A Temple Spanning Over a Millennium (Foshan Ancestral Temple)

Foshan Ancestral Temple, located at No. 21 Zumiao Road, Chancheng District, Foshan City, was built during the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song Dynasty. It is a Taoist temple dedicated to Zhenwu Xuantian Shangdi and serves as a landmark and cultural icon of Foshan. The ancient architectural complex of the temple faces south, with a complete and orderly layout. Covering an area of approximately 3,600 square meters, the main buildings are arranged along the central north-south axis, with a front-low and rear-high design, symmetrically aligned on both sides. The structures include Wanfu Stage, Lingying Archway, Jinxiang Pond, Bell and Drum Tower, Three Gates, Wen Kui Pavilion, Wu An Pavilion, Front Hall Incense Pavilion, Front Hall, Main Hall Incense Pavilion, Main Hall, and Qingzhen Tower. These buildings are highly distinctive, featuring Shiwan ceramic sculptures on the roof ridges, brick carvings, and gray sculptures on the courtyard walls. The designs are unique, intricately detailed, and rich in local folk craftsmanship. *Tour Route 1. Wanfu Stage: An ancient opera stage with exquisite architecture and decorations, including wood carvings, brick carvings, stone carvings, and gray sculptures. 2. Lingying Archway: A majestic structure with a four-pillar, three-span, three-story design, considered one of the most grand and spectacular mixed wood-and-stone archways in Guangdong. 3. Jinxiang Pond: Features two 500-year-old Murraya trees by the pond. 4. Front Hall and Main Hall: Houses numerous artifacts and artworks, such as 70 pieces of 33 types of weaponry, a giant bronze mirror with a diameter of 1.31 meters, large bronze tripods, bronze bells, and incense burners. 5. Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall: Showcases the life and achievements of Wong Fei-hung along with related artifacts. 6. Ip Man Hall: Highlights Ip Man's martial arts career and his contributions to Wing Chun. *Performances Lion Dance Performance: Daily at 10:00-10:40 AM, 2:15-2:55 PM, and 3:30-4:10 PM. Wanfu Stage Cantonese Opera and Art Performance: Every Saturday, Sunday, and on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month from 1:30-3:30 PM. Transportation Guide Metro: Take the Guangzhou-Foshan Metro and get off at Zumiao Station. Bus: Take bus routes 105, 122, 126, etc., and get off at Zumiao Station. Driving: Navigate to "Foshan Ancestral Temple Museum"; parking is available nearby.