Shangyang Palace in Xinchang, Shaoxing

Shangyang Palace in Xinchang, Shaoxing

Shangyang Palace in Xinchang, Shaoxing is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Shangyang Palace is located 20 kilometers west of Xinchang City, within the scenic area of the Nineteen Peaks of Chuanyan. Nestled deep in the picturesque Guizhu Valley, embraced by mountains and clear streams, it has long been a renowned Taoist site in eastern Zhejiang.

During these periods, eminent Taoists such as Ge Hong, Gu Huan, Wei Boyang, Chu Boyu, Xu Mai, Wang Xizhi, and Xie Lingyun retreated here during the Six Dynasties, while the golden age of the Tang Dynasty attracted figures like Sima Chengzhen, Wu Yun, and Li Bai, who sought immortality and seclusion.

In Taoism, the upper is yang, the lower is yin; the clear is yang, the turbid is yin. Since both "upper" and "clear" represent yang, it is called "Shangyang" (Double Yang). In the early Kaiyuan era (713–741) of the Tang Dynasty, Wu Yun, the 12th-generation master of the Shangqing School and a renowned Taoist scholar, built a thatched hut in Guizhu Valley and exchanged poetry and wine with Li Bai, the 15th-generation master of the Shangqing School and the Poet Immortal, as they lived in seclusion together. It was revered as the Tenth Grotto-Heaven of Taoism and, due to its location in the Huaiji Mountain Range, was named the Huaiji Mountain Cave.

In the ninth year of the Kaiyuan era, Sima Chengzhen, the 12th-generation patriarch of the Shangqing School, was summoned to the capital but made a detour to visit Wu Yun. Upon arrival, he was filled with regret, leaving behind the remnants of Regret Mountain and Regret Bridge, which were also revered as the Sixtieth Blessed Land of Taoism.

Over time, the thatched hut of Shangyang had long vanished, and the ancient Taoist temple had also collapsed. In the early 21st century, to excavate and inherit Taoist culture and support the filming of the CCTV drama "The Return of the Condor Heroes," this palace was constructed on the original site of the Shangyang thatched hut.

The Shangyang Palace scenic area is divided into four parts: the "Spiritual Connection and Marvelous Insight Zone," the "Taiqing Courtyard," the "Moon God Temple," and the "Taoist Cultural Health Preservation Garden."

Spiritual Connection and Marvelous Insight Zone: Upon entering the scenic area, you arrive at the Spiritual Connection and Marvelous Insight Zone. Here, there is an energy-gathering screen wall inscribed with the bold characters “Clarify the Way and Cultivate Virtue,” which clearly blend Confucianism and Taoism.

Along the main trail, you will successively encounter the “Gate of All Marvels” archway, the mountain gate, the Waters of Canglang, the Pavilion of Washing Feather Caps, the Half-Mu Pond, the Wenchang Pavilion, and the Hall of Two Sages. Along the way, you are welcomed by osmanthus and bamboo, symbolizing humility and nobility. The elegant waters of Canglang gurgle like jade pendants, complemented by famous couplets and plaques for visitors to appreciate, contemplate the divine, and achieve harmony between man and nature, instantly entering the realm of spiritual connection and marvelous insight.

Taiqing Courtyard: Passing through the “Stargazing Gate” archway, you enter the Taiqing Courtyard. The courtyard is built along the mountain terrain, with the uniquely beautiful Nineteen Peaks standing majestically in front, creating a simple yet exquisitely natural atmosphere.

Along the central axis are, in sequence, the Hall of the Divine Official, the Hall of the Three Pure Ones, the Hall of the Three Sovereigns, and the Ascension Terrace. On the west side are auxiliary halls: the Hall of the Three Officials, the Hall of the Goddess of Mercy, and the Hall of the Three Yangs, with a drum tower in front. On the east side are the Hall of the God of Wealth, the Hall of Heavenly Medicine, and the Hall of Fortune Turning, with a bell tower in front.

On the east side of the courtyard square, there is a building planned to be a Ritual Altar for conducting Taoist ceremonies and prayers. The Taiqing Courtyard enshrines various deities, each with their own duties to protect the people, bestow blessings, and dispel misfortunes. The morning bells and evening drums echo with the enduring spirit of Taoism.

Moon God Temple: Comprising the Hall of Auspicious Joy, the Hall of the Three Maidens, the Taoist Talisman Distribution Area, and the Guizhu Bamboo Grove.

The Hall of the Three Maidens enshrines the “Goddess of Childbirth,” the “Goddess of Easier Birth,” and the “Goddess of Midwifery.” Devout worshippers may be blessed with a noble child and ensure their healthy growth. The Hall of Auspicious Joy enshrines the beloved Moon God. In those beautiful and romantic love stories, the red thread in the Moon God’s hand becomes the hope and anticipation of young men and women.

In front of the hall, there is a Tree of Longing, adorned with red silk tied by lovers and elderly couples in twilight romance to express their affection. The Moon God secretly ties these red silks (red cords), symbols of love, around the feet of couples, ensuring mutual affection and a bond of love.

Taoist Cultural Health Preservation Garden: In the Guizhu Valley, amid auspicious light and purple energy, endless living water flows from the east and collects in the “Jade Clear Pool.” Following the clear stream upstream, you’ll discover a hidden paradise that seems like entering a land of peach blossoms—an otherworldly realm that marks the original site of Shangyang Thatched Hut where Wu Yun and Li Bai once retreated together. Therefore, it is planned to rebuild the Shangqing Taoist Temple to enshrine Taoist immortals of the Shangqing School such as Sima Chengzhen, Wu Yun, and Li Bai, and to reconstruct the Regret Bridge to revive the ancient charm and elegance of the Shangqing tradition.

Next to the Shangqing Taoist Temple, a Hall of Cultivating Truth is planned to fully promote Taoist health traditions, offering activities such as Taoist martial arts, internal alchemy and qigong, and medicinal wellness, making it a psychological and physiological health preservation base in Zhejiang Province. It allows visitors to nourish their souls, return to nature, and embody the Taoist principle that “the immortal way values life.”

Address: Within the Scenic Area of the Nineteen Peaks of Chuanyan, Jingling Town, Xinchang County, Shaoxing City

Type: Taoist Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0575-86251698

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 40.0 RMB