Fashi Zhenwu Temple

Introducing Fashi Zhenwu Temple
Fashi Zhenwu Temple is one of Quanzhou’s famous Taoist temples. Established in 479 AD, Fashi Zhenwu Temple has stood for over 1,500 years. Dedicated to Xuantian Shangdi (also known as Zhenwu Dadi or the Great Valiant Deity), the temple venerates a powerful figure embodying the Northern Black Tortoise, one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. Zhenwu is revered for his control over the elements and formidable magical abilities.

Quanzhou’s coastal location has profoundly influenced its cultural landscape, especially its religious practices and beliefs. The city’s deep connection to the sea is evident in the prominence of maritime deities like Mazu, traditionally invoked by seafarers for protection. While Zhenwu is not solely a sea deity, the significance and enduring presence of Fashi Zhenwu Temple in Quanzhou reflect the pervasive influence of this maritime heritage.

Fashi Zhenwu Temple Fast Facts
• AKA: Zhenwu Temple, Little Wudang
• Chinese Name: Fǎ Shí Zhēn Wǔ Miào 法石真武庙
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Taoism, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 6:00 – 17:30
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Donghai Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at the Fashi Zhenwu Temple
The awe-inspiring Fashi Zhenwu Temple, with its grand gate, ornate pavilions, and majestic main hall, showcases intricate architecture and vibrant statuary. These elements provide a captivating insight into the city’s historical connection to the sea and the resulting spiritual traditions.

The Mountain Gate
The magnificent mountain gate dominates the entrance to the Fashi Zhenwu Temple, known as “Little Wudang.” This striking brick and stone archway immediately announces the temple’s lineage and dedication. A prominent plaque above the entrance proclaims “Mount Wudang,” clearly linking it to the ancestral temple in Hubei. Intricate Southern Fujian brick carvings flanking the plaque depict key Taoist figures: Laozi (the Supreme Lord), the Queen Mother of the West (Yaochi Jinmu), and the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology. These carvings serving as a gateway to a world of Taoist practice and devotion, instantly conveying the temple’s significance and its connection to the legendary Wudang Mountain.

The Turtle Rock & the Snake Rock
Not far from the mountain gate stood two great rocks. One resembles a turtle’s back; the other resembles a snake’s head. Atop the “turtle back” stands a stone stele, 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) high and 0.5 meters (1.6 ft) wide. It is inscribed with the gilded Chinese characters “Swallowing the Sea” (吞海). This stele, erected in 1533 by Han Yue, the governor of Jinjiang County during the Ming Dynasty, signifies the land reclamation from the sea, implying calm seas and safe passage for ships—an ancient prayer. To the right, an oval rock, shaped like a snake’s head, sits beside a low stretch of wall interpreted as the snake’s body. Legend has it that the turtle and snake are two powerful generals serving Zhenwu Dadi.

The Zhenwu Hall
The Zhenwu hall is the centerpiece of the temple, a majestic brick and wood structure dedicated to the deity Zhenwu. At its center, a commanding statue of Zhenwu stands, barefoot and wielding a sword. His unbound hair and golden armor convey power, while his expression is one of calm authority rather than anger. He stands atop a turtle and snake – symbolic representations of earth (stability and longevity) and heaven (transformation and fluidity) – demonstrating his mastery over opposing cosmic forces. Flanking him are statues of the four great Taoist marshals, each armed with a halberd or sword. The hall’s walls are adorned with vibrant murals depicting Taoist imagery: the eight trigrams (bagua), cranes, qilin (mythical creatures), auspicious plants and clouds, and figures of immortals, reinforcing the temple’s distinctly Taoist character.

How to Get to Fashi Zhenwu Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 1, 30, K501 to Xiandai guangchang (Xiandai Square) Station.