Anyang Changchun Temple

Anyang Changchun Temple

Anyang Changchun Temple is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Anyang Changchun Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty and is one of the major Taoist sacred sites in northern China.

Anyang Changchun Temple flourished most during the Tang Dynasty. It is said that at that time, there was an eminent Taoist master named Yanxia who was highly skilled. He had knowledge of medicine and often treated local people for free if they were poor, earning him the reputation of a miraculous doctor among the locals. He understood astronomy, excelled in agriculture, and could determine which crops to plant based on weather patterns. Crops he recommended for planting always yielded bountiful harvests. He cared deeply for the people, helped solve their problems, and was deeply loved by them, thus regarded as a deity. Master Yanxia was well-learned, and as a result, the temple often hosted gatherings of esteemed Taoists who lectured on scriptures and Taoist philosophy, playing a positive role in the development of Taoism and traditional Chinese culture.

Emperor Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty, left behind countless legends, one of which—the story of “Escorting Lady Jingniang a Thousand Li”—is also connected to Anyang Changchun Temple. It is said that a young woman named Zhao Jingniang accompanied her father to Mount Heng (the Northern Sacred Mountain) to fulfill a vow. Along the way, they were ambushed by bandits, and she was secretly taken and held in the temple where Zhao Kuangyin’s uncle, Zhao Jingqing, resided. While visiting the temple, Zhao Kuangyin discovered Jingniang, rescued her, and, fearing she might encounter more danger traveling alone, decided to escort her home. For convenience during the journey, they pretended to be siblings. Throughout the trip, Jingniang admired Zhao Kuangyin for his chivalry and developed feelings for him. However, Zhao Kuangyin remained committed to their sibling relationship. Upon reaching her home, Jingniang’s father wanted to betroth her to Zhao Kuangyin, but he refused to accept out of concern for being seen as unrighteous and left. Jingniang, in an effort to prove her chastity, later drowned herself in a lake. Later, after Zhao Kuangyin had unified the country and established peace, he remembered Jingniang upon learning of her story. Deeply moved by her loyalty, he posthumously honored her and established a memorial shrine for her, leaving behind a poignant and memorable tale.

Contact Address: No.1 Nanhai Road, Shanying Town, Anyang City, Henan Province, China

Postal Code: 455134

Opening Hours

08:00–20:00