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Explore the Golden Heaven Palace (Jin Tian Gong), a renowned Taoist temple perched on Mount Hua in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can hike the mountain's challenging trails, visit the sacred temple, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The area offers opportunities for photography, spiritual reflection, and experiencing traditional Chinese architecture and culture.
Huashan's Golden Heavenly Palace, also known as the White Emperor Temple, is located at the summit of Songhui Peak on the southern peak. It is the principal temple dedicated to the Huashan deity on the main peak. In ancient times, worship of the mountain god was located at the foot of the mountain. It wasn't until the reign of Emperor Taiwu of the Wei Dynasty (424-425) that a temple was established on the main peak. However, the site has long been lost. The current site was first built during the Ming Dynasty but later fell into disrepair. In the 42nd year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1703), Emperor Kangxi, while on a tour of western Taiwan, visited Huashan and saw the dilapidated Golden Heavenly Palace. He allocated funds to have the Shaanxi Governor, E Hai, rebuild it. Upon completion, Emperor Kangxi personally inscribed a plaque, and E Hai wrote an inscription on the stele.
In the 43rd year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1788), Shaanxi suffered a severe drought. Shaanxi Governor Bi Yuan visited Jintian Temple to offer sacrifices to the gods and pray for rain. Indeed, a rain fell. Bi Yuan petitioned the court for another major renovation of the Jintian Temple. Emperor Qianlong not only personally bestowed the inscription "Yue Lian Ling Shu" (Yue Lian Ling Shu) but also composed a pair of couplets for the newly renovated Jintian Temple. The first line reads: "The temple was built in the Western Capital, and its fragrance has risen since ancient times." The second line reads: "To worship the gods, we must accompany the Eastern Peak and establish a new era." The second line reads: "Golden God Brings Blessings."
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and sunny, cold, and dry winters. Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable for travel.
The main hall of Jintian Palace enshrines Shaohao, the deity of Mount Hua, the Western Peak. The grandeur and scale of its worship rites are unmatched by any other temple. All imperial officials, commissioned to perform sacrifices to the deity of Mount Hua, uninterruptedly offered sacrifices here, leading to the frequent presence of plaques inscribed by these individuals. During the Republican era, the temple boasted the inscriptions "Ze Liu Yujing" by Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty, "Hao Ling Wan Gu" by Emperor Guangxu, "Dao Long Xi Ji" by Empress Dowager Cixi, and a central painting inscribed by Chiang Kai-shek in the autumn of the 25th year of the Republic of China, "Jintian Palace."
In front of the Jintian Palace stands a bell and drum tower, its elegant architecture adding to the palace's charm. Behind the palace, a pavilion, named Songhui Pavilion, is located on the summit of Songhui Peak. Its conical copper roof, weighing 72 jin (approximately 100 kg), was originally the roof of the ancient Yuntai Temple.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
Included in the Huashan Scenic Area ticket (peak season: 160 yuan/person; off-season: 100 yuan/person)
Peak season 07:00-19:00
Off-season 09:00-17:00
The Golden Heaven Palace is a Taoist temple located on Mount Hua, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains. Mount Hua has been a center for Taoist practice for centuries, attracting emperors and pilgrims alike. The temple's location on the mountain signifies its spiritual importance, offering a place for meditation and connection with nature.
The Golden Heaven Palace is situated on Mount Hua in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. To reach the mountain, visitors can take a high-speed train or bus from Xi'an to Huayin. From Huayin, taxis or local transportation can be used to reach the base of Mount Hua. Hiking trails lead from the base to the summit, where the temple is located.
The Golden Heaven Palace is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the mountain scenery is at its most beautiful. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee for Mount Hua is approximately 160 CNY during peak season (March to November) and 100 CNY during the off-season (December to February). Tickets can be purchased at the base of the mountain or online through official tourism websites.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays, to avoid long lines and ensure availability. Booking at least a few days in advance is advisable.
Exploring the Golden Heaven Palace and the surrounding areas of Mount Hua typically takes a full day. This allows time for hiking, visiting the temple, and enjoying the scenic views. For those interested in more extensive exploration, additional time may be needed.
Key highlights include the Golden Heaven Palace itself, the various Taoist shrines and pavilions along the hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Guided tours are available at Mount Hua, offering insights into the history and significance of the area. These tours are typically conducted in Mandarin. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, may be available at the entrance or can be rented in advance.
Notable viewpoints include the areas around the Golden Heaven Palace, where visitors can capture panoramic shots of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The East Peak is renowned for its sunrise views, while the South Peak offers the highest elevation for sweeping landscapes.
A recommended itinerary starts with a hike from the base of Mount Hua to the Golden Heaven Palace, visiting various shrines and viewpoints along the way. After exploring the temple, continue to the East Peak for sunrise views or the South Peak for panoramic vistas. Descending can be done via the same route or using cable cars where available.
Night visits are generally not available for the Golden Heaven Palace, as the area is typically closed after sunset. However, the mountain offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views, making early morning and late afternoon visits particularly rewarding.
Mount Hua can be crowded during weekends and Chinese public holidays. To avoid large crowds, consider visiting on weekdays, especially during the off-season months of December through February.
Facilities along the hiking trails include rest areas, basic toilets, and small shops selling snacks and drinks. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as options may be limited at higher elevations.
The terrain of Mount Hua is steep and challenging, making it less suitable for elderly individuals, young children, or those with mobility impairments. Cable cars are available to assist with ascent and descent, but visitors should assess their physical capabilities before attempting the hike.
While some vendors may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay, it's advisable to carry cash, especially in more remote areas where electronic payment options may be limited.
There are limited dining options on Mount Hua itself. Visitors can find basic meals and snacks at small eateries along the hiking trails. For more substantial dining, it's recommended to eat in Huayin City before ascending the mountain.
Vegetarian options may be available at some eateries on Mount Hua, but choices can be limited. It's advisable to bring your own food if you have specific dietary requirements.
There are several hotels in Huayin City, offering a range of accommodations from budget to mid-range options. Some hotels near the base of Mount Hua provide shuttle services to the mountain entrance.
Nearby attractions include the Xiyue Temple, located about 1.5 kilometers east of Huayin City, and the Huashan Plank Walk, a thrilling hike along a cliffside path. These can be combined with a visit to the Golden Heaven Palace for a comprehensive day trip.
Souvenir shops are available at the base of Mount Hua and along the hiking trails. Typical souvenirs include Taoist-themed items, local crafts, and snacks.
After visiting Mount Hua, visitors can return to Huayin City by taxi or shuttle bus. From Huayin, high-speed trains or buses are available to Xi'an and other destinations.
