The Chinese-made video game “Black Myth: Wukong” has become a global sensation, sparking widespread interest in traditional Chinese architectural culture both domestically and internationally. Seizing the opportunity, Taining, a city in southeast China’s Fujian province, home to the “Southern Hanging Temple”, also called Ganlu Temple, and a well-preserved Ming Dynasty residential complex,is captivating and expanding its audience with its architectural aesthetics.
The recent global success of the Chinese single-player game “Black Myth: Wukong” has sparked a wave of interest in traditional Chinese architectural culture both at home and abroad, as the game showcases numerous examples of ancient Chinese architecture. Seizing this moment, Fujian’s Taining, home to the “Southern Hanging Temple”, also called Ganlu Temple and one of the most extensive and well-preserved Ming Dynasty residential complexes in the Jiangnan region, the area south of the Yangtze River, is gaining popularity and expanding its appeal with its unique architectural aesthetics.
Ganlu Temple, originally built during the Song Dynasty, is described in ancient texts as: “Ganlu Temple, ten zhang (about 33 meters) high, as deep as it is high. A natural stone gate allows for only one narrow passage…During the Shaoxing period of the Song Dynasty, a monk named Liaoning constructed tiered pavilions and towers supported by a single pillar, without the use of tiles. Its remote and serene location, far removed from the secular world, fascinates explorers, though many lament its difficult access.”
The reconstructed Ganlu Temple in Taining is located at the scenic Golden Lake, within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Danxia landform. Perched on a cliff over 100 meters high, the temple features a hidden entrance that opens up to expansive views and pavilions suspended within the rock face. The temple is renowned for its architectural style, where “a single pillar supports the entire structure without the use of a single tile.” This unique design not only preserves a symmetrical and orderly layout in line with traditional values but also integrates the rugged terrain of the cave. The craftsmanship transforms these constraints into a masterpiece, making the exterior appear to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, as if it were a celestial cave dwelling.
The rocky site chosen for Ganlu Temple is a typical example of Danxia landform. Taining is hailed as “the birthplace of China’s Danxia,” not only shaping the aesthetic culture of “red mountains and green waters”, but also influencing the forms of rural settlements and funeral customs, leading to the formation of the “Duyin culture.” Historical figures such as Zhu Xi, Yang Shi, and Li Gang once traveled here to lecture, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. The integration of Taining’s Danxia landscape with human history has contributed to its prestigious status as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Global Geopark, attracting nearly 10 million tourists annually.
In addition to its 5A-rated national tourist attractions, Taining is also a historically and culturally significant city. This “ancient town of the Han and Tang dynasties, famed city of the Song dynasties” has fostered an exceptional tradition of ancient architecture. To this day, the ancient city of Taining retains its “Song Dynasty elegance and Ming Dynasty charm.” According to Zhang Huiyi, a second-level chief staff member of the Taining County Party History and Local Records Office, 252 ancient buildings have been discovered in the county, with a particularly striking concentration of Ming Dynasty structures. Among them, 49 Ming-era buildings remain, including over 20 within the ancient city itself. These structures blend architectural features from the Fujian, Jiangxi, and Anhui styles, while also developing their own distinctive characters.
Taining’s name is derived from its location on the southern side of Wuyi Mountain’s Daling Peak, once known as “Shanyang.” Ming Dynasty Shanyang architecture continued the traditions of the Song Dynasty. Representative structures include Shangshudi, Shidetang, the ancestral homes of the Zou and Li families, Shangqing Shudetang, Dalong Gengdutang, Zhukou Xiao’s Official Hall, Meikou Li’s Ancestral Home, Datian Langguandi, and Xinqiao Dai’s Official Hall. These buildings follow the typical “three halls and nine wings” layout, a type of Nine Palaces format, with a simple yet elegant design, and restrained ornamental carvings. The late expert on ancient architecture, Luo Zhewen, once remarked that “the Ming Dynasty architecture in Taining is dated clearly and forms a concentrated group, making it rare not only in Fujian but in the entire country.”
Shangshudi, known as “the finest residence in Jiangnan,” was built by Ming Dynasty scholar Li Chunye when he returned to his hometown. It stands as both a masterpiece of Shanyang architecture and an exemplary “official-style mansion.” Covering 5,400 square meters with a building area of 4,500 square meters, this grand complex features six courtyards aligned from north to south, separated by firewalls between each wing. The arrangement of the entire structure is orderly, using large, high-quality materials with exquisite craftsmanship and decorations. The building reflects both the rustic and bold structural characteristics of Song Dynasty architecture, as described in the “Yingzao Fashi”, and the refined, literary charm of Ming Dynasty architecture. Shangshudi is the largest and most well-preserved Ming Dynasty residence in Fujian.
From a distance, the ridged roof of Shangshudi rises majestically, with its solemn, official hat-shaped eaves corners creating a dignified atmosphere. The main structure harmonizes with the surrounding auxiliary buildings, forming a cohesive architectural ensemble. Inside the complex, the buildings are both self-contained and interconnected. The intricate brick carvings, stone sculptures, elephant trunk arches, and melon-shaped pillars quietly tell the story of the extraordinary artistry and exceptional craftsmanship of Taining’s builders.
According to Lian Xiaoqin, a research curator and former director of the Taining County Museum, the most striking features of Shangshudi are its tall, spacious, and grand architectural style. This is evident from the overall sense of space, the imposing courtyard walls, columns, and beams, down to the smallest details such as the pathways, steps, and dougong (bracket sets) carvings, all reflecting this grandeur. As a quintessential example of official-style mansion architecture, Shangshudi is meticulously symmetrical, with the front, middle, and rear halls strictly adhering to a layout that is balanced along the central axis.
After centuries of weathering the elements, the grandeur and intricate craftsmanship of Taining’s ancient architecture continue to inspire awe. This enduring beauty is a testament to the generations of guardians who have diligently protected the ancient city. Today, as Taining advances its efforts to preserve and revitalize this historic and culturally significant city, visitors can appreciate the stunning natural landscapes, experience the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture firsthand, and immerse themselves in a variety of new cultural and tourism experiences. These include boutique homestays, specialty dining, Confucian tea ceremonies, and night tours, offering a rich, immersive experience of local culture. Taining Ancient City is now welcoming visitors with open arms and eagerly awaits your arrival.
Media Contact
Company Name: Taining County Tourism Bureau
Contact Person: Chen Changcheng
Email: Send Email
City: Taining County
State: Fujian
Country: China
Website: http://www.fjtn.gov.cn/zwgk/zdxxgk/czzj/bmyjsgk/bmjsgk/jkw/wgj/
