Qinglin Kou Ancient Architectural Complex

Qinglin Kou Ancient Architectural Complex

The Qinglin Kou Ancient Architectural Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Qinglin Kou Ancient Architectural Complex

Qinglin Kou is situated in a small mountain valley southwest of Erlangmiao Town, where the Mahui River—source of the Tong River—meets another stream. It is an important red tourism site in northern Sichuan. The area still retains well-preserved ancient structures such as the Wenchang Palace, Mazu Temple, Nanhua Palace, Wan Nian Stage, Qiaolou Pavilion, along with numerous wooden houses from the Qing Dynasty and Republican era. Since 1999, when the filming crew of the "Journey to the West" TV series sequel shot two episodes here, the site has gained fame. Nestled against the mountains and by the river, Qinglin Kou lies about 40 kilometers northeast of Jiangyou City. Historically, it was a key transportation hub and commercial center for Jiangyou (油), Zitong (梓), and Jiange (剑) counties, bustling with guildhalls, thriving temples, and lively streets.

Historically a vital transportation route, the area gradually developed into a prosperous market town, bustling with merchants, filled with guildhalls, and dotted with temples. Walking through Qinglin Kou, the streets appear worn, yet the ancient flagstone pathways, flanked by old houses and grand wooden buildings adorned with intricate carvings, preserve the town’s historic charm.

At the end of the new street stands a stone arch covered bridge built during the Qing Dynasty, originally called "Heyi Bridge," now famously known as the Red Army Bridge. In 1935, the Fourth Front Army of the Red Army crossed the Jialing River forcefully, defeating the Kuomintang's 28th and 29th Armies. The Ninth and 30th Red Armies entered Qinglin Kou via Jiange and established the Soviet regime here. The Red Army resided for just over a month before being ordered to move on. A female soldier surnamed Liu, severely injured and unable to evacuate, was taken in by a local silversmith named Yang. She was later discovered by the Kuomintang’s “Communist Purge Squad.” Despite severe torture, she remained unyielding and was martyred on a wooden post at the bridgehead. To honor her, the bridge was officially renamed, and a plaque reading “Red Army Bridge” was hung on the pavilion. To this day, slogans and inscriptions such as “Support the Red Army,” “Resolutely Oppose Imperialism and Fight Japan,” and “The Red Army is the Savior of the Poor” remain clearly visible. Weathered by time, the Red Army Bridge and its simple monuments silently recount that tumultuous history. The bridge not only carries Qinglin Kou’s legacy but also connects the new and old streets, giving the town its T-shaped layout. The houses along the old street line up alongside an unnamed small river, appearing low and shabby compared to the newer section, yet their unique three-story structure is surprising. From the outside, these houses—around four to five meters high—hide an interior divided into three levels, each generously spacious. The foundation on the river side is over a meter lower than the entrance, used for raising pigs or storing firewood. The main part is split into upper and lower floors with wooden panels—the upper for living, the lower for receiving guests or cooking—housing an entire family's life within this compact space.

At the southernmost end of the old street is the Huoshen Temple, built during Emperor Guangxu’s reign in the Qing Dynasty. This small temple complex is composed of the Huoshen Hall, Wenchang Hall, and Yuhuang Hall, featuring deities from Taoism (Yuhuang Dadi, the God of Fire, and Wenchang), Buddhism (Sakyamuni), and folk religion. Walking north from the old street along a bluestone path and rounding an ancient bodhi tree, you’ll reach Banbian Street—literally “Half-Side Street.” Though merely a loose row of scattered houses, this was Qinglin Kou’s earliest central area. The one-kilometer-long street today is desolate, devoid of people, making it hard to imagine its former glory.

Revolutionary relics such as the Red Army Bridge and numerous carved slogans serve as reminders of the heroic struggle of the Fourth Front Army of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in 1935. In 1992, the Jiangyou Municipal Government designated the Qinglin Kou Ancient Architectural Complex as a cultural relics protection unit. The Qinglin KouGaotai Opera is distinctive, originating in the reign of Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty and performed during major festivals to elevate festive atmosphere. Specifically crafted wooden stages of one-meter-square frames hold two 12–13-year-old child actors, secured to represent characters—one on top “standing on one leg” upon the other’s shoulders—while four strong men carry the platform, creating a spectacular scene. Beyond its historic scenery, Qinglin Kou also offers distinctive snacks. Locally-made items such as “Pregnant Tofu,” “Egg White Tofu,” and a variety of soybean products receive high praise, while a liquor called “General’s Boldness” and homemade wild fruit wines like hawthorn wine are unforgettable.

Residential houses in the area employ traditional overhanging eaves, courtyards with multiple halls, three-layered terraced architecture, and uniquely suspended stilted buildings, all featuring classic wooden carvings, ornamental windows, and bluestone pillars—typical of traditional Ming and Qing styles. In the past, broadleaf phoenix trees grew in front of every home, casting cool shade where residents enjoyed breezy summer reprieves.

The town, though not crowned with towering mountains, exudes graceful beauty; the water isn’t deep but crystal clear; the land not expansive but serene. Here, ancient pines, verdant cypresses, and swaying bodhi trees frame the town’s upturned roof corners.

