Xuanyuan Goddess Temple Scenic Area

Xuanyuan Goddess Temple Scenic Area

Xuanyuan Goddess Temple Scenic Area

The Goddess Temple is a Ming Dynasty structure that underwent three renovations during the Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. Legend has it that it was built by predecessors inspired by the myth of Goddess Nüwa mending the heavens with stones, as a tribute to her benevolent act of saving all living beings. Historical legends include Nüwa mending the sky and Nüwa creating mankind. This palace-style pavilion has two levels: the lower level enshrines Nüwa, the goddess who created mankind, revered as the "Child-Giving Grandma" who helps people have children. It is believed that offering a flower here can result in a child as beautiful as the blossom. She is also the guardian of children under twelve, representing one full cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Traditionally, when a child turns twelve, parents bring them here to perform a lock-opening ceremony as a gesture of gratitude, marking the child’s entry into an enlightened age. The upper level enshrines Nüwa who mended the heavens. Climbing to this level offers breathtaking panoramic views. This ancient building stands against a cave and is suspended halfway up the mountainside by iron chains anchored into the cave’s stalactites. In summer, the sight of holy water dripping from the stalactite holes is truly enchanting.

Outside the cave stand stone tablets commemorating renovations through the dynasties, along with the hanging banners and plaques inside, all reflecting the deep reverence people hold for Goddess Nüwa. The story of “The Heavenly Bird Leading Xian Tang to Be Born to Ji” took place here and is included in the book Legends of Xiantang Mountain. This place is believed to be highly spiritual, and the surrounding landscape adds vibrant charm to this ancient temple. To the left is the Cinnabar Cave, which drips water abundantly in rainy seasons. To the right is the Bee Cave; with Xiantang Mountain covered in blooming wildflowers, bees come and go, producing green, natural honey for humans. Additionally, two symmetrical Toon trees grow outside the entrance despite the lack of soil in the area. They have stubbornly sprouted and thrived between the rocks, lush and green. The palace with its glazed tiles, framed by these two green trees, exudes an imperial grandeur.

Phone: 0355-7224521

Address: Qiangji Township, 25 kilometers north of Xiangyuan County