Zhenyuan Palace

Zhenyuan Palace

Situated in Xin Qiao Group, Fengjing Village, Tianzhu Mountain Town, Qianshan County, Zhenyuan Palace is the site of a temple from the time of Emperor Wu of the Southern Liang Dynasty. It was built by the Taoist priest Baihe and is also known as "Baihe Guan" or "Baihe Gong." In the 9th year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty (750 AD), Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji ordered the construction of the "Siming Zhenjun Shrine." In the 7th year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Song Dynasty (982 AD), Emperor Taizong Zhao Kuangyi ordered the construction of the "Lingxian Guan." By the 7th year of the Zhenghe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1117 AD), Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji, seeking a sacred site, bestowed a plaque inscribed with “Zhenyuan Wanshou Palace,” commonly referred to as “Zhenyuan Palace.” From the Tang Dynasty to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, Taoist priests resided here. Later, due to factors such as war, it gradually fell into decline. Currently, five levels of stepped architectural foundations remain, covering a total area of about 5,000 square meters, with a relative ground height of about 50 meters. The site still retains relics such as the Yingmeng Well and Baihe Spring. The Zhenyuan Palace ruins are one of the important scenic spots at the southern entrance of the Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area.

The Yingmeng Well is said to have been dug and named after Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty dreamed of visiting this place. The wellhead is about 1 meter below the surface, with a diameter of approximately 2.3 meters and a depth of about 3 meters. The well is built with circular brick and stone lining.

The Baihe Spring was originally dug and used by the Taoist priest Baihe. The original well walls were circular, constructed with brick and stone, and the well ring was made of stone, with a wellhead diameter of 0.5 meters. In the 34th year of the Republic of China (1945), a commemorative stele was erected during renovations and is now housed in the Valley Temple. Due to tectonic movements, the site of the well sank, forming a shallow pond.