Memorial Temple of Duke Zuo Zhongyi

　　The Memorial Temple of Duke Zuo Zhongyi is situated within the campus of Tongcheng High School in downtown Tongcheng. Constructed during the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty, it is a memorial temple dedicated to Zuo Guangdou, commonly known as the "Zuo Public Temple." The current temple covers an area of 1,027.27 square meters and is divided into three sections: the front, middle, and rear halls. All are wooden structures with a relatively high architectural style. Zuo Guangdou, a native of Tongcheng, Anhui, passed the imperial examination in the 35th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty and rose to the position of Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. As an official, he was committed to national affairs, upheld justice, and was known for his integrity and outspokenness, earning a strong reputation in governance. In the fourth year of the Tianqi reign, he fell victim to the eunuch faction led by Wei Zhongxian and was imprisoned, where he eventually died. After the ascension of Emperor Chongzhen, his unjust case was redressed, and he was posthumously honored with the title "Zhongyi" (Loyal and Righteous).

　　The Memorial Temple of Duke Zuo Zhongyi is connected to the Danjiao Hall; the temple was built by locals to commemorate Zuo Guangdou, the Right Censor-in-Chief of the Ming Dynasty, while the Danjiao Hall was his former residence. Originally a three-section structure with white walls, small tiles, large eaves, deeply recessed red doors, and opposing stone doorframes, the front section of the Zuo Public Temple was damaged due to years of neglect. In recent years, thanks to the protection and restoration efforts of cultural heritage authorities, its original appearance has been restored. The front, middle, and rear sections of the temple are all wooden structures. The middle section serves as the main hall, featuring three bays and a seven-rafter beam structure with front and rear supplementary frames. The Danjiao Hall was originally a traditional three-section building, with the front gate tower once destroyed but now restored. The middle and rear sections remain well-preserved. The middle section of the Danjiao Hall is the central hall, also called the "Danjiao Hall," with side rooms serving as upper chambers. The rear section functions as the residential living area, dating back to the early years of the Wanli reign in the Ming Dynasty. Both are key cultural heritage protection sites.

　　

　　Zuo Guangdou (1575~1625)　　Zuo Guangdou (1575–1625), courtesy name Gongzhi, also known as Yizhi, and literary name Fugiu, was a native of Zhongyi Village, Hengbu Township (present-day). He passed the imperial examination in the 35th year of the Wanli reign (1607). His father, Zuo Chu Ying, commonly called "Elder Zuo" by locals, had nine sons, with Zuo Guangdou being the fifth. Coming from a poor background, Zuo Guangdou was ambitious and determined from a young age. In the 47th year of the Wanli reign, while serving as Left Censor-in-Chief, Zuo Guangdou inspected the capital and was outraged by the criminal activities of corrupt officials and local tyrants. He confiscated over 70 counterfeit official seals and arrested more than 100 fake officers, restoring discipline and causing corrupt officials to retreat in fear. In the first year of the Tianqi reign under Emperor Xizong (1621), Zuo Guangdou... Details+

　　Source: Tongcheng Cultural Relics Bureau