[2024 Hangzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Dazifu Temple (Updated Dec)

Zhejiang Hangzhou Dazifu Temple.

Dazifu Temple is a historic temple. The temple was built in the Song Dynasty, mainly to commemorate Zhang Xian and Yue Yun, the beloved generals of Yue Fei. Zhang Xian was a famous general in the Southern Song Dynasty, known for his outstanding performance in the war against the Jin Dynasty, but was eventually killed along with Yue Fei and Yue Yun in the 11th year of Shaoxing (1142). To commemorate Zhang Xian's loyalty and courage, the people built this temple with the homophonic name "Zifu," meaning "seeking blessings and peace." The temple was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, and the "Dazifu Temple" is simple and plain in style, with the main hall about 6 meters high, and the flowers and geometric wood carvings of the main hall and the wing rooms are clearly visible, and the eaves and bull legs are also well preserved. The "Reconstruction of Jukui Bridge Stele" preserved in the east wing room explains in detail the scale, history, and condition of Dazifu Temple at that time. Although Hangzhou Zifu Temple is not large in scale, its historical and cultural value cannot be ignored. The temple houses a statue of Zhang Xian in military uniform, which is 3.8 meters high and weighs one ton, carved from camphor wood and made with gold-plated, painted, and lacquered techniques. Behind the statue is a picture of Zhang Xian's military camp, and on the left and right sides are the "Zhang Xian's Battle Pictures," which detail Zhang Xian's life and important battles. In addition, the temple also displays historical events such as the "Jingkang Incident," "Establishment of the Southern Song Dynasty," and "Victory at Zhuxian," allowing visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of this period of history. It is a key cultural relic protection unit in Hangzhou.