Wanrong Houtu Temple | Exploring the Ancestral Shrine of China

Located in Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, the Houtu Temple is nestled against the Emei Ridge and overlooks the Yellow River. It is the earliest sacrificial site for the "Earth God" in Chinese civilization and is known as the "Crown of Shrines within the Seas."

Since the Yellow Emperor established an altar here for worship, nine emperors, including Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and Emperor Zhenzong of Song, have visited 24 times. Emperor Wu of Han even left behind the timeless masterpiece, "Autumn Wind Ode." The existing architectural complex covers an area of 25,000 square meters.

A prominent feature is the Autumn Wind Tower, named after the stele inscribed with Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Ode." This magnificent three-story, cross-shaped, hip-and-gable roofed structure houses the unique Pin-shaped Opera Stage. The "three carvings" art (wood carving/stone carving/colored glaze) is also exceptional.

Along the central axis, you'll find the Mountain Gate → Five Tigers Hall → Offering Hall → Incense Pavilion → Main Hall. Cultural relics such as the Emperor Zhenzong Stele and the Yellow Emperor Sweeping the Ground Stele span thousands of years of history.

Post by Cook Christopher Chris | Mar 3, 2025