Jiazi Yuching Palace

Jiazi Yuching Palace

Yuching Palace, locally referred to as the "Yudi Palace," is located on Dutou Mountain in the northeast direction of Dongfang Village (formerly Lujiaotou Village), Jiazi Town.

Yuching Palace was first built in the late Song Dynasty, over 700 years ago. It was renovated in the ninth year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty; after being destroyed by a strong typhoon in the 12th year of the Daoguang reign, it was rebuilt in the 19th year under the supervision of Taoist priest Liao Daoshou. In the 22nd year of the Republic of China, it was again toppled by a typhoon, scattering the Taoist priests. Later, due to neglect and the destruction of the “Four Olds” during the Cultural Revolution, only ruins remained. It wasn’t until 1981 that reconstruction began with support and funding from local philanthropists, overseas Chinese, and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan who were visiting their hometowns. After years of active fundraising and restoration efforts, the site now has 25 halls and rooms covering an area of 1,300 square meters. The restored and expanded Yuching Palace follows Taoist architectural standards, featuring a rigorous structure, classic simplicity, elegant style, and beautifully shaped halls. Inside the halls are statues of various deities worshipped in Taoism. With investments exceeding one million yuan, the site has reached a certain scale.

On September 24, 1992, Yuching Palace was officially approved by the county government as a venue for Taoist activities and opened to the public. The current abbot is Chen Xintai, the 25th-generation disciple of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect, a legitimate branch of Taoism. Today, the resident Taoists of Yuching Palace conduct normal religious activities in accordance with government religious policies and Taoist rituals, while continuing their efforts to complete supporting infrastructure projects within the palace.

Legend has it that in the second year of the Song Duanzong era (1276 AD), Emperor Duanzong of Song, along with court officials such as Lu Xiufu and Zhang Shijie, fled southward to Huideng in Huilai to resist the Jin. When crossing the Ying River to Dutou Mountain, they stayed and lodged at Yuching Palace, with troops stationed at the foot of the mountain awaiting passage, and set off for Jiazi Gate the next day. During this time, the Xuan Nü attendant of Emperor Duanzong fell ill and passed away, and was buried on the northwest slope of Dutou Mountain. A pavilion called Xuan Nü Pavilion was built during the Song Dynasty in her memory, and the ancient pavilion still stands today. A poem reads: “Yuching buries loyal bones, leaving everlasting fame through the ages.” To the left front of Yuching Palace stands a carved stone statue of Laozi, the deity of Taoism. On both sides of the gate, there is a natural stone turtle on the left and a red snake-shaped stone on the right, facing the Xuanwu figure in front of the hall—retaining an ancient charm. Yuching Palace faces south with its back to the north, bordered by Ao River to the right, adjacent to Ying River to the east, and overlooking Jiazi Port. From a high vantage point, one can take in breathtaking natural scenery, truly awe-inspiring. Yuching Palace serves as an excellent place for Taoists to practice their faith, as well as a wonderful destination for tourism and sightseeing.

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