Shangqing Temple

The Shangqing Temple (上清宫) is the primary religious site at Longhu, the main temple of the Zhengyi Taoism tradition that originated here in the 2nd century AD. The temple sits at the base of the mountain near the river, surrounded by old trees and stone pathways. The main halls house altars to the Taoist deities, with ritual implements and incense smoke giving the place an atmosphere of active religious practice rather than museum display.

The temple is included in the general entrance ticket and is a short walk from the Tianshi Mansion. The combination of the two sites, plus the riverside scenery and the boat trip, makes a logical full-day itinerary. The Taoist community attached to the temple conducts ceremonies in the early morning — arriving before nine allows you to witness these before the tour groups arrive.

things to do sight
A story
The original Shangqing Temple was founded during the Eastern Han dynasty as the first temple in the Celestial Masters tradition. It was repeatedly rebuilt after destruction by fire and warfare, and the current structure dates mainly from the Ming dynasty with later additions. At its peak in the Tang and Song dynasties, the temple complex covered an enormous area and was one of the most important Taoist institutions in China, with direct imperial patronage and a large resident community of priests.

Other places in Things to Do