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Jiutian Palace, also known as Dongdaoyuan, is located in Huashan Scenic Area, Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. It is located east of Qingkeping. Built in 1714, the 53rd year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it is a quadrangle-style building. The palace faces east and west, with its back against a cliff and a deep ravine to the north. Its structure is rigorous and elegant, encompassing the walls that house the front hall, upper hall, corridors, and pavilions. Facing east and west, it is small and exquisite.
The Jiutian Palace houses a statue of the Goddess of the Nine Heavens, dignified and lifelike. Also known as the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens, she is an ancient goddess revered by Taoism. Legend has it that she possesses a human head and a bird body, and was a disciple of the Holy Mother Yuanjun and the master of Emperor Xuanyuan. During the battle between the Yellow Emperor and Chiyou at Zhuolu, the Goddess of the Nine Heavens descended to earth and bestowed upon the Yellow Emperor the Six Ren, Dunjia, military talismans, maps, seals, and swords. She also crafted eighty Kui Niu drums to aid the Yellow Emperor in his victory over Chiyou. Therefore, temples dedicated to the Goddess of the Nine Heavens can be found throughout the history of Taoism.
Jiutian Palace was nearly ruined due to its age, erosion by wind and rain, and human damage. In 1982, it was rebuilt with an investment of over 60,000 yuan, and additional wings were built. It is now managed by the Huashan Taoist Association.
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 Jiutian Palace boasts three main halls, housing a statue of the Goddess of the Nine Heavens, and over twenty pavilions and Taoist temples. A plaque inscribed with "Eight Scenic Spots of Huaqing" by Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty hangs at the entrance. A plaque inscribed with "Pan Dao Lian Yun" in front of the hall was inscribed by Empress Dowager Cixi. A statue of the Goddess of the Nine Heavens, dignified and lifelike, is enshrined within the palace.
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
Jiutian Palace is a historic Taoist temple located in Huayin, Shaanxi. It holds significant cultural and religious importance as a site for Taoist worship and pilgrimage. The palace is known for its grand architecture, beautiful carvings, and association with various Taoist deities.
Jiutian Palace is located in the Huayin area of Shaanxi province, near Mount Hua. The easiest way to reach the palace is by taxi or private car from Huayin city center. There are also buses that can take you close to the base of Mount Hua, from where it is a short walk to the palace.
The palace is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The entrance fee for Jiutian Palace is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit, and there is no known option for online ticket booking.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines.
To fully explore Jiutian Palace, including its temple grounds and nearby scenic areas, 1-2 hours should be sufficient.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in Chinese may also be offered. However, English-language guides may not be readily available.
Start by exploring the main palace building and its intricate artwork. Then, take a walk through the gardens and surrounding grounds. Finally, make your way to the elevated areas for breathtaking views and photos.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Jiutian Palace. The best experience is during the day when you can fully appreciate the architecture and scenic surroundings.
The palace can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and rest areas. There are small vendors near the entrance selling bottled water and snacks. No major restaurants or shops are inside the palace grounds.
While Jiutian Palace is accessible to children, elderly visitors and those with disabilities may find the terrain challenging. The path can be uneven, so moderate walking ability is recommended.
Cash is commonly used, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it's advisable to bring cash.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants near the base of Mount Hua. Halal food is available in certain eateries catering to Muslim visitors.
Souvenir shops are located near the entrance to the palace, selling Taoist religious artifacts, statues, incense, and traditional handicrafts from Shaanxi.
