Kunming 昆明市 - Zhenqing Cultural Square 真庆文化广场

Construction of Zhenqing Cultural Square—a new tourist attraction started in 2001 and it was accomplished in February 2003. The project, the largest one in Kunming on preservation of historical relics, has been praised as a landmark project in such a historical and cultural city.

Zhenwu Temple, a major building in the square, was established in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) to worship Emperor Zhenwu, a Taoist god. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the name has been changed into the Zhenqing Taoist TEMPLE. In the early Ming Dynasty, China’s traditional Taoism religion was hugely popular. The temple was reconstructed in 1431 and extended in 1441. In addition, in the Qing Dynasty, another two temples—Dulei and Yanling—were established beside the Zhengqing Temple. Dulei Temple offered sacrifices to the gods of thunder and fire, both gods in Chinese legend. A rich salt dealer built Yanlong Temple to worship his ancestors. The ancient architectural complex is the largest in the city, which features architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The complex provides important evidence in the research of architectural styles of the dynasties. It is interesting that the complex not only inherits Ming and Qing architectural styles, but also has traditional local characteristics. Taoism originated from the so-called Central Plains in China, the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. And it spread to Yunnan, which has plenty of minorities. Gradually, the ancient religion became a multicultural combination in Yunnan. That is why the Zhenqing Temple also has local characteristics.

Around the square is the city’s financial, commercial and administrative area. There are 14 firms and 493 families in the architectural complex. But rubbish and wastewater, damage caused by rats and firetraps have been antagonizing the inhabitants and even worse, threatening the valuable complex. The Kunming municipal government launched the Zhenqing Cultural Square Project in a bid to improve living conditions and protect the cultural heritage in 2001.

The square serves four major functions—the preservation and exhibition of historical relics, cultural exchange, and commerce and entertainment. Major ancient buildings at the square are the most valuable and precious historical relics. At the same time, all kinds of exhibitions will be held in the buildings to show the culture and history of the province. What is more, the square is expected to be a center for the exhibition and auction of folk crafts and antiques in Yunnan. For cultural exchange, the ancient stage among the buildings will be used to showcase Yunnan’s local operas, singing and dancing. The delicate handicrafts on show have won warm welcome from tourists all over the world. Therefore, an area for handicraft trading has been set up. Also, Kunming is honoured as the kingdom of flowers and several restaurants have been opened to tourists. Visitors can get a chance to learn more about China’s tea culture at newly opened teahouses. What a variegated mix of interest the square in the City of Kunming offers visitors from home and abroad!

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