Ningxia Zhongwei Gaomiao | Stacked up, like a phoenix spreading its wings | Structured tightly and majestic

Gaomiao Bao'an Temple in Zhongwei, Ningxia is located north of Zhongwei County. It was built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424) and has been expanded and renovated through the generations. By the Qing Dynasty, it had become a large-scale ancient architectural complex. Gaomiao Bao'an Temple is a temple where three religions coexist. Not only are Buddha and Bodhisattva worshipped, but also Jade Emperor, Holy Mother, Wenchang, Guan Gong and other statues. The temple houses a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Zhongwei used to have 9 temples and 18 temples at its peak, but only Gaomiao stands tall, towering, and superior, hence the name "Gaomiao". Gaomiao wins by height, on a high platform of only over 4,000 square meters, there are more than 260 multi-storey pavilions. The entire architectural complex is divided into two parts, with the front low and the back high, stacked up like a phoenix spreading its wings. In front of Gaomiao is Bao'an Temple, the front is the Daxiong Hall with a single-eave Xieshan roof. Behind the hall is Gaomiao, with 24 steps, up the steps, through the archway, Nantian Gate, Zhonglou, and finally the three-story Wuyue, Jade Emperor, and Holy Mother Hall. These buildings are connected in layers, showing a gradually increasing trend. There are also bell towers, drum towers, Wenlou, Wulou, Lingguan Hall, Dizang Hall and other side halls on both sides, with a tight structure and majestic momentum. Under the Daxiong Hall and brick archway of Gaomiao, there is also a hell, with various monsters and ghosts, with green faces and fangs, and their faces are abhorrent, warning the world with stories of loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness. Climbing to the highest level of Gaomiao, it is another scene. The ancients praised this scene: "Reed flowers fly snow and swell clear ripples, misty rain is mysterious and the view is more strange. Dots of white gulls bathe in the deep, flat boats move with thoughts of the five lakes". Looking at the sky, the ink is floating blue; the desert oasis, the Yellow River, and the Great Wall are all in sight. 📍Detailed address: Gaomiao: Gaomiao Scenic Area, Changcheng West Road, Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Ticket: 30 yuan / person