Lou County Valley Waterway Academy: Millennium Road Rhyme Reflecting on Valley Waters
In the long river of Shanghai’s history, Lou County Gushuiyuan is like a pearl polished by time, quietly telling stories of the past. This Taoist temple is located in Xigu Shuifang, Lou County, Shanghai. Since its establishment in the Song Dynasty, it has undergone several dynasties and witnessed the changes of the times. Its rise and fall and reconstruction process are indispensable chapters in the local cultural memory.
1.Construction began in the Song Dynasty: In the second year of the Baoqing reign of the Southern Song Dynasty (1226), the Lou County Gushuiyuan was officially completed, marking the beginning of its history spanning over a thousand years. In the Song Dynasty, although Taoist culture was not as prosperous as in the Tang Dynasty, it still had a deep foundation among the people, and Taoist temple construction also emerged from time to time in various regions. The location of Gushuiyuan is Xigu Shuifang, surrounded by water systems and a tranquil environment, which not only conforms to the Taoist concept of “natural law”, but also provides a peaceful place for Taoist practitioners and believers to pray for blessings. At the beginning of its establishment, although the Taoist temple was not grand in scale, it gradually emerged in the local area with its unique geographical location and Taoist cultural atmosphere, becoming an important venue for Taoist activities in the Lou County area and laying a solid foundation for subsequent development.
2.Ming Dynasty Restoration and Reconstruction: Rebirth after Disaster and Continuation of Incense
As time passed into the Ming Dynasty, Gu Shuiyuan underwent significant development and turning points. In the 20th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1387), Taoist Ye Yungu, driven by his devotion to Taoism and love for Taoist temples, funded the renovation of the temple. This renovation not only expanded the building scale of the temple, but also improved the internal facilities, making the layout of the temple more orderly and the incense more prosperous. However, the twists and turns of fate quietly arrived, and the Taoist temple was unfortunately destroyed by a fire. The former buildings were reduced to ashes, and Taoist activities were temporarily halted. Fortunately, Taoist Huang Bichang and local gentry Feng Ji could not bear to see the Taoist temple disappear and joined hands to initiate reconstruction. They raised funds everywhere, gathered craftsmen, and after months of hard work, finally revived the Gu Shuiyuan from the ruins. This reconstruction not only restored the core building of the Taoist temple, but also consolidated the local people’s appreciation for Taoist culture, allowing the incense of the temple to continue.
3.Expansion during the Qing Dynasty: With increasing scale, new scenery was added
In the Qing Dynasty, Gushuiyuan ushered in a golden period of development, with multiple repairs and expansions continuously expanding its scale and improving its architectural layout. In the mid Kangxi period, Taoist Zhao Ximing presided over the construction of Sanmao Hall. Sanmao Hall is specially built for worshiping Sanmao Zhenjun. Its architectural style is solemn and elegant. With carved beams and painted rafters inside, it has become a new landmark of the Taoist Academy. In the fifth year of the Qianlong reign (1740), Wang Shengwan invested in the construction of the Doumu Pavilion. The Doumu Pavilion enshrines the Doumu Yuanjun, with towering and majestic buildings that echo the Sanmao Hall from afar, further enriching the architectural layout and cultural connotation of the Taoist temple. In the ninth year of the Qianlong reign (1744), the Taoist temple underwent another renovation of the main hall. This renovation comprehensively reinforced and repaired the beams, roof, and other components of the main hall, replacing some decayed parts, making the hall look brand new, more sturdy and durable, and also making the overall appearance of the Taoist temple more solemn and dignified.
4.Preservation of Famous Sites: Elegant Scenery Shows Charm
In addition to the well-organized palace buildings, Lou County Gu Shuiyuan also had two famous scenic spots, Laihe Pavilion and Dongyunshao, adding a touch of elegance and liveliness to the temple. The Laihe Pavilion is built in the courtyard of the Taoist temple, surrounded by green trees and a gentle breeze. It is said that cranes once lived here, hence its name.
The design of the pavilion is exquisite, with upturned eaves and elegant simplicity, making it an excellent place for Taoists to relax, appreciate the scenery, and discuss Taoism. Every morning or evening, the sunshine shines on the pavilion, with light and shadow intertwined, accompanied by bird songs and wind sounds, creating a unique and serene atmosphere. Dongyunshao is a scenic spot where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and countryside scenery.
In spring, flowers bloom here like brocade, with rippling blue waves; In autumn, the sky is high and the clouds are light, the rice waves are rolling, and the scenery of the four seasons is different, which is fascinating. These two famous sites not only enhance the landscape value of the Taoist temple, but also embody the concept of “harmony between heaven and man” in Taoist culture, making the temple a place that integrates religious activities and leisure scenery.
Nowadays, although the Gu Shui Yuan in Lou County has gone through thousands of years of vicissitudes and some buildings may have been lost in the dust of history, its construction and development in different periods, as well as the cultural memories it has retained, are still an important part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Lou County area in Shanghai. It witnesses the inheritance and evolution of Taoist culture in the local area, and also carries the emotions and memories of generations of people, becoming a cultural bond connecting the past and present.
