Quzi Temple (屈子祠), also known as the Memorial Temple of Qu Yuan, is a significant cultural site dedicated to the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan. Nestled at the foot of Yuci Mountain along the banks of the Miluo River in Hunan Province, this temple has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the Han Dynasty. It was later renovated during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong period, preserving its historical and architectural integrity.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Who is Qu Yuan
- Layout of Qu Zi Temple
- Other Attractions in Yueyang Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 55 RMB Sightseeing Car: 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 22.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0731-88825011 |
Location and Transportation
Quzi Temple is located in Xinyi Village, Quzi Temple Town, in the city of Miluo, Hunan Province, on the northern bank of the Miluo River at the foot of Yuci Mountain. To reach the temple, visitors can take a train from Yueyang to Miluo Station or opt for a direct bus from Yueyang to Miluo. Once in Miluo, a specialized shuttle bus can be taken for approximately 15 kilometers to the Quzi Temple scenic area at Yuci Mountain.
Who is Qu Yuan
Qu Yuan (circa 340–278 BC) was a prominent poet and statesman from the Warring States period, specifically from the State of Chu. Born into a noble family, he received an excellent education, which equipped him with a broad knowledge base and lofty ambitions. Initially, Qu Yuan gained the trust of King Huai of Chu, serving as a high-ranking official and holding key responsibilities in domestic and foreign affairs. He was an advocate for “beautiful governance,” promoting the appointment of capable individuals and fostering strong alliances to resist the encroaching Qin state.
Unfortunately, Qu Yuan faced political jealousy and was eventually slandered by the aristocracy, leading to his exile. He was banished to the northern regions of Han and the banks of the Yuan and Xiang rivers. Following the fall of his home city, Yingdu, to the Qin army, Qu Yuan chose to end his life by drowning himself in the Miluo River, symbolically demonstrating his loyalty to his country and its values.
Layout of Qu Zi Temple
Quzi Temple is characterized by its classic Jiangnan architectural style, with its layout oriented from north to south. Covering an area of approximately 1,354 square meters, the temple complex features a front, middle, and back courtyard. Each of the front and middle courtyards is divided into three halls – east, central, and west – with the back courtyard containing side rooms. A prominent red pool, known as the Dan Pool, lies between the front and middle courtyards, adorned with two flower platforms that host centuries-old osmanthus trees, each over 300 years old.
Connecting the middle and back courtyards is a pavilion, with each side featuring a courtyard that also houses osmanthus trees, adding to the serene beauty of the temple grounds. The temple is constructed from bricks and wood, with a total of 56 wooden columns supported by granite bases. The flooring is laid with blue bricks, creating a traditional and elegant aesthetic.
Visitors can observe that the main wall of Quzi Temple is the tallest, flanked by lower side walls. The center of the temple features an exquisite white stone carving depicting five dragons holding a sacred object. The three main entrances are constructed from granite, and the front wall is adorned with 17 relief sculptures depicting Qu Yuan’s life and his notable works, enriching the narrative of his legacy.
