Temple of the Dragon King at Nanwang Water Diversion

Temple of the Dragon King at Nanwang Water Diversion

The Temple of the Dragon King at Nanwang Water Diversion is a cultural relic protection unit of Shandong Province.

The Temple of the Dragon King at Nanwang Water Diversion is located at the confluence of the Wen River and the Grand Canal in Nanwang Town. It was first built in the early Ming Dynasty to commemorate the construction of the Nanwang Hydraulic Engineering Project by Song Li and Bai Ying, and was subsequently expanded.

By the tenth year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1860), it had developed into a large architectural complex, mainly comprising the Dragon King Hall, Yu the Great Hall, Shrine of Song Gong, Shrine of Pan Gong, Shrine of Bai Gong, Shrine of Wen Gong, Water Bright Tower, Theater Stage, Guanyin Pavilion, Temple of Guan Yu, and Temple of the Grasshopper God. Due to years of neglect, much of its original appearance has been lost.

The ancient architectural complex of the Temple of the Dragon King at Nanwang Water Diversion is situated at the point where the Wen River flows into the Grand Canal in today’s Nanwang Town, Wenshang County, Shandong Province. Historically located by the ancient Daye Marsh, Nanwang boasts a long history. During the Yuan Dynasty, when the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was dug, Nanwang stood out as a raised area resembling a hunched back, earning the name “Water Spine.” This spine posed a challenge to the smooth flow of the canal. In the early Ming Dynasty, Song Li, Minister of Works, and Bai Ying, a local hydraulic expert from Wenshang, conducted surveys and built a dam at Dai Village to control the Wen River. They redirected the river westward into the canal at Nanwang, with seven-tenths of the water flowing north to supply the Zhang and Wei Rivers, and three-tenths flowing south to supply the Yellow and Huai Rivers, thus ensuring smooth canal transport. A Dragon King Temple was later built at the water diversion site, hence the name “Temple of the Dragon King at the Water Diversion.”

