The Lanzhou City God Temple (兰州城隍庙, Chenghuangmiao), also known as the Jixin Temple (纪信庙), is dedicated to the Han Dynasty general Jixin. This temple is a four-section palace-style wooden structure complex with a garden layout. It faces south and covers an area of 12,000 square meters, with a construction area of 4,000 square meters. Originally built during the Song Dynasty, it was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty when it acquired its current name. The temple suffered destruction by fire during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty and was subsequently restored. In 1956, it was repurposed as the Lanzhou City Workers’ Club.
The existing ancient buildings are from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple complex is notable for its architectural style and cultural significance. The main entrance, consisting of three rooms, is named Zhonglie Houfang. The second entrance is a hard mountain-style circular gallery stage. To the north is the Xiang Hall with a hip-and-gable roof, followed by the main hall with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof. The complex also includes side rooms, bell and drum towers. Originally, the corridors had murals which no longer exist. The layout of the existing structures follows a central axis, comprising a paifang (archway), Xiang Hall, Main Hall, sleeping quarters, and guest rooms. The archway was reconstructed from the Zhenlie Yigan Paifang, which originally stood before the tomb of Princess Yanfei in Jieyuan. The courtyard also features a pair of stone lions, which are over 200 years old.
The Lanzhou City God Temple reflects the architectural grandeur and cultural richness of its era. The main entrance, or Zhonglie Houfang, serves as a gateway to the temple complex, welcoming visitors with its majestic presence. The second entrance, a hard mountain-style circular gallery stage, once hosted various performances, adding a lively aspect to the temple’s historical ambiance.
The Xiang Hall, located to the north, with its hip-and-gable roof, stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of ancient Chinese craftsmen. This hall, followed by the Main Hall with its double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, forms the core of the temple’s religious activities. These structures, flanked by side rooms, bell and drum towers, create a harmonious and balanced architectural ensemble.
Despite the loss of original murals, the remaining buildings and their intricate designs offer a glimpse into the temple’s storied past. The central axis layout, a hallmark of traditional Chinese architecture, emphasizes symmetry and order, guiding visitors through the various sections of the temple in a coherent and meaningful way.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Lanzhou City God Temple is located at 202 Zhangye Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 4, 6, 9, 85, or 137 and get off at Tongwei Road Stop (通渭路站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Lanzhou City God Temple is Xiguan (西关) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit D, walk about 500 meters to the east to reach the temple.
