[2024 Hancheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Jiulang Temple (Updated Nov)

Jiulang Temple in Hancheng, Shaanxi

Jiulang Temple in Hancheng, Shaanxi (National Level 7) was built in the Yuan Dynasty during the Zhiyuan period (1308 AD). The existing main hall is a relic of the Yuan Dynasty, with a width of five bays and a depth of three bays, featuring a single-eave hipped gable roof, with colorful paintings under the front eaves. Inside the hall, the deities worshipped are Zhao Wu (Marquis Yiying), Cheng Ying (Marquis Chengxin), and Gongsun Chujiu (Marquis Zhongzhi). 'Jiulang' refers to Zhao Wu, where 'jiu' also means 'to save,' implying the meaning of 'saving Zhao Wu.' It is well known that Cangshan in Yangquan, Shanxi, is the place where Cheng Ying hid the orphan of the Zhao family. However, in Hancheng, locals believe that this is the birthplace of the Zhao orphan. Legend has it that Cheng Ying's home was located between Zhichuan West Shaocun and Tanzicun in Hancheng, at Chengzhuang. Today, there are still families with the surname Cheng living here, who have always considered themselves descendants of Cheng Ying. The hiding place of Cheng Ying and Gongsun Chujiu for the orphan was on Mount Yu, not far from Chengzhuang. On the mountain, there are still relics such as Jiulang Gully and Zanggu Cave. Later, to repay their kindness, Zhao Wu was buried together with Cheng Ying and Gongsun Chujiu after his death. Their tombs are located in An Village, Dongxiangbao, Nanwei, Hancheng City. Therefore, there are many Jiulang Temples in the Hancheng area, but most have been destroyed, with more than ten still traceable. The Jiulang Temple located within the ancient city of Hancheng is the best preserved.