Màomíng

Màomíng was the seat of Gāozhōu Prefecture in western Guangdong. A temple here honours Lady Xian, a sixth-century leader remembered for her role in the affairs of the southern peoples under the Liang, Chen and Sui dynasties. Her cult remained prominent in the region, with ceremonies held in spring and autumn as well as on her birthday. The prefectural seat moved from old Diànbái to Màomíng during the troubled fifteenth century. A temple inscription records that the shrine of Lady Xian moved south with it. From this inland centre Gāozhōu governed a group of counties stretching towards the coast and the mountains to the north.