JANVI TOURS

Renwei Taoist Temple is a temple dedicated to enshrine and worship the Taoist Emperor Zhenwu. According to historical records, construction of the Renwei Taoist Temple was commenced in 1052, the 4th year of Emperor Huangyou's reign in the Song Dynasty. It was refurbished in 1622 (the 2nd year of Emperor Tianqi's reign in the Ming Dynasty), in the period 1736-1795 (the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty), and likewise during the period 1862-1874 (the reign of Emperor Tongzhi in Qing Dynasty. The temple had only three quadrangles in its middle and west in the reign of Emperor Qianlong, but when further repaired in the Qing Dynasty, on the east side and two more rear quadrangles were added when rebuilt.

Legend has it that Emperor Zhenwu was in charge of water, thus he is called North Emperor or Aquatic Celestial. That's why Renwei Taoist Temple was called North Emperor Temple in its early life. Its name was later changed to Renwei Temple, for Emperor Zhenwu was well-known for his "Shenwei" (divinity).

The main building of Ren Wei Temple is trapezoidal. The wood carvings in the temple are exquisite: for example, the front door is a wood carving with particularly significant and elegant designs, and the main ridge is covered with pottery figurine tiles. The stone carvings, brick carvings, pottery sculptures, and plaster molding all combine to make a deep impression on visitors. The buildings in the temple are solemn and simple, and have the special features of traditional Lingnan workmanship, and, as a result, are invaluable cultural relics in and of them. The three halls on the front side are dedicated to the deities of the Taoist pantheon, in the back hall with white and red wooden plates commemorating locals’ deceased family members.

Tourist Information of Renwei Temple

⌚ 07:00~17:00;
¥Free of Charge;
✉ Miaoqian Street, Longjin West Road, Liwan District. (广州市荔湾区龙津西路庙前街);

How to get there

1. Metro Line 5 Zhongshanba station Exit A;
2. Take the bus No.25 or No.250 get off at Renwei Temple;