Chongyang Palace

Chongyang Palace

Brief Introduction
Chongyang Palace, a venerable Taoist temple where Wang Chongyang, a forefather of Taoism culture, learned Taoism doctrines and was later buried. It's 45 kilometers (about 28 mi) from the city center, is located in Zu'an, a small town in Huxian County of Xian. It is one of the birthplaces of the Quanzhen School, a branch of Taoism. Chongyang Taoist Temple, a Taoist holy land, ranks first among the three birthplaces. The other two are White Cloud Temple in Beijing and Palace of Eternal Joy in Shanxi, a province in central China.

The name of Chongyang Taoist Temple originates from Wang Chongyang who combined the ideology of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism to establish the Quanzhen School. The seven famous personages of the School in ancient China were his students. They also made great contributions to the development of Taoism in the ensuing years.

The temple was first built as a Taoist Temple in Wang Chongyang’s old residence upon his death. Ma Yu, the director of the Quanzhen School at that time signed “Zuting” for the temple which meant it was the residence of the founder of a certain School. After Ma Yu died, the emperor agreed to build Lingxu Taoist Temple in the same place at the request of Wang Chuyi, one of Wang Chongyang’s students. Later Qiu Chuji, one of the seven big personages, advised changing the name to Chongyang Taoist Temple. During the reign of the Shizu Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty (1215-1294), the temple was imperially named Royal Chongyang Long Live Palace. After several restorations, though, some remains are still showing the brilliance of Taoism. The main scenic spots are Zu’an Forest of Steles, Footprint Rock, Fairy Bridge, Living-Dead Tomb, Wenchang Pavilion and Double Saints Palace and others. 

Wang Chongyang
Wang Chongyang was a Chinese Taoist and one of the founders of the Quanzhen School in the 12th century during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234). He was one of the Five Northern Patriarchs of Quanzhen. He also appears as a character in works of wuxia fiction.

Highlights

Living-Dead Tomb
Living-Dead Tomb is located in the Chengdao Palace. It was dug and named by Wang Chongyang himself and later he lived there for seven years. After seven years of life in the Living-Dead Tomb, Wang brought himself to light again. He decided to pursue his dream in a personal manner. Actually, the tomb we can see today has an underground room. It has been blocked out of concern for tourists' safety.

Footprint Rock
Footprint Rock was so named due to a story of Wang Chongyang. It was said that as Wang Chongyang cultivated his ideology, a grain of sand happened to be affected by Wang’s spirit. After that, the sand became stronger and stronger eventually becoming a rock. When Wang Chongyang realized that it is necessary to stop the sand, he kicked and hit the arrogant “rock” leaving his footprint and palm print. The footprint and palm print we can still see today remind us of the power of Taoism.

Wenchang Pavilion
The name of Wenchang Pavilion originates from an imaginary god——the Wenchang Emperor. He was considered directing fame, knowledge and written articles in ancient China. It is said that he also can bless the students who take part in the imperial examination. In the ancient times, the intellectuals held fete in Wenchang Pavilion hoping to have good luck in the pursuit of fame. The two children beside the Wenchang Emperor are Heavenly Deaf and Earthly Mute. The special arrangement aims to prevent cheating in the imperial examination. Nowadays, on the first floor of Wenchang Pavilion, an altar has been erected exclusively in honor of the Wenchang Emperor.

Transportation

How to get there
Bus Route: Take bus No. 928, 930, 901

Travel Guide

Admission Fee: CNY 25
Opening Time: Monday to Friday: 08:30-17:00
                      Saturday and Sunday: 08:00-17:00
Address: Chuanyan Nineteen Summits Scenic Spots, Xinchang County
Time For Visit: 2 Hours