The Ox figure

Huangling Temple (黄陵庙) is located in the middle reaches of Xiling Gorge on the southern bank of Yangtze River. Originally, known as Ox, Ox Temple or Ox Spirit Temple (Huang Niu means Ox), Huangling Temple is the only well-preserved ancient building groups. Among which, Yuwang Hall (禹王殿) is the center for commemorating legendary Da Yu (大禹) who made great contribution to the flood control in ancient China. However, the actual date of construction is unknown, and some archeologists think that it was built during the Han Dynasty, more than a thousand years ago. A large number of well-preserved important sites and real remains concerned with the catastrophic flood water level in Three Gorges area of Yangtze River. The invaluable stuffs and information helped the building the Gezhouba Water Conservancy Project and the Three Gorges Dam.

Huangling Temple

Huangling Temple faces Yangtze River directly and in China’s orange producing area; therefore, if you visit here in time, you may feel the orange fragrance in the courtyard. The temple is surrounded by high and verdant mountains. It is in old-fashioned architectural style with elaborate decorations and carvings. Entering the leading hall, Yuwang Hall, you see a wooden Da Yu statue with four-meter height. If someone is on their knees, the statue handled by the monks will stand up to return greetings automatically. It is fully expressing the advanced techniques in ancient China.

There are also lifelike statues of Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, the most mysterious man and thought to be the earthly immortal) and his young servants. At the backyard of Huangling Temple, some moist mummies are being collected. It is a traditional temple indeed without overcrowded visitors, nice place to visit.