Zhengzhou Town God’s Temple, the most complete ancient architectural complex in Henan Province

The Town God's Temple, known as Chenghuangmiao by locals, is located on the north of Shangcheng Road, Zhengzhou City. It was built in the early Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the 14th year of Hongzhi of Ming Emperor Xiaozong(1501 AD).

In ancient Chinese religious culture, Town God's Temple is a temple dedicated to the City’s God. Most of the gods are heroes who have done good deeds for the local people, and they are gods of guarding cities in Chinese folk and Taoism.In the temple, Liu Bang's general Ji Xin is dedicated. According to historical records, in the third year of Liu Bang's reign (204 BC), Xiang Yu surrounded Liu Bang in Xingyang. In distress, Ji Xin disguised himself as King of Han, so that Liu Bang could escape.

photo/Wang Yi

In ancient Chinese culture, Town God was a local official of the underworld, equivalent to the mayor of the Yang-realm. So city god was related to the city and developed with it. The Town Gods originated from the ancient sacrificial god of the local deity, which was developed by Taoism.

photo/Wang Yi

The Town God's Temple in Zhengzhou is the most complete and largest ancient architectural complex in Henan Province at present. There are mainly gate, front hall, music hall, main hall, bedchamber and so on.All the roofs of the temple are decorated with colored glaze adornments such as dragons, phoenixes, horned beasts and warrior figurines. Looking up, you'd see a dazzling array of vivid and colorful decorations.