Gongcheng Martial Temple, Guangxi.

The Gongcheng Martial Temple is a temple dedicated to the worship of Guan Yu, a famous general from the Three Kingdoms period. It was first built in the 31st year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1603). It was rebuilt in the 59th year of the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1720), destroyed by war in the 4th year of the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty (1854), and rebuilt again in the first year of the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (1862). The Martial Temple covers an area of 1,033 square meters. It includes a stage, a rain pavilion, a front hall, a main hall, and a rear hall, as well as east and west wing rooms on both sides. The main building in the main temple is grand and imposing, with carved beams and painted rafters, and is solemn and awe-inspiring. Being there, one cannot help but respect Guan Gong. On the east side of the south end of the central axis, there is a stone archway with the inscription "Admired for Generations", and on the west side of the south end of the central axis, there is a wooden archway with the inscription "Commanding Respect throughout China". These two grand archways show the world the prominent status of Guan Gong and Guan Gong culture in ancient Chinese history, and inspire respect. On the east and west sides of the north end of the central axis, there are symmetrical auxiliary buildings of the main temple, such as the Zhui Feng Bo Ancestral Hall, the Longevity Palace, and the Chong Sheng Ancestral Hall. The ancient stage of the Martial Temple was a place where plays were performed to thank the gods during festivals. The stage is made of bluestone, with three stone carvings in the middle: "Visiting the Wise by the Wei River", "Kui Xing Dots the Dipper", and "Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage". The top of the stage is decorated with a dougong caisson ceiling, with a Tai Chi pattern in the middle, symbolizing the harmony of Yin and Yang. The colorful painted clay sculptures on the ridge are lifelike and rich in meaning. It is a national key cultural relics protection unit.