Temple of the Bixia Yuanjun on Mount Tai

Temple of the Bixia Yuanjun on Mount Tai

The Temple of the Bixia Yuanjun on Mount Tai is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Temple of the Bixia Yuanjun is the ancestral temple of Bixia Yuanjun, a renowned goddess in Taoism. It is located to the south of the summit of Mount Tai, at the eastern end of Heaven Street, backed by Daguan Peak (also known as the Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings), adjacent to the Zhubi Pavilion to the east, connected to the Zhenyi Ridge to the west, and facing the Baocang Ridge to the south. As the upper temple of the Goddess, it is the largest ancient high-mountain architectural complex on Mount Tai. Originally built during the Dazhong Xiangfu era of the Song Dynasty, it is resplendent with gold and vermilion, resembling a heavenly palace. The temple complex consists of two courtyards, with a central axis that includes a screen wall, the Golden Treasury, the South Divine Gate, the Main Divine Gate, the Incense Pavilion, and the Main Hall. On both sides are the East and West Divine Gates, the Bell and Drum Towers, the East and West Imperial Stele Pavilions, and the East and West Side Halls.

The temple is divided into an inner and outer courtyard by the Main Gate. The inner courtyard’s main hall enshrines a bronze statue of Bixia Yuanjun, with a roof covered in bronze tiles. The side halls on the east and west respectively worship the Goddess of Sight and the Goddess of Childbirth, with iron-tiled roofs. In front of the hall are the Incense Pavilion, a bronze Thousand-Jin Tripod, the WanSui Tower, and the Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion. These structures are arranged harmoniously, shining brilliantly, and form a masterpiece among high-mountain architecture.

Highlights: The entire temple complex is majestic and grand in scale. Viewed from afar, with clouds swirling around and its golden and vermilion hues, it resembles a heavenly palace.

Located at the summit of Mount Tai, it is the temple of the Goddess Bixia Yuanjun. Originally built in the second year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era of the Song Dynasty (1009 AD), it was renamed to its current name after being renovated in the 35th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1770 AD).

Transportation: Walk to the easternmost end of Heaven Street at the summit to reach the temple.

In 1983, the Temple of the Bixia Yuanjun was approved by the State Council as one of China's twenty-one key Taoist temples and monasteries. In 1985, this thousand-year-old temple was returned to Taoist organization management and reopened as a place for religious activities.

Suggested Visit Duration

1 hour

Transportation

[External Transportation]

1. Take bus routes 14, 19, 45, K37, K3, or K49 and get off at Hongmen Station to reach the Hongmen entrance of Mount Tai.

2. Take bus routes 19, K37, K39 Inner Loop, K39 Outer Loop, K3, or K49 and get off at Tianwai Village Station to reach the Tianwai Village entrance of Mount Tai.

3. Take bus route 19 and get off at Tianzhu Peak Scenic Area Station to reach the Tianzhu Peak entrance.

4. Take bus routes K16 or K49 and get off at Taohuayu Station to reach the Taohuayu entrance.

[Internal Transportation]

Accessible on foot within the scenic area.

Admission Fee

5 RMB per person

Opening Hours

7:30-17:00

Location

Inside Mount Tai Scenic Area, Tai'an City, Shandong Province