Ge Xian Temple

Ge Xian Temple

Ge Xian Temple

Taoism is a religion native to China, and Jurong is one of its major birthplaces, boasting a profound historical and cultural foundation in Taoism, as well as significant influence both domestically and internationally. Ge Xian Temple, formerly known as Ge Xian Hermitage and Qingyun Temple, was the former residence of the ancient Taoist immortals and physicians Ge Xuan and Ge Hong. It was later destroyed in war. The newly rebuilt Ge Xian Temple, completed in 2004, was funded by the Maoshan Taoist Temple with millions of yuan and relocated to a new site. Its foundation stone was laid on September 18, 2002, and construction began on February 16 of the following year. The new temple covers an area of 9,966 square meters, with a floor space of 1,588 square meters. It includes structures such as a stone memorial archway, the Mountain Gate and Lingguan Hall, a Liberation Pond, Ge Xian Bridge, One Bay Pavilion, Bell and Drum Pavilion, the God of Wealth Hall, the Goddess of Mercy Hall, the Wenchang Hall, the Lüzu Hall, the Grand Hall of Ge Xian, the Three Pure Ones Hall, and living quarters. The temple primarily enshrines the sage immortals Ge Xuan ("Ge Xian Weng") and "Little Immortal Weng" Ge Hong, as well as the Three Pure Ones of Taoism.

Taoist music, referred to by Taoists as the “Supreme Immortal Music.” Among them, Ge Xuan was the founder of the Taoist Lingbao School. Through his long-term experiments in alchemy, he accumulated considerable knowledge of rudimentary chemistry and documented the medicinal use of herbs, making outstanding contributions to the development of ancient Chinese chemistry and pharmacology, and earning him the title of the “Father of Chinese Chemistry.” His great-grandson, Ge Hong, is the only Chinese physician listed among the ancient world’s top ten famous doctors. His philosophy of “returning to simplicity and authenticity” and the proactive belief that “life is in my hands, not in heaven” have had a lasting influence.