Qingyunpu

Qingyunpu

Qingyunpu is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Located in the southern part of Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, Qingyunpu derives its name from the "Qingyunpu Taoist Temple" within its boundaries and is known as the "Southern Gateway to the Heroic City."

Qingyunpu is the former residence of Bada Shanren. It was originally a long-established Taoist temple. Legend has it that more than 2,500 years ago, Ji (styled Ziqiao), the crown prince of King Ling of Zhou, came here to establish a foundation, refine elixirs, and build a Taoist site, where he "refined elixirs to become immortal." During the Western Han Dynasty, Mei Fu, the magistrate of Nanchang County, resigned from office and secluded himself here, later establishing the Mei Xian Temple. In the Jin Dynasty, Xu Xun also developed a Taoist site here while managing flood control, founding the "Jingming Religion," renaming it the "Taiji Temple," thus formally establishing the Taoist lineage, belonging to the Jingming sect. By the fourth year of the Daxing era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (321 AD), it became the "Jingming True Realm" of the Taoist Xu Xun. In the twelfth year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (641 AD), Prefect Zhou Xun petitioned to construct a temple here, naming it the "Tianning Temple." In the fifth year of the Dali era (831 AD), it was renamed the "Dayi Temple," where the Taoist Tian Shi Wan Yuanzhen cultivated Taoism. By the second year of the Zhihe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1055 AD), it was decreed to be rebuilt as the "Tianning Temple." In the fifth year of the Dali era of the Tang Dynasty (831 AD), Prefect Zhou Xun renamed it again as the "Taiyi Temple." In the second year of the Zhihe era of the Song Dynasty (1055 AD), it was again bestowed the name Tianning Temple by imperial decree. It was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt throughout history. In the eighteenth year of the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1661 AD), it was renamed Qingyunpu, symbolizing "lofty greenery like clouds."

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Zhu Liangyue (also known as Zhu Da, artistic name Bada Shanren), the ninth-generation descendant of Zhu Quan, the Prince of Ning from the Ming Dynasty, along with his younger brother Zhu Qiuyue (also known as Niu Shihui), retreated here to live in seclusion as Taoist priests, disgusted with worldly affairs. Later generations, admiring their virtue, raised funds to rebuild the site into the "Qingyunpu," later changing "Pu" to "Pu." From then on, Bada Shanren became the founding patriarch of Qingyunpu. Later generations also erected a memorial plaque in the "Zheng Kaishan Zu Dao Lang Hao Liangyue Wen Hao Bada Shanren Zhu Zhenren" Merit Hall.

The garden contains three halls: front, middle, and rear. The front hall enshrines Guan Yu, the middle hall enshrines Lü Dongbin, and the rear hall enshrines Xu Xun. In the courtyard of the rear hall, there are several osmanthus trees, said to have been planted by Wan Zhenyuan. Every mid-autumn, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The entire garden features ancient towering trees, winding paths, and delicate pavilions. Outside, it is embraced by clear springs, while inside, it boasts rare flowers and exotic plants, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle.

The garden houses authentic works by Bada Shanren (also known by other names such as Xuege, Geshan, and Renwu). Zhu Da excelled at painting ink floral and bird subjects, with concise brushwork and exaggerated imagery; his calligraphy was modeled after Wang Xianzhi, forming a unique style of his own. These collections hold significant reference value for the study of Qing Dynasty painting art.

In 2006, Qingyunpu, as a Qing Dynasty ancient architectural complex, was approved by the State Council to be included in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units