Zixia Temple in Zhangjiajie
Zixia Temple (紫霞观) is located on Baofeng Road in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City (张家界市武陵源区宝峰路). Nestled in the heart of the scenic area, it was originally built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (明朝嘉靖年间). It is a key cultural and religious site within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源风景名胜区) and a well-known national AAA-rated tourist attraction. It also serves as the headquarters of the Zhangjiajie Taoist Association (张家界市道教协会会址所在地).
The temple complex boasts magnificent halls and pavilions, adorned with golden roofs, painted beams, and intricate carvings, all arranged with strict symmetry. The temple enshrines Taoist deities and features a variety of religious buildings, including:
- Laojun Out-of-the-Pass Pavilion (老子出关亭)
- Sanqing Hall (三清殿)
- Cihang Hall (慈航殿)
- Patriarch Altar (祖师坛)
- Guansheng Hall (关圣殿)
- Jade Emperor Hall (玉皇殿)
In total, there are 5 halls, 3 palaces, 2 pavilions, 2 temples, and 1 tower, with over 30 different buildings. Additional scenic spots within the temple grounds include:
- Eight Immortals Mountain (八仙山)
- Immortal’s Footprint Stone (仙人足迹石)
- South Heaven Gate (南天门)
- Chinese Unity Lock (中华同心锁)
The towering buildings blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, creating a tranquil and picturesque environment. The temple enjoys a constant flow of incense and pilgrims, earning it the title of “The No. 1 Taoist Temple in Western Hunan” (湘西第一观) due to its exceptional Feng Shui, beautiful scenery, and convenient transportation.
History of Zixia Temple (紫霞观)
Zixia Temple (紫霞观) dates back nearly 500 years to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (明朝嘉靖年间). Throughout its long history, it has suffered varying degrees of damage during times of war.
The temple was rebuilt in 1992 due to the growth of Zhangjiajie’s tourism industry and the support of Taoist followers. With government approval, donations poured in from believers across the region, and local authorities allocated funds for its expansion.
The famous Chinese calligrapher Shen Peng (沈鹏) inscribed the temple’s name. Inside, visitors can also find inscriptions and stone carvings by renowned calligraphers from both China and abroad. Over 100 illustrations of Laozi (老子) preaching and enlightening others are displayed, adding to the temple’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Architectural Features
The architecture of Zixia Temple (紫霞观) is grand and majestic, with gilded roofs, intricately painted beams, and carefully planned layouts. The main religious buildings include:
- Laojun Out-of-the-Pass Pavilion (老子出关亭)
- Sanqing Hall (三清殿)
- Cihang Hall (慈航殿)
- Patriarch Altar (祖师坛)
- Guansheng Hall (关圣殿)
- Jade Emperor Hall (玉皇殿)
The temple complex contains a total of 5 halls, 3 palaces, 2 pavilions, 2 temples, and 1 tower, with more than 30 structures of various sizes.
Key scenic spots include:
- Eight Immortals Mountain (八仙山)
- Immortal’s Footprint Stone (仙人足迹石)
- South Heaven Gate (南天门)
- Chinese Unity Lock (中华同心锁)
The buildings rise and fall in harmony with the surrounding pavilions and forests, creating a serene atmosphere. The temple is a hub of religious activity year-round, with continuous incense offerings and a steady stream of worshippers.
Thanks to its reputation as a Feng Shui treasure, Zixia Temple is fondly known as “The No. 1 Taoist Temple in Western Hunan” (湘西第一观).
Legends and Folklore
The Legend of the Immortal Women of Zixia Temple (紫霞观)
More than 800 years ago, during the early Southern Song Dynasty (南宋初期), the Wuling chieftain Xiang Shi (向氏) refused to submit to imperial authority, proclaiming himself an emperor and occupying the region. The court dispatched the Five Yang Sisters (杨门五女) to suppress the rebellion.
Xiang Shi hid in a cave, guarded by two local women. When imperial troops failed to capture him, Yang Bajie (杨八姐), enraged, ordered a cannon attack, causing a large rock to split open. Xiang Shi and the two women perished in the cave.
Locals later observed mist rising from the cracks of the collapsed rock at dawn and dusk, resembling rainbows, and believed it was a sign of their spirits.
In the late Yuan Dynasty (元季), a Taoist priest named Zhang Xuanling (张玄陵) came to the site and dreamed of two immortal women. One introduced herself as Zi Gu (紫姑) and the other as Xia Gu (霞姑). They explained that they had been freed by Lü Dongbin (吕祖), an immortal, and had ascended to immortality.
The priest woke and shared his vision, inspiring him to build a thatched hut, marking the temple’s humble beginnings.
In the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (明嘉靖年间), the Taoist priest Zhang Xiangting (张香庭) settled there. Local official Hu Guifang (胡桂芳) funded the construction of the temple.
The temple was destroyed by bandits during the late Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty (明崇祯末年) and rebuilt during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty (清雍正年间) after the Immortal’s Footprint Stone (仙人足迹石) was discovered.
Despite further destruction during the Tongzhi period (清同治年间) due to military conflict, Zixia Temple remained a symbol of spiritual significance.
In 1992, as Zhangjiajie’s tourism industry flourished, locals worked together to restore Zixia Temple to its former glory, blending its rich history with the area’s natural beauty.
Exploring Zixia Temple (紫霞观)
From a distance, Zixia Temple’s grand halls and elegant pavilions rise and fall against a backdrop of dense bamboo and cypress trees. The crisp sound of bells and chimes drifts through the air, echoing its ancient charm.
Laojun Out-of-the-Pass Pavilion (老子出关亭)
The first structure you encounter when entering the temple, with the inscription “Dao follows nature” (道法自然) above the mountain gate. On either side of the gate, a couplet reads:
“Three thousand peaks lead to true enlightenment, always stepping on clouds;
Eight hundred streams strive for the great Dao, flowing into the sea.”
Inside the pavilion stands a statue of Laozi riding a green ox (老子骑青牛). Laozi, wearing a Taoist robe, holds a fly whisk, his white hair and beard flowing gracefully, exuding a calm and wise demeanor. The green ox beneath him looks strong yet gentle.
Surrounding the statue are 100 scrolls depicting Laozi preaching the Dao (老子说法度人图), illustrating legendary stories from Taoist tradition.
Eight Immortals Mountain (八仙山)
As you ascend the zigzagging stone path past Laojun Pavilion, you will find yourself at Eight Immortals Mountain (八仙山), named after the famous Eight Immortals (八仙):
- Zhang Guolao (张果老)
- Lü Dongbin (吕洞宾)
- Han Xiangzi (韩湘子)
- Li Tieguai (李铁拐)
The Eight Immortals, each with their unique personality and magical artifact, symbolize freedom and individuality. Their legendary tale, “The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea, Each Showing Their Abilities” (八仙过海，各显神通), reflects a lively and mystical spirit that has captivated people for centuries.
Travel Tips for Zixia Temple (紫霞观)
- Scenic Rating: AAA National Tourist Attraction
- Location: No. 2202, Middle Baofeng Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City (湖南省张家界市武陵源区宝峰路中段2202号)
- Opening Hours: 08:00–17:30
- Transportation: Take Bus Line 1 or Line 1 [Gao Dongping direction] in Wulingyuan and get off at the District Traffic Police Team stop.
- Recommended Visit Duration: At least half a day, depending on personal preferences.
Embark on a journey of history, legends, and spiritual serenity at Zixia Temple (紫霞观)—an unmissable hidden gem in Zhangjiajie!
