Xishan Wanshou Palace (Yulong Wanshou Palace)

Xishan Wanshou Palace (Yulong Wanshou Palace)

Xishan Wanshou Palace (Yulong Wanshou Palace) is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Xishan Wanshou Palace was built to commemorate Xu Xianjun, a famous Taoist figure from the Jin Dynasty. It is situated at the foot of Xiaoyao Mountain on Xishan, thirty kilometers southwest of Nanchang City. Taoism holds that apart from the human realm, there are thirty-six grotto-heavens and seventy-two blessed lands where immortals dwell. The Xishan where Xu Xianjun lived is the fortieth blessed land. It is also called the "Land of Ascension" because he attained immortality here.

Xishan Wanshou Palace was first built in the first year of the Taiyuan era during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (376 AD), initially named Xuxian Cave. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it was renamed Youwei Temple. In the third year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty (1010 AD), the temple was elevated to a palace, and the emperor personally inscribed the plaque “Yulong Wanshou Palace.”

Wanshou Palace Culture

The 27th day of the first lunar month is Xu Xianjun’s birthday, marking the annual Minor Pilgrimage; the eighth lunar month, the day of his ascension, sees a surge in pilgrims. Devotees from all over cleanse themselves and come to offer incense. Thousands of worshippers flock shoulder to shoulder, their sleeves forming a shaded canopy. Upon entering the palace, they kowtow step by step, present offerings before the hall, pay homage to the immortal, and pray for their wishes. In front of the incense burner, the sound of firecrackers never ceases; the candles and incense burn throughout the night, with wisps of smoke drifting and the bells tolling melodiously, creating an ethereal, celestial atmosphere.

Structure of Wanshou Palace

In 1520 (the 15th year of the Ming Dynasty’s Zhengde era), the emperor inscribed the plaque “Miaoji Wanshou Palace,” leading to major renovations of the palace buildings. By the Qing Dynasty, additional structures such as the Guan Di Pavilion and the Wanshou Palace Gate were added. This marked the peak period of the palace, covering an area of 31,000 square meters. With red walls, glazed tiles, carved beams, flying eaves, and resplendent decorations, it presented a grand and majestic sight. Beyond the main palace buildings, there were numerous auxiliary structures outside, such as the Immortal Reception Terrace, Cloud Assembly Hall, and Ascension Pavilion, forming an ancient architectural complex centered around the Wanshou Palace. From afar, amid the vast green sea, the yellow and green glazed tiles of the Wanshou Palace shine vibrantly, while the flying eaves adorned with copper bells sparkle in gold. The layered, colorful rooftops stand proudly like cranes above the earth, amidst swirling mists and purified nature, resembling a heavenly palace. The iron bell, weighing over two tons, rings out with a deep, resonant tone audible for miles at night. Among the site are three cypress trees over 1,700 years old. In front of the gate stands an “Octagonal Well,” said to have been built to suppress a flood dragon.

Xishan Wanshou Palace is the origin of all Wanshou Palaces worldwide and also a place for Taoist practice. It is the ancestral home of the Jingming Zhongxiao Dao (Pure Brightness Loyalty and Filial Piety Taoism), advocating loyalty, filial piety, purity, and enlightenment. Its core practice is based on the unity of heaven and earth, a pure and unstained heart, and profound loyalty and filial devotion. Guided by the principles of 'Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, Caution, Tolerance, Generosity, Humility, and Endurance,' practitioners can naturally attain immortality. Aside from the main hall, there are also the Three Pure Ones Hall, dedicated to Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun, and Taiqing Daode Tianzun; the Jade Emperor Hall; the Three Officials Hall, dedicated to Yao, Shun, and Yu; and the Guan Yu Hall, among others.

The Wanshou Palace enjoys immense incense popularity, especially from the beginning of the eighth lunar month each year. Grand temple fairs are held in commemoration of Xu Xianjun’s birthday, attracting a continuous stream of worshippers, visitors, and tourists.

Yulong Wanshou Palace (True Lord Hall, Guan Di Hall, Three Officials Hall, Octagonal Well, Gate Tower, Red Army Slogans)

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units