Relics of the King of Wu

Relics of the King of Wu

Introduction Wang Temple is located on the eastern side of Wushan Town, 35 kilometers north of Hefei City. It earned its name because this is the burial site of Yang Xingmi, the mighty King of Wu from the late Tang Dynasty, as well as the temple built later by people to worship him. Yang Xingmi (852–905 AD), originally from Hefei, courtesy name Huayuan, harbored resentment toward the imperial court in his youth and sympathized with the suffering of the people. In his twenties, he rose in rebellion, risking life and limb in battles across the land. Thanks to his “benevolence, grace, integrity, and ability to win people’s hearts,” he achieved repeated military successes. After establishing the Kingdom of Wu, he implemented a series of policies to benefit and comfort the populace, thus earning widespread admiration and reverence. Over the centuries, Wushan Temple has endured wars, rising and falling through prosperity and decline. The existing temple features brick walls, tiled roofs, carved beams and painted rafters, statues, and stone tablets, all exuding solemnity and reverence. Devotees flock to the temple to offer incense year after year. Beside the temple lie the tombs of King Wu, his son Yang Bo, and Princess Baihua, all unadorned and uncarved, reflecting the simplicity and humility of the King in life. Visiting Wushan Temple, a cultural landmark, allows one to pay tribute to the ancients, reflect on history, indulge in thoughtful reverie, and cultivate the spirit.

Anhui Province, Hefei City

Wushan Town: Pearl of Jianghuai, Hometown of the King of Wu, Home of Tribute Goose, Land of Thriving Business

According to the Hefei County Annals, during the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Yang Xingmi, founder of the Kingdom of Wu, was buried here. His tomb mound was as large as a mountain, and his daughter, Princess Baihua, built a nunnery to the north of the tomb to guard the mausoleum and observe mourning. Thus, later generations named the place Wushan Temple—meaning the Temple of the King of Wu—using “Wu” for the kingdom, “Wu Wang’s Tomb” for the mountain, and “Princess’s Nunnery” for the temple. This area has a history of over a thousand years. Due to its profound cultural and historical significance, in October 1995, the “Relics of the King of Wu” scenic spot was named one of Hefei’s “Top Ten Scenic Spots.”

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