The full name of this temple is the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao Xiaoshu. It was constructed in memory of Bao Zheng who is idealized as an upright and honest official and a political reformer in the Song Dynasty. Xiaoshu is Lord Bao's posthumous name that was granted by Emperor Renzhong of the Song Dynasty in order to promote Lord Bao's contribution to the country.
Lord Bao (999-1062), named Bao Zheng, was a renowned officer in the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127). He is well respected because of his excellent personality, fair-minded judgments and strict family education. In commemoration, many memorial temples were built after his death. Among them the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is the most famous one. This temple lies in Baohe Park in the southeastern part of his hometown, Hefei City. The current appearance of the temple is the result of reconstruction in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).
The Temple consists of a central building with two wings attached perpendicularly. In the central building, Lord Bao Hall, there is a huge statue of Lord Bao. He is portrayed as sitting on a chair and holding a sceptre in one hand and a pen in the other. The austere and stern expression on his face displays his impartial and incorruptible moral character.
To the west of Lord Bao Hall are a long walkway and a small pavilion along the river that is called Liufang Pavilion. To the east is Dragon Well Pavilion, with an ancient well called Lian Spring in it. The well is also called Dragon Well because several dragons are carved on the roof of the pavilion, and they are reflected in the well in the daytime. If the water ripples, it looks like the dragons are flying. The well received its name from an article written by Li Guowei, a Juren of the late Qing Dynasty, called: Jin Xiang Ji."He wrote: The water in the well beside the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is magic; corrupt officials will get a headache when drinking it."
Entering the beautiful park, walking through the stone gate and along the small path by the lake, you will find the temple in front of you. It is a typical compound with houses around a courtyard. There is a incense burner donated by a pilgrim standing in the yard. The main palace with five halls is the highlight of the temple.
The Temple is surrounded by water, and its main entrance faces south. In its west gallery are exhibited The Book of Bao Genealogy, artefacts, Family Instructions and some relevant books. The Temple is surrounded by the Baohe River in which it is said that the Honghua lotus grew. In the temple area, there is a waxworks display that portrays Lord Bao stories and the Cultural Corridor of Lord Bao. They are great sight-seeing exhibits for visitors to understand the story of Lord Bao.