Xushu Temple (徐庶庙), also known as Shan Gong Temple or Xu Gong Temple, is situated in Nanzhang County, Xiangyang City, the origin of the Three Kingdoms culture, boasting over 2800 years of historical heritage. Designated as one of the first key cultural heritage sites in Hubei Province, it was established in the first year of the Qing dynasty’s Jiaqing era (1796) and features a traditional layout with a main hall facing south and two courtyards adorned in ancient architectural style. Although parts of the temple were destroyed over time, three main halls and flanking pavilions remain, housing a statue of Xu Shu.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
Xushu Temple is located in Danjiazhuang, on the northern outskirts of Nanzhang County, approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Xiangyang City. Visitors can take a bus to Nanzhang County first and then transfer to a local bus heading to Danjiazhuang.
Who is Xu Shu
Xu Shu, also known as Xu You, was a figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty period in ancient China. Born during a tumultuous era marked by political upheaval and military conflict, Xu Shu’s life unfolded amidst the chaos of war and loyalty.
In the year 208 AD, as warlords vied for control over the fractured empire, Cao Cao, a prominent warlord, launched a military campaign to conquer the region of Jing Province. Liu Bei, another influential warlord and Xu Shu’s lord, faced a significant setback as his forces suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Changban. Amidst the turmoil of war, Xu Shu’s mother was captured by Cao Cao’s forces, who deceitfully forged a letter purportedly from her, urging Xu Shu to come to the capital, Xuchang.
Upon learning of his mother’s plight and the fabricated letter, Xu Shu was torn between his loyalty to Liu Bei and his filial duty to his mother. Despite his desire to continue serving Liu Bei and his aspirations for a united kingdom under his lord’s banner, Xu Shu realized that he could not turn a blind eye to his mother’s predicament. Tearfully, he bid farewell to Liu Bei, expressing his deep-seated desire to care for his mother in her time of need.
After joining Cao Cao’s forces, Xu Shu remained conflicted. Despite possessing exceptional intelligence and strategic acumen, he refused to offer his full talents to Cao Cao’s cause, remaining loyal to his former lord and friend, Liu Bei, and Liu Bei’s chief strategist, Zhuge Liang. Consequently, Xu Shu’s tenure within Cao Cao’s camp remained relatively unremarkable, with his talents largely untapped.
Throughout his life, Xu Shu exemplified traits of loyalty, filial piety, and honesty. Despite facing numerous challenges and enduring the hardships of war, he remained steadfast in his principles. While he may not have achieved grand ambitions or made significant political or military contributions, his unwavering integrity and devotion to both his lord and his family left an indelible mark on history, ensuring that his legacy of loyalty and virtue would endure for generations to come.
