Qingyang Palace, located in the southwest of Chengdu, is one of the oldest and largest Taoist temples currently in Chengdu. Constructed during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, it boasts a thriving atmosphere and strong Taoist presence. As it is not part of the regular tour routes, it remains a tranquil place frequented by local elders for leisure. It is said that Qingyang Palace was originally established during the Zhou Dynasty under the name ‘Qingyang Market,’ and it is directly connected to the Taoist teacher Laozi, who is said to have ridden a blue ox out of Hangu Pass and declared: ‘After a thousand days, seek me at Qingyang Market in Chengdu.
‘ According to historical research, the temple was named ‘Qingyang Temple’ during the Three Kingdoms period. It was renamed ‘Xuanzhong Temple’ in the Tang Dