Fuxing Temple (Fuxi Temple) (伏羲庙, Fúxī Miào)

Fuxi (伏羲) is one of the most ancient figures in Chinese mythology — a primordial sovereign said to have ruled in the 3rd millennium BC. According to legend, Fuxi invented the eight trigrams (八卦, bagua) that form the basis of the I Ching, observed the patterns of nature to create the Chinese writing system, established marriage customs, and taught people to fish and hunt. He is considered one of the creators of Chinese civilization. Tianshui in Gansu Province is identified in ancient texts as Fuxi's birthplace, making the Fuxing Temple here one of the most culturally significant sites in the Chinese folk religion tradition.

The current temple complex dates mostly from the Qing Dynasty (17th–20th century) with Ming Dynasty origins. Its most distinctive feature is its unusual orientation: the main hall is positioned on a north-south axis, while most Chinese temple halls run east-west. This unusual layout is said to reflect the bagua arrangement — the eight trigrams invented by Fuxi — with the eight directions corresponding to the eight trigrams. The temple is surrounded by an ancient cypress tree grove, some of which are estimated to be over 500 years old.

The temple complex includes a gate hall, the main hall (大殿), a bagua garden, and a small museum displaying artifacts related to Fuxi and the I Ching. Worshippers come to pay respects to Fuxi, especially during the annual Fuxi cultural festival in September, when Tianshui hosts large celebrations with traditional music, dance, and ritual offerings. The temple is a living religious site, not primarily a tourist attraction — the atmosphere is authentic and local.