Among the mountains and rivers of China, there are some ancient and mysterious Taoist temples, which are not only sacred places for Taoist practitioners, but also shining treasures of traditional Chinese culture. Here's an in-depth look at these temples to give us a glimpse into their mystery and splendor.
Jiangxi Zhengyiguan: the origin of Taoism
Located in Longhu Mountain, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province, Zhengyi View is the ancestral court of Taoism. According to legend, Zhang Daoling of the Eastern Han Dynasty made alchemy here, and the dragon and tiger appeared, and Taoism was born. Zhengyiguan is not only a symbol of Taoism, but also a treasure of ancient Chinese architectural art. Every year, seekers from all over the world gather here to preach and sacrifice activities, and the scene is grand.
Beijing Baiyun Temple: The center of Quanzhen Buddhism
Beijing Baiyun Temple, known as the "first jungle of Quanzhen", is the seat of the Chinese Taoist Association. Founded in the Tang Dynasty, formerly known as Tianchangguan, it was built by Tang Xuanzong to worship Lao Tzu. During the Yuan Dynasty, Qiu Chuji used it as a residence, and carried out large-scale repairs and expansions, making it the center of the Quanzhen Dragon Sect. The white marble stone carving of Lao Tzu in the temple is said to be a relic of the Tang Dynasty and has great historical value.
Zixiao Palace of Wudang Mountain: The treasure of the royal temple
Zixiao Palace, located in Wudang Mountain, Danjiangkou City, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, is the largest royal temple complex in Wudang Mountain. It was built in the Northern Song Dynasty in the third year of Xuanhe, and was named "Yunsheng Zixiao Palace". It was rebuilt during the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and enshrined as the "Zixiao Blessed Land". As the most well-preserved part of the Taoist complex in Wudang Mountain, Zixiao Palace is not only a sacred place for Taoist beliefs, but also a model of ancient Chinese architectural art.
Jurong Maoshan Daoyuan: A legendary place to subdue demons and eliminate demons
Maoshan Taoist Academy, located in Jurong City, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, has the reputation of "the first blessed land and the eighth cave sky". The history can be traced back to the period of Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty, and Tang Xuanzong visited in person during the Tang Dynasty. Although it suffered severe damage during the Cultural Revolution, it was gradually restored to its former prosperity after being rebuilt in 1982 and 2010.
Shaanxi Chongyang Palace: The ancestral court of the Quanzhen School
Chongyang Palace, located in the Yiyi District of Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, is the dojo of Wang Chongyang, the patriarch of the Quanzhen School. Founded in 1167, during the Yuan Dynasty, Chongyanggong's influence reached its peak and it became the center of Taoism in the north. The existing golden plaque of the emperor of the Yuan Dynasty in the temple has witnessed its glorious history.
Chengdu Qingyang Palace: the pearl of Taoism in western Sichuan
Qingyang Palace, located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, is known as "the first museum in western Sichuan". Founded in the Zhou Dynasty, it was formerly known as Qingyang. During the Tang Dynasty, Tang Xizong used it as a palace. Most of the existing buildings were rebuilt during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. Qingyang Palace is closely connected to the legend of Lao Tzu, adding a mysterious color.
Wuhan Changchun View: A place of merit to commemorate the mound
Changchun Temple, located on the southern slope of Shuangfeng Mountain in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, was founded by the disciples of Quanzhen School Qiu in the Yuan Dynasty. The Ming version of the "Orthodox Taoist Collection" in the Guannai collection is an extremely precious cultural heritage. Despite the devastation of the Northern Expedition and the Cultural Revolution, the Changchun Temple was restored and opened in 1982.
Shanxi Yongle Palace: A treasure trove of mural art
Yongle Palace, located in Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, was built to commemorate Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. Founded in 1247, the mural art of Yongle Palace is particularly famous, among which the "Chaoyuan Map" of the Sanqing Hall is a rare masterpiece in the world.
Qingcheng Mountain Tianshi Cave: The birthplace of Taoism
Mount Qingcheng, located in Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. Tianshi Cave is its core Taoist hall, in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling practiced preaching here, hence the name. Although the original building has been destroyed, the Taoist hall rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty still retains the traditional Taoist culture.
Laoshan Taiqing Palace: The holy land of the whole truth
Laoshan Taiqing Palace, located in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, is the ancestral court of Laoshan Taoism. It was founded in the first year of the Western Han Dynasty and was established by Zhang Lianfu. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Liu Ruozhuo was pardoned and returned to Laoshan to build a Taoist temple, and the Taiqing Palace was founded. Celebrities such as Qiu Chuji and Liu Chuxuan have preached here, making it an important holy place for the Quanzhen Dao.
These Taoist temples are not only symbols of Taoist beliefs, but also valuable heritage of ancient Chinese architecture, art, and culture. They bear witness to the development of Taoism in China and carry rich historical information and cultural connotations. Let's walk into these mysterious Taoist temples together and feel the spiritual power that transcends time and space.