Former Site of the Wanzihui

Former Site of the Wanzihui

The former site of the Wanzihui is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Located at the southern end of Shangxin Street in Jinan, this grand complex of classical-style architecture is the former site of the Wanzihui, recently recognized as part of the sixth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level. Spanning roughly 215 meters from north to south and 65 meters from east to west, with a main building area of about 4,200 square meters, it is a large mixed architectural complex of palatial and temple styles featuring late Qing Dynasty design. Its uniqueness lies in being a rare example nationwide where reinforced concrete was used to completely replicate the wooden structural style of traditional palace architecture.

This compound is situated at No. 51 Shangxin Street and is officially known as the “Jinan Mother Temple of the World Red Swastika Society,” also referred to as the “Jinan Taoist Temple.” It is reported that the Jinan Taoist Temple was established in 1921 by Du Bingyin and others from Binzhou in Jinan, with members primarily consisting of warlords and local elites. The society’s doctrine was mainly Taoist, worshipping a self-created deity called “Laizu” claimed to surpass all religions. By advocating the unity of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Catholicism, along with engaging in charitable activities, the society rapidly expanded its influence. By 1939, 436 Taoist temples had been built across China, with over 200 additional sites in places such as Hong Kong, Kobe, and Singapore. As the birthplace, Jinan was regarded as the headquarters and mother temple. The Jinan Taoist Temple is the largest classical-style architectural complex among modern buildings in Jinan. Construction began in 1934 and was completed in 1942. The entire complex stretches 215 meters along the north-south axis and 65 meters east-west, covering a land area of 13,975 square meters with a main building area of 4,284 square meters. The temple buildings follow traditional Chinese layout principles, featuring four courtyards along a central axis. In sequence from the front are the screen wall, main gate, front hall, main hall, and Chen'guang Pavilion, with connecting corridors linking the side halls on both east and west sides. The screen wall in front is 36 meters wide, 2 meters thick at the base, and about 10 meters tall overall, with a stone Sumeru pedestal at the bottom and high-relief colored glaze potted plants embedded in the center, inscribed with the seal character “auspicious.” The architectural layout is well-balanced, with clear hierarchy between primary and secondary structures. The site employs traditional construction techniques, with the roof frameworks and bracket sets of the main buildings constructed using Qing-style timberwork methods, though all in concrete. It is a classical-style architectural complex that blends palatial and temple elements, exemplifying the fusion of ancient traditional architecture with modern construction technology and materials.

The rapid development of the Jinan Taoist Temple was largely due to its recognition by both the Beiyang Government and the Kuomintang government. Externally, the temple upheld the charitable banner of the World Red Swastika Society, earning widespread approval among the public. Many significant events in Jinan and even in modern Chinese history involved the Jinan Taoist Temple. For instance, after the May 3rd Tragedy in 1928, the temple carried out relief efforts under the name of the Red Swastika Society. In 1932, the Jinan Taoist Temple held its 12th Founding Conference. The grand architecture of the Jinan Taoist Temple was built based on the resolution passed at this conference to solidify the foundation of the mother temple, with donations collected from 1933 to 1943 totaling as much as 2.3 million yuan. It is said that during the Japanese puppet regime, when devotees asked Laizu when the War of Resistance would end and the sunlight would return, the response was: “When the Taoist temple is fully completed, the Japanese will withdraw from Jinan.” To ensure this prophecy did not fail, the “Chenguang Pavilion” at the back of the temple remained unpainted even after its full completion...

In 1937, when Han Fuju retreated without a fight, leaders of the Jinan Taoist Temple and the Licheng Taoist Temple, including He Zhongqi, Zhang Xingwu, and Wang Luhong, joined forces with Jinan’s business and gentry circles to welcome the Japanese invaders into the city. Many key figures of the Taoist Temple took up positions in the puppet regime — for example, Tang Yangdu became the puppet governor of Shandong Province, Zhang Xingwu became the puppet civil affairs commissioner, and Cheng Yian became the puppet regional administrator. After the victory in the War of Resistance, the Jinan Taoist Temple and the Red Swastika Society remained unscathed. It was not until around 1950 that the People’s Government disbanded the organization. After the Red Swastika Society was banned in 1948, the building complex was taken over by the Shandong Provincial Ancient Relics Management Committee. After 1956, it served as exhibition rooms for the Shandong Provincial Museum. In 1995, the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology moved into the compound.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level