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Visitors can explore the serene surroundings of Sanqing Temple, which is a perfect spot for spiritual reflection and appreciating traditional Chinese architecture. Walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the natural beauty is also highly recommended.
Putian Sanqing Temple, located on the north side of the eastern section of Meiyuan Road, Licheng District, Putian City, is the largest existing ancient Taoist building in Fujian Province. It is praised by experts as a rare ancient building in Jiangnan and is now a national key cultural relic protection unit.
The temple was known as Tianqing Temple in the Song Dynasty, then Xuanmiao Temple in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. In the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Yuanmiao Temple to avoid the taboo of Emperor Kangxi's name, Xuanye. Li Junfu, a Song Dynasty native, wrote in his "Puyang Bishi" that "the three halls of Tianqing Temple are magnificent and splendid, the best in the eight counties." This simple description vividly captures the prominent position of the three halls, led by the Sanqing Hall, in the architectural complex of Song Dynasty Hunan. The entire Taoist temple was originally large in scale, with a rigorous symmetrical layout and a clear distinction between primary and secondary. The original total area was 24 mu. Along the central axis were the mountain gate, Sanqing Hall, Jade Emperor Hall (also known as Tongming Hall), Jiuyu Hall, Siguan Hall, and Wenchang Hall. Parallel to the Sanqing Hall to the east were the Five Emperors Temple and Dongyue Hall, and to the west were the Wuxian Temple, Xiyue Hall, and Wenchang Shrine. Parallel to the Jade Emperor Hall to the east was the Lin Zhonglie Shrine, and to the west were the Guandi Temple and Fushen Hall. Today, the mountain gate, Sanqing Hall, Dongyue Hall, Xiyue Hall, Wenchang Temple, Five Emperors Temple, Wuxian Temple and the main gate of Guandi Temple still exist.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Sanqing Temple is praised by experts as a rare ancient building in Jiangnan. It is now a national key cultural relic protection unit and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Sanqing Temple, Dongyue Temple, Xiyue Temple, Wenchang Temple, Five Emperors Temple, Wuxian Temple, etc.
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
15 yuan/person
8:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00
Sanqing Temple is a Taoist temple dedicated to the worship of the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in Taoism. The temple has a long history, dating back to ancient times, and is an important spiritual site in the region.
Sanqing Temple is located in Putian, Fujian. It can be reached by taxi or bus from the city center. Alternatively, you can walk if you're staying nearby, but it’s a bit of a hike.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings are the best time to visit as the temple is quieter and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
The entrance is free, but donations are encouraged. There is no official ticketing system, and donations can be made directly at the temple.
No, tickets are not required in advance. You can simply visit the temple when it’s open, but it’s advisable to check if any special ceremonies are scheduled.
You can fully explore Sanqing Temple in 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture and walking around the grounds.
The main hall, where the Three Pure Ones are worshiped, is the focal point of the temple. The surrounding courtyards and the tranquil gardens are also must-see highlights.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. It’s a good idea to book in advance for a more personalized experience. Audio guides are not commonly available.
The best photography spots are around the main hall and the temple’s tranquil gardens. The temple's architecture against the natural landscape offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Start at the main gate and visit the primary hall to see the Taoist statues. Then, explore the surrounding courtyards and gardens at a leisurely pace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available. However, special Taoist ceremonies may take place at certain times, so it's worth checking the schedule before your visit.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays, particularly early in the morning.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets and rest areas. You can also find small shops selling religious items and souvenirs near the temple.
Sanqing Temple has some steep steps and uneven terrain, which may pose a challenge for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are accessible paths for those who wish to visit the temple’s main areas.
Cash is accepted for donations and purchases. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used for donations and purchases at the temple.
There are small local restaurants near the temple offering traditional Fujianese dishes. A few cafes in the area serve light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are commonly available, especially in the local restaurants near the temple. Halal food may be available at select eateries in Putian.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in the area, including the Putian Holiday Inn and local guesthouses. These are all within a short distance from the temple.
Other nearby attractions include the Meifeng Temple and the South Sea Guanyin Temple. Both can be visited on a day trip in Putian.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling religious items, incense, prayer beads, and Taoist-themed souvenirs.
Taxis or buses are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting the temple. Alternatively, you can rent a car for more flexibility to explore other nearby attractions.
