Qingyang Palace (Green Ram Temple) is the oldest and most important Taoist temple in Chengdu. The current structures date from the Qing dynasty, though a Taoist foundation has existed on this spot for 1,600 years. The main gate leads into a sequence of courtyards and halls filled with Taoist iconography, incense smoke, and the gentle chaos of an actively practiced religion.
The twin bronze ram sculptures in the main hall are the temple's most famous features — one ram, if you look closely, incorporates features of all twelve zodiac animals. On Chinese New Year and Qingming festival, the temple fills with worshippers for spectacular ceremonies. It is directly adjacent to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, making the two a natural pair for an afternoon visit.