Guizhou Exploration - Ancient Architecture in Anshun

The ancient architectural remains in Anshun city are quite numerous, mostly from the Qing Dynasty. Among them, Anshun Confucian Temple and Martial Temple have been promoted to national heritage status. The scale and details of the buildings still reveal their past splendor. The Yuantong Temple, located under the White Pagoda of Xixiu Mountain, has been revitalized after restoration. However, the decay of another site, Chongzhen Temple, presents a stark contrast. One-day Anshun Ancient Architecture Route: Anshun Confucian Temple - Anshun Martial Temple - Chongzhen Temple - Yuantong Temple Anshun Confucian and Martial Temples - The Confucian Temple is grand in scale, preserving the complete architectural form of Confucian temples. The stone archway of the Lingxing Gate is full of detailed carvings, and the four dragon pillars at the entrance of the Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall on the central axis are exquisitely carved, truly exceptional. The main remains of the Martial Temple include the Xieshan-style main hall and the three-tiered Guanyin Tower, with the main hall's framework made entirely of stone pillars, giving it an imposing and vigorous appearance. Yuantong Temple - The temple has a long history, built at the northern foot of Xixiu Mountain during the Yuan Dynasty, and underwent multiple reconstructions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, forming a magnificent temple complex. The temple once housed three giant colored clay Buddhas, which were the crown of the southwest at the time, but were destroyed for special reasons. They have been reconstructed, and the existing Yuantong Temple main hall is one of the few known Ming Dynasty wooden structures in Guizhou. Chongzhen Temple - Located within a bustling residential area, it is currently fenced off and awaiting restoration, but seems to have come to a standstill. The remaining buildings are in a state of disrepair, but the wooden carvings of figures on the opera tower still reflect its former glory. It is hoped that these true ancient buildings will be restored soon.