Xishan Laojun Temple

Xishan Laojun Temple

Xishan Laojun Temple is a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction and a cultural tourism site.

The Xishan Laojun Temple in Urumqi is a “National AAAA-level Scenic Spot.” Located near the headquarters of the 104th Regiment, the temple faces south with its back against Qima Mountain and front overlooking Yaomo Mountain. It is the earliest-built and largest Taoist structure in the history of Xinjiang, as well as a crystallization of the fusion between Han Chinese culture and the local ethnic cultures in the region. With a history of 240 years, it is an important ancient cultural site in the city, and remains the most spiritually vibrant and largest Taoist temple in Urumqi to this day. It is now a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in China.

Overview of Xishan Laojun Temple

The Laojun Temple covers an area of 20,640 square meters, with a construction area of 6,804 square meters. The architectural complex is entirely designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty and traditional Taoist temples. It mainly includes the Drum Tower, Bell Tower, God of Wealth Hall, Medicine King Hall, Wenchang Hall, among which the Laojun Hall is the main hall. With the fragrance of sandalwood lingering in the air and the gentle sound of bronze bells, this is neither China’s Wudang nor the famous Taiqing Temple, but a Taoist temple that has been well preserved in Urumqi—a city dominated by Western Region charm and the primary settlement of Chinese Muslims. Having endured the vicissitudes of history, the cultural depth of Laojun Temple has only grown richer. Today, the Urumqi Laojun Temple has become an important platform for locals to inherit and promote Taoism. It serves as a condensed history of the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang during the Qing Dynasty, their joint efforts in protecting and passing on Taoist culture, as well as a key window for locals to learn about Taoist traditions.

The Xishan Laojun Temple in Urumqi was first built in 1767, with a history of over 240 years. It is an important ancient cultural relic in Urumqi. After enduring centuries of change, especially the destruction during the Cultural Revolution, the original site of the temple had fallen into disrepair. In 2003, the “Xishan Laojun Temple in Urumqi” was designated as a cultural relics protection unit by the Urumqi Cultural Relics Management Office, after which substantial funding was invested to renovate the temple. The newly restored Xishan Laojun Temple features an architectural layout entirely based on the original Qing Dynasty style and traditional Taoist temple design. The entire complex boasts grey-brick walls, black tiles, jade railings, carved beams and painted rafters, as well as colorful bracket sets, all combining to create an ancient yet majestic atmosphere. It is the largest Taoist architectural complex in the entire northwest region. The layout also strictly follows the original central axis design: the central axis includes the Memorial Archway, Mountain Gate, Lingguan Hall, Jade Emperor Hall, and Laojun Hall; on the left are the Drum Tower, Wenchang Hall, and God of Wealth Hall; on the right are the Bell Tower, Cihang Hall, and Medicine King Hall.

Friendly Tips for Xishan Laojun Temple

Admission Fee for Xishan Laojun Temple: 8 RMB per person

Opening Hours of Xishan Laojun Temple: Summer 7:30 – 20:00, Winter 10:00 – 19:00

Transportation to Xishan Laojun Temple: Take bus routes 14, 45, 70, 72, 529, 532, or 921 and get off at the 104th Regiment stop to reach the temple

Taoist Worship Method: Clasp your hands together in a fist, forming the shape of the Taiji yin-yang fish (with the right hand over the left for women, and the left over the right for men), raise your hands to eyebrow level, then perform a kowtow. To pray for career advancement, worship the Jade Emperor; for health, worship the Medicine King; for academic success, worship the Wenchang; for wealth, worship the God of Wealth; for fertility, worship the Goddess Cihang.