Changhai Sanyuan Palace

Changhai Sanyuan Palace

Sanyuan Palace was first built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, located in Sanguanmiao Village on Da Changshan Island. It was later destroyed. The current Sanyuan Palace was invested in and constructed by Hualong Enterprise, making it the largest Taoist temple in southern Liaoning.

Taoism was formally established in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and has a history of nearly 2,000 years. It is a religion indigenous to China, with Laozi as its founder, who wrote the five-thousand-word “Tao Te Ching.” Sanyuan Palace is a traditional Chinese-style architectural complex, consisting of a front, middle, and rear courtyard. The name “Sanyuan” (Three Yuan) refers to blessings from the Heavenly Pass, disaster relief from the Earthly Pass, and misfortune resolution from the Water Pass.

Upon reaching the temple gate, the first thing you see is a five-meter-high precious tripod. The center of the front courtyard houses the Guanyin Hall, which enshrines various deities including the Holy Guanyin, Auspicious Guanyin, and Willow Branch Guanyin. On the east side is the Guan Yu Hall, dedicated to the God of War, Guan Yu. Because his standing posture symbolizes a Dharma protector and his seated form represents the God of Wealth, this hall is also known as the God of Wealth Hall. The Eight Immortals Hall honors the eight legendary figures known for saving people from suffering and guiding mortals. The Three Fairies Hall enshrines the goddesses Qiongxiao, Yunxiao, and Bixiao. The Medicine King Hall pays tribute to the Medicine King Sun Simiao and famous physicians throughout ancient Chinese history. The Dragon King Hall is dedicated to the Sea Dragon King, and the Mazu Hall enshrines the Patriarch Mazu. In the middle courtyard, on the east side, is the Goddess Hall, where the Sea Goddess, Earth Goddess, and Nuwa are worshipped.

The rear courtyard’s Three Pure Ones Hall enshrines the highest deities in Taoism — the Primordial Celestial Worthy, and it also serves as the sacred hall where Taoist priests recite scriptures. The Three Sovereigns Hall honors the three ancestors of the Chinese nation: Fuxi, the Yellow Emperor, and Shennong. The Three Stars Hall is dedicated to the deities of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity. The Scripture Depository is situated at the highest point of Sanyuan Palace and offers the best views of the island’s seascape. Every morning at 6 a.m., a deep and resonant bell toll can be heard throughout the town area, emanating from the temple’s bell tower.

Visiting Sanyuan Palace not only allows you to revisit the profound richness of traditional Chinese culture but also lets you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the sea from above.