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The Luzhou City God Temple was first built in 1051, the third year of the Huangyou reign of the Northern Song Dynasty. In 1854, the fourth year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Taiping Rebellion attacked Hefei and destroyed it. In 1871, local officials raised funds for its reconstruction, but work was halted due to a lack of funds. In 1879, Li Hongzhang's brother, Li Hezhang, raised funds to continue construction. A flagpole stood before the main temple, and stone lions faced each other at the entrance. The temple had three main gates, five side rooms on each side; a five-room theater with four side rooms on each side; a three-room main hall with three side rooms on each side; and twelve east and west wing rooms between the main hall and theater. An iron incense burner stood in front of the main hall. Inside the hall stood a statue of the City God, and in the side rooms were statues of the City God's Wife. The Ten Kings of Hell were enshrined in the east and west, along with prison facilities.
In the old days, during the annual Spring Festival and the City God's birthday on the 29th day of the seventh lunar month, officials of all ranks from Luzhou Prefecture and Hefei County, as well as devout believers, would come to burn incense and pay their respects. The opera "Mulian Saves His Mother" was performed repeatedly on the stage, and vendors and tourists flocked to the temple street, transforming it into a bustling market. In the 1950s, the stone lions at the mountain gate were smashed, the statues within the temple were swept away, and the ancient buildings were also destroyed. Only the mountain gate, the stage, the main hall, and the Goddess Hall remain.
Boasting a subtropical monsoon climate, Chenghuangmiao boasts a rich culinary heritage, particularly flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its diverse cuisines and snacks excel in their unique flavors. Authentic Luzhou snacks include Li Daye Baba, Xiatang sesame cakes, Sanhe rice dumplings, and Furong egg rolls. The area also boasts Anhui specialties like Huizhou Mao tofu and Xiaoxian noodles, making it a perfect place to visit in any season.
It is recommended to visit the temple front, Luyang Palace, east of the temple, Sihui Tower, and Niangniang Hall;
It is recommended to play for 2 hours.
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The Hefei City God Temple is an important historical and cultural site in Hefei, Anhui. The temple is dedicated to the City God, a protector deity in Chinese folk religion who is believed to safeguard cities and their residents. Built during the Ming dynasty, the temple has undergone several renovations and continues to serve as a place of worship and local cultural gatherings.
The Hefei City God Temple is located in the city center of Hefei, Anhui. It is easily accessible by taxi or local buses. The nearest metro station is around a 15-minute walk away, making walking a convenient option as well.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, particularly on weekends and during holidays.
The entrance fee is approximately 20-30 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is not typically required to purchase tickets online, though it may be possible during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary. However, during major holidays or festivals, it’s advisable to check online for ticket availability and consider booking ahead a few days in advance.
A visit to the Hefei City God Temple typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and level of interest in exploring the temple’s history and architecture.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available at the temple. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be offered. It’s recommended to inquire at the entrance for availability.
Start your visit by entering through the main gate and exploring the courtyard. Proceed to the main hall where the City God statue is located, and then wander through the surrounding gardens and smaller shrines. Take time to admire the carvings and inscriptions on the temple walls.
Currently, there are no special night visits or light shows at the Hefei City God Temple. The temple is best visited during the daytime to fully appreciate its architecture and peaceful ambiance.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are early in the morning on weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
The temple has public restrooms available on-site. While there are no food options directly inside the temple, there are small shops and food vendors near the entrance. Water and snacks can also be purchased outside the temple grounds.
The temple is mostly accessible, though some areas have steps or uneven surfaces. It may not be fully suitable for wheelchair users, but elderly and children can comfortably explore the temple with some assistance.
Cash is commonly accepted, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted at all points, so it’s best to carry cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes nearby offering traditional Chinese cuisine. For a more varied selection, the Hefei city center has a range of dining options.
Vegetarian options are available at many local restaurants near the temple. However, halal food options may be limited, and it’s best to check in advance at specific eateries.
There are a variety of hotels near the Hefei City God Temple, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Popular choices include hotels in the Hefei city center, such as the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling items such as traditional Chinese handicrafts, incense, and religious items like City God figurines.