Spanning the Tong River, the Yongji Iron Chain Bridge has been destroyed three times by floods. In the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926), initiated by philanthropist Deng Guizhen, it took three years to raise funds before construction began. The iron for the piers and eight interlocking chains was transported by boat from Hanyang to Chongqing, then manually carried to Qinglin Kou, where artisans forged it into flat-link chains. The difficulty of the project is evident. The bridge is paved with wood planks, spanning 128 meters wide and 4 meters long. In 1927 (the 16th year of the Republic of China), it was renamed Guilin Bridge. Its design is unique and more magnificent than the “Husband-Wife Bridge” in Guan County. A three-story pavilion-style temple, Yunlou (Lock Water Temple), was built nearby to calm the waters and protect the bridge. To its right is a giant stone stele, four meters tall, inscribed with bold characters for “Guilin Bridge,” rumored to be penned by immortal Zhang Sanfeng, hence called “Sanfeng’s Divine Brush.” Left stands a donation stele. The gate’s screen wall features vivid murals depicting stories from the Eight Immortals and historical figures. The main hall hosts a golden statue of Patriarch Sanfeng, with a side portrait commemorating Deng Guizhen’s contribution. The lofty Yunlou stands imposingly, complemented by the shimmering Tong River and the bridge’s dramatic form—attractions that draw many visitors. The lines “Cloud Pavilion locks Tong River, Sanfeng’s divine brush in Guilin; sacred site and virtuous path lead up; Qinglin ancient town lies in a painting” praise its cultural and natural beauty. This site was once listed among Jiangyou’s Eight Scenic Spots.

Heyi Bridge is a type of covered bridge, an ancient and unique bridge format. In April 1935, when the Fourth Front Army marched north to resist Japan and attacked Qinglin Kou, some Red Army soldiers sacrificed here. To commemorate them, after liberation, the government repaired and renamed the bridge Red Army Bridge. The Red Army also left behind many revolutionary relics here.

The ancient town features guildhalls from five provinces, five large palaces, five ancient stages, and a uniquely designed pedestrian shelter along the streets. At nightfall, seven enormous street lamps illuminate the town like daylight, envisioning the bustling prosperity of merchant gatherings in the past. The Jiangxi Guildhall, Huguang Guildhall, Yuwang Palace, Canton Guildhall, and Wenchang Palace are richly adorned with woodworking artistry, offering both cultural and aesthetic value.

The suspended stage at the confluence of the Tong River and Qingyun Stream was once a vibrant hub where troupes and artists from Jiang, Zitong, and Jiange counties gathered during festivals and temple fairs. Highlights included not only theatrical performances but also dragon dances (fire, colored, water) and lion dances, as well as distinctive lantern displays such as river lanterns, playing card lanterns, palace lanterns, and horse lanterns. Most captivating was the “folk high-platform opera,” an ancient form rooted in Jiangsu and Zhejiang but brought by migrants in early Qing who settled in Qinglin. These performances used large wooden tables as platforms, with iron rods holding children dressed in costume atop them. Performers—carried by four men—delivered thrilling shows. This opera once appeared in Jiangyou’s cultural events, winning public acclaim.

In the outskirts lie numerous temples, monasteries, and shrines, with representative sites including Huanghe Temple, Yellow Crane Temple, and Qinghua Guan. Two kilometers east of town, past a bamboo grove and up the mountainside, lies deep within the hills the ancient Huanghe Temple, built in the late Ming and early Qing periods. With majestic architecture and exquisite wood and stone carvings, it stands as a masterpiece of traditional monastery design.

Qinglin Ancient Town is blessed with gifted individuals throughout history, producing two imperial examination graduates (Fu Kaitai, Deng Dafang), one Hanlin academician (Li Shenfu), along with many licentiates, tribute students, and scholars. Today, its scholarly tradition continues, yielding many college graduates and notable experts, professors, and academics from Qinglin Kou.

Protected area: East to Hu Xianqing’s home at the Red Army Bridgehead, west to Yang Quanxu’s home (right) and Chen Wenjin’s home (left) outside the Wenchang Palace’s main gate, south to Chen Dengyi’s home across from the Red Army Bridge, north to Li Junyun’s home near the Yue-Min Guildhall and ancient stage.

Construction control zone: Extending from the protected area, it includes the eastern end of Banbian Street, the western edge of the Wenchang Palace area, the southern streets opposite the Red Army Bridge, and the northern entrance of Qinglin Kou. It also covers areas across the river including the remnants of Huanggong Ancestral Hall, Songlin Bridge, and the bridge shelter.

Erlangmiao Town: A township under Jiangyou City. Established as Mingjing Township in 1953, reorganized as a commune in 1958, reinstated as a township in 1983, merged with Majiao Town in 1984, and spun off as Erlangmiao Town in 1988. Located in the city’s eastern region, 44 km from the urban center, it spans 153.6 square km with a population of 31,000. The Baoji Railway runs through and has a station here, while National Highway Sichuan Zhongba–Yanmen passes through. It governs 19 villages: Mingjing, Taba, Xin Qiao, Tian’an, Bajiao, Donghua, Weihe, Huangjiang, Leijiahe, Longtan, Jinshi, Gaoba, Qinglin, Lengjiaba, Qiaoshanghe, Yanjiasi, Baolin, Xinjaogou, and Bajiaowan... Further detailed information on Erlangmiao Town++

Further Reading:

·Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units