Perched here on the slopes of Mount Qingcheng stands a testament to China’s spiritual heritage. This is Qingcheng Xian Guan. It is more than just a building. It is a gateway to understanding Taoism.
Qingcheng Mountain itself is no ordinary place. Imagine peaks shrouded in mist. Picture forests echoing with ancient secrets. For centuries Taoists have sought enlightenment here. The name Qingcheng means green city. It is due to the green cliffs shaped like city walls.
As we stand before Qingcheng Xian Guan, let us delve into the mountain’s captivating story. Around 65 kilometers northwest of Chengdu lies this haven. It is far from the city’s hustle. It is a realm of tranquility.
Mount Qingcheng is celebrated as one of Taoism’s birthplaces. In 2000 UNESCO recognized its cultural significance. They listed it as a World Heritage Site. The mountain has 36 peaks. Its highest point reaches 1,600 meters.
Why did Taoism flourish here? The mountain possesses a quality the Chinese call “You”. It means a tranquil beauty. Zigzag paths fade into secluded woods. Flowers release faint fragrance. Birds sing with murmuring streams. The gods seemed to favour Qingcheng Mountain.
Back in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling arrived. He founded Taoism. The mountain became his sanctuary. He practiced and cultivated his beliefs.
Taoist doctrine draws from ancient witchcraft. It includes recipes for immortality. It also includes concepts from Huangdi and Laozi. Taoists believe spirits inhabit all things. Gods reside in celestial caverns and happy lands. Qingcheng Mountain is known as the No.5 celestial cavern.
Our journey brings us to Jianfu Temple at the mountain’s foot. Originally named Zhangren Temple, it dates back to 724 AD during the Tang Dynasty. It was later renamed Huiqing Jianfu Temple in the Song Dynasty. The buildings you see today were rebuilt around 1888.
Inside Jianfu Temple, Changsheng Hall honors Fan Changsheng. He founded the Tianshi Sect of Taoism. Zhangren Hall pays homage to Ningfeng and Du Guangting. Du Guangting was a Taoist leader who authored “A Biography of Qiuran” China’s first swordsman novel.
Further up the mountain, Shangqing Temple stands near the summit. It was originally built in the Jin Dynasty. The current structures date back to the 1860s. Chiang Kaishek himself inscribed the temple’s board in 1940. Yu Youren, a calligraphist, penned a couplet. It welcomes visitors to Qingcheng Mountain. It says that even the grass has been bathed in Taoist rays.
Laojun Hall venerates Laozi, Taoism’s top god. Zhang Sanfeng, creator of Tai Chi Boxing, and Lv Dongbing are also honored. Laojun Tower crowns Laoxiao Peak. It stands 1,260 meters above sea level. A 13.6-meter statue of Laozi resides inside.
Mount Qingcheng is more than temples. It is also a place of inspiration. The director of Kung Fu Panda 2 found inspiration here. She located the Panda Village in Qingcheng Mountain. The mountain is also the source of Qingcheng Tai Chi.
As you leave Qingcheng Xian Guan, remember its tranquil beauty. Recall the echoes of Taoist masters. Carry with you the spirit of Qingcheng Mountain.