Wenwu Temple in Binchuan County, Dali
Introduction
The Wenwu Temple (文庙和武庙) is located in the southern part of Zhoucheng Town (州城镇), about 12 kilometers from Binchuan County (宾川县) in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). The Wenwu Temple consists of two parts: the Confucian Temple (文庙), built in the seventh year of the Ming Hongzhi era (弘治七年, 1494), and the Martial Temple (武庙), established during the early years of the Qing Kangxi era (康熙初年, 1662-1670). This site has been recognized as a key national cultural relic protection unit since May 25, 2006.
A Wen Wu temple or Wenwu temple (Chinese: 文武廟) is a temple in China venerating both the patron gods of civil and martialaffairs in the same temple complex. In southern China the civil god or Wéndì (Chinese: 文帝), is Wenchang (Chinese: 文昌) and in the north it is Confucius, in both the north and the south the martial god or Wǔdì (Chinese: 武帝) is Guan Yu (Chinese: 關帝). Although temples to either the civil or martial deities alone are widespread, it is comparatively rare to have temples venerating both. Wen Wu temples were patronised by those in the Ming and Qing dynasties seeking success in the Imperial examinations, which were divided into civil and military examinations, and by those seeking advancement in those professions which can be interpreted as falling under the aegis of either god; so for example to the present day civil servants will make offerings to the civil god and policemen to the martial god.
Area and Structure
The total area of the Wenwu Temple complex is 14,908 square meters. The Confucian Temple faces west and covers over 8,000 square meters, featuring a traditional axial layout with four courtyards. Key buildings include the wall of honor (照壁), Lingxing Gate (棂星门), Shrine of Renowned Scholars (名宦乡贤祠), Great Achievement Gate (大成门), two wings (两庑), Great Achievement Hall (大成殿), and the Chongsheng Shrine (崇圣祠), primarily constructed in the late Qing Dynasty (清朝中后期). The Martial Temple faces south and spans over 6,000 square meters, with architectural styles similar to the Confucian Temple. Its notable structures include the wall of honor, main gate, two wings, central hall, and the Wucheng Hall (武成殿), mainly dating back to the ninth year of the Qing Guangxu era (光绪九年, 1883).
Historical Background
The construction of the Great Achievement Hall (大成殿) began in 1494, with significant renovations occurring in 1541. The Martial Temple’s construction started in the early years of the Kangxi era, with multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the addition of shrines and significant structural repairs in the 20th century.
Architectural Features
Confucian Temple
The Confucian Temple is arranged in a four-courtyard layout, with the Great Achievement Hall as the main structure along the central axis. Key buildings include:
- Lingxing Gate (棂星门): The entrance to the complex.
- Great Achievement Gate (大成门): A ceremonial gate.
- Great Achievement Hall (大成殿): A single-eaved hip-roof structure measuring 18.5 meters wide and 15 meters deep, housing tablets for Confucius and other scholars.
- Chongsheng Shrine (崇圣祠): A two-eaved pavilion behind the Great Achievement Hall.
Martial Temple
The Martial Temple, located 50 meters south of the Confucian Temple, covers over 3,000 square meters and features similar architectural styles, including:
- Wucheng Hall (武成殿): A single-eaved structure measuring 13.5 meters wide and 5.6 meters deep.
- Main Hall (中堂): A single-eaved structure 12 meters wide and 7.5 meters deep.
Cultural and Historical Value
The Wenwu Temple is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient architectural complexes in Yunnan. It reflects the local cultural values of reverence for education and martial prowess, serving as an essential site for understanding the architectural developments and social history of Yunnan during the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties.
Protection Measures
The site was designated a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government in November 1998 and was recognized as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2006.
How to Get There
- Public Transport: Take bus route 4 to Renmin Road Crossing Station (人民路口站) in Dali. From there, it is a short walk of about 410 meters to the temple.
Travel Tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Engage with local guides for in-depth historical insights.
- Sample local cuisine at nearby eateries.
- Bring a camera to capture the intricate architecture and serene surroundings.
