Cao'an Temple: The Only Remaining 'Mingjiao' Site in the World

The legendary Cao'an Temple, the only remaining Manichean site in the world, also known as 'Mingjiao' from Jin Yong's novels, is located at the southern foot of Huabiao Mountain in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province. Cao'an Temple was established during the Shaoxing period of the Song Dynasty. Initially constructed from thatch, hence the name 'Cao'an' (Thatched Hut), it has been preserved to this day. In the fifth year of Emperor Shun of Yuan Dynasty (1339 AD), it was rebuilt into a stone structure with a hip-and-gable architectural style. Growing up reading Jin Yong's novels, the Mingjiao from 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber' left a deep impression on me. Learning that Jinjiang's Cao'an Temple is the only remaining Manichean (Mingjiao) temple in the world, I felt an urge to visit it no matter what. Cao'an Temple is not large; it is a small temple. Entering from the mountain gate 'Wanshan Meifeng', you can see the temple after walking about fifty meters. It is located halfway up the mountain, with giant rocks as walls, surrounded by ancient and lush trees, a very quiet place. As a niche and less popular tourist spot, there are hardly any visitors here.