Sulaoguan

Sulaoguan

Sulaoguan is a Taoist temple and one of the most renowned Taoist sites on Mount Luofu. Located at the northern foot of Mount Luofu, it is also known as the North Hermitage. Its spiritual essence originated during the Qin and Han dynasties, and it was established by Ge Hong during the Jin Dynasty. Having stood for over 1,600 years, it remains majestic and undestroyed. Facing a lotus pond, the temple is grand and spectacular. Old records praise it as “a profound dwelling place for spirits and a blessed land for cultivation.” It has been regarded through the ages as a sacred site for spiritual cultivation.

The environment within Sulaog Cave is serene, surrounded by high mountains and dense forests, with many historical relics. It was originally built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty by the famous Taoist priest Ge Hong and was first named the “North Hermitage.” Legend has it that An Qisheng once met a goddess in Xuanqiu, where they discussed profound Taoist mysteries and drank divine wine. After becoming intoxicated, their breath turned the dew into Sulaomai (a legendary elixir), which then dispersed into the heavens, hence the name change to Sulaoguan. Another legend says that the immortal Chisongzi once wandered here, thus it is also called the Ancient Cave of Immortals. The temple was initially constructed during the Xianhe era of the Jin Dynasty (around 330 AD) on the former site of the North Hermitage built by Ge Hong. After the Song Dynasty, Sulaoguan was repeatedly built up and fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty that the 11th-generation leader of the Longmen Sect, along with his disciple Ke Shanzhi, oversaw its reconstruction. In the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929), the abbot raised funds for another renovation. In 1968, villagers of Sulaogou village renovated it once again. Throughout the dynasties, it underwent continuous repairs and expansions, with most of the current structures dating back to the fifth year of the Yongzheng reign in the Qing Dynasty. The stone plaque at the temple gate inscribed with the three characters “Sulaoguan” was written by Bao Jun from Xiangshan during the Qing Dynasty.

In the past, Sulaoguan enjoyed immense popularity across Guangdong, with its incense offerings thriving. Branch temples were established in Daxin Road in Guangzhou, Shilong Town in Dongguan, and Xishan Village in Zengcheng to serve worshippers from all regions. During annual deity festivals, wealthy merchants, high-ranking officials, celebrities, and scholars from Guangzhou, Nanhai, Panyu, Shunde, Dongguan, and Zengcheng would brave the arduous journey to Sulaoguan to donate oil for the lamps and pay devout homage. Some stayed for days, even a year or more, to cultivate their spirit and seek truth. They absorbed the spiritual energy of this sacred mountain and mastered the essence of Taoist Three Caverns metaphysics. This helped the virtuous gain blessings and longevity, while those who had erred were inspired to reform. On the 16th day of the third lunar month in the 21st year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, the temple’s abbot, Jiang Benyuan, ascended to immortality at the age of 120. During the Tongzhi era, Chen Jiaoyou (also known as Minggui), the master of Sulaog Cave, wrote “A Study on the Origins of Changchun Taoism,” becoming a renowned Taoist master. Later, he brought his son Chen Botao to Sulaoguan to immerse themselves in its spiritual aura and diligently study. In the 18th year of the Guangxu reign, Chen Botao achieved the prestigious rank of Tanhua (the third-place scholar) in the imperial examination, returned home in glory, and brought honor to his family. In 1924, during the Great Revolution and the period of cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, Mr. Chiang Kai-shek stayed at Sulaoguan to calm his mind and absorb its spiritual energy, feeling refreshed and invigorated. This experience contributed to shaping him into a prominent figure of his time.

Sulaoguan has had a profound influence and wide reach across the five central-southern provinces of China, known to nearly everyone over the age of sixty. However, as times changed, the temple also experienced periods of flourishing and decline. At one point, its incense burners gathered dust, and its Taoist practitioners scattered. Fortunately, in 1989, during this prosperous era, Mr. Deng Guocai from the Hong Kong Yuen Yuen Institute helped restore the temple, reviving its incense offerings. Subsequently, with the support of enthusiastic individuals and organizations both domestically and overseas—especially funding from the Hong Kong Penglai Immortal Hall and planning assistance from the Ching Chung Taoist Temple—a comprehensive renovation was carried out, restoring the temple to its former glory.

Sulaog Village: Nestled deep within Mount Luofu, Sulaog Village is far from the hustle and bustle of the mundane world, boasting beautiful scenery and a simple, honest village atmosphere, like a paradise on earth. Surrounded by mountains, the village enjoys fresh air and serves as a natural oxygen bar. Walking along the rural paths, you are greeted by negative ions in the air that refresh both body and mind, helping you forget all worries and troubles.

The picturesque Sulaog Village features a unique environment and climate. The locally grown Sulaog vegetables are cultivated using pollution-free and eco-friendly methods, resulting in delicious, sweet, smooth flavors with cooling and detoxifying properties, making them an excellent ingredient for soups.

Sulaog vegetables also... More details about Sulaog Village++