Was it divine intervention or the plea of the local residents that led to the founding of Xishan Temple? Let’s delve into its captivating story.
Xishan Temple is a temple to the North Emperor located in Guangzhou. It stands where the western city once was. Today little remains, but its history is rich.
Legend says that the area where Xishan Temple stands was once prone to weather-related hardships. There was also a belief that cannons aimed toward the area brought misfortune. An elderly man named Zhou suggested building a temple for protection.
Zhou had a dream where the North Emperor told him to build a temple. Inspired, he gathered donations. He even donated much of his land.
Construction wasn’t easy. The rainy season made building difficult. Locals dug a small pond in front of the temple. They placed a stone turtle and snake there. These were symbols of the North Emperor. Construction then proceeded smoothly.
Completed under Li Feng, a Ming Dynasty supervisor, Xishan Temple saw a restoration in 1660.
By the late Qing Dynasty, Xishan Temple had become a popular place of worship. It joined with nearby temples. Together, they formed the Four Temples Benevolent Hall. This hall provided free medical care and food to the poor. It also housed ancestral tablets. This allowed local residents to honor their ancestors.
During the Republic of China era, the area around Xishan Temple was planned for housing. A police station was established there. The area was even named Xishan Branch after the temple.
Later, under the People’s Republic, the area became Xishan Street. Two of the temple’s buildings became the “Industrial and Agricultural Second Primary School”. The remaining building served as offices for the street and local police.
From 1950 to 1960, the school became “Xishan Temple Front Primary School.” The temple itself served as the school’s auditorium. It faced the Guangzhou East Wind Lock Factory.
In 1978, Xishan Temple was torn down. In 1990, the Lake Sky Hotel was built on its site. The lock factory became the Guangzhou Energy Testing and Research Institute. As of 2018, the institute’s address was still Xishan Temple Front Number 1.
The Four Temples Benevolent Hall became a primary school. It was later transformed into Guangzhou No 4 Middle School. As of August 2021, the school was being demolished for expansion. Only a western-style archway remains from 2002.
The story of Xishan Temple is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to the power of belief. Its story reminds us of the enduring spirit of Guangzhou. A spirit that adapts and transforms.