Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Hainan Island, China: Wugong Temple in Haikou

Wugong Temple (Five Officials Temple): This temple ranks with Hairui Tomb as a must-see in Haikou, capital of Hainan. During the Tang Dynasty these five officials were banished to Hainan for criticising the emperor.


Typical Chinese architectural styles in the two pictures above.


A unique Chinese bridge over a pond.

A pond filled with lilies is part of the landscaping.


A pavillion: rest your aching legs here, and perhaps compose a poem in the tranquil setting.

Wugong Temple consists of several buildings which can easily take up to an hour to explore. After exploring every nook and corner of the temple, I rewarded myself with a well-deserved lunch at the cosy restaurant near the temple's entrance.

One of the springs attributed to the miraculous intervention of one of the five officials.

Wugong Temple is easily reached by a 15-minute bus ride from central Haikou.

6 comments:

  1. This Wugong Temple looks like a simple temple. But, I LOVE the mini arc-shaped bridge and lily pond.

    Is there any elaborate statues or idols in this temple?

    Cheers!
    mylo

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  2. Yes, life-size figures of the five banished officials. In China temples everywhere whereas in Europe it's churches or cathedrals. See one, see all is the joke.

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  3. Thanks for the info! I LOVE to see statues and figurines.

    Cheers!
    mylo

    ReplyDelete
  4. i'm really enjoying your blog - thanks so much for posting all of this great info -- i hope to see some of these places myself someday

    ReplyDelete