The "Ancestral Court of Wenchang"
1.Located in Zitong: County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, the Qiqushan Grand Temple (Seven Songs Mountain Grand Temple) is a magnificent architectural complex nestled within the ancient cypress forests of the Qiqu Mountain Scenic Area. As a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a National 4A Tourist Attraction, it holds the prestigious title of the "Ancestral Court of Wenchang Under Heaven." It is the birthplace of the Wenchang culture and the primary pilgrimage site for worshipping Wenchang Wang (Wenchang Di Jun), the Daoist deity of culture and literature who is believed to determine the success of scholars and officials. For over a thousand years, from the imperial civil service examinations of the past to the college entrance exams of today, millions of students and scholars have journeyed here to pray for academic success and a bright future, earning it the reputation of the "Number One Temple for Imperial Examination Prayers".
A Legacy of the Ancient Shu Road
The history of the temple dates back to the Jin Dynasty, originally built to worship Zhang Yazi, a local figure who was later deified as Wenchang Di Jun. The temple flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties and underwent significant expansion during the Ming Dynasty (under the supervision of Shu King Zhu Chun) and the Qing Dynasty. The complex is situated on the famous Jinniu Road (Golden Ox Road), a vital section of the ancient Shu Road system that connected Sichuan to the Central Plains. This strategic location made it a hub for cultural exchange and commerce. Today, the temple preserves a grand array of structures laid out along a central axis, including the Mountain Gate, Lingxing Gate, Pan Pool, and the majestic Dacheng Hall. The architecture blends the solemnity of northern imperial style with the exquisite craftsmanship of southern Sichuan, featuring intricate carvings, glazed tiles, and towering red walls that stand in striking contrast to the surrounding greenery,.
The Forest of Millennium Cypresses
Qiqushan is not only a cultural sanctuary but also a natural wonder. It is home to the largest and best-preserved pure ancient cypress forest in China, known as the "Ancient Cypress King." These trees, some dating back to the Han, Jin, Tang, and Song dynasties, form the famous Cuiyun Corridor (Emerald Cloud Corridor) along the ancient plank road. Legend has it that the trees were planted by Zhang Fei in the Three Kingdoms period or by subsequent dynasties to shade the road. The towering cypresses, with their gnarled roots and lush canopies, create a serene and mystical atmosphere, often described as a "Green Great Wall." Walking through the temple grounds, visitors are surrounded by these living witnesses of history, which add a profound sense of timelessness to the spiritual experience.
Pilgrimage and Folk Traditions
The temple is rich in living traditions. The most iconic feature is the "Sky Ladder" (Qiqu Tianti), a winding stone path with hundreds of steps leading up to the main halls, symbolizing the journey of "rising step by step" in one's career and studies. Inside the temple, visitors can engage in unique customs such as touching the Wenchang Pen for literary talent or beating the Champion Drum (Zhuangyuan Gu) for good luck in exams. The temple houses a valuable Stele Forest containing hundreds of stone inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including calligraphy by famous historical figures like Lin Zexu and Ji Xiaolan. Every year, during the Wenchang Temple Fair (2nd month of the lunar calendar) and the exam season, the temple becomes a bustling center of activity, filled with incense, music, and the hopes of countless families seeking blessings.
