The Taiqing Palace in the Mt Laoshan is considered the origin of Laoshan Taoism. (Source: Shanghai Daily)

Taiqing Palace

The Taiqing Palace in the Laoshan Mountain is considered the origin of Laoshan Taoism, one of its most important branches of the philosophy.

It was built 2,000 years ago and has been reconstructed over the years in almost every dynasty. Today it is largely a Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) structure, which is unusual in Chinese construction of religious sites.

The site covers more than 30,000 square meters. The palace contains the Sanguan Pavilion, Sanqing Pavilion and Sanhuang Pavilion.

Sanguan Pavilion is the oldest Taoist pavilion of Laoshan Mountain and its gates face east. In northern China, the gates of most temples and pavilions face the south because that is considered the direction of authority. However, Taoists do not pursue power and authority, so they chose the east, sunrise-facing gate to show respect to guests.

The pavilion is mostly made of stone and brick with black tiles covering the roof. As a typical Taoist pavilion, it is not heavily gilded and magnificent as other temples, but it is dignified.

Sanguan Pavilion contains a rectangle courtyard surrounded by three pavilions, a main pavilion and two side halls.

Editor: Li Jing