The light and shadow of the Foshan Ancestral Temple

The Foshan Ancestral Temple, also known as the 'Northern Emperor Temple' or 'Lingying Shrine', is a famous historical site and tourist attraction in Foshan. It was built during the Yuanfeng period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1078-1085), destroyed by fire at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, and rebuilt in the fifth year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1372). Since then, it has undergone more than 20 renovations and expansions, and was fully renovated in the 25th year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1899). According to the 'Foshan Loyal and Righteous Hometown Records', the temple 'has been called the ancestral hall or ancestral temple from the Yuan to the Ming Dynasty, because it has a long history and is the head of all temples.' Therefore, it has been regarded as the ancestor of hundreds of local temples throughout the ages.