Live Your Best Lives
Visit Tianjing Palace to explore its rich historical significance and architectural beauty. Take a guided tour to learn about the palace’s origins and cultural importance. Explore the gardens, ancient statues, and temples inside the palace complex, which offer serene environments perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
Tianjing Palace, commonly known as the Laozi Temple, is located in Zhengdian Village, Wobei Subdistrict, Woyang County. It is the birthplace of Laozi, a great pre-Qin thinker, philosopher, founder of the Taoist school, and progenitor of Taoism. It is also the ancestral temple of Taoism. It lies north of Woyang County, two li south of where the Gushui River (now known as the Wujia River) flows into Wo, and nestled against Longshan Mountain to the north. Surrounded by water on three sides, it offers a tranquil and tranquil environment.
Since 1989 , extensive research and study by experts and scholars from home and abroad has confirmed this site as the birthplace of Laozi and the former site of Tianjing Palace. Consequently, prominent figures such as Ma Bingwen, Tan Zhao, and Hou Baoyuan launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild Tianjing Palace. This serves as a sacred site for Laozi and the ancestral home of Taoism. This restoration follows the regulations of the Northern Song Dynasty , when the temple was at its peak.
The entire palace is divided into three sections: the central section, the east section, and the west section. The central section houses the main hall, with the mountain gate, Huixian Bridge, Lingguan Hall, Laojun Hall, Sanqing Hall, Lingguan Hall, Tianshi Hall, Chongyang Hall, God of Wealth Hall, Yuanchen Hall, Laozu Hall, Cihang Hall, Lüzu Hall, the bell and drum towers, the " Source of Tao " and " Origin of Virtue " exhibition rooms, and the Qiankun Dao House.
To the east lie the Dongyue Temple, the Holy Mother Hall, the Meteor Garden, and the Nine Dragon Well. To the west lie the Lecture Hall and the Sutra Library. Today, with the return of the Green Ox and the reappearance of the Purple Air, Tianjing Palace, Laozi's hometown, stands once again on the ancient site, regaining its former splendor.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
25 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Tianjing Palace is a well-preserved historical site in Bozhou, Anhui, known for its connection to local religious practices and its impressive architectural style. It has been a spiritual and cultural center for centuries and holds historical value for understanding the region’s heritage.
Tianjing Palace is located in Bozhou, Anhui, China. You can get there by taxi or local bus from Bozhou’s city center. The palace is also accessible via car if you're coming from nearby towns or cities. Walking is also an option if you're staying nearby.
The Tianjing Palace is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild, and the palace gardens are in full bloom. Avoid weekends or national holidays if you prefer a less crowded experience.
The entrance fee for Tianjing Palace is approximately CNY 30-50 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate or online through local ticketing platforms if available.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. Booking a few days ahead is sufficient if you're visiting during busy times.
To fully explore Tianjing Palace, including its gardens, temples, and historical landmarks, plan for 2-3 hours. If you're interested in photography and detailed historical information, you may want to allocate more time.
Must-see highlights include the main palace hall, the ancient statues, the surrounding gardens, and the temples inside the complex. The palace’s intricate architecture and serene atmosphere are central to the experience.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and may also offer some English-language options depending on the availability of guides. Audio guides may be available in Chinese, with some limited foreign language options during peak seasons.
The best photography spots are the grand temple gates and the tranquil gardens. The elevated viewpoints within the palace complex offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making for ideal photo opportunities.
Start with the central courtyard to admire the main temple and palace architecture. Then, explore the surrounding gardens, passing by various smaller temples and statues. End your visit by walking around the tranquil pond or taking a quiet moment near the outer perimeter of the palace grounds.
Night visits are not typically available at Tianjing Palace, and there are no regular light shows. However, special tours or events may be organized during cultural festivals, so it’s worth checking for any upcoming activities if you’re visiting during these times.
Tianjing Palace can be crowded during weekends, public holidays, and peak tourist seasons. For a more peaceful visit, plan to go during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when crowds tend to be smaller.
The palace complex has public toilets available. There is a small shop where you can buy souvenirs, and water is available for purchase. Rest areas are scattered throughout the grounds, especially near the gardens and temples.
The attraction is somewhat accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, but some of the walking paths may be challenging due to the historic nature of the site. Visitors with limited mobility should check in advance for accessibility services.
Cash is accepted, but cards and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also widely accepted, especially for tickets, food, and souvenir purchases.
Inside the palace grounds, there is a small tea house and a few food stalls offering traditional Chinese snacks. Nearby, there are several local restaurants where you can enjoy Anhui cuisine, including dishes like Anhui-style braised pork and tofu-based specialties.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the nearby restaurants, offering plant-based versions of local dishes. Vegan and halal food may be limited, but some restaurants may cater to these needs if requested in advance.
There are several hotels near Tianjing Palace in Bozhou, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. For example, the Bozhou Hotel and nearby inns provide comfortable accommodations with easy access to the palace.
Nearby attractions include the Bozhou Museum, the historic Puyang River, and various ancient temples in the region. You can combine a visit to Tianjing Palace with these sites for a cultural day trip around Bozhou.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside and near Tianjing Palace. Typical souvenirs include locally made crafts, religious statues, traditional Chinese paintings, and other cultural mementos.
After visiting Tianjing Palace, taxis or local buses are the best way to continue your trip. If you’re looking to travel further into the region, consider taking a train or long-distance bus from the Bozhou city center.
