Gao Miao Bao’an Temple

Gao Miao Bao’an Temple

Gao Miao Bao’an Temple is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Zhongwei Gao Miao is located in the north of Zhongwei County. It was built on a high platform connected to the city wall (including Bao’an Temple beneath the platform). Legend has it that construction began during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403–1424). Through successive expansions and renovations over the dynasties, it had become a large ancient architectural complex by the Qing Dynasty, embodying the style of ancient Ningxia architecture. Alongside the “Great Desert Wonder,” it is one of the two major scenic highlights of Zhongwei.

Gao Miao is a unique temple that integrates the Three Teachings—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. A couplet on the temple’s brick-carved memorial archway reads: “Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism guide both self and others from here”; “Heaven, Earth, and Humankind create and transform themselves entirely within this space.” The horizontal plaque reads: “Supreme Dharma Bridge.” The temple enshrines not only Buddhas and Bodhisattvas but also the Jade Emperor, the Holy Mother, the God of Literature, and Guan Yu. Idols from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism coexist harmoniously under one roof.

In front of Gao Miao stands Bao’an Temple, with its mountain gate facing south. On either side are side halls, while the main hall in front is the single-eave hip-and-gable-roofed Mahavira Hall. Behind the hall lies Gao Miao, accessed by 24 steps. Ascending the stairs, visitors pass through the memorial archway, the Southern Heavenly Gate, and the Central Tower, finally reaching the three-story Five Sacred Mountains, Jade Emperor, and Holy Mother Halls. These main structures are all aligned along a central axis, each layer building upon the previous, gradually rising in height to create an imposing grandeur. Flanking the main buildings are auxiliary halls such as the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Literary Tower, Martial Tower, Spirit Official Hall, and Kṣitigarbha Hall.

On a mere 2,000-plus-square-meter high platform, nearly a hundred halls of various styles have been constructed—including nine-ridge hip-and-gable roofs, four-corner spire roofs, cross-hipped roofs, and general’s helmet-style domes. The entire architectural complex features overlapping stories, interconnected pavilions and corridors, and upturned eaves, forming intricate internal and external spaces. This reflects, from one angle, the exquisite artistic finesse of ancient Ningxia architecture, leaving a profound impression on visitors.

Ascending to the highest level of Gao Miao unveils yet another breathtaking scene. Ancient poets once praised this view: “Reeds bloom like flying snow, rippling the clear ripples; misty rain deepens the wonder as you gaze. White egrets bathe in the distance, dot by dot; distant boats stir thoughts of the Five Lakes.” It is truly a magnificent yet serene masterpiece of traditional Chinese painting. Gazing into the boundless sky, layers of indigo and blue stretch out; the desert oasis, the Yellow River, and the Great Wall all lie within view. Up close, the rising clouds and radiant light evoke images of the rosy clouds of Chicheng, the snows of Emei, the mists of Wu Mountain, the rains of Xiaoxiang, and the tides of Qiantang, as well as the waterfalls of Mount Lu—each seemingly born here, stirring endless reverie and deep emotion. At this moment, the deep, melodious sound of camel bells drifting from the distant desert adds a soul-stirring resonance, immersing visitors as if in a living poem or painting.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level