Ancient Temple Architectural Complex of Dazhou Village

Ancient Temple Architectural Complex of Dazhou Village

The Ancient Temple Architectural Complex of Dazhou Village is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Dazhou Village in Majia Town, Gaoping City, is located about 40 li southwest of Gaoping. It borders Dayang Town of Zezhou County to the south and is an area where no other village, town, or city within a hundred-mile radius can compare in terms of ancient dwellings and temples. Its architecture is arranged according to the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams. The Five Elements correspond to five gate towers in the southeast, north, and central directions, while the Eight Trigrams include the addition of four more gates in the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest, showcasing the dedication of our ancestors in striving for the prosperity, happiness, peace, and harmony of Dazhou. Dazhou is also known as the "Village of All-God Temples" for having the most temples (72 large and small shrines). However, due to its remote location, it has not garnered much attention, leading to the human destruction or collapse of many ancient structures and temples. Nevertheless, quite a few still remain, though they are in disrepair due to age. Urgent efforts are needed to rescue these cultural relics.

Dazhou Village, formerly known as Zhouzuan Town, is said to have been one of the sites considered for the establishment of an ancient county seat, hence the construction of the Temple to the City God. The name Zhouzuan Town truly lives up to its reputation. Judging from its existing ruins: to the east lies a gate tower; to the north, there is a gate connected to a section of ancient city wall, beneath which the Temple to the City God was built. To the west stands a seven-bay gate tower inscribed with the three large characters “Zhou Zuan Zhen” (Zhouzuan Town), above which is the Hall of the Patriarch. On both sides of the gate tower are shelters for ancient city defenders to dodge arrows. Outside the seven-bay gate is a grand stone memorial archway. To the south is a southern gate tower, inscribed with the character “Chaoyang” (Facing the Sun), which connects to the Guanyin Tower. To the northeast is a gate tower linked to the Three Officials Temple, a three-courtyard complex where worshippers must climb 38 steps to reach the main hall—believed to bring blessings if approached with sincere devotion. To the northwest is another gate tower connected to the King Temple, also a three-courtyard complex featuring a main hall, side halls, and a theater stage. To the southeast is a gate tower adorned with statues, and about a hundred meters away stands an ancient pagoda reaching into the clouds, forming a uniquely shaped pair. To the southwest is a gate tower inscribed with the characters “Lan Huan” (Waves Encircle).

Approximately 100 meters southwest lies the site of Zhujiazhai, along with a legend: It is said that during the mid-Yuan Dynasty, a wealthy man named Zhu Yuanwai lived in Zhujiazhai. He married a woman surnamed Hu and had a son named Zhu Gui. When Zhu Gui turned three, Zhu Yuanwai unfortunately passed away. To pray for her husband’s soul, Hu invited monks, Taoists, and nuns to conduct rituals. Among them was a young, handsome, and wise monk named Zhiming, around 20 years old, who caught Hu’s eye. They exchanged glances, and after the funeral, as others left, Hu stayed behind with Zhiming. With Zhu Gui being young, the two grew close and ended up spending the night together. As their affection deepened, they sought to meet regardless of weather. But when Zhu Gui grew older, Hu still longed for Zhiming, yet crossings were hindered during rainy seasons when the river swelled. Frustrated, Zhu Gui eventually built a bridge so his mother could visit any time. It was later called the “Filial Piety Bridge.” When Hu died at 53, Zhu Gui killed Zhiming with a sword, declaring, “I built the bridge out of filial piety for my mother, and I killed the monk to avenge my father.”

In May 2013, the Ancient Temple Architectural Complex of Dazhou Village was designated as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Dazhou Village: Introduction to Dazhou Village

Dazhou Village is located southwest of Gaoping City, about 5 kilometers from Majia Town. It borders Dayang Town of Jincheng to the south and Qinshui to the west, enjoying convenient transportation. The village covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers, with 720 households and a population of 2,468. The arable land area is 2,289 mu. There are 8 officials on the village’s two committees, with one holding dual positions. The Village Party General Branch has 83 party members and 36 villager representatives. Historically known as Zhouzuan Town, legend says it was named after General Yang Zuan of the Zhou Dynasty, who governed the area effectively.

Dazhou Village boasts a long history and profound cultural heritage... More detailed information about Dazhou Village++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units