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The Hanwang Temple, originally built during the Xining reign of the Northern Song Dynasty, is a complex of ancient buildings erected by the people of Anyang (formerly known as Xiangzhou) to commemorate the outstanding achievements of Han Qi, Prime Minister during the reigns of Emperor Renzong, Emperor Yingzong, and Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty. Located on the eastern section of Ying Street in the southeastern section of Anyang's old city, it was destroyed by war during the Zhenyou reign of the Jin Dynasty. However, in the second year of the Dade reign of Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan Dynasty (1298), later generations rebuilt the temple and erected statues on the original site. Renovations were made during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the main hall still retains the curved beam structure of the Yuan Dynasty. In 1901, during the 27th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu returned to Beijing from Xi'an and passed through Anyang, each inscribed a plaque: "Broad-minded and magnanimous, timely and helpful."
Han Qi, courtesy name Zhigui and pseudonym Gansou, was a native of Xiangzhou during the Northern Song Dynasty. He was born in 1008, the first year of the Dazhong Xiangfu reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, into a family of prominent officials. His father, Han Guohua, served successively as Censor-in-Chief, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War, and Left Counselor. Han Guohua had six sons, of whom Han Qi was the sixth. Han Qi received strict family education from a young age and entered a private school at an early age, diligently studying under the guidance of a strict teacher. In 1027, at the age of 20, Han Qi passed the imperial examination, achieving the distinction of placing second in the first class.
Han Qi began his official career as a magistrate of Zibo Prefecture, initially serving as the Chief Secretary for the Imperial Works. He subsequently oversaw the management of imperial libraries and the editing of publications, and later oversaw the distribution of imperial money, silk, and treasury silver. Despite his limited resources and low-ranking position, Han Qi remained unfazed, diligent, and meticulous, earning him praise from Emperor Renzong. In 1036, Han Qi was appointed Right Censor, officially becoming a censor. The following year, Han Qi filed a series of memorials, accusing Prime Minister Wang Sui, Chen Yaozuo, Vice Minister of State Affairs Han Yi, and Shi Zhongli of lacking talent and accomplishment despite their positions at the highest levels of government. This led to the simultaneous dismissal of all four, shocking both the government and the public.
Nestled in a temperate monsoon climate, the main hall features thatched beams and double-barbed, multicolored brackets. Glazed tiles adorn the edges and center, creating a solemn and elegant atmosphere. There are three east and west wing rooms, each 8 meters long, 4 meters deep, and 5 meters high. The temple houses the Zhujin Hall stele and over 20 other inscriptions. One inscription reads, "Two Dynasties' Guardian, Decision-Making Hero." The temple is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Temple of King Han currently consists of four main gates, a secondary gate, a main hall, and front and rear wing rooms. Zhujin Hall features a main gate, a ceremonial gate, a stele pavilion, a Kui Tower, and an ancient locust tree. Inside the pavilion, the "Zhujin Hall Record Stele" is preserved. The inscription was written by the Northern Song Dynasty writer Ouyang Xiu, inscribed by calligrapher Cai Xiang, and inscribed by Shao Bi, earning it the nickname "Three Wonders Stele." Because the back of the stele contains "Records of the Ancestral Hall of Han Weigong in Beijing" by Sima Guang, it is also known as the "Four Wonders Stele."
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
20 yuan/person
Summer: 08:00-18:00
Winter: 08:00-17:00
The Temple of King Han in Anyang commemorates King Han, a historical figure important to the region's heritage. It serves as a cultural and religious site, preserving ancient architecture and local traditions.
Located in Anyang, Henan. Visitors can reach the temple by taxi or private car. Some local buses may stop nearby; walking from central Anyang is feasible depending on your starting point.
Typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings and weekdays are best for avoiding crowds.
Entrance fees are usually modest. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance; online booking may be available through local tourism websites.
Advance booking is optional but recommended on weekends and public holidays. Booking 1–2 days in advance is sufficient.
Approximately 1–2 hours to walk through the temple and enjoy the grounds.
Guided tours may be offered in Chinese; limited English-language options are available. Check at the visitor center.
Temple courtyards, rooflines, and entrance gates offer the most photogenic views.
Start at the main gate, visit each hall in sequence, then explore side courtyards and cultural exhibits, finishing at the scenic outer grounds.
Night visits are generally not available; special events may occur on cultural or religious holidays.
Less crowded on weekdays and outside of public holidays. Peak visits occur during festivals or weekends.
Partially accessible; some areas may require climbing steps. Elderly visitors should take care. Children can visit, but supervision is advised. Wheelchair access is limited.
Cash is generally accepted; some locations may support mobile payments such as WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Small local restaurants and cafes are available near the temple; limited options inside the temple grounds.
Vegetarian food may be available at nearby eateries; halal options are limited.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Anyang city are within easy reach of the temple.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, small temple replicas, and traditional artwork.
