Gaogu Temple

Gaogu Temple

Gaogu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Author: Yan Qinlai

Gaogu Temple is located in Gaosicun Village, Gaosixiang Township, Xiangcheng City. In ancient times, there were numerous burial mounds dotting the landscape, preserving primitive human relics; temples stood densely, bustling with incense and worship at one time; the scenic view of “Lofty Mounds Towering Green” was picturesque and once ranked among the Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangcheng. However, as time passed and the world changed, the burial mounds were destroyed and the temples collapsed. In the long river of history, only some legends, historical materials, and cultural relics remain. In recent years, through gathering and investigation, I wish to present the historical appearance of Gaogu Temple to readers.

Gaogu Temple is situated in the Central Plains, eastern Henan. In ancient times, it was a mound-shaped highland, backed by water (the Fen River) and facing the sun, commonly referred to as Gaogu, an ideal place for early human settlements. Legend has it that Zhuanxu, one of the eight sons of the Yellow Emperor, chose to reside here and was known as the Gaoyang Clan. It is also said that Yu the Great, after achieving success in flood control, chose this high mound to hold a celebratory ceremony on a ceremonial platform. Later poets wrote the elegant line: “Its fame began in the Xia Dynasty; how many times have people climbed here to cherish the past.” Ying Ta, one of the Seven Masters of Jian’an during the Eastern Han Dynasty, known as the Talent of Dongyang, came from the prestigious Ying family, who built many tombs on Gaogu. Hence, it was also called Gaoyang Tomb Mound. Taoism, a native Chinese religion that flourished during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han and originated from ancient shamanistic practices, and Buddhism, which was introduced to China from India during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han, both saw a boom in temple construction on Gaogu during the Southern and Northern Dynasties when the saying “Four hundred and eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties” reflected the prevalence of temple building. Temples such as the Dongyue Temple (Buddhist) and Huilong Guan (Taoist) were built about a li east of Gaogu on Longhu Mountain, while west of Gaogu on Fenghuang Ridge stood Gugu An (Taoist). On top of Gaogu itself, a Buddhist temple was constructed, hence it was also called Gaogu Temple. Later, it was simply referred to as Gaosi.

It is said that there was once a Buddhist temple built atop the high mound, hence it was also called Gaoqiu Temple. Later generations simply referred to it as Gao Temple.

According to archaeological experts, artifacts collected from Gaosi were identified as belonging to the Longshan Culture site. The area is quite large, with thick cultural layers, making it of significant value for studying the early to middle Longshan culture. As a result, it has been designated as a Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Originally, Gaoci Temple covered an area of 28,500 square meters and stood 50 meters high, truly a majestic mound. In my childhood, Gaogu Temple was a mysterious place. My home was eight li away from Gaogu Temple. From afar, it towered into the clouds, with splendid temples, swirling incense, ancient cypresses reaching the sky, sturdy pines standing tall, and bamboo groves encircling it — it seemed like a fairyland shrouded in mist, tugging at the heartstrings and stirring longing. As I grew older and climbed the mound with my elders, I was instantly refreshed, feeling a connection with the ancients. Standing atop and looking around, my heart opened up; looking down, the Fen River wound around the mound, with rapid currents rushing beneath the stone bridge, and tender green willows lining the banks. Not far to the east of the mound were Huilong Guan and Dongyue Temple, to the west was Gugu An, to the south were numerous Ying tombs — truly a delightful scenery that attracted many literati and poets to leave behind writings depicting the beauty of Gaogu Temple. Wang Jing, a county magistrate of the Ming Dynasty, wrote the regulated verse “Lofty Mounds Towering Green” after gazing into the distance from atop the mound: “The wild view is vast and open, purple air stretches far and wide; the mound stands high, clear skies hint at rain, mountain greens blend with poetic clouds. Evening glow floats over Fushan boundary, autumn hues face the setting sun. What do I recall in the wind? I wield my brush to compose poetry.” This illustrates the scenic advantages of the Gaosi area — from atop the mound, the fields are vast, the breeze gentle, the clouds and mist lingering, creating a fresh, pleasant, and quiet place for study. Every morning, at the break of dawn, the temple bell would ring loudly, piercing the clouds, its sound waves spreading in all directions, awakening the people of countless villages. The Qing Dynasty literatus Niu Xiu wrote “Inscription on Gaogu Temple”: “The upper halls chime the early bell, its clear sound falling through the pines, wafting over the stone bridge in the wind, waking the ospreys beyond the woods.” The evening scenery of Gaosi was also quite enchanting. In 1944, while teaching at Gaogu Temple, Mr. Li Fabai wrote “Evening View from Gaogu Temple”: “At dusk on the layered terrace, the land stretches out as far as the eye can see, smoke clears as the forest exhales the moon, the stream flows long under the bridge, the sounds of Buddhism purify worldly hearts, the lotus breeze dispels the summer heat. Lost in deep thought for a long while, a flute note breaks the silence.” It describes the sunset over Gaogu, where all is quiet, the lotus breeze brushes against one’s face, the summer heat instantly dissipates, gazing at the moon and listening to the flute brings peace to the heart, lost in admiration, fully enjoying the scenery of Gaosi. Zhang Jinfang, a local, wrote “The Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangcheng: Lofty Mounds Towering Green (a seven-character regulated verse),” and also wrote about the scenery of Gaogu Temple, including “Ancient Temple in Morning Mist,” with a short preface: “West of the bridge stands a very high mound, the tomb of the Ying family. There are many Ying tombs here, but this one is the largest, with a Buddhist temple built on top... (The seven-character regulated verse reads): In several places, spring sunlight connects faintly, the Buddhist temple’s wind wraps half the woods in mist. Pearl curtains roll up the morning rain, painted beams fly with the sunset clouds. Fallen leaves lowly veil the red temple outside, slanting sunlight shoots far onto the emerald peak. Water villages and mountain towns are clear as mirrors, gazing to the edge of the evening mist over the south of the Yangtze.” There are many poems about Gaogu Temple, but unfortunately, with the temples and shrines destroyed, most of these verses have been lost. Yet from the exquisite lines of the poets above, one can fully appreciate the charm of “Lofty Mounds Towering Green” and its captivating scenery. Though time has passed and its splendor faded, it has left an indelible echo of ancient civilization and the scenery of the Xiangcheng region.

