The Guizhou Guildhall, also known as Zhonglie Palace and Heishen Temple, was jointly built by Guizhou migrants in the 24th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1759). Its stage is rarely matched in craftsmanship and ingenuity, serving as a place for gathering, discussing affairs, and lodging for miners and merchants coming to Zhaotong. Located to the east of Fengchi Academy, it consists of a gate tower, wing rooms, a stage, a study room, and a main hall, and once enshrined Heishen (Black God) Nan Jiyun—a famous general during the An Lushan Rebellion of the Tang Dynasty, whose bravery was unmatched in the army and loyalty as lofty as the sky.
According to historical records, in the Xinwei year of Emperor Jingdi of the Ming Dynasty (1451), Wang Xian, the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Guizhou, petitioned the imperial court to include Nan Jiyun in official sacrifices, and the court bestowed the plaque "Zhonglie" (Loyal and Valiant), hence the name "Zhonglie Palace". It is commonly known as Heishen Temple among the people, originating from two legends: one is that Nan Jiyun was born with a dark complexion, and the other is that he died from cannon fire, his body burned black, thus being called "Heishen" (Black God). Due to historical changes, the guildhall buildings were damaged, and funds were raised for its restoration in 2024.
