Zhenjiang Runzhou Taoist Temple

Zhenjiang Runzhou Taoist Temple

Zhenjiang Runzhou Taoist Temple is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Zhenjiang Runzhou Taoist Temple (originally named Sanmao Palace), also known as the Temple of the Jade Emperor (Wong Tai Sin Temple), is located within the renowned Jinniu Mountain Scenic Area. It was first built during the Sui and Tang dynasties and flourished in the Song Dynasty. According to records, the ancient immortal Chisongzi once wandered here and left behind an ancient well of the Great Immortal, whose water is clear, sweet, and said to have healing properties. Legend has it that during the Han Dynasty, three brothers—Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong—from Xianyang, Shaanxi, often came here to gather herbs and treat people. To show gratitude for their kindness and in hopes that the spirit of the Mao immortals would protect and bring peace to the people, a memorial and prayer site was built in their honor.

Located on Jinniu Mountain in the western part of Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, commonly known as Little Ox Mountain, also called Xiaoyao Mountain, and historically referred to as Little Maoshan. The mountain is rich in spiritual energy, with its southern, central, and northern peaks. Though not particularly high, they are famous for their celestial aura. Historical records indicate that the ancient immortal Chisongzi (Huang Chuqing, also known as Wong Tai Sin) once gathered cinnabar here. He also left behind an ancient well of the Great Immortal, whose water is clear, sweet, and said to have healing properties. Due to Huang Chuqing’s many good deeds—curing illnesses, saving lives, and bringing blessings and safety—he was later revered by the people as the God of Wealth and the God of Good Fortune. Hence, the Temple of Wong Tai Sin was built here. Additionally, according to Taoist scriptures, during the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, three brothers—Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong—from Xianyang, Shaanxi—attained immortality after residing on this mountain, where they often gathered herbs to heal people. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, local residents built Sanmao Palace in their honor to express gratitude and seek protection from the spirits of the Three Mao Immortals. Over centuries of war and other factors, the original structure of Sanmao Palace no longer exists, but the name "Sanmao Palace" has remained as a place name to this day.

Three Features of Runzhou Taoist Temple:

First, the layout of the temple differs from that of typical monasteries.

The temple faces west and appears from a distance like a grand armchair, with the shape of a coiling green dragon, embodying the style of classical Chinese palace architecture. The layout is symmetrical, with most structures made of brick and wood, featuring carved beams and painted rafters. Red pillars complement upturned eaves, while yellow walls enhance the majestic appearance. The temple covers an area of over thirty acres. Along the central east-west axis, the main structures from west to east are: the “Purple Qi Coming from the East” Archway, Lingguan Hall, Huixian Bridge, Taiji Life-Release Pond, Sanqing Hall, Taiji Bagua Square, and Taiyuanbao Hall. On both sides of the Taiyuanbao Hall are several auxiliary halls. To the north of the central axis are, in sequence: Dongyue Hall, Dragon King Hall, Five Stars Hall, Ten Kings Hall, Temple of the Great Immortal, and Zongshi Hall. To the south of the central axis are the San Guan Hall and Cihang Hall under the Yingxian Tower, with the second floor serving as a Buddhist chanting hall. In the northeast corner of the temple is a “Bagua Transformation Array” covering about 600 square meters. Each wall in the array is 1.9 meters high, with alleys 85 centimeters wide. The pathways either connect or end in dead ends, with a four-cornered pavilion in the center, also called the “General’s Platform.” A vivid statue of Zhuge Liang stands inside the pavilion, wearing a feather fan and headscarf, commanding battles with vigor, overseeing the entire formation.

Second, the deities enshrined here differ from those in other Taoist temples.

Inside the Taiyuanbao Hall are enshrined the Three True Lords of Maoshan, founders of the mountain. Taoism reveres the First True Lord Mao Ying as the Supreme Yuan Siming True Lord, the Second True Lord Mao Gu as the Dingwei True Lord, and the Third True Lord Mao Zhong as the Three Officials Life-Protection True Lord. During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, the Three True Lords were respectively honored with the titles: Supreme Yuan Miao Dao Zhenren, Dingwei Youjin Chongjing Zhenren, and Three Officials Life-Protection Chonghui Zhenren. During the reign of Emperor Lizong of Song, they were further granted the titles: Supreme Yuan Miao Dao Chongxu Shengyou Zhenren, Dingwei Youjin Zhidao Chongjing Deyou Zhenren, and Three Officials Life-Protection Weimiao Chonghui Renyou Zhenren.

