Xiaojian Nuo Temple

Xiaojian Nuo Temple

Xiaojian Nuo Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Xiaojian Nuo Temple is located in Xiaojian Village, Dongyuan Township. It was originally built in the seventh year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1442 AD) and renovated during the Qing Dynasty. The structure features four sections, three bays, two courtyards, one main hall, three rooms, and a hip-and-gable roof. In front of the temple there used to be a tall rain shelter (demolished in 1954). Opposite the shelter was a stage, aligned in a straight line with the main hall, flanked by side rooms and a restaurant, totaling 18 rooms. In the tenth year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, Jiashen year (1874 AD), the temple was expanded: a Guanyin Hall was added on the right, and seven large and small fasting halls were added on the left, covering an area of approximately 3,000 square meters. It is the largest and most completely preserved Nuo temple in Pingxiang.

According to historical records, Xiaojian Nuo Temple was originally named “Zunxuan Shrine.” In the twelfth year of the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1476 AD), the Xiaojian Nuo Temple began to spawn branches, successively spreading to Mao Yuan and Xiabu in Xiangdong, Xinquan in Luxi, Nanjing, Chishan in Shangli, and Tongmu. As of October 2009, 128 ancient Nuo masks were collected here.

The Xiaojian Nuo tradition originated around the sixth year of the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty (806 AD), first established in Qixia, Tianxin Village, and later (1368 AD) relocated to Shuikou Mountain, Tianxin. After being burned down in 1720, it was rebuilt at its current site in Xiaojian.

Xiaojian Nuo Temple is a key cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province