Gaoge Temple

Gaoge Temple

Gaoge Temple is a national key cultural relics protection unit.

Originally named Dashige, Anyang’s Gaoge Temple is located in the backyard of what was once the Gaoge Temple Primary School (now Wenyuan High School) on Mahao Street in the old city of Anyang. Because it was built on a high brick platform, it is also called Gaoge Temple. It is now a provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit.

According to local chronicles, Gaoge Temple was originally built on the Feixian Terrace within the government offices of the Song Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Zhezong of Song, Han Yun expanded the government offices. During the Zhihe era of Emperor Renzong of Song, Wei Gong Han Qi (the owner of the nearby Hanwang Temple and Zhujin Hall by the old No. 5 Middle School) governed Xiangzhou and further developed pavilions, halls, gardens, and pools. The scale was grand and the architecture magnificent, earning it the reputation of being “the most imposing in Hebei.”

In the second year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1404 AD), Zhu Gaoxian, the second son of Emperor Chengzu of Ming, was granted the title of Prince of Zhao. The History of Ming records: “Zhu Gaoxian, relying on imperial favor, often acted unlawfully and conspired with Han Wang Gaoxi (the second son of Emperor Chengzu — note by the author) to usurp the throne, frequently slandering the crown prince.” As a result, he was nearly executed by Emperor Chengzu. He was spared only because the crown prince (later Emperor Renzong of Ming) strongly interceded for him. After Emperor Renzong ascended the throne, Zhu Gaoxian was enfeoffed in Zhangde (Anyang) with an annual stipend of 20,000 dan. In that year (1425 AD), the government offices of Zhangde Prefecture were converted into a princely mansion. Today, only Gaoge Temple remains as a remnant of its former glory.

Gaoge Temple is the last hall of the Jiaojiao Shrine in the Zhao Princely Mansion of the Ming Dynasty. The existing Gaoge Temple was rebuilt in the sixth year of the Chenghua era of Emperor Xiaozong of Ming (1470 AD). During the Qing Dynasty, under the reigns of Qianlong and Guangxu, it underwent further renovations. After the liberation, it was renovated twice. In recent years, the Henan Provincial Government has allocated funds for its repainting and restoration.

Standing over 20 meters tall, Gaoge Temple is a tower-like building on a high platform, featuring a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof with glazed tiles and a platform base about 8 meters high. The southern side serves as the main facade, with 32 stone steps leading up to the platform. Flanking the steps and surrounding the base are stone lions, stone pillars, and stone railings. The base is decorated with about one-meter-high stone reliefs, each side featuring eight symmetrically arranged dragons. However, over time and due to wind and rain erosion, the reliefs on the northern side have been almost completely worn away. Some of these also bear ancient Indian Sanskrit inscriptions. These reliefs and decorations are exquisitely crafted, vividly shaped, and though weathered, they remain clearly recognizable. The front of the tower features paneled doors, with a depth and width of three bays each, each measuring 9 meters. The central and side bays share four round wooden columns that run all the way to the lower part of the four-rafter beams at the top of the tower, forming a solid and sturdy framework. Four golden columns directly support the five-rafter beams of the upper eaves, with relatively complex bracket sets. The ridge tie beam bears the inscription “Rebuilt in the sixth year of the Chenghua era of the Great Ming (1470 AD), eighth month of the year of Gengyin,” while the front golden tie beam is inscribed with “Renovated in the ninth year of the Guangxu era of the Great Qing, sixth month of the year of Guimao.” The beam structure of Gaoge Temple exhibits Ming Dynasty characteristics, while the bracket sets and tower doors reflect local Qing Dynasty craftsmanship. Based on the inscriptions, it is known that Gaoge Temple is an ancient building rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty and renovated in the Qing Dynasty.

The interior of the tower is adorned with colorful beams and painted murals, with lifelike figures vividly depicted, showcasing the exceptional skill of the painters.

Majestic and imposing, Gaoge Temple stands in striking contrast yet harmonious companionship with the nearby Wenfeng Pagoda, embellishing the beautiful scenery of the ancient city.

The street where Gaoge Temple is located is called Mahao Street. Legend has it that this street was once the site of the horse stables for the Zhao Princely Mansion during the Ming Dynasty, hence the name “Mahao Street” (literally “Horse Stables Street”).

Transportation:

Take bus routes 25 or 26 for direct access.

Location

Mahao Street, Wenhua District, Anyang City, Henan Province

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units