The Qiaoxi Shrine, located in Fujian Province’s Putuo County Matou Township East Street Village, was initially built during the Ming dynasty when Commander Qi Junqiao led Igualo troops into Min to suppress Japanese pirates. It is the only out-of-place city god temple nationwide. The original shrine building covers an area of 1278 square meters and has a main hall with a large door at its entrance, flanked by horse pillars and a heavenly steed on either side; inside the door are stages for performances and two ponds surrounded by cloisters. On either side are reception halls where people can watch performances; there is also a third great hall housing statues of related emperors, Zhouru, Guan Ping gods, and finally, the main shrine dedicated to the God of Igualo. The original main hall was rebuilt using old foundation stones, covering an area of 325 square meters, with incense dedications to Emperor Yu who had a benevolent effect on all life.
The Qiaoxi Shrine serves as a witness to Qi Junqiao’s military achievements in the fight against Japanese pirates and his efforts to safeguard the homeland. It is also an invaluable venue for patriotism education in Putuo County. In March 2005, Central Television Channel 4 set up filming equipment at the shrine to record a program called “Gods’ Evident Deeds.” On May 31st of that year, CCTV’s “Walking Across China” series was broadcast nationwide.
Translation:
Nanpeng Yiwu City God Temple is located in Fujian Province, Xiapu County, Songgang Township, Dongguan Village. It was initially built during the Ming Dynasty when Zhejiang commander Qi Jinguan led the Yiwu troops to Fujian to repel the Japanese invasion. The temple is the only national city god temple built outside of its original location. Originally, the architectural area covered 1278 square meters and had several notable features including a main hall, two side halls, an outdoor stage, and a small courtyard with a fountain. In addition, there were altars dedicated to various deities like Zhuan Xi (关平神像) and Dou Mu Gong (周仓). The temple’s third hall housed various artifacts and relics related to Qi Jinguan and his troops’ military achievements. Currently, Yiwu City God Temple has rebuilt using the old main building as its foundation, with a floor area of 325 square meters. It enshrines Yiwu City God and Marshal Qi Jinguo (显佑伯). The temple serves as a witness to Qi Jinguan’s bravery in leading his troops to resist foreign invasion and protect the nation. Therefore, it is an invaluable patriotic education site. In March 2005, China Central Television’s Channel 4 filming team arrived at Yiwu City God Temple to record “City God” documentary program. On May 31st, 2005, this broadcast was aired on channel 4’s popular travel show “Voyage Through China”.