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The Hancheng City God Temple is located in the northeast corner of Jincheng District, Hancheng City, Shaanxi Province. It covers 15,600 square meters, with a building area of 1,576 square meters. The City God is a widely worshipped deity in Chinese religious culture, often portrayed as a prominent official or hero who has rendered meritorious service to the local people. He is worshipped by Chinese folk and Taoists as the guardian deity of the city. The temple was first built in 1571, the fifth year of the Longqing reign of the Ming Dynasty, and expanded in 1577, the fifth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. It has been rebuilt several times since then.
The Hancheng City God Temple faces south and is divided into four courtyards arranged in a cross shape. The north-south axis is formed by the Mountain Gate, the Political and Religious Square, the Weiming Gate, the Guangjian Hall, the Dexin Hall, the Lingyou Hall, and the Hanguang Hall. All the temple structures are constructed using the "Changshang Ming" (clear-cut) design, with the beams retaining the crossbeam design. The front and rear eaves are mostly clad with large eaves, while the mountain faces feature lintels and general paving beams.
The Hancheng City God Temple stage faces east and sits west. Originally consisting of two stages, the West Stage remains, while the East Stage has been destroyed. Founded in 1616, the 44th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, it has been renovated throughout the dynasties, retaining Ming Dynasty architectural features, though some structures have been modified to Qing Dynasty styles. The stage is a platform-based structure with a five-beam roof frame. It features a double-eaved, cross-shaped hip roof, covered in gray panels and tubular tiles, with glazed peony ridges. The pediment is openwork, with wooden pendant fish hanging from the ceiling.
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The main buildings of Hancheng City God Temple include the glazed nine-dragon screen wall, the east and west archways, the mountain gate, the political and educational archway, the Weiming Gate, the Guangjian Hall, the Dexin Hall, the Lingyou Hall and the Hanguang Hall.
A glazed Nine-Dragon Wall stands in front of the temple, and memorial archways are located east and west of the branch gate. The eastern archway bears the inscription "Supervising the Living and the Dead," while the western archway bears the inscription "Securing the People." All the temple's structures are constructed using the Ming-style design, with beams retaining crossbeams. The front and rear eaves are primarily constructed with large eaves, while the mountain faces feature lintels and purlins. The hip roofs are broad and tapering, creating a simple, ancient form that reflects the architectural characteristics of Hancheng's Ming Dynasty.
The temple consists of three gates: the main gate and the branch gate. The main gate is inscribed with "City God Temple." There are statues of Vajra deities on either side of the gate, and the four walls are engraved with bricks that read "Reward the Good and Punish the Evil." The mountain gate has a ridge on the top, and the tail is made of colored glaze, with carvings of dragons, animals, lions, and other figures.
The three-bay Zhengjiao Hall, located in front of the Ceremonial Gate, features a single-eaved gable roof with a curved roof and a porch, serving as a storage area for merchants. The Weiming Gate, the second gate of the City God Temple, boasts a single-eaved gable roof and a three-bay gatehouse. The main bay houses a door, while the secondary bays feature statues of the "Caoguan" (Caoguan) and the "Xiantian" (Xiantian), conveying a sense of dignified authority.
The Guangjian Hall has five rooms and six pillars, with a single-eaved hip roof. In front of the hall there is a theater with a double-eaved cross-shaped hip roof, which is majestic and spectacular. It is the place where the people offer sacrifices.
The Dexin Hall, also known as the offering hall, has three rooms, a single-eaved hip-and-gable structure, four pillars, and corner decorations of hanging flowers. The cover between the brackets is the wall. There are two wings on both sides of the front of the hall, each with 12 rooms. The brackets are arranged in a peculiar way. It is the place where county magistrates, gentry, and scholars and officials pay homage.
The Lingyou Hall has five rooms, a single-eaved hip-and-gable style with hanging flowers on the corners. The front and back halls are adjacent to each other, forming a situation of intrigue. It is the main hall of the City God Temple and the lobby where the City God holds court. The east and west walls of the hall are painted with portraits of the Judicial Department, the Punishment Department, the Reward Department and the Procuratorate Department.
Hanguang Hall is also known as the Sleeping Hall. During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang conferred the title of City God on Ji Xin of the Former Han Dynasty. Therefore, a bronze seated statue of Ji Xin, the City God, is enshrined inside the hall. Legend has it that the City God is a deity who "eliminates evil, protects the country, monitors the underworld, and ensures the safety of the people."
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Adult ticket for the three temples in the ancient city (Confucian Temple, Dongying Temple, and City God Temple) 43 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
The Hancheng City God Temple is a sacred site in Huayin, Shaanxi, dedicated to the City God, who is believed to protect the local community. The temple has been a place of worship for centuries and is an important cultural and historical landmark, reflecting traditional Chinese religious practices and beliefs.
The Hancheng City God Temple is located in Hancheng, Huayin, Shaanxi. You can get there by taxi or bus from the nearby Huayin city center. It's also possible to walk from central Hancheng, as the temple is not far from the main streets.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the morning hours, especially on weekdays, to avoid the crowds. Visiting during the Chinese festivals can provide a unique cultural experience.
The entrance fee for the Hancheng City God Temple is generally free, but some special exhibitions or events may require a ticket. Tickets, if applicable, can be purchased on-site at the temple’s entrance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for general entry to the temple. However, if you plan to visit during a festival or special event, it’s a good idea to book tickets at least a few days in advance.
You can explore the Hancheng City God Temple in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture, sculptures, and learning about the history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may not be available, but local guides can provide explanations in English upon request, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Start by entering through the main gate and explore the central hall where the City God statue is. Take time to admire the detailed carvings and artifacts. Afterward, stroll through the peaceful courtyard before exiting. If time permits, visit the surrounding gardens and nearby areas for a full experience.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered at the Hancheng City God Temple. The temple is best visited during the day, as it offers a more authentic and peaceful experience. Special tours may be available during festivals or significant cultural events.
The temple is generally not crowded, but it can become busy during Chinese holidays or religious festivals. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities like public toilets are available at the temple. There are no large food vendors on-site, but small stalls may offer snacks and water. There are no large rest areas, but the courtyard and temple grounds provide a serene space for relaxation.
The temple grounds are mostly accessible, but some areas may have uneven terrain. It may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate certain sections of the temple. Children will enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the site.
Cash is generally accepted, though mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also available. It’s a good idea to carry both cash and mobile payment options, as smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some local restaurants, particularly in Hancheng. Halal food may be found in specialty restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling traditional Chinese items, such as religious trinkets, wooden carvings, and cultural artifacts. In nearby markets, you can also find local handicrafts and souvenirs unique to the Shaanxi region.
