Shangzhen Taoist Temple on Qionglong Mountain

Shangzhen Taoist Temple on Qionglong Mountain

Shangzhen Taoist Temple is located on Sanmao Peak of Qionglong Mountain in Suzhou. Originally built during the Yuanshi era of Emperor Ping of the Han Dynasty, it boasts a history of over 2,000 years. The temple complex is built against the mountain and spans hundreds of acres. Both Emperor Shunzhi and Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty bestowed plaques and personally visited the temple to demonstrate imperial grace. Emperor Qianlong stayed at Shangzhen Temple during all six of his southern tours. Legend has it that the temple flourished most during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, with 5,048 halls that could accommodate ten thousand people, making it the center of Taoism in the Jiangnan region.

During the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, the temple remained relatively intact. By the 1950s, only half of it was left, and by the late 1960s during the Cultural Revolution, it was almost completely destroyed. The remaining mountain gate collapsed under heavy snow in the winter of 1976.

To promote and inherit Taoist culture, further implement the Party's policy on freedom of religious belief, and vigorously develop the cultural tourism strategy of Wuzhong, the government invested over 30 million yuan to rebuild Shangzhen Temple on its original site. The entire architectural complex is grand and majestic, with a solemn atmosphere. The main structures of Shangzhen Temple are arranged along the central axis, from east to west, built along the mountain terrain, centered around the Mountain Gate Hall, Sanmao Hall, Jade Emperor Hall, and Three Pure Ones Pavilion. On both sides are the Golden Bell Tower, Jade Chime Tower, Patriarch Hall, Heavenly Master Hall, Guanyin Hall, Wenchang Hall, Medicine King Hall, and God of Wealth Hall. To the north of the religious activity area is the office and living quarters, while to the south lies the temporary palace used by Emperor Qianlong during his southern inspection tours. The layout is well-planned and compact.