Qingyang Palace
Why visit here?
Qingyang Palace, located in the heart of Chengdu, is the oldest and most important Taoist temple in the city, with a history dating back to the Zhou dynasty. Known as the “First Taoist Church of Western Sichuan”, this architectural complex, declared a Chinese Cultural Heritage Site, covers more than 12 hectares and houses an impressive collection of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The tour begins at the majestic Mountain Gate, rebuilt on a Ming foundation, and continues to the Hall of Primordial Harmony and the Eight Trigrams Pavilion, an architectural gem from the 19th century. This pavilion, built entirely of wooden joints without a single nail, symbolizes Taoist cosmology with its square base (the earth) and circular body (the sky).
The Hall of Three Purities, the main building of the complex, houses the imposing statues of the three supreme deities of Taoism. Under its eaves rest the palace's two most precious treasures: bronze sculptures of two goats, one with a unicorn head and features of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, which according to tradition grant wishes to those who touch them.
Within its walls is preserved the complete collection of wooden printing blocks of the Taoist Canon (Daozang Jiyao), the greatest bibliographic treasure of this philosophy in the world. Strolling through its orchid gardens and listening to the monks chanting at sunset transports visitors to a dimension of serenity and ancient wisdom.
Pros & Cons
- The oldest Taoist temple in Chengdu (built over 1,600 years ago)
- Named after the “Green Ram” – two bronze ram statues in the main courtyard, each 1.3m long. Local legend says touching them brings healing and good fortune. Visitors line up to rub their noses, horns and hooves
- Enjoy a multi‑sensory cultural experience: sip tea in the century‑old teahouse under cypress trees, watch locals practice Tai Chi, listen to Taoist chanting on special days, or have your fortune told using traditional bamboo sticks
- Conveniently located in the Erxianqiao area, easily reached by Metro Line 5 (Qingyang Palace Station). Free entry, no reservation required. Open daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- The temple is small and compact. You can see everything in 1–1.5 hours. Combine it with nearby attractions like Du Fu Thatched Cottage or Huanhuaxi Park to fill a morning
- Photography is allowed in courtyards, but avoid taking pictures of the Taoist statues and altars inside the main halls
- The temple follows traditional etiquette: dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), avoid loud noise, and do not step on the high thresholds – cross over them
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Qingyang Palace
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