Zhongjiang Xuanwu Temple

Zhongjiang Xuanwu Temple

Zhongjiang Xuanwu Temple is a cultural heritage site protected by Sichuan Province.

About a mile east of the county town, by the Dongxi River, lies Xuanwu Mountain. This mountain has two peaks that appear to be two separate hills but are actually one. The left peak winds like a snake, while the right resembles a turtle—hence the name “Xuanwu” (a reference to the Black Tortoise of the North in Chinese mythology). The peaks interlock in a jagged formation, curving and rising in six twists and three rises, yet remain closely connected. The Dongxi River meanders at the foot of the mountain, creating a picturesque landscape. In the second year of the Qianyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (759 AD), the “Qianchang Temple,” also known as Xuanwu Temple, was built on Xuanwu Mountain. In the second year of the Jiayou era of the Song Dynasty (1065 AD), an imperial edict mandated the avoidance of the characters “Xuan” (玄) and “Wu” (武) due to naming taboos, so Xuanwu Temple was renamed Daqiong Temple. Over time, Daqiong Temple was administered alternately by Buddhist and Taoist sects. The temple complex of Xuanwu Temple features grand halls and lush forests. It includes two main halls, along with a mountain gate, meditation rooms, side chambers, and various shrines, covering an area of about 4 mu (approximately 0.27 hectares).

Throughout the dynasties, eminent monks and Taoist priests served as abbots here, ensuring a continuous flow of incense offerings. At the foot of the mountain are the Sacred Spring and Patterned Stones, surrounded by scenic spots such as “Ten Thousand Willows Greeting the Dragon” and “Three Mosses Continuing the Vein,” which attract visitors all year round. In the first year of the Baoying era of the Tang Dynasty (762 AD), the famous poet Du Fu visited Qianchang Temple and admired its murals, composing the renowned poem “Inscription on the Wall of the Xuanwu Meditation Master’s Room.” The main hall of Xuanwu Temple stands 12 meters tall, 14 meters wide, and 17 meters deep—majestic, solemn, serene, and dignified. In front of the hall remains a stele from the Jiading era of the Southern Song Dynasty, bearing a portrait of the True Warrior (Zhenwu). The figure is depicted with disheveled hair, a sword in hand, and standing atop a turtle and snake, exuding an ethereal aura. The top of the stele is inscribed with five seal characters reading “Portrait of the Great Warrior Zhenwu,” followed by 20 lines of smaller text. The carving is exquisitely detailed. Together with Dongshan Temple and the Sacred Spring behind it, they form a tranquil, harmonious, and elegant natural scene. For centuries, the beautiful surroundings have attracted countless scholars, poets, and artists. Figures such as Gu Kaizhi, the great painter of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Wang Bo, Lu Zhaolin, and Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty, and Su Shi of the Song Dynasty, all left literary works inspired by this place.

Protected Area: 30 meters east of the eastern edge of the enclosing wall, 10 meters south of the southern edge of the perimeter fence, the western edge of the enclosing wall, and 20 meters north of the northern edge of the enclosing wall.

Construction Control Zone: 20 meters beyond the protected area.

Xuanwu Village: Xuanwu Village…… More details about Xuanwu Village++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Heritage Sites Protected by Sichuan Province