The Buddhist Temple Turned into a Confucian School

Gaogu Temple was a famous ancient temple in Xiangcheng, with flourishing incense offerings and a large number of monks throughout the dynasties. It had over a hundred mu of incense land. During temple fairs, worshippers came in an endless stream, and the temple’s monks and followers were quite numerous. Some lawless monks indulged in food and drink, idle and good-for-nothing, and even harmed the local community. In the third year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1887), due to the misconduct of the monks, public outrage was stirred, and the villagers drove them out together. Soon after, with the approval of Magistrate Li, it was ordered: “Transform it into a free school, and never recruit monks again.” A free school named “Wuqi Shanzhuang” was then established inside the temple. Zhang Ruizhen, a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations (and father of Zhang Zhenfang), donated an additional 20 mu of land on top of the original 100 mu of incense land, totaling 120 mu, called Xue Tian (school land). At the same time, Jinshi Yu Lian’e, Juren Xia Yaorong, and others also provided strong support. Guo Yuan (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations), Han Xinzhai (a student in advanced studies), and others were invited to teach here for many years. According to Xia Yaorong’s preface: “Once the matter was settled, the colleagues felt that the free school was too lonely, so they decided to add rigorous examination sessions and group studies to improve performance. However, the land was limited, resources meager, and apart from public expenses for ceremonies and hiring teachers, it was difficult to provide for everyone. So they prepared their own funds, with scholars imitating the national examination system, pupils following the academy examination format, and children taught according to schoolbooks, each with their own set of rules, strictly followed. In short, ‘Wuqi’ (not to deceive) was the guiding principle.” At that time, scholars of all ages gathered here, dressed formally to show respect, bowed to the Sage to honor the tradition, and observed seniority to demonstrate humility — a refined and cultivated atmosphere. From then on, scholars gathered here for group studies, and dozens of them went on to achieve success in the imperial examinations. It is evident that the scholarly gatherings and mutual learning at Gaogu Temple were unprecedented, making it truly a paradise for learning.

Gaogu Temple’s scenery is beautiful and serene, indeed an excellent place for study. From 1944 to 1945, during the War of Resistance, Xiangcheng Junior High School was temporarily relocated to Gaogu Temple. At that time, there were seven classes, and many renowned educators gathered at the school. The principal, Li Yousan (graduated from Peking Normal University), the director, Zhou Zhilin (graduated from Tsinghua University), Li Fabai (graduated from Central University), Zhou Boji, Shao Zihou, Zhang Xixian, and many other notable scholars were all present. Although the equipment was poor, both teachers and students were very dedicated to teaching and learning, especially with profound patriotic education for the students. Many elderly people who studied here still fondly recall those days. Professor Li Fabai wrote a school song for Xiangcheng Junior High School during his tenure, which students sang every day to motivate themselves. The song’s content was: “Gazing across the land of China, a scene of sorrow, the motherland’s rivers and mountains, bleak and broken. A great building cannot be supported by a single tree, nurturing talent cannot be planned for just a hundred years. Remember our hatred, suppress our blood, endure our bitter tears, endure and persevere, cultivate virtue and study diligently, spur ourselves on. Here, the Fen River winds, Gaogu towers green, a grand painting of scenery, dancing clouds and singing winds, the sea surges like blades and liquid. When the years come, with studies accomplished... we will emulate Dingyuan and Ban Chao... strike directly at the dragon’s lair, water our horses in Fusang.” This song greatly inspired and motivated the young students. Teachers and students encouraged each other, honing themselves day and night. Outside the temple, “grand operas were performed, yet classes continued without pause.” This period marked the golden age of Xiangcheng Junior High School, producing many talented students. After the victory of the war, the county middle school moved back to the old county town, and the temple became a primary school.

In the early years of liberation, the new district government was stationed on Gaogu Temple. After the government moved, the temple continued to be used as a school. In 1952, it was renamed as the First District Gaosi Central Primary School. On the temple platform, there were over 400 daytime students, and teachers’ offices and living quarters were also located there. At that time, it was a great place for children in the Gaosi area to study. After rain, teachers and students picked up many stone axes, stone arrowheads, deer antlers, bone needles, and other relics from the temple platform to use as historical teaching aids. In 1969, Gaosi established middle school classes, and the primary and secondary schools expanded to 16 classes. The school site was later moved to Wangzhongzi, and Gaogu suffered a catastrophe. The masses dug up mound soil for fertilizer, leading to the destruction of the mounds. The towering beauty of Gaogu became nothing more than a legend.

Recalling the many events of Gaogu, each scene is vividly remembered. The past has passed, but the future is yet to come — even more splendid and bright. The future of Gaogu awaits future generations to paint an even more beautiful picture.