Han Wengong Temple

Attractions & culture

Han Wengong Temple is located at the western foot of Bijia Mountain in Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City. It was first built in the second year of Xianping of the Northern Song Dynasty (999 AD) to commemorate the famous Tang dynasty writer and thinker Han Yu. Initially built in the eastern wing of the Confucius Temple at the foot of Jinshan Mountain, it was moved to seven li south of the prefecture in the fifth year of Yuanyou (1090 AD), and then to its current location in the sixteenth year of Chunxi of the Southern Song Dynasty (1189 AD). It underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1984 and now has a Cantonese-style temple layout. The temple is nestled against the mountain and by the water, with a serene environment. It consists of two halls, front and back, with a small courtyard in between. The main hall is 18.7 meters wide. Inside, plaques inscribed by famous figures from various dynasties hang from the beams, and stone pillars are engraved with couplets and 40 Ming and Qing dynasty inscriptions. The main hall enshrines a seated statue of Han Yu, flanked by statues of his attendants Zhang Qian and Li Wan. The Han Temple Oak in front of the temple was planted by Han Yu himself and is listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Chaozhou. The scenic area covers about 134.64 mu, with additions such as the Yunyuan Pavilion, Shilang Pavilion, and the Tiannan Beisheng Calligraphy Stele Corridor, serving cultural, educational, and tourism functions. Han Wengong Temple is an important scenic spot in Chaozhou cultural tourism, fully reflecting the architectural style of Lingnan ancestral halls and the characteristics of literati culture. The main building of the temple is constructed with solid polished blue bricks, with precise brick-wood connections and a Cantonese-style flying eaves inner roof. The temple preserves Ming and Qing dynasty inscriptions, a calligraphy stele corridor, and historical artifacts, detailing Han Yu's governance in Chaozhou and his literary achievements. Visitors can walk along the passage to the main hall, view the statue of Han Yu, and appreciate stone carvings, plaques, and the simple architectural craftsmanship. The temple is not only a place for worship and commemoration but also a valuable resource for studying Chaozhou's history, literature, and folk art.