Huangze Temple

Overview
Huangze Temple is the only sacrificial temple for Empress Wu Zetian in China. It is located on the West Jialing River in Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province. In 1961, it was announced by the State Council as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, and in 2006 it was rated as national AAAA-level tourist attractions.

History & Background
With a history of over 1300 years, the temple now has a main structure consisting of the entrance gate, Ersheng Hall (the Two Saints Hall), Zetian Hall, Great Buddha Building, Lvzu Tower and Five Buddha Pavilion. Alongside the overhanging cliff and Looking down on the river, with carved beams and intricate painted pillars, the temple shows a sense of rhythm and distinguished strength, which properly combines the unique delicacy of rivers in Ba area and the loftiness of waters in Shu area. Every 23rd January of Chinese lunar year, a grand temple fair is held at Huangze Temple. The public of Guangyuan go to Wulong Pond in front of the temple and surrounding areas, having boating race and sightseeing at the river bend to memorize the birthday of the empress.

What to See
In Huangze Temple, there are gates, Zetian Temple, Second Holy Temple, Buddha Tower, Xiaonanhai, Lv Zuge Pavilion, Five Buddhist Pavilions, Wu's Family Temple, Bell and Drum Tower and other buildings. Queen's Villa and relief walls of Song Dynasty tombs are newly built.

Second Temple
When you walking into the gate of Huangze Temple, the first thing you see is the Second Holy Temple. In the middle of the hall, there are two saints: Tang Gaozong and Wu Zetian.

Temple of heaven
Behind the Second Temple is the Temple of Heaven. The temple was built in Tang Dynasty. It was once called "Real-looking Hall of Empress Wu" and "Heavenly Sacred Empress Hall" in history.

Wu family temple
On the north side of the gate of Huangze Temple, there are Fengge Pavilion and Bell Tower, and on the south side there are caves for writing the Heart Classic, Wu's Family Temple and Drum Tower.

Information
Location: Lizhou District, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province (near the foot of Wulong Mountain on the west bank of the Jialing River)
Opening time: 08:00-18:00
Ticket Price: CNY38 per person
Time for visiting: 2 hours