Wugong Temples

Wugong Temples, are approximately 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) from the centre of Haikou City, and were originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was renovated on several occasions during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now, it is a place known for its sense of peace, tranquility and beauty.

After many years of renovation and development, the existing Wugong Temples are now an attractive ancient architectural complex that include the Wugong Temple (Five Officials' Temple), the Sugong, Hairui and Fubo Temples, and Guanjia Tang (Watching Crop Hall), and Xuepu Tang (Studying Hall). They cover an area of about 2,800 square meters (about 0.69 acres). Wugong Temple is the main part of this building complex and it is considered to be "the No.1 Building in Hainan" even though it is only a two-storied wooden building. This was constructed to commemorate the five famous officials- Li Deyu, Li Gang, Zhao Ding, Li Guang and Hu Quan who were banished to Hainan during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The main hall houses the vivid and lifelike stone statues of the five prestigious officials. The visitors could learnt about the background of the five officials from two much praised couplets on the inner pillars.  Additionally, a stone tablet that is carved with calligraphy inscriptions of Emperor Huizong, from the Song Dynasty, is also displayed in the Wugong Temple.

Sugong Temple, located in the east of the Wugong Temple, is another fascinating destination. Su Dongpo was one of the greatest poets of the Song Dynasty. He dug two springs for the locals when he heard that there are some troubles to get water supplies. Hence the local people constructed a temple to commemorate his contribution to their community. One of the springs still exists even today.

On the right of the Wugong Temple, there is a peaceful yard where fresh flowers and thriving trees are planted. There are two main buildings here. One, the Xuepu Tang, is the old site where the famous scholar Guo Wanxiang often gave lectures. The other is Wugong Jingshe, which is where the students of the Hainan Province, (at the end of the Qing Dynasty) learned historical works and poems.

If you want to know more about the famous people in the history of Hainan Province, you can visit the museum which is opposite the Wugong Temple.