Sanxia Qingshui Zushi Temple Introduction
Located near Sanxia Old Street, the Qingshui Zushi Temple enjoys a large following and is dedicated to Qingshui Zushi. It was founded in the 34th year of the Qianlong reign (1769 AD). Due to years of neglect, the temple fell into disrepair in the 36th year of the Republic of China, prompting the selection of Professor Li Meishu for the artistic design and engineering guidance of its reconstruction. The temple features numerous exquisite stone and wood carvings, which blend the styles of artisans from different schools and contemporary artists, showcasing the superb craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time, earning it the titles of “Hall of Folk Arts” and “Hall of Eastern Arts.” Visitors to this artistic palace of the Zushi Temple will notice its ancient construction style, modeled after the "five entrances and three halls" temple structure. Starting from the stone steps of the front hall, the ground, walls, and pillars are all made of stone, with the five doors of the central hall crafted from bronze. Inside the temple, the dragon columns, flower and bird columns, and wooden carvings exhibit intricate craftsmanship. The temple has a stone base and a wooden top, and looking up reveals beautifully carved wooden features. The murals and wood carvings depict stories drawn 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 complex and stunning wooden carvings above the main hall (central hall) are a must-see, especially the透雕 stone pillars and coffered ceiling. Upon entering the Sanxia Zushi Temple, you will be immediately drawn in by its grandeur and complete religious artistic exhibition. Among the many beautiful stone carvings inside the temple, 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 central hall: the "Double Dragon Sword and Golden Light Gathering Celestial Array," three-tier octagonal double dragon pillars, the "Hundred Birds Visiting Plum Pillar," and the "Double Dragon Facing the Thirty-Six Passes with Eighteen Knights," three-tier octagonal double dragon pillars, all showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and are regarded as the temple's treasures. After visiting the main hall (grand hall), remember to look up at the rare spiral lattice coffered ceiling, with its layers of spirals ascending, demonstrating an extremely high level of carving artistry and significant artistic value. Due to maintenance difficulties, this feature is the reason incense is not burned in the main hall. After touring the temple, you might want to stroll along the nearby streets; besides visiting Sanxia Old Street, there’s also the Ganle Cultural and Creative Park where you can enjoy tofu, drink soy milk, and taste local agricultural products, as well as visit an indigo dye workshop to experience DIY fabric dyeing.
