CHENGHUANG MIAO

Built under the Northern song dynasty (960-1127), the temple of the god of the city was restored and enlarged under the Ming and then the Qing. Today it consists of four courses whose architecture and ornaments illustrate the blend of taoist, Buddhist and Confucian influences. The first large building serves as theatre stage during the temple celebration, which takes place every year at the end of May. The six big boxes on the stage actually serve as a sounding fund to amplify the voices of the players: a simple but efficient acoustic system, probably one of the oldest that exists. On both sides of the scene, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower give access to the second court, dominated by the main prayer room. 16 murals include mythical or historical events.

The pavilion of the last court houses a statue of clay representing the God of the city, as well as 48 statues with custom faces and expressions, embodying local officials in the service of God.