The Wenmiao Temple at Hongxue Ba, in the northeast of Anshun (Guizhou Province) dates from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was renovated and rebuilt during the Ming and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, making the temple a magnificent ancient architectural accomplishment. Also known as the Confucius Temple, the Wenmiao temple is a shrine for commemorating and worshipping Confucius (551B.C.-479 B.C.), the ancient Chinese educator and founder of the Confucians school of thought.

This architectural complex rests upon a sloping field and as such, the buildings appear to rise as you go up the slope. Stone stairs lead you to the front of the architectural complex. Artistically, the Wenmiao Temple is a masterpiece in the field of stone-carving and famous for the exquisite craftsmanship that went into its creation.

At the entrance of the Wenmiao Temple you are met by a stone wall and two overbearing stone memorial archways. The top and the lintel of the archways are beautifully carved with lions, flowers and the Chinese characters for vigor. The wall symbolically reflects both the importance of Confucian doctrines and rituals in ancient Chinese education and Confucius’ colossal reputation in the ancient Chinese history. Climbing the stairs you pass the ‘Li Men’ (Ritual Gate), the ‘Yi Lu’ (Loyalty Path) and the ‘Pan Chi’ (Pool in front of ancient school), and then another gigantic stone memorial archway carved with flowers will grab your attention. The railings of this memorial archway are carved with many ancient portraits, depicting some classic and instructive Confucian stories. Stone pillars on both sides of the gate are engraved with two dragons in relief (a method of carving in which the design stands out from the flat surface). At the foot of pillars two lions crouch - also engraved in relief. Past the gate, the ‘Hall of Great Completion’ (Dacheng Dian), a main hall in honor of Confucius, lies in front of you. The gate, the hall and two houses constitute the courtyard house. Here you will see the highlight of the Wenmiao Temple. Under the hall you are met by two huge pillars made of a whole stone and carved with lions and dragons using a unique carving method (ornamental work containing numerous openings, usually in set patterns). These pillars show an amalgamation of many carving styles, such as deep and low relief, reflecting the ancient carvers’ skill and intelligence. Staring at these stone creatures, your mind easily conjures up an image of two huge dragons descending from the heavens. In the mist-shrouded sky, dragons loom and jump out of the sea whilst a pair of stone lions at the foot of the pillars open their mouths wide and snarl ferociously. These stone creatures carved onto the pillars truly are incomparable stone-carving masterpieces and offer a unique visual experience. The Wenmiao Temple is therefore the embodiment of the Confucian spirit.

A twenty-minute drive from Anshun will take you to the Tun Bu village. It is a very old and peculiar Han Chinese settlement existing in the southwest part of China. Here women wear Ming dynasty costumes and the houses, typically featuring Ming architectural styles, are frozen in time.

Historic records tell the story about the village. The imperial court of the Ming Dynasty had sent a garrison force to Anshun six hundred years ago. The garrison turned the neighborhood into farmland, grew crops, and build up villages for its own needs. The Tun Bu Village is the best among the well-kept settlements, where people have changed little in lifestyle.

The Tun Bu Village population is over 5000, or 1250 families. They have largely kept to themselves. They developed sophisticated stone masonry skills. You will find this all over the place: a unique stone culture. There is a 100-meter long business street — the only market square where the trades congregate, and the practice continues to this day.

The people are hospitable and friendly to visitors. You may examine the women’s clothing up close. The garments are usually long robes with loose sleeves. The cuffs are embroidered with laces.Some wear handkerchiefs over their heads, and some adorn themselves with silver hairpins. The villagers, at peace with nature, are devout worshippers of the supernatural. There are temples of various faiths: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Tiantai Mountain features a temple complex at its summit. Spectacular Buddhist artifacts are everywhere to be seen among the marvels of nature.

Villagers sing folk songs in the evening to entertain their guests. Tourists are invited to visit village homes, where they may sample tea.