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At Shangqing Palace, visitors can:
Shangqing Palace is the end of the Qingcheng Mountain tour route and the peak of Qingcheng Mountain. It is more than 1,600 meters above sea level and is located on the sunny side of the Qingcheng Mountain peak in the southwest of Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province.
The Shangqing Palace Taoist temple complex, originally constructed during the Jin Dynasty, includes the Laojun Hall, the Sanqing Hall, and the Wenwu Hall, known as the "Three Pure Ones Hall," as well as numerous ancient buildings and artifacts. Surrounded by misty mountaintops, one can savor the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, evoking a sense of a Taoist wonderland. Ascending the stone steps behind the palace, one reaches the "Sun Viewing Pavilion" at the summit of Qingcheng Mountain, offering an ideal vantage point for viewing the natural beauty of the sunrise, sea of clouds, and the divine lantern.
Inside, there are scenic spots such as the Magu Pond, where Magu is said to have bathed in elixir, and the Mandarin Duck Well. The palace also houses rare nanmu wood engravings of the complete texts of the Tao Te Ching and the Yin Fu Jing, as well as two stone tablets depicting Concubine Xu, Lady Huarui, and the Fairy Jiangjin (Red Scarf) by Zhang Daqian. Not far east of the palace are the Horse Racing Ground and Flagpole Stone, said to be the site of training exercises for Zhang Xianzhong's rebel army in the late Ming Dynasty.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Included in the Qingcheng Mountain ticket price of 90 yuan
March 2nd - November 30th 8:00-17:30;
December 1st - March 1st of the following year 8:00-18:00
Shangqing Palace is a significant Taoist temple in Chengdu, built during the Tang Dynasty. It has been a center for Taoist rituals and practices for over a thousand years. The palace is dedicated to Taoist deities and has been a pilgrimage site for followers of Taoism.
Shangqing Palace is located in the eastern part of Chengdu, Sichuan. You can reach it by taxi or private car. Public buses also serve the area. The palace is about a 30-minute drive from the city center, and walking around the area is pleasant if you prefer a leisurely pace.
The palace is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months when the weather is comfortable, and there are fewer crowds. Avoid visiting during major Chinese holidays as it may get crowded.
The entrance fee to Shangqing Palace is approximately 30-40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, and there are also online options during busy seasons. It's recommended to check if advance booking is required for special events.
Advance booking is not usually required except during major Chinese holidays or special Taoist festivals. Booking a few days in advance is recommended during peak times to ensure availability.
It typically takes about 1-2 hours to explore Shangqing Palace, depending on your pace and interest in the exhibits and gardens. If you plan to meditate or take part in any spiritual activities, you may want to allocate more time.
The must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some guides may offer English-language services, especially during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides may be available for rent at the entrance, but they are typically in Mandarin.
The best spots for photography include:
Start your visit by entering through the main gate and walking towards the central temple hall. Explore the gardens and smaller shrines along the way. Finish by relaxing in the peaceful areas and taking time to enjoy the surroundings.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Shangqing Palace. However, the temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere during the day, ideal for reflection and photography.
The temple is not usually crowded except during national holidays or special Taoist events. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning. Visiting in the off-season (fall and spring) also avoids the larger crowds.
There are basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas available within the temple grounds. A small shop sells souvenirs, Taoist religious items, and snacks. For a more substantial meal, it's best to head to nearby restaurants in Chengdu.
Shangqing Palace is accessible to elderly and children, though some areas may involve uneven paths or stairs. The grounds have benches and rest areas for visitors to relax. It’s advisable to check specific accessibility details if you have mobility concerns.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used. Credit cards are generally not accepted, so it's best to have cash or use mobile payment options.
Inside the temple, there are small snack stalls offering refreshments. For a full meal, you can visit nearby restaurants in Chengdu that serve Sichuan cuisine, such as hotpot, noodles, and dumplings.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some local eateries around Chengdu. Halal food options are available at specific restaurants catering to Muslim communities, but they may not be found directly near the temple.
There are several hotels near Shangqing Palace, including budget hotels and mid-range options. You can also find more luxurious accommodations in downtown Chengdu, such as the Ritz-Carlton or the Sofitel Chengdu Taihe.
Nearby attractions include:
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside and around the temple, selling Taoist religious items, incense, traditional Chinese paintings, and small crafts. Local handicrafts such as paper cuttings and calligraphy works are also popular items to take home.
The best transportation options to continue your trip are taxis or buses, which are easily accessible from Shangqing Palace. The Chengdu metro system is also a convenient option for traveling to other parts of the city.
