Tianshi Mansion

Tianshi Mansion

Tianshi Mansion is located in Shangqing Town and has served as the residence of successive Celestial Masters Zhang throughout history. Originally built at the foot of Longhu Mountain, it was later relocated to Shangqing. The title of Celestial Master Zhang has been passed down to the 63rd generation, making it the longest hereditary religious lineage in China to receive imperial recognition. There is a popular saying: “Confucius is to the north what Celestial Master Zhang is to the south.”

The original Celestial Master Zhang was named Zhang Daoling, who is said to be the eighth-generation descendant of Zhang Liang. Legend has it that he stood nine feet three inches tall, with thick eyebrows and a striking face, giving him an imposing presence. He was born in the Tianmu Mountains during the reign of Emperor Guangwu of Han, after his mother dreamed of the Star of Destiny and became pregnant. From a young age, Zhang Daoling was exceptionally intelligent—by the age of seven, he had already mastered the Dao De Jing (Classic of the Way and Virtue) by Laozi, and had comprehensive knowledge of astronomy, geography, and the River Chart and Luo Book. As an adult, he practiced diligently in the deep mountains and soon attained enlightenment. He once refined elixirs on Longhu Mountain, completing them in three years. Not long after, guided by an immortal, he mastered the highest level of Taoist arts, capable of exorcising demons and curing illnesses. Tens of thousands of people became his disciples. Zhang Daoling organized them into a Taoist community. It is said that on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in the first year of Yongshou during the reign of Emperor Huan of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling was conferred the title of “Orthodox Unity True Man” by an immortal and ascended to immortality. The Taoism he founded continues to this day. Because he stipulated that followers must offer five pecks of rice upon joining, it is also known as the “Five Pecks of Rice Religion.” Later generations revered him as Celestial Master Zhang, and the title has been hereditarily granted by emperors through the dynasties. The current Celestial Master Zhang is the 63rd-generation descendant of Zhang Daoling.

Covering an area of 50,000 square meters, Tianshi Mansion has over 500 rooms, with magnificent halls, towers, and pavilions, countless winding paths and corridors, ancient trees towering overhead, and a tranquil, picturesque environment. It retains the traditional layout of a Chinese noble residence while also incorporating certain features of feudal government offices. Its design maintains a distinct style of the Orthodox Unity sect of Taoism. Every early October, the Longhu Mountain Taoist Culture Festival is held here, where visitors can enjoy Taoist ritual performances.

Location

Tianshi Road, Shangqing Town, Guixi City, Yingtan, Jiangxi Province

Type: Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the 260 RMB Longhu Mountain Scenic Area ticket.

Shangqing Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Guixi City. The birthplace of the Orthodox Unity sect of Taoism. Established as Shangqing Commune in 1958, reorganized as Shangqing Reclamation Farm in 1960, restored as Shangqing Commune in 1968, and rebuilt as Shangqing Town in 1984. Located in the southwestern part of the city, along the middle reaches of the Shangqing Stream, 31 kilometers from the city center. Covers an area of 87 square kilometers with a population of 18,000. The Yingxia Railway and the Gong (Dian) Zi (Xi) Highway run through the town. Administers the Fuguan Neighborhood Committee and 10 village committees: Shangqing, Hanpu, Jianpu, Guizhou, Chengmen, Shawan, Lishan, Quanyuan, Niwan, and Tongqiao. The main agricultural products are rice, and the area is known for Tianshi chestnuts. Township enterprises include comprehensive... More details about Shangqing Town++