Laojun Cave Taoist Temple

　　Laojun Cave Taoist Temple is situated on Laojun Mountain near Huangjueya in Nan'an District, Chongqing, and is an important Taoist temple in the city. For centuries, on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, as well as during the Qingming Festival, worshippers flock to the mountain, and visitors come to enjoy the spring scenery. The temple is often enveloped in incense smoke, while the mountain paths are bustling with people. Originally built during the Han and Three Kingdoms periods, the temple was formally established in the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, spanning over 1,300 years. It was initially a Buddhist temple called "Guanghua Temple." In the ninth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1581), to honor Laozi, the founder of Taoism, it was exchanged with Tushan Temple at the Dayu Temple and converted into a Taoist temple, named "Taiji Palace" (commonly known as "Laojun Cave"). It once served as a significant center for the Celestial Masters Taoism.

　　The entire temple complex is built along the mountain, with cliff carvings forming various images. The main structures are arranged in the shape of the character “玄” (Xuan), spiraling up the mountainside. The temple grounds cover an area of more than 300 acres, featuring over 30 statues. Key structures include the Hall of the Three Pure Ones, Hall of the Divine Official, Hall of Zhang Sanfeng, Hall of the Jade Emperor, Hall of Zhenwu, Hall of Lüzu, Hall of Qiu Zu, Hall of Guanyin, as well as a dining hall, guest hall, scripture hall, stage, opera tower, scripture depository, alchemy room, and more. Among its historical relics, Laojun Cave, Sanfeng Cave, Chunyang Cave, Stone Monkey Cave, Three Saints Cave, and Rándēng Cave are the most distinctive.

　　The Cihang Hall features an inscribed tablet reading “Zhenwu Preaches the Dao,” while in front of the Hall of the Three Pure Ones, there is a stone carving depicting “The Jade Dragon Holding the Sage.” The rock carvings include images of Laozi riding a green ox, King Wen of Zhou appointing his ministers, Ji Zi seeking virtuous officials, and carvings of the sun, moon, and stars. Many inscriptions by scholars and poets are etched into the cliffs, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The temple complex houses numerous cliff carvings depicting Buddhist and Taoist stories, among which the Nine Dragons Stele and Eight Trials Cliff are particularly noted for their artistic value. There are also many other cliff inscriptions.