Wanzai Bao Gong Temple

Wanzai Bao Gong Temple

Wanzai Bao Gong Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Bao Gong Temple is located at Tieshanjie in Honglu Village, Huangmao Town, 58 kilometers from the county seat and bordering Liuyang in Hunan Province. It was built in the eighth year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1730) and renovated in the Gengzi year of the Qianlong reign (1780). During the Jiaqing era (1796–1820), it was further expanded through donations raised by locals from both Liuyang and Wanzai, and land holdings were established. The temple faces south and features a through-tenon-style brick-and-timber structure with three courtyards and 17 rooms. It is 9.34 meters wide and 31.76 meters deep, covering an area of approximately 312.52 square meters. It has a flush-gable roof with ridge ornaments in the shape of gourds. The decorative panels on the gable walls are inset one rafter’s diameter inward from the centerline of the eave columns. These panels are painted with floral designs, and the firewalls on three sides rise up to 12 meters. The entire structure is divided into front, middle, and rear halls. The front hall has collapsed, leaving only four drum-shaped stone column bases. Both the middle and rear halls are constructed using a method of interlocking stone columns and wooden beams. Wood carvings can be seen under the eaves and in front of the beams, with diagonal brackets set between the wooden beams and stone columns, adorned with carved floral patterns. The spandrel brackets are intricately and colorfully carved, featuring shapes of dragons, fish, oxen, and sheep. The interior is fitted with ceilings that are finely finished. Since the 1990s, the temple has enjoyed a revival in popularity, with itinerant monks occasionally residing there to preside over ceremonies.

According to the Tongzhi-era Wanzai County Annals, the Bao Gong Temple was “built through donations by locals from Liuyang and Wanzai,” with the temple physically divided into two halves—left belonging to Wanzai and right to Liuyang—a division that remains to this day. The right side is inhabited by villagers from Jiushan Village in Liuyang County. Before the front hall collapsed, there was also a stage, and during festivals, especially on the birthday of Lord Bao, troupes were invited in turns by both counties to perform, creating a lively atmosphere. Historically, it served as a central hub for entertainment and cultural exchange for residents of the Liuyang-Wanzai border region. Renovations were carried out in October 1986.

Honglu Village: Honglu Village…… More details about Honglu Village++