Qingyanggong Temple

» Chengdu, Si Chuan

Qingyanggong Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Located in the northwest part of Chengdu, Qingyanggong Temple is an ancient Taoist temple and devoted to the memory of Lao Tzu (604 B.C. - 531 B.C.), the father of Taoism. Inside, the magnificent Eight Diagrams Pavilion is delicately inscribed with Taoist theory of "relations between yin and yang, and the eight combinations that produce all things on earth." The grounds contain six halls on a central axis, a room for printing Taoist texts that stands to the east, and a room for worshipping Taoist sages that stands to the west.

Story about the Temple

The story goes that Lao Tzu, the high priest of Taoism, asked a friend to meet him there. When the friend arrived he saw only a boy leading two goats on a leash. In a fabulous move of lateral thinking he realized the boy was Lao Tzu. According to this story, a Taoist palace was built there with the two symbolic bronze goats.

What to see

It was first built in the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D. - 907 A.D.), a period when Taoism was flourishing. And the present one was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 A.D - 1911 A.D.). The complex includes the Lingzu Hall, Hunyuan Palace, Eight Diagrams Pavilion, The Hall of Three Purities, and Doulao Palace. A pair of bronze lambs stands watching the altar of the main palace.

Inside the temple preserves the only extant wooden engraving of "Daozang Jiyao," a collection of important Taoist scriptures. It contains a large number of cultural relics. Among them, of greatest historical significance is a set of rare and elegant pear-wood printing plates of abstracts of scriptures in the Taoist canon.

The Hall of Three Purities (Sanqing Dian)

The Hall of Three Purities (Sanqing Dian) is the temple's main building. The spacious main hall, worshipped three statues, in front of which is standing a pair of special bronze goats. Every part symbolizes one animal of Twelve Zodiacs. It was said that they were the spirit sheep. They can cure the ill body just by touching them.

Two bronze goats

Beside the altar of Sanqing Dian stand two eye-catching bronze goats, which were said to be taken from Beijing during the Qing Dynasty. One of the goats is actually a strange creature with a mouse's ears, an ox's nose, a tiger's claw, a rabbit's mouth, a dragon's horns, a snake's tail, a horse's face, a goat's beard, a monkey's neck, a chicken's eyes, a dog's belly and a pig's thighs.

Eight Trigrams Pavilion (Bagua Ting)

The most emblematic has to be Eight Trigrams Pavilion. This octagonal building sitting on a square pedestal (symbolic of the Earth) rises 20 meters (65 feet) and has two flounces of upturned roofs covered in yellow, green, and purple ceramic tiles. Between the roofs, each facet of the octagon has at its center a plaque of the eight trigrams set off by a pattern of swastikas, symbolic of the sun or the movement of fire. The 81 carved dragons are said to symbolize the 81 incarnations of Lao Tzu, but the number has closer associations with Chinese numerology and the belief in nine as the most "accomplished" of numbers.

Something interest

A bookstore in the Hunyuan Palace (Hall of Chaotic Origin) sells souvenirs alongside Mao bookmarks, Taoist study guides, and a fortune-telling manual called "Unlocking the Secrets of the Book of Changes." If you buy one of the likenesses of Laozi that comes in a cloth envelope and hand it to the Taoist priest behind the counter, he'll burn incense over it to kaiguang or "open its light."

Something we suggest

Wandering through the temple, you can find some locals eating and chatting at the teahouse, this is a traditional and extremely popular pastime for the people of Chengdu. If you have time, joining the locals for a pleasurable afternoon at the teahouse is an excellent way to relax and enjoy the leisure life.

On February 15th of The Chinese Lunar calendar, a temple fair is held there to celebrate the birthday of flowers.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Getting there

By bus: No. 5, 25, 27, 58.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

• Mt. Emeishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Small Three Gorges
• Wangjiang Park

Historical Site

• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Wenshuyuan
• Du Fu Cottage
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City
• Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu

Cultural Site

• Sanxingdui Ruins
• Wangjiang Park
• Wenshuyuan

Shopping & Leisure

• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Qingyanggong Temple Highlights

Taoism attraction highlights

• Mt. Taishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Mt. Wudangshan
• Mt. Huashan
• Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area
• Gaomiao Temple at Zhongwei
• Mt. Hengshan
• Mt. Laoshan
• Mt. Qingyuanshan
• Qingyanggong Temple

city highlights

• Qingdao
• Quanzhou
• Xingcheng
• Zhongwei

Temple & Monastery in Great China

• Shaolin Temple
• Temple of Heaven
• Jokhang Temple
• Confucius Temple
• A-Ma Temple
• Palkhor Monastery
• Sera Temple
• Drepung Temple
• Rongbuk Temple
• Songzanlin Temple
• Id Kah Mosque
• Lingyin Temple
• Labrang Temple
• Great Buddha at Lingshan
• Golden Temple
• Yuantong Temple
• Tashilhunpo Temple
• Sakya Temple
• Temple of Universal Peace
• Putuo Zongcheng Temple
• Eight Outer Temples
• Famen Temple
• Great Mosque
• Nanputuo Temple
• Jade Buddha Temple
• Town God Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Lama Temple
• White Cloud Temple
• Tar Temple
• Santa Sophia Church
• 108 Dagobas
• Memorial Temple of Lord Bao
• White Horse Temple
• Qiongzhu Temple
• Hanging Temple
• Hanshan Temple
• Gaomiao Temple at Zhongwei
• Giant Buddha Temple
• Xiangguo Temple
• Yufeng Lamastery
• Chongshansi Temple
• Dule Temple
• Anyuan Temple
• White Horse Pagoda
• Trandruk Temple
• Dai Temple
• Pagoda of Songyue Temple
• Ramoche Temple
• Guanlin Temple
• Huayan Temple
• Kaiyuan Temple
• Samye Temple
• Jinci Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Ganden Temple
• Dabeiyuan Temple
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Shanhua Temple
• Ruins of St. Paul's
• Temple of Universal Happiness
• Great Bell Temple
• Qingjing Mosque
• Hongfu Temple
• Dazhao Temple
• Five Pagoda Temple
• Baoguo Temple
• Wudangzhao Temple
• Shalu Temple
• Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center
• Longhua Temple
• Jile Temple
• Chengtiansi Pagoda
• Nanguan Muslim Mosque
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Ba Xian An Temple
• Tianhou Palace
• Guiyuan Temple
• Linggu Temple
• Najiahu Mosque at Yongning
• Haibao Pagoda
• Xilitu Zhao
• Dongguan Mosque
• Jiegu Temple

Qingyanggong Temple FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What about climate in Chengdu?
2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Customs

1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Other Hints

1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

• What about climate in Chengdu?

  The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

  The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.

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• What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

  The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.

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• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

  The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

  The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.

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• What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

  Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

  You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

  You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.

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• What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.

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• What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

  Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

  Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

  Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

  All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.

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• What are entertainments in Chengdu?

  The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

  When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!

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• I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

  Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.

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• Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

  Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

  You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

  If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.

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• What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

  There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

  Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.

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• Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

  At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.

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• What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

  Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

  This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.

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• What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

  The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

  At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

  In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

  And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

  Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

  If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.

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• What's the city code of Chengdu?

  Chengdu's City Code: 028

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