Memorial Temple of Lord Bao

Memorial Temple of Lord Bao

Lord Bao was an exemplary official during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). He fought courageously and unyieldingly against corrupt officials and protected ordinary people from being exploited. He really made a great contribution to his people, so the people in Kaifeng established the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao to commemorate him and his good deeds.

Unfortunately, the original temple was flooded by the Yellow River. The current Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is situated on the west bank of a beautiful lake named Lord Bao Lake. Reconstructed on its original site, it is designed in the architectural style and colored patterns of the Northern Song Dynasty. The temple includes Dadian Palace, Erdian Palace, and some other buildings.

Dadian Palace contains a sitting figure of Lord Bao in the center. This figure, over three meters (approximately 10 feet) tall, wears official robes and solemnly sits up straight in his chair. On the figure’s two sides some calixes, bowls, wooden buckets, an ink slab, and some other artifacts are displayed, which were unearthed from Lord Bao’s tomb. On the wall, you can see colored murals with dragon and phoenix patterns around the fringe to demonstrate Lord Bao’s achievements in his post.

Erdian Palace holds a rubbing with the image of Lord Bao. It really gives people a clearer idea of Lord Bao, his appearance, and his temperament.

Other buildings tell the legendary stories of Lord Bao. On the east side of Dadian Palace are three big copper cutters, namely, Dragon Head Cutter, Tiger Head Cutter and Dog Head Cutter. These cutters were once used to punish corrupt officials and ordinary scoundrels.