Baiyun Tower

　　   Baiyun Tower is situated at the western foot of Qinglong Mountain in the urban area of Jingmen, spanning 12,000 square meters. The site inclines from east to west in a terraced formation. Along the central axis are arranged, in sequence: the Mountain Gate, the Cloud-Reclining Cave, the Platform, Baiyun Tower, the Three Pure Ones Hall, the Lotus Pond, the Immortals’ Gathering Bridge, and the Chunyang Hall. On the north and south sides are auxiliary halls, the Crane-Inviting Pavilion, stele corridors, the Study Terrace, and other structures. The buildings feature soaring upturned eaves, uniquely crafted brackets, exquisitely detailed stone carvings rich in meaning, making it a rare gem among ancient architectural works in the Chu region.

　　   Baiyun Tower boasts a long history and profound Taoist cultural heritage. The site was originally home to just a cave, known as Taiping Cave, with origins dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty when Zhang Jiao founded the “Way of Great Peace.” Legend has it that Lü Dongbin, a renowned Taoist figure of the Tang Dynasty, once rode a white crane here, practicing Taoism while also ridding the people of evils. (The image on the right shows Baiyun Tower.)

　　   To this day, folk tales such as “Lü Dongbin Sent by Imperial Decree to Subdue the Dragon” and “Lü Dongbin’s Three Visits to the Flying Tiger Cave” continue to circulate. As a result, he is deeply revered by the people of Jingmen. In his honor, local residents expanded the original cave and raised funds to build Baiyun Tower (also known as the Shrine of Lüzu). Since the Ming Dynasty to the present, the cave has housed the Dragon Bed (Cold Jade Bed) where Lü Dongbin once rested, along with a statue enshrining his spirit.