Sanxia Qingshui Zushi Temple Introduction
The Qingshui Zushi Temple, located near Sanxia Old Street, is a thriving site of worship dedicated to Qingshui Zushi. It was established in the 34th year of the Qianlong reign (1769) and underwent reconstruction in the 36th year of the Republic of China due to age and deterioration. Professor Li Meishu was appointed as the artistic designer and engineering adviser for this restoration project. The temple features numerous exquisite stone carvings and wooden sculptures that blend the styles of various artisans and contemporary artists, showcasing the superb craftsmanship and aesthetics of that time, which earned it the honors of "Hall of Folk Art" and "Hall of Eastern Art." Visitors to this artistic hall, which gathers the works of master craftsmen, will notice the temple's traditional "five gates and three halls" architectural style. Starting from the stone steps of the front hall, the floors, walls, and columns are all made of stone. The five main gates are made of bronze, and intricate dragon pillars, floral and bird columns, and wooden carvings enhance the interior's exquisite craftsmanship. The temple is built on a stone base with a wooden roof, and looking up reveals intricately carved wooden structures. The murals and wooden sculptures depict stories drawn from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," "Journey to the West," "Investiture of the Gods," and "Twenty-four Filial Exemplars," all crafted by contemporary masters. The wooden carvings above the main hall (central hall) are a must-see, as well as the透雕 (pierced-carving) stone pillars and coffered ceiling. Upon entering the Sanxia Zushi Temple, visitors are immediately captivated by its grandeur and rich religious art. Among the many beautiful stone carvings, the most eye-catching are the twenty stone pillars in the main hall, particularly the three pairs of透雕 stone pillars at the entrance of the main hall: the "Twin Dragons and Golden Light Gathering Immortal Array" three-layer octagonal twin dragon pillars, "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Plum," and "Twin Dragons Approaching the Thirty-Six Passes and Eighteen Knights" three-layer octagonal twin dragon pillars, all of which exhibit remarkable craftsmanship and are regarded as treasures of the temple. After exploring the main hall, be sure to look up at the rare spiral coffered ceiling, which features layers of spiraling designs executed with great difficulty, holding significant artistic value. Due to maintenance challenges, incense is not burned in the main hall. After visiting the temple, it's worthwhile to stroll around the nearby streets. In addition to visiting Sanxia Old Street, the nearby Ganle Creative Park offers opportunities to enjoy tofu and soy milk, taste local agricultural products, or experience DIY fabric dyeing at an indigo dyeing workshop.