During worship seasons, devout followers from all over gather here in great numbers, praying sincerely for the protection of the Three True Lords. Third, the temple has branch sites covering over 20 acres.

Reconstruction of Nangong Temple includes: Lingguan Hall, Nangong Hall, Cihang Hall, Yuhuang Hall, and Sanqing Hall. An 800-square-meter Taoist activity center building has been completed. An 117-square-meter residential building for Taoist priests has been built, and construction is underway on a grand Taoist wellness building, which has now topped out. Once completed, it will primarily serve Taoist wellness practices, training, and house the Zhenjiang Taoist Association, which will relocate here from Maoshan Taoist Temple.

Three Ancient Steles of Runzhou Taoist Temple. Historically, Sanmao Palace and the Temple of the Jade Emperor left behind cultural relics and historic sites, most of which no longer exist due to wars and other factors.

The following describes three ancient steles unearthed during reconstruction, for reference by researchers.

The Authentic “Liuyu” (Leaving Surplus) Stele Written by Zhang Jian.

This “Liuyu” authentic stele, treasured in the temple, is made of white marble, standing 29 cm tall and 74 cm wide. The two characters “Liuyu” are written in clerical script, with the signature “Written by Zhang Jian” below. A small personal seal is stamped beneath. Though the stele’s top is small, it is dignified and elegant, with strong brushstrokes reminiscent of Han Dynasty steles. According to Dai Zhigong, former deputy director and associate researcher of the Zhenjiang Cultural Relics Management Committee Office, and Yin Guangzhong, consultant of the Zhenjiang Archaeological Institute, a Shanxi native named Huang, who ran businesses in Zhenjiang for many years and owned the Shengyuan Iron Shop and Jin Yuan Bank, purchased land here and built a four-courtyard building. He deliberately left a small alley at one end of the building to facilitate pedestrian passage. Because of his commendable act, Zhang Jian inscribed the characters “Liuyu” (Leave Surplus) to praise him. The stele holds certain artistic value in calligraphy.

Second, the Imperial Edict Stele Inscribed by Emperor Qianlong.

The “Imperial Edict” stele is about 35 cm tall and 49 cm long. The word “Imperial Edict” is engraved in the center, surrounded by carved dragons. Experts confirm that these were personally inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. This indicates that Emperor Qianlong visited Jinniu Mountain in Zhenjiang during his six southern tours.

Third, the “Ancient Sanmao Palace” Stele.

The “Ancient Sanmao Palace” stele is about 29 cm tall and 71 cm long. It bears the four characters “Ancient Sanmao Palace.” At the bottom left is inscribed “Reconstructed by Abbot Qingxiu,” and at the top right is “October of the 23rd Year of Guangxu (1897).” Clearly, this stele records the historical fact that Abbot Qingxiu reconstructed Sanmao Palace in October of the 23rd year of Guangxu. This proves that Sanmao Palace was rebuilt in the late Qing Dynasty, providing direct evidence of its repeated destruction and reconstruction throughout history.

In the coming years, Zhenjiang Runzhou Taoist Temple will implement the grand plan designed by the local government for the development of Niushan area. This includes constructing the Yuhuang Grand Hall dedicated to the Jade Emperor; establishing a Taoist Culture Stele Forest; building a Jucai Tower for the rest and gathering of worshippers and tourists; constructing a new tourism and cultural goods mall outside the temple; setting up a large parking lot outside the mountain gate; and finally erecting a 39-meter-tall bronze statue of the Chinese Business Ancestor atop Little Ox Mountain. The completion of the second phase of Runzhou Taoist Temple will establish the Zhenjiang Jinniu Mountain Scenic Area as a Taoist culture-based destination. It will complement the Buddhist culture-based Zhenjiang Jinshan and Jiaoshan Scenic Areas, creating a new pattern for Zhenjiang’s religious tourism. Runzhou Taoist Temple will rise as a new star in the Taoist firmament, becoming a renowned Taoist temple integrating worship, rituals, wellness, public leisure, tourism, and the promotion of traditional Chinese culture. It will also become a religious tourism destination on par with Jinshan and Jiaoshan.

Address: Nanxu Avenue, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City