The Dragon King Temple was initially built during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403–1424) and continued to be expanded during the Qing Dynasty, gradually forming a cluster of temples. Historical records show that the Temple of the Dragon King architectural complex included over ten courtyards, such as the Dragon King Hall, Theater Stage, Yu the Great Hall, Water Bright Tower, Shrine of Song Li, Shrine of Bai Ying, Temple of Guan Yu, Guanyin Pavilion, Shrine of Mo Gong, Shrine of Wen Gong, Temple of the Grasshopper God, and monks’ meditation quarters. The complex spans 220 meters from north to south and 255 meters from east to west, covering an area of approximately 56,100 square meters, including 9,338 square meters of built-up area. Although constructed in different eras with varied styles, the buildings are harmoniously laid out with interlocking courtyards, resembling a grand garden of Ming and Qing temple architecture. Within several hundred meters of the complex stand four earthen mounds, each about 60 meters high, facing the temple cluster in tribute, known as the “Four Mountains Guarding the Temple.” The grandeur of the Dragon King Temple architectural complex alone exudes an imposing aura, seemingly receiving homage from all directions. The temple cluster is situated on the right bank of the river, with its four grand gates directly facing the canal, presenting a magnificent sight. The surging Wen River flows from east to west, meeting the Grand Canal at a perpendicular angle. To mitigate the impact of the river, a 4-meter-high stone revetment stretching about 220 meters along the bank was constructed, featuring four sets of steps leading directly to the gates. Flanking the steps, officials, merchants, and commoners could disembark and ascend. Eight massive stone-carved aquatic beasts lie crouched along the embankment, while twelve stone piles stand below the revetment to moor boats. Across the river, on the northern bank’s earthen mound, stands the Lake-Watching Pavilion, equipped with stone tables and benches where visitors can play chess, relax, or enjoy the cool. On the traditional temple fair day, the 15th day of the third lunar month, crowds flock here. The grand temple gate facing the river is majestic and imposing, with a 10-meter-wide, three-bay gate tower. Outside the gate stands a wooden memorial archway with double eaves, gracefully designed, adorned with three plaques: “Calm Seas” on the right, “Clear Rivers” on the left, and “Prosperity from All Directions” in the center—inscribed by Liu Yunke, Governor of Zhejiang and Fujian and a native of Wenshang, during the Qing Dynasty. Entering the temple gate, slightly to the left of the courtyard stands an ancient locust tree, roughly two people’s arms in girth, tall and lush, its canopy spreading like an umbrella, shading most of the yard. Most eye-catching is the Dragon King Hall. Originally built in the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, it features red walls, green tiles, crimson doors with screen panels, upturned eaves and brackets, slanted gable corners, wind bells hanging down, four beams and eight pillars, and carved beams and painted rafters. Inside the hall are 22 deities, with the central statue of the Dragon King seated, about 3 meters tall; flanking the Dragon King are two standing statues, one holding an “imperial seal” and the other a “sacred edict”; in front is a wooden standing figure. Along the left rear wall are clay statues of the Kings of the Zhang and Cao Canals and the Golden Dragon King; on the right rear wall are statues of Yan Gong and Xiao Gong seated. Along both side walls are four standing figures representing deities such as the Wind God, Rain God, Thunder God, Lightning God, and Hail God, each holding their respective implements, dressed differently, with varied expressions. At the front right and left corners are statues of the “God of the Land” and the “Canal Commander,” along with four standing figures, all exquisitely crafted and lifelike. Upon entering the hall, a plaque inscribed with “Heroic Diversion of the Flow” hangs above, while at the center top are three plaques: “Broad Relief for Divided Flow,” “Smooth Flow for Canal Transport,” and “Blessing over the Wen and Si Rivers,” with additional plaques such as “Overall Control of Diversion” and “Broad Relief for All Beings.” In total, there are 30 plaques in the hall, all inscribed by officials, gentry, and renowned figures from the Ming and Qing dynasties. To the left of the Dragon King Hall is the Bell and Drum Tower, and to the right is the Paper Character Tower. The latter, a purely brick-and-tile structure without beams or rafters, bears the inscription “Respect and Cherish Paper with Writing” and is used exclusively for burning written paper. Right in front of the main hall is the Theater Stage, with a plaque reading “Grand Dance in the Pool of Heaven” hanging above. Below the plaque is a wooden latticed window, intricately and delicately carved. The ground floor of the stage serves as the passageway through the gate. Moving left from the Dragon King Hall are the Yu the Great Hall and the Water Bright Tower. The Yu the Great Hall features a high-stepped platform, roof ridges decorated with coiled dragon tiles, and green-yellow roofing. Inside is a statue of Yu the Great, serene and dignified. The platform in front of the hall has a central arched passageway with doors, which must be passed through when ascending from the canal to enter the Yu the Great Hall.

As Nanwang was the strategic throat of the canal, crucial to canal transport, the Qing Dynasty established a sub-prefecture of Wenshang County specifically for Nanwang here. The county government office was located behind the Guanyin Pavilion in the Dragon King Temple complex. The office also included civil and military training units, the Canal Guard Battalion, the Drill Guard Battalion, as well as the Zhang Public Academy and Nanwang Free School. These structures have become integrated with the Dragon King Temple complex, further enhancing its grandeur. Thus, the Temple of the Dragon King at the Water Diversion is an ancient architectural ensemble embodying diverse cultural meanings.

The Temple of the Water Dragon King is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit and a famous tourist attraction showcasing canal culture.

Nanwang Town: Located in the southwest of Wenshang, Nanwang Town borders the ancient city of Wenshang to the east, Jiaxiang to the west, the Water Margin Mountain (Shuihu Mountain) to the north, and Rencheng District to the south. The town has a population of 57,000 and covers a total area of 59.3 square kilometers. Its transportation network is well-developed, with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal running north-south, and the provincial Ji-Liang and Wen-Jin highways traversing the town. It is 10 kilometers from the Rizhao-Qingdao Expressway, and 30 kilometers from the Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Kowloon Railways as well as Jining Airport. The installed capacity of program-controlled telephone lines has reached 4,000 lines. With 60 kilometers of town and village roads, and comprehensive facilities and a favorable development environment, Nanwang has become one of the most economically dynamic areas in the county. Nanwang... More detailed information about Nanwang Town++

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units in Shandong Province