Sanxia Qingshui Zushi Temple Introduction
Located near Sanxia Old Street, the Qingshui Zush Temple is a bustling temple dedicated to Qingshui Zushi, founded in the 34th year of the Qianlong reign (1769). In 1947, the temple fell into disrepair due to age, and Professor Li Meishu was appointed as the art designer and engineering advisor for the reconstruction project. The many exquisite stone carvings and wooden sculptures in the temple integrate the styles of various artisans and contemporary artists, showcasing the superb craftsmanship and aesthetics of that time, earning the honors of "Hall of Folk Art" and "Hall of Eastern Art." Visiting this hall of art, which boasts works from renowned masters, you will notice the traditional "Five Gates and Three Halls" architecture style built with ancient methods. Starting from the stone steps at the front hall, the ground, walls, and columns are all made of stone, while the five gates of the main hall are made of bronze. The temple features intricately crafted dragon columns, floral and bird pillars, and wooden carvings. The temple rests on a stone base with wooden structures on top. Looking up, you will see beautifully carved wooden works everywhere. The murals and wood carvings depict stories from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," "Journey to the West," "Investiture of the Gods," and "Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars," all created by contemporary masters. The wooden carvings above the main hall (middle hall) are intricately detailed, and the透雕 (pierced carvings) stone columns at the entrance of the main hall are a must-see. Upon entering the Sanxia Zush Temple, you will be immediately attracted by its grandeur and rich religious art. Among the many beautiful stone carvings in the temple, the most eye-catching are the twenty stone columns in the main hall, particularly the three pairs of透雕 (pierced carvings) stone columns at the entrance, known as "Double Dragon Sword Array," "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to Plum," and "Double Dragons Facing the Thirty-Six Passes with Eighteen Riders," which showcase exceptional craftsmanship and are revered as treasures of the temple. As you move to the rear of the main hall, remember to look up at the rare spiral lattice coffered ceiling, which features layers of spiraling designs crafted with high-difficulty carving techniques, presenting significant artistic value. Due to maintenance difficulties, this ceiling remains incense-free. After visiting the temple, you might want to take a stroll in the nearby streets. In addition to exploring Sanxia Old Street, there is the Ganle Cultural and Creative Park where you can enjoy tofu, drink soy milk, and taste local agricultural products. You can also visit a tie-dye workshop to experience DIY dyeing.
