Ancient Architectural Complex of Nanzhao Town

Ancient Architectural Complex of Nanzhao Town

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Nanzhao Town is a national key cultural relics protection unit.

Nanzhao Town is situated in the southern part of Zhao’an County, Fujian Province, and is the location of the county government. It lies on a plain, adjacent to Guangdong, and is considered the southern gateway of Fujian. The town is crossed by National Highway 324 and the Zhangzhou-Zhao’an Expressway, providing very convenient transportation. It serves as a frontier platform for the West Coast Economic Zone of the Taiwan Straits to connect with the "Pearl River Delta" and is also a major ancestral home of Taiwanese people. To the east, it faces the Dongxi Stream across from Qiandong Town; to the south, west, and north, it borders Shenqiao Town. With a history of over 1,300 years since the establishment of Nanzhao Fort in 686 AD during the Tang Dynasty.

Nanzhao Town boasts a long history and is rich in historical sites. These include the Tang Dynasty-era “Huai’en Ancient Well,” the Kaijiang Shengwang Temple built in the Ming Dynasty, the Jiaolian Lady Temple, the Guan Di Temple, the Mazu Temple built in the early Qing Dynasty, as well as seven Ming and Qing stone archways lining the approximately 700-meter stretch from Dongmen Middle Street to Xianqian Street—such as “Father and Son Jinshi” and “Tianchong Zhongbao.” There are also dozens of ancient temples and residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, grand and bold, rich in the characteristics of ancient architecture.

The town features beautiful scenery with lush mountains and clear waters. Its highest point, Liangfeng Mountain, resembles a “fisherman casting a net,” contributing to Nanzhao’s unique and superior geographical environment. The Dongxi Stream flowing along the edge complements scenic attractions such as the newly built Shen Yaochu Art Museum, Zhongshan Park, Huai’en Park, and Liangfeng Park.

The Chenghuang Temple is located on Xianqian Street in Nanzhao Town and is a county-level cultural relics protection unit. Built in 1530 during the Ming Dynasty, it underwent two renovations in 1618 and 1627, and further repairs in 1714 and 1780 during the Qing Dynasty. The temple faces south and covers an area of about 1,200 square meters. It consists of a gate tower, front hall, worship pavilion, and main hall. The main hall has three bays, is 9 meters deep, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with thirteen purlins and a front corridor. The structure is relatively tall with Dougong brackets of the “one-dou-three-sheng” style. Stone pillars have a diameter of 0.42 meters, with drum-shaped bases 0.60 meters in diameter, all generally well-preserved. Five stone tablets recording renovation work are preserved.

The Wumiao Temple is located on Ximen Street in Nanzhao Town and is a county-level cultural relics protection unit, commonly known as the Guan Di Temple. Built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, it was renovated in 1544, 1605, 1679, 1747, and 1902. The temple faces east and covers an area of about 800 square meters, including the front courtyard. It is 26.7 meters deep and 14.5 meters wide, consisting of a guard tower, two corridors, a worship pavilion, and a main hall. The main hall has a single-eave hanging gable roof, a post-and-lintel wooden structure, and a thirteen-purlin arched roof. The gate tower, lintel, and wall shoulders are made of granite, while the beams are all wooden. The golden pillars are spindle-shaped stone columns; the central golden pillar has a circumference of 1.2 meters. The middle bay has two bracket sets, and the side bays one, all in the “one-dou-three-sheng” style. Square drum-shaped bases are used. Ten stone tablets recording renovations throughout history are preserved.

The Xiting Guanyin Nunnery is located at the western end of the western section of Xianqian Street in Nanzhao Town. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, it covers an area of about 400 square meters. The nunnery faces north and is 3 bays wide and 2 bays deep, consisting of a gate tower, courtyard, and main hall. The main hall has a single-eave hanging gable roof, a post-and-lintel wooden structure, and a thirteen-purlin front corridor, with “one-dou-three-sheng” brackets and spindle-shaped stone pillars. The rear hall was added during the Qing Dynasty expansion. It faces south, backed against the main hall. The courtyard in front of the rear hall is enclosed by walls, with access through a side door on the west. The rear hall is 3 bays wide and 1 bay (6 meters) deep, featuring a post-and-lintel wooden structure and “one-dou-three-sheng” brackets. The nunnery retains the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. The front hall enshrines Sakyamuni, the Eighteen Arhats, and the rear hall enshrines Guanyin.

The Gongchen Temple is located in Dongcheng Village, Nanzhao Town. Originally named Qishan Gao, it is a county-level cultural relics protection unit. Built during the Song Dynasty (1241–1252), it was renamed Gongchen Temple after reconstruction in 1779. It underwent renovation in 1899 during the Qing Dynasty. The temple faces south and is 3 bays (23.2 meters) wide and 3 bays (16 meters) deep. It consists of a gate tower, worship pavilion, main hall, west wing room, and rear hall. The main hall has a single-eave hanging gable roof, a mixed post-and-lintel and column-and-tie wooden structure, and an eleven-purlin front corridor. The central bay has four bracket sets, the side bays two, all in the “one-dou-three-sheng” style. Spindle-shaped stone pillars have a diameter of 0.32 meters, with drum-shaped bases. The main hall enshrines Generals Qi Shan Shenghou Ou Zhe and Wude Hou Shen Shiji of General Chen Yuanguang’s forces, while the rear hall enshrines various Buddhas.

The Chaotian Palace is located on Gongqian Street in Nanzhao Town, commonly known as the Tianhou Palace. It is a county-level cultural relics protection unit. Originally built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, it later fell into disuse. It was rebuilt on the original site during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, retaining only the gate tower and main hall. In 1720, it was designated as a ritual temple. In 1742, a dressing tower was added behind the main hall, and in 1768, a stage was added in front of the temple. It underwent renovations in 1806, 1865, and 1904. The temple faces east and is 32.5 meters deep and 10 meters wide, covering an area of about 1,000 square meters. It consists of a gate tower, worship pavilion, main hall, and rear section. The main hall is 3 bays wide and 4 bays deep, with a post-and-lintel structure and an eleven-purlin front corridor, featuring a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. The central bay has two layers of three-bracket sets in the “one-dou-three-sheng” style, with octagonal spindle-shaped stone pillars 0.32 meters in diameter and octagonal carved stone bases. The roof tiles and drip edges are made of glazed ceramic. The rear section has a single-eave hanging gable roof, with an eleven-purlin arched roof frame. The windows feature cloud-patterned stone carvings and are well-preserved. A stone tablet recording construction in the seventh year of the Qianlong reign is preserved inside the temple. Also kept are wooden printing blocks from 1745 inscribed with “Historical Records of the Rituals for the Heavenly Empress” (0.52m x 1.76m) and from 1764 with “The Biography of the Heavenly Holy Mother” (0.54m x 1.12m), both in relief and well-preserved.

The Dongyue Temple is located on Dongguan Street in Nanzhao Town and is a county-level cultural relics protection unit. Built in 1593 during the Ming Dynasty, it was renovated in 1824. The temple faces east and is 50.79 meters deep and 19.95 meters wide, covering an area of about 1,200 square meters. It consists of a gate tower, veranda, Bagua Pavilion, worship pavilion, main hall, and rear hall. The main hall is 3 bays wide and 3 bays deep, with a post-and-lintel structure and an eleven-purlin front corridor. The front of the main hall connects to the worship pavilion via a nine-purlin arched veranda, featuring a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. The central golden pillars are stone, 0.77 meters high. The central bay has two bracket sets, the side bays one. The main ridge features Bagua star patterns. Behind the main hall is the rear hall, which is 3 bays wide, with one bright and two dark rooms, and includes a small courtyard. The main hall is relatively well-preserved. The Dongyue Temple’s main hall enshrines the Dongyue Emperor, flanked by the Ten Kings of Hell. The gate tower’s sides house the Guan Di Temple in the north hall and the Zhusheng Niangniang Temple in the south hall. The corridors enshrine the Speed Report Department in the north and the Merit Department in the south, while the rear hall enshrines various Buddhas.

From Xianqian Street in the town center to Dongmen Middle Street, a continuous stretch of over 700 meters features 7 magnificent and imposing ancient archways. Listed in chronological order of construction, they are: the Duojin Archway, Qingdian Archway, Baishou Archway, Tianchong Zhongbao Archway, Father and Son Jinshi Archway, Gaochi Shiyi Archway, and Guan Di Archway. These exquisitely crafted historical relics integrate various artistic techniques such as architecture, carving, calligraphy, and poetry, and are rich in cultural significance. In feudal society, to honor those who made outstanding contributions in aspects such as “loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness,” emperors often approved the construction of memorial archways in their hometowns to encourage others to follow their example in serving the court. The Ming Dynasty archway complex of Zhao’an is no exception. In July 2000, the People’s Government of Zhao’an County applied for its recognition as a national cultural relics protection unit.

The Duojin Archway is located on Duojin Street in Nanzhao Town and was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty. The archway faces south, is built with granite in imitation of wood, stands 5 meters tall and 7.5 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope, supported by four pillars in three sections and three tiers. The front plaque is 0.42 meters tall and 0.84 meters wide, inscribed with “Duojin.” The archway’s header is inscribed with “Erected by Xu Qian, Juren of the Ming Dynasty’s Chenghua Wu Zi Examination,” while the back is inscribed with “Shike” (Successive Generations of Scholars). The pillars are 0.44 meters in diameter, topped with large bracket blocks. The architecture and carvings are rough, with some components missing but the structure largely intact. Appendix: The “Zhao’an County Annals · Construction Records · Archways” states: “The Duojin Archway was erected for Juren Xu Qian, Xu Pan, and Xu Xuan of the Ming Dynasty.” Xu Qian was the first Juren in Zhao’an County, achieving this in the Wu Zi Examination of 1488. His son Xu Pan passed the Ding Mao Examination in 1507, and his grandson Xu Xuan passed the Geng Wu Examination in 1510. “Duojin” and “Shike” refer to this legacy.

The Qingdian Archway is located on Dongmen Street in Nanzhao Town, built in 1587, and faces east-west. It is built with granite in imitation of wood, stands 9.6 meters tall and 9.6 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope, in three sections and three tiers. It displays a horizontal plaque inscribed with “Enrong” (Imperial Favor), and the central plaque reads “Qingdian Archway.” The main beam is inscribed with regular script honoring “Chengde Lang, Assistant Director of the Nanjing Taipu Si, Hu Qing.” The lower pillars are stone drums and stone lions. The brackets are in the “one-dou-three-sheng” style. Carvings include pine and crane, floral, and cloud motifs. The plaque is missing, some components lost, but the main body is intact.

The Baishou Archway is located on the northern section of Shengzu Street in Nanzhao Town, built in 1580. It faces west, is built with granite in imitation of wood, has four pillars in three sections and three bays, is 6.5 meters tall and 8.8 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope. The plaque is inscribed with “Baishou Archway” in regular script on both sides. The header is inscribed with “Erected in the 22nd Year of the Wanli Reign of the Ming Dynasty (1594) for the Longevity Civilian Shen Zhongxuan.” The archway features floral carvings and is well-preserved. Appendix: The “Zhao’an County Annals · Biographies” states: “Shen Zhongxuan, from Sandu, was a Longevity Civilian wearing official attire, living to 100 years old. During the Wanli era, an archway was commissioned to honor his household.”

The Tianchong Zhongbao Archway is located on Dongmen Street in Nanzhao Town, built in 1584 during the Ming Dynasty, and faces east-west. It is built with granite in imitation of wood, stands 9.5 meters tall and 9.5 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope, in three sections and three tiers. It displays a horizontal plaque inscribed with “Enrong,” and the central plaque reads “Tianchong Zhongbao.” The main beam is inscribed with “Erected for Shen Xi, Jinshi of the Wanli Jiaxu Examination, Nanjing Hubu Zhushi, in the 13th Year of the Wanli Reign (1585).” Both sides bear the same inscription.

The Father and Son Jinshi Archway is located on Xianqian Street in Nanzhao Town, built in 1585 during the Ming Dynasty, and faces east-west. It is built with granite in imitation of wood, stands 9.6 meters tall and 9.6 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope, in three sections and three tiers. It displays a horizontal plaque (now missing) and the central “Father and Son Jinshi” plaque. The main beam is inscribed with “Jiajing Bingchen Jinshi Hu Wen, Wanli Dingchou Jinshi Hu Shi’ao, 13th Year of Wanli (1585), 11th Month, Winter, Erected.” The text is the same on both sides in regular script. The lower pillars feature stone drums, stone lions, and carvings of pine and crane, lotus petals, flowers, and cloud motifs. The brackets are in the “one-dou-three-sheng” style, and the smaller beam features bluestone carvings showing the names of those who funded the archway: Shen Renzhong, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Fujian Pacification Commission, Gan Laixue, Left Consultant of the Fujian Buzhengsi, Zhang Wen Yao, Judicial Commissioner of the Fujian Ancha Si, Luo Liangxin, Tao Gongsheng, and Li Ying, Acting Prefects of Zhangzhou, Yang Jihui, Prefect of Zhao’an County, and Zhang Dawu, Magistrate. In July 1939, Japanese aircraft bombed the archway, damaging one southern pillar and parts of the middle and lower beams, with some carvings lost. The main structure and other parts remain intact.

