxi Chenghuang Temple is known as the “No. 1 Temple in the South of the Yangtze”:

First, the temple is large — no other Chenghuang Temple of this size has been found elsewhere in China. It originally had 318 pillars, though 21 were removed when the western side room was modified with a gable-and-hip roof due to damage, leaving 297 pillars as of 2014.

Second, the carvings are exquisitely detailed: including relief carvings, deep carvings, and high-relief carvings, all crafted so vividly (to add, over 130 years ago when the temple was built, the famous “Jinhua Buddha’s Hand” fruit was carved in several places, proving that it is not exclusive to Jinhua). Moreover, the extent of carving is greater than that seen in other temples.

Third, it is well-preserved. Without pointing out the parts that have been removed, you might not even notice — overall, the structure remains largely intact. During the Cultural Revolution, the top sections of two gate towers, the upper part of the central pavilion, and its upturned corners were demolished. We are actively working on restoring them.

Fourth, the structure is rigorous and scientific, with all parts strictly symmetrically arranged along the same central axis. The ground floor rises layer by layer, fully reflecting the hierarchical rites of the feudal clan system.

After the liberation, the Chenghuang Temple ceased religious activities and became a People’s Liberation Army garrison, then later served as the Tangxi County grain depot. This usage played a large role in preserving the temple. The county government recognized the temple’s high cultural relic value, applied to the provincial government, and on December 12, 1989, it was approved as a Zhejiang Provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.

Tangxi Village: Tangxi Village…… More details about Tangxi Village++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units