Huangling Temple is located at the foot of the Huangniu Mountain at the southern bank of the Yangtze River in the Xiling Gorge Section. It is the oldest and largest ancient architectures of the Three Gorges Area.
It was build during the Spring and Autumn period of about 770 BC to 476 BC and was commemorated Da Yu, who was a hero who controlled the floods in the Chinese history and the yellow ox who has helped Da Yu in controlling the water. Therefore it is also called as Yellow Ox Temple. During the time of the Song Dynasty, the Oyang Xiu who was a reputed rlitterateur and the county magistrate has changed its name to the Huangling Temple thinking that there was no yellow ox that has helped Da Yu.
Huangling Temple
This temple was used in the previous times for devotions and prayers. But, due to the several wars, it has been destroyed as well as rebuilt several times. The one present now has been rebuilt in the 1618 century in the Ming Dynasty. The temple Gate, Wuhou Temple or Zhuge Liang Memorial Hall, Yuwang Dian or The Hall of Da Yu is the main sections of this temple.
On Disembarking from Yangtze River you can see the antique drama playing stage after passing through the temple gate. Yuwan Dian is situated opposite to the flat and it is consider as the main architectural feature of this temple. It is also supported magnificiently by the 36 poles which are carved with the nine lifelike dancing dragons. The left of the hall records the flood water lever for more than 120 years. There is a huge board which states that the flood has reached here in the 1870 which was recorded as the most severe flood of Yangtze River ever. There are two wooden plaques in the hall and one of them is written by Cixi.
Wuhou Temple is towards the right of the Yuwang Dian. It is the only plaque now which can be seen from inside. There is a garden behind the temple with the cycas revolute thumb which is believed to have been planted by Zhuge Liang which was a great strategist during the period of Three Kingdoms. There is a well in the yard and it is always full even in the years of drought.
Huangling-Temple