Shimao Qingyuan Palace

Shimao Qingyuan Palace

Shimao Qingyuan Palace is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

To the west of Chongqing’s Jiangjin District lies an ancient town known as the “Pearl of Western Jiangjin” — Shimao Town. On the northwest side of the town stands a well-preserved ancient temple complex called Qingyuan Palace. According to the *Shimao Township Annals* and inscriptions on site, Qingyuan Palace was first built in the fifth year of the Zhengde era during the Ming Dynasty (1510), continued to be built in the 18th year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1813), and was renovated in the first year of the Daoguang era (1821). It has a history of 500 years.

Facing south and situated to the north, Qingyuan Palace covers an area of over 8,000 square meters. It features a traditional architectural style with a unique design and a compound layout consisting of multiple courtyards. The entire temple complex is flanked by 10-meter-high firewalls. Constructed with a combination of raised-beam wooden, brick, and stone structures, the palace boasts exquisite carvings and relief sculptures, along with gracefully upturned eaves, green-tiled roofs, flagstone flooring, three halls and one courtyard, plus a theater stage. Symmetrical male and female guest buildings stand on either side. The front, main, and rear halls are supported by 32 large round stone pillars, reflecting distinct Ming and Qing architectural characteristics. Towering ancient trees surround the temple, providing a pleasant, shaded environment.

Address: Qingyuan Road, Shimao Town, Jiangjin District, Chongqing

Transportation: From Chongqing, take a bus from Longtousi, Caiyuanba, or Chenjiaping to Jiangjin Bus Terminal, then transfer to a bus bound for Shimao Town.