Xigang Zixu Temple

Xigang Zixu Temple

Xigang Zixu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xigang Zixu Temple is located in Xigang Village, Guhan Town, Xiangyuan County. It faces south and measures 19.5 meters from east to west and 32 meters from north to south, covering an area of approximately 624 square meters. According to inscriptions on the beams of the main hall, it was renovated in the 23rd year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1843). The temple has a single-courtyard layout, with remnants of a mountain gate, theater stage, and main hall along the central axis. On both sides are the east and west side towers, east and west side halls, and west side hall, all of which were rebuilt in recent years.

Wu Zixu was a statesman, military general, and strategist of the late Spring and Autumn Period in the State of Wu, originally from the State of Chu. He was enfeoffed in the Shenyi region and was also known as Shen Xu. Wu Zixu’s father was named Wu She, and his elder brother was Wu Shang. Wu Zixu had a strong personality and, since his youth, excelled in both literary and martial pursuits, being brave and highly strategic. In the 23rd year of King Jing of Zhou’s reign (522 BCE), he was framed by Fei Wuji, the tutor of the Chu crown prince, leading to the execution of his father and brother by King Ping of Chu. Forced to flee Chu, he swore to overthrow the state in revenge for his family. Later, Wu Zixu escaped to the State of Wu (with its capital in present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu) together with Prince Sheng. After King Helü of Wu ascended the throne, he appointed Wu Zixu as a minister. With Wu Zixu’s assistance, the State of Wu gradually grew into a powerful nation.

There is the story of “Wu Zixu passing through Zhaxia Pass and turning white-haired overnight.” After fleeing from the State of Zheng, Wu Zixu and Prince Sheng hid during the day and traveled at night until they reached Zhaxia Pass (north of Hanshan County, Anhui Province), the border between the States of Wu and Chu. The guards at the pass were extremely strict, and Wu Zixu could not sleep for several nights due to anxiety, causing his hair to turn completely white. Fortunately, they met a kind-hearted man named Dong Gao Gong, who took them into his home. Dong Gao Gong had a friend who bore a resemblance to Wu Zixu. Dong Gao Gong had him impersonate Wu Zixu to cross the pass. The guards captured the fake Wu Zixu, but the real one, with his completely white hair and altered appearance, went unrecognized and managed to escape.

Xigang Village: Xigang Village in Guhan Town is located 4 kilometers west of Xiangyuan County. To the north is the Xiangjiu Road, and to the south is the Changshang Road. A cement road runs north-south through the center of the village. The village covers an area of about 3 square kilometers. It has 260 households, divided into four villager groups, with a total population of 1,052 people, including 21 Party members—2 of whom are female. The village has a total of 2,081 mu of arable land.

… Detailed information about Xigang Village ++