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Explore the beautiful Sha County City God Temple, take in the architecture and cultural heritage, and participate in the local religious activities. You can also enjoy the surrounding historical buildings and gardens.
The Sha County City God Temple is the largest and best-preserved county-level City God Temple in central Fujian and a provincial-level cultural relic protection site. Located in the eastern part of the county seat, the existing structure was built in 1744, the ninth year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty, and underwent numerous restorations during the Jiaqing and Guangxu reigns.
The Sha County City God Temple is a grand structure, covering over 6,000 square meters, with a built area of 2,890 square meters. On the central axis, from front to back, are the mountain gate, the central hall, the inverted hall, the side porch, the side corridors, and the main hall. The main hall is five bays wide, with a total width of 23.27 meters. Its beam structure features a platform beam, through-beam beams, and a hip roof. The City God Temple boasts a solid structure and a well-planned layout, incorporating distinctive local craftsmanship. It is the most complete and largest Qing Dynasty structure preserved in Sha County. This building holds not only significant historical value but also high architectural value.
During the Anti-Japanese War, the Fujian Academy of Sciences moved into the temple and did not move back to Fuzhou until 1946. In 1991, it was designated a provincial cultural relic protection unit.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Visit the ancient city, taste Shaxian snacks, and experience the local customs and culture.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
3 yuan/person
9:00-17:00
The Sha County City God Temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty, built to honor the City God, a protector deity. It holds significant cultural and religious value for the local people and plays an important role in the region’s religious practices.
The temple is located in Sha County, Sanming, Fujian Province. It can be accessed by taxi, bus, or private vehicle from the city center. There are no metro stations nearby, so taxis or buses are the most convenient options.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning and late afternoon on weekdays when it’s less crowded.
The entrance fee is around 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and some online platforms may also offer ticket purchasing options.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Booking a day or two before visiting should suffice.
You will need about 1 to 2 hours to explore the temple and its surrounding area. If you want to participate in the religious activities, allow more time.
The main highlights include the City God statue, the temple halls, the ancient carvings, and the tranquil gardens. The overall architecture is a key feature to admire.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English might be available, but it is advisable to check in advance.
The temple’s front gate, the central courtyard, and the surrounding gardens are great photography spots. The views of the temple from the stairs leading up to it also provide excellent perspectives.
Start at the entrance, visit the City God statue and main temple hall, explore the side halls and courtyards, and finish by strolling through the garden area.
There are no specific light shows or night tours available, but visiting in the evening provides a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially early in the day.
There are toilets available, along with small rest areas. However, there are limited food options inside, so it’s best to bring water and snacks if needed.
The temple has some stairs and uneven pathways, which may make it challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, it is manageable for those who are mobile, and children can enjoy the open spaces.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also available, making it convenient for most visitors.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the temple serving traditional Fujian cuisine, including Sha County's famous snacks like Shiqi noodles and sesame cakes.
Vegetarian food options are available, especially in the local eateries. Halal food may be found in nearby areas, but it’s best to ask in advance.
There are several budget hotels near the temple. For more comfortable options, you can consider accommodations in Sha County city center, which is a short drive away.
Nearby attractions include the Sha County Ancient City Wall and the Sha County Museum. These can easily be combined with a visit to the City God Temple in a single day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the temple selling traditional Chinese crafts, religious figurines, and local snacks, such as Sha County’s famous preserved meats.
To continue your trip, taxis and buses are the best options. You can also hire a car for more flexibility if planning to explore other nearby attractions.
