Huguo Grain Official Temple (护国随粮王庙), commonly known as the “Seventh Old Master’s Temple (七老爷庙),” is dedicated to the local deity of Xitang. Historically, there was indeed a person named Jin, ranked seventh, whom the common folk referred to as the Seventh Old Master. During the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty, when famine struck the area around Xitang, the Seven Old Master, passing by with a convoy of grain boats, witnessed the plight of the starving people. Moved by compassion, he distributed the imperial grain to the hungry masses. Knowing he could not escape punishment for defying the law, he chose to end his own life in the waters of the Yanta Bay River. The grateful locals then pooled their resources to build a temple in his honor. Later, upon learning of this act, the imperial court posthumously honored him as the Huguo Grain Official.
Covering an area of approximately 1577 square meters, the temple faces south and consists of two sections. The first section is the mountain gate, spanning three bays, while the second section is the main hall, spanning five bays. The roof structure of the main hall features five frames with double-step beams in the rear and a combination of inner and outer corridor eaves supported by five columns. To the east of the courtyard, there are monks’ quarters, with additional annex buildings constructed on the east side.
Every year on the third day of the fourth lunar month, which marks the birthday of the Grain Official, the “Seven Old Master’s Flood Festival” is celebrated. On this day, the people of Xitang take to the streets to hold grand temple fairs in celebration of the Grain Official’s birthday. During the temple fair, various folk art activities such as horse racing performances, riding on white boats, and boating on the lake enliven the atmosphere. Additionally, Xitang’s annual tourism festival kicks off on this day, attracting numerous visitors to admire and participate in the festivities.
The temple fair of the Huguo Grain Official Temple has a long history, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty and continuing into the early Republic of China era, enduring to the present day. During the temple fair, businesses throughout the town stay open throughout the night, and street vendors gather in relative concentration, creating a vibrant marketplace. The fair not only serves as an important occasion for local residents to worship and entertain but also as a significant window for showcasing Xitang’s culture.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Xitang Ancient Town |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0573-84567890 |
Location and Transportation
The Huguo Grain Official Temple is located at No. 139 Tawan Street, Chaonandai Community, Xitang Town, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China. It was originally built in the late Ming Dynasty and relocated to its current site in the early Qing Dynasty. To get there, you can take bus Jiashan 215 or Jiashan 305 and get off at Yinxiu Bridge Stop (迎秀桥站).
