Zhongwei Gaomiao Temple – Integration of Three Religions

Gaomiao Temple (高庙), located in Zhongwei City, is a unique religious site that harmoniously integrates Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Built atop a raised platform connected to the city walls, the temple spans over 4,000 square meters and stands three stories high, reaching a height of 30 meters.

The temple features a diverse array of statues representing different deities. The ground floor includes statues of Leizu (the Thunder God) to the east, the Fire Emperor to the south, the Wealth God to the west, and Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) to the north. The middle floor houses the statue of Wenchang Dijun (the God of Culture), while the top floor showcases the statue of Kuixing, the star of examinations. One of the temple’s notable attractions is the Hell Palace, where vivid statues illustrate various tortures of the 18 levels of hell, accompanied by dim lighting and sound effects that create a haunting atmosphere.

In front of Gaomiao Temple lies the Bao’an Temple, which features a south-facing mountain gate flanked by side rooms. The main hall, a single-eave structure, leads to the higher levels of the temple through 24 stone steps. Visitors ascend through a series of gateways, including the Paifang Archway and the South Heavenly Gate, culminating in the impressive three-story halls dedicated to the Five Sacred Mountains, the Jade Emperor, and the Holy Mother. The main and auxiliary buildings are aligned along a central axis, connected by bridges that enhance the temple’s structural cohesion.

The bell and drum towers feature archways that open in all four directions, adorned with inscribed bricks. The eastern archway, labeled “锁扼青铜,” signifies a fortified gateway. The western archway reads “爽挹沙山,” alluding to the challenges of wind and sand. The southern archway, “对峙香岩,” symbolizes the temple’s lofty aspirations, while the northern archway originally read “控制边夷”, reflecting historical concerns about territorial defense against various ethnic groups.

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Gaomiao Temple is located in the Shapotou District of Zhongwei City, situated in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. To get there, you can take bus 2, 4, or 8 and get off at Gaomiao North Stop (高庙北站).