The Wanrong Houtu Temple houses a wooden "Along the River During the Qingming Festival"

Although the Qiufeng Tower is truly dazzling, and I initially visited the Houtu Temple to see it, I discovered that the Wanrong Houtu Temple itself is a remarkable place. It is the oldest temple in China dedicated to Houtu, the goddess of earth, and is known as the "Ancestral Shrine of China." Its history can be traced back 4,000 years, and from the Han Dynasty to the end of the Song Dynasty, eight emperors made 24 pilgrimages here. The temple is vast, covering an area of 25,335.62 square meters. It includes the main gate, a three-stage opera stage, the Hall of Offerings, the main hall, the Qiufeng Tower, and the East and West Five Tiger Halls, each with its own unique features. The S-shaped ceremonial path from the main gate to the temple gate is impressive. The 108 steps forming the yin and yang fish of the Taiji diagram are a bit of a climb, but considering the status of the Houtu Temple, it's like emulating the ancients by kowtowing 108 times to the goddess Houtu. The opera stage behind the temple gate has a rare "one front, two back" three-stage layout, the only remaining example of its kind in Chinese temples. It is said that during the temple fairs on March 18th and October 5th every year, the three stages host performances simultaneously, featuring Puju Opera, Qinqiang Opera, and Yuju Opera, respectively, catering to the theatrical needs of people from Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan provinces. On ordinary days, the area is exceptionally quiet, with the front stage serving as a passageway, demonstrating the stage's dual nature of activity and tranquility. The main hall is even more captivating. The four-tiered hollowed-out wood carvings above the main hall are not only rich in content but also exquisite in craftsmanship. It is said that the carpenters of southern Shanxi were highly skilled, traveling the world with their planes and ink rulers, working meticulously and never wasting a single piece of the employer's wood. After seeing the wood carvings in the main hall, I can only say that the ancients did not deceive us. Each tier features different content, yet the level of detail in the carvings remains consistent. The most spectacular is the first tier. It is said to be carved from a single piece of walnut wood, starting with twenty-four stories of filial piety, such as "Huang Xiang Warming the Bed," depicting harmonious family life and the peaceful existence of the people at that time. It is known as the wooden "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." The second tier depicts "Five Sons Achieving High Office" and "Many Children, Many Blessings." The third tier symbolizes "Joy on the Brows," while the fourth tier expresses "Good Fortune and Prosperity" through floral motifs. Although some parts have been damaged, the overall integrity remains remarkably good. In addition to the wood carvings, the Houtu Temple also boasts equally impressive brick carvings and ironwork. Just searching for these treasures within the temple is a delightful experience. For the craftsmen who built the Houtu Temple, this project was not just about the wages but also about respect for their faith. Perhaps we should thank the goddess Houtu, for it is thanks to her that such a rich collection of nationally protected cultural relics has been preserved. This is perhaps another way in which the goddess Houtu protects this land.