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Quanzhou Prefecture City God Temple

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The Quanzhou Prefecture City God Temple enshrines Han Qi as the City God. It is located at the junction of Mofan Alley and Xianhou Street in downtown Quanzhou (now Xincun Primary School), commonly known as the "Great City God Temple" to distinguish it from the Jinjiang County City God Temple (commonly known as the "Small City God Temple"). The Prefecture City God Temple was first built in the second year of the Jiayou era during the Northern Song Dynasty (1057), originally named the Minglie King Temple. Its original site was on the west side of the Quanzhou Guard during the Ming Dynasty (near the current Quanzhou No. 6 Middle School). In the third year of the Hongwu era (1370) during the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed the City God Temple and rebuilt in the fourth year (1371). It underwent successive renovations during the Yongle, Zhengtong, and Zhengde eras of the Ming Dynasty. In the 23rd year of the Jiajing era (1544), the City God Temple was relocated to the former site of the Zishou Temple (the current location). During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1736–1795), the central hall, front hall, east and west corridors, as well as the Six Sages Shrine and the mountain gate were constructed. In the 10th year of the Daoguang era (1830), local gentry, seeing the temple’s dilapidation, raised funds for renovation, resulting in a grand architectural complex consisting of the mountain gate, front hall, central hall, and rear hall, covering an area of over ten acres. Its layout mirrored that of a prefectural government office, making it grand and imposing. Opposite the mountain gate is a screen wall, at the center of which is the “Qilin Wall,” featuring exquisite carving and inlay work—a rare cultural relic. In the 1950s, the Prefecture City God Temple gradually fell into disrepair. In 1972, the temple was demolished to establish Xiaoshan Primary School (now Xincun Primary School), and in 1974, the Qilin Wall was relocated to the northeast side of the West Pagoda at Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple for protection.

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The Quanzhou Prefecture City God Temple is a cultural heritage site protected by the Quanzhou Municipal Government.

The Quanzhou Prefecture City God Temple enshrines Han Qi as the City God. It is located at the junction of Mofan Alley and Xianhou Street in downtown Quanzhou (now Xincun Primary School), commonly known as the "Great City God Temple" to distinguish it from the Jinjiang County City God Temple (commonly known as the "Small City God Temple"). The Prefecture City God Temple was first built in the second year of the Jiayou era during the Northern Song Dynasty (1057), originally named the Minglie King Temple. Its original site was on the west side of the Quanzhou Guard during the Ming Dynasty (near the current Quanzhou No. 6 Middle School). In the third year of the Hongwu era (1370) during the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed the City God Temple and rebuilt in the fourth year (1371). It underwent successive renovations during the Yongle, Zhengtong, and Zhengde eras of the Ming Dynasty. In the 23rd year of the Jiajing era (1544), the City God Temple was relocated to the former site of the Zishou Temple (the current location). During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1736–1795), the central hall, front hall, east and west corridors, as well as the Six Sages Shrine and the mountain gate were constructed. In the 10th year of the Daoguang era (1830), local gentry, seeing the temple’s dilapidation, raised funds for renovation, resulting in a grand architectural complex consisting of the mountain gate, front hall, central hall, and rear hall, covering an area of over ten acres. Its layout mirrored that of a prefectural government office, making it grand and imposing. Opposite the mountain gate is a screen wall, at the center of which is the “Qilin Wall,” featuring exquisite carving and inlay work—a rare cultural relic. In the 1950s, the Prefecture City God Temple gradually fell into disrepair. In 1972, the temple was demolished to establish Xiaoshan Primary School (now Xincun Primary School), and in 1974, the Qilin Wall was relocated to the northeast side of the West Pagoda at Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple for protection.

The Quanzhou City God Temple is one of Quanzhou’s renowned Taoist temples. Historically, the temple frequently held Taoist rituals such as prayers for rain or clear weather. During the Qing Dynasty, official spring and autumn worship ceremonies were added, further embedding the belief in the City God within folk culture. Additionally, the City God Temples of all counties under Quanzhou Prefecture would make annual pilgrimages to the Prefecture City God Temple to pay homage and seek incense.

The current Prefecture City God Temple consists of the rear hall of the original architectural complex, covering an area of approximately 600 square meters with a built-up area of about 300 square meters. It includes the original rear hall and one wing room on each side. The rear hall has two courtyards and three bays, enshrining the golden statue of the City God and other attendant deities. The wing rooms serve as offices and storage spaces. In 1992, it was registered as a municipal-level cultural heritage site with approval from the municipal government. In 1997, it was registered as a Taoist activity venue, and a management committee was established. In 2007, due to the decay of beams and pillars, the management committee raised funds for repairs and recast the golden statue of the City God. Currently, the temple is home to over 15 resident Taoist priests and staff, and remains active in worship, exerting significant influence in both Quanzhou and Taiwan.