Visiting the Wenmiao Temple in Chongzhou City

The uniqueness of the Wenmiao Temple in Chongzhou, Chengdu, Sichuan Province lies in its proximity to the Lu You Shrine (photo 2) (stepping out from the side of the Dacheng Hall dedicated to Confucius, just a few steps lead into the shrine commemorating the poet Lu You). I believe this reflects a subtle cultural metaphor—on one side is the worldly ideal of "cultivating oneself, managing the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world," while on the other side is the transcendental sentiment of "listening to the spring rain in a small tower overnight"; one represents order and norms, the other flows with spirit and poetic charm. I enjoy wandering amid such a harmonious blend of rigor and romance, embracing its influence! Approaching the Wenmiao Temple in Chongzhou, the serene vermilion and solemn imperial blue and yellow colors come into view; the towering palace walls (photos 4, 5), like the cover of a weighty classic book, easily isolate the hustle and bustle of the city... Passing through the "Dao Guan Gu Jin" (Ancient and Modern Crown of the Way) archway (photo 3), you enter the square in front of the temple. The Lingxing Gate (photo 10) stands quietly there, with cloud patterns and auspicious beasts on the stone pillars, worn smooth and jade-like by time. Crossing the Pan Pool (photos 6, 7), I, a "scholar" (thanks to Mr. Deng, I was able to enter university and complete my studies after the resumption of the college entrance examination), stepped into the realm of sages for the Nth time. Stepping again through the Ji Gate (photo 8), Confucius, as the "Great Accomplished Supreme Sage, First Teacher, King of Culture," enjoying one of the imperial architectural forms, stands at the core of the entire Wenmiao Temple—the Dacheng Hall (photo 1) majestically perched on a high platform. Inside the spacious Dacheng Hall, Confucius is depicted in imperial form, enjoying the highest reverence. I stand at the foot of the steps, looking up at the solemn plaque of the Dacheng Hall, and faintly hear the ancient sounds of stringed instruments and songs, a grand echo across time and space about "benevolence" and "ritual"; this is the subtle nourishment of Chinese culture centered on Confucian thought!