In June 2025, in Xuyong County, Sichuan Province, China, during the fourth national census of cultural relics, an ancient shrine was discovered – the ancestral temple of Cao Gong, a Ming Dynasty official responsible for regulating the river's flow.
The temple, known from historical records but previously unfound, was discovered by archaeologist Liu Xin and his team. The shrine includes two statues — one male and one female — in Ming Dynasty official attire, and a stone tablet with a partially preserved poem praising Cao Zhen's achievements.
Construction of the temple began in 1550 by order of the Sichuan governor and was completed seven years later in honor of the official's deeds. The discovery provides important materials for studying the history and culture of the Ming Dynasty and demonstrates the region's significance in trade and cultural connections.
Local authorities plan to continue research and preserve the shrine as an important cultural relic. This discovery has also drawn attention to other cultural heritage sites in Xuyong County.