Wugong Temples
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Wugong Temples. [www.haihainan.com] |
Wugong Temples are Ming dynasty (1368-1644) constructions dedicated to five officials who were banished to Hainan during the Tang dynasty for criticism of the government. They are attractive temples in a tropical setting, surrounded by ponds filled with lilies, winding bridges and exotic palm trees. It was renovated on several occasions during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now, it is a place known for its sense of peace, tranquility and beauty.
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Wugong Temples. [www.haihainan.com] |
Wugong Temples, an attractive ancient architectural complex, include the Wugong Temple (Five Officials' Temple), the Sugong, Hairui and Fubo Temples, and Guanjia Tang (Watching Crop Hall), and Xuepu Tang (Studying Hall). They cover an area of about 2,800 square meters (about 0.69 acres). Wugong Temple is the main part of this building complex and considered to be "the No.1 Building in Hainan." It is a two-storied wooden building and was constructed to commemorate the five famous officials- Li Deyu, Li Gang, Zhao Ding, Li Guang and Hu Quan who were banished to Hainan during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The main hall houses the vivid and lifelike stone statues of the five above-mentioned officials. On the inner pillars, there are two much praised couplets depict the background of the five officials. Additionally, a stone tablet that is carved with calligraphy inscriptions of Emperor Huizong, from the Song Dynasty, is also displayed in the Wugong Temple.
Sugong Temple, located in the east of the Wugong Temple, is another fascinating destination. It was constructed to commemorate Su Dongpo, one of the greatest poets of the Song Dynasty. He dug two springs for the locals when he heard that they were finding it difficult to get water supplies. Hence the local people constructed a temple to commemorate his contribution to their community. One of the springs still exists even to this day.
On the right of the Wugong Temple, there is a peaceful yard where fresh flowers and thriving trees are planted. There are two main buildings here. One, the Xuepu Tang, is the old site where the famous scholar Guo Wanxiang often gave lectures. The other is Wugong Jingshe, which is where the students of the Hainan Province, (at the end of the Qing Dynasty) learned historical works and poems.
There is also a newer museum building here with further information on the five officials, a shop and also other exhibitions with absolutely no relation to the temple, everything is in Chinese only. The exhibits in the museum will definitely fulfill your appetite for knowledge.
The admission is 20 yuan for adult, and free for child.
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Wugong Temples. [www.haihainan.com] |