The Gaochi Shiyi Archway is located on the westernmost side of the eastern middle section of Dongmen Street in Nanzhao Town, built in 1602 during the Ming Dynasty, and faces east-west. It is built with granite in imitation of wood, stands 9.6 meters tall and 9.5 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope, in three sections and three tiers. It displays a horizontal plaque inscribed with “Enrong,” and the central “Gaochi Shiyi” plaque. The main beam is inscribed with “Erected for Shen Yili, Imperially Granted Zhixian, County Magistrate, and Prefect, in the 39th Year of the Wanli Reign.” Those who funded the archway include Zhu Jianchang, Right Censor-in-Chief of the Fujian Pacification Commission, Liu Yinglong, Surveillance Censor of Fujian, Wang Enmin, Buzhengsi Si of Fujian, Yang Dezheng, Ancha Si Si of Fujian, Luo Liangxin, Acting Prefect of Zhangzhou, Tao Gongsheng, Li Ying, Tongpan, and Wang Shiren, Tui Guan, and Li Tianzuo, Magistrate of Zhao’an County. The pillars are drum-shaped. The brackets are in the “one-dou-three-sheng” style. Carvings include pine and crane, flowers, and cloud motifs. The plaque and some components are missing, but the main structure remains intact.

The Guan Di Archway is located on the western section of Xianqian Street in Nanzhao Town, built in 1625 during the Ming Dynasty and renovated in 1793 during the Qing Dynasty. It faces north, is built with granite in imitation of wood, is three-tiered and one-bay wide, stands 5.5 meters tall and 4 meters wide, and features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with a double slope. The front plaque is 0.50 meters tall and 1.40 meters wide, inscribed in regular script with “Guan Di Archway,” and credits “Zhu Xun, Magistrate of Zhao’an County, and Zhang Shengwu, Magistrate of Zhangzhou Garrison.” The main beam is inscribed with “Erected on the 28th Day of the 10th Month of the 5th Year of the Tianqi Reign.” The right pillar is inscribed with “The temple archway was damaged by wind and rain and repaired in April of the 58th Year of the Qianlong Reign by Supervisor Huang Tingju.” The reverse of the plaque is inscribed in regular script with “Zhengqi Xingzai” (Righteousness Prevails) and is well-preserved.

Shen Yaochu Art Museum

The “Shen Yaochu Art Museum” is located in the northwest center of Zhao’an County. Facing east, it overlooks the expansive Beimen Pond, is adjacent to a street to the south, and enjoys a broad view, majestic presence, and beautiful scenery. The museum was funded by Mr. Shen Yaochu, a renowned traditional Chinese painting master from the area who resided in Taiwan. It was co-designed by famous designers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, such as Ye Rongjia and Yang Yingfeng, and constructed meticulously by skilled artisans. Covering a land area of 2,800 square meters and a building area of 1,800 square meters, the main building has four floors and is a garden-style structure that combines traditional ethnic style with modern features, grand and spectacular. The museum houses and exhibits 120 representative paintings and calligraphy works from various periods of Master Shen Yaochu, as well as materials on his life and related cultural relics.

The “Shen Yaochu Art Museum” was founded on May 1, 1990. After a year of construction, decoration, and arrangement, it officially opened in the autumn of 1991.

Nanzhao Town: Located in the southern part of Zhao’an County, Nanzhao Town borders the Dongxi Stream to the east and serves as the economic, political, and cultural center of Zhao’an County. It is recognized as the “Hometown of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Art” and the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art,” as well as a provincial-level “Civilized Town,” “Commercial Hub Town,” and “Ecological Township.” The town covers an area of 17.5 square kilometers, with a planned area of 36.7 square kilometers. It administers 15 communities and 2 administrative villages, with a total population of about 81,000. In 2015, the total rural economic income was 261.11 million yuan, and the per capita income of farmers was 14,000 yuan.

In recent years, with urbanization development... Nanzhao Town detailed information++

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units