Shaoxing Yu Temple

Shaoxing Yu Temple

Shaoxing Yu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Yu Temple is located 6 kilometers southeast of Shaoxing City, on the right side of the Yu Mausoleum, enshrining Emperor Yu of the Xia Dynasty. Historical records indicate that both Emperor Qi and Emperor Shaokang once built Yu Temples, but these accounts are difficult to verify. The current temple was first built in the 11th year of the Datong era during the Liang Dynasty, and has been repeatedly constructed and destroyed throughout the dynasties. The existing main hall structure was rebuilt in 1934, while most other parts were reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty. The layout preserves the scale of the Ming Dynasty architecture and the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Along the central axis are three sections — the Meridian Gate, the Sacrificial Hall, and the Main Hall — which ascend gradually with the mountain terrain, with stone steps laid out in front of the halls. The Main Hall has five bays, is 24 meters high, and was rebuilt in 1953. It features a reinforced concrete structure modeled after Qing Dynasty wooden architecture, with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, presenting a majestic presence. Inside stands a 2.85-meter-tall statue of Emperor Yu, depicted as dignified and radiant. In front of the statue are two couplet pillars inscribed with: “Rivers of the Jiang, Huai, He, and Han reflect his illustrious virtue; dedication, focus, caution, and subtlety reveal the heart of the Way.” In front of the Meridian Gate is the Goulou Pavilion, housing a Ming Dynasty rubbing of the Goulou Stele from Mount Heng in Hunan. The stele is 3.9 meters tall and inscribed with 77 characters praising Emperor Yu’s achievements in flood control. Its script is archaic, and though the inscription is traditionally believed to have been carved by Yu himself during the flood-control efforts, this is likely a myth. A modern explanation of the text is provided beneath the stele. On the east side of the temple is a stone pavilion containing a slightly conical stone pillar about 2 meters high with a round hole at the top, said to have been used during Yu’s burial. The stone bears ancient clerical script as well as inscriptions from the Song and Yuan Dynasties. The temple is surrounded by rolling green hills, with its high, upturned roof tiles, red walls, and solemn atmosphere creating a majestic scene.