Liangqiu and King Liang Temple

Liangqiu and King Liang Temple

Liangqiu and King Liang Temple are cultural tourism attractions.

Liangqiu was an ancient place name during the Spring and Autumn period, with its ruins located on the southern bank of the Anji River, 15 kilometers northeast of present-day Chengwu County. In 666 BC, the State of Chu dispatched 1,600 chariots to attack the State of Zheng. Due to an alliance among the States of Song, Qi, and Zheng, by 661 BC, “the Duke of Qi, on account of Chu’s attack on Zheng, requested a meeting with the feudal lords” and plotted to assist Zheng. “The Duke of Song requested to meet the Duke of Qi, and in summer, they met at Liangqiu.” This place is the very site.

In the late Qin Dynasty, a peasant rebellion leader—Peng Yue—was born here. He raised an army here to revolt against the Qin and later joined forces with Liu Bang. The Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Emperor Gaozu states: “The Duke of Pei led his troops westward and encountered Peng Yue at Changyi.” The Records of the Grand Historian · Basic Annals of Emperor Gaozu provides a clearer account: “In the second month, the Duke of Pei attacked Changyi from the north of Dangshan and encountered Peng Yue. Yue assisted in the attack on Changyi, but the city did not fall.” According to the Comprehensive Gazetteer: “Changyi is located 32 li northeast of Chengwu County in Caozhou, where the old city of Liangqiu is situated.” Later, Peng Yue campaigned with Liu Bang across the country and achieved numerous military exploits. After the founding of the Han Dynasty, Peng Yue was enfeoffed as the King of Liang due to his outstanding military achievements. However, he was falsely accused of plotting a rebellion and was executed by Empress Lü. Out of sympathy for him, later generations built the King Liang Temple in his memory. Later, some Buddhist-related temples were also constructed here, forming a large temple complex. A temple fair was also held annually on the 12th day of the fourth lunar month, exerting considerable influence within a hundred-li radius. The historic sites of Liangqiu thus became one of the eight scenic spots of our county. It is now designated as a county-level key cultural relics protection unit.