Emperor Wu of Chen Palace

　　Historical records state: “Due to the flourishing incense offerings at the former palace of Chen, in the first year of Guangda during the Chen Dynasty (567), an imperial edict established it as Tianju Temple; in the second year of Zhili during the Song Dynasty (1065), it was renamed Guanghui Monastery; in the 24th year of Hongwu during the Ming Dynasty (1391), it became a monastic complex, commonly known as Xiashuosi.”

　　Within Emperor Wu of Chen Palace there is an ancient well. According to historical accounts: when Chen Baxian was born, the well’s water began to boil, and his family drew water from it to bathe him. Later generations called this well the “Sacred Well,” also known as the “Chen Well.”

　　The Sacred Well has stone-lined walls, is about 15 meters deep, with a diameter of 1.5 meters. Its water surface is level with the ground, the water is clear, and it never runs dry throughout the year. In 1993, a new Sacred Well Pavilion was built, and a Sacred Well Stele was erected to protect the well. On August 15, 1994, the county government approved the reconstruction of the Chen Baxian Emperor Wu of Chen Palace at Xiashuosi.

　　The plaque of the current Emperor Wu of Chen Palace, inscribed with the words “Emperor Wu of Chen Palace,” was handwritten by Chen Lifu, a former high-ranking official from Taiwan. At the center of the palace stands a statue of Chen Baxian, while the western side features murals depicting his life story. The back of the statue is inscribed with “The Personal Biography of Emperor Chen Baxian, the Founding Emperor of the Chen Dynasty.” The entire palace features exquisitely tiled eaves, upturned dragon corners, two dragons playing with a pearl on the roof, vivid dragon and phoenix designs on the doors, ancient bricks paving the floor, presenting a magnificent and solemn atmosphere.