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Explore the historical Zhenyue Palace, admire its ancient architecture, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Visit the temple halls, take a stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop.
Zhenyue Palace is located within the Huashan Scenic Area, south of Yuquan Road in Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. Centrally located between the East, West, and South peaks of Mount Hua, Zhenyue Palace was built in 716 AD on the site of the Shangyuan Palace, a former Huayue Temple. Constructed along the eastern slope of the West Peak, it follows the cliff's contours, resulting in a unique architectural style. The "Continuation of Huayue Chronicles" describes it as "a thousand-year-old ancient building, known as the Shanggong Palace."
Zhenyue Palace, consisting of one building and one hall, is dedicated to the guardian deity of Mount Hua, the "Xiyue Emperor." Within the palace lies a large stone cave, housing the Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Venerable, the Mysterious Sky High God. Inscribed on the cliff face outside the cave are the eight characters: "Zhenyue Palace, Upper Courtyard of Huamiaoguan." A renowned Taoist temple, Zhenyue Palace has undergone several renovations. Its winding corridors create a tranquil and elegant atmosphere, while the valley outside is shaded by pine trees, creating a tranquil and tranquil atmosphere. Within the palace lies a well, known as the Jade Well, over 30 meters deep, boasting sweet water. A tower has been erected above the well, and legend has it that it connects to the Jade Spring in the Jade Spring Courtyard below.
Huayin has a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius, making it a great place to travel in any season.
The Zhenyue Palace consists of one floor and one hall, dedicated to the guardian deity of Mount Hua, the "Xiyue Emperor." Inside the palace is a large stone cave, housing the Jade Emperor, the "Great Heavenly Lord of the Mysterious Sky." Inscribed on the cliff outside the cave are the eight characters: "Hua Miao Guan Shang Yuan Zhenyue Palace."
Zhenyue Palace is a famous Taoist temple. After several renovations, the palace has winding corridors and is quiet and elegant. Outside the palace, the valley is shaded by pine trees, which is extremely quiet and peaceful. There is a well in the palace, named Yujing, which is more than 30 meters deep and the water tastes sweet. There is a building on the well. Legend has it that this well is connected to the Yuquan in Yuquan Courtyard at the foot of the mountain.
Included in the Huashan Scenic Area Pass.
Xishan Gate: open 24 hours a day;
Dongshanmen Cableway: 7:00-19:00 in peak season, 8:30-17:00 in off-season;
North Peak Cableway: Peak season: 7:00-19:00, off-season 9:00-17:00.
Zhenyue Palace is an important cultural and religious site in Shaanxi, known for its historical significance as a Taoist temple. It has long been a place of pilgrimage and worship, offering insight into the region's ancient spiritual practices.
Zhenyue Palace is located in Huayin, Shaanxi. You can take a bus or taxi from Huayin city center to reach the palace. Walking is not recommended due to the distance and the location on a hilltop.
The palace is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its most scenic.
The entrance fee for Zhenyue Palace is usually around 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but it's a good idea to check if online booking is available, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but can be helpful during busy seasons. You can book online a few days ahead if preferred, especially for group tours or special events.
It typically takes 1-2 hours to explore the palace, including the temple halls, gardens, and viewpoints. For a more leisurely visit, you may want to allocate up to 3 hours.
The main highlights include the central temple hall, the scenic views from the hilltop, the ancient architecture, and the surrounding gardens. Don't miss the peaceful walking paths and small shrines scattered around the site.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides might be rare, but you can arrange private tours in advance to ensure availability. Audio guides may also be available in Mandarin.
The hilltop views offer panoramic sights of the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for photography. The temple courtyard and the garden paths also provide excellent photo opportunities.
Start by exploring the main temple hall, then take a walk through the gardens before heading to the hilltop for the best views. If time allows, visit the smaller shrines scattered around the palace grounds.
Night visits are not common at Zhenyue Palace, as it is mostly a daytime attraction. However, the peaceful ambiance during the day makes for a relaxing visit. Special tours may be available for groups or during festivals.
Zhenyue Palace can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.
There are toilets and a few small shops on-site selling snacks and souvenirs. Rest areas are available throughout the palace grounds. It's a good idea to bring your own water, as the facilities may be limited.
The palace is located on a hill, which may pose challenges for elderly or disabled visitors. Some paths may be steep, so it may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. Children will enjoy the open spaces and gardens.
Cash is commonly used, but many vendors also accept mobile payments such as WeChat Pay or Alipay. Credit cards may be accepted in some places, but it's best to carry cash for small purchases.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near Zhenyue Palace serving traditional Shaanxi cuisine. You can find local specialties like biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers).
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in local eateries. Halal food may be harder to find in this area, but there are some restaurants in Huayin city that cater to halal diets.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Huayin city, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some larger hotels may offer more comfortable accommodations and amenities, while smaller inns may be closer to the palace itself.
Nearby attractions include Mount Huashan, which is one of China’s most famous mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Hua Shan Temple and other historical landmarks in Huayin city are also worth exploring.
Souvenir shops are available near Zhenyue Palace, offering items such as local handicrafts, religious artifacts, and traditional Chinese teas. You can also find small statues and charms related to Taoism.
After visiting Zhenyue Palace, you can continue your trip by taxi or bus to nearby attractions, such as Mount Huashan. The most convenient option for further exploration is a taxi or private transport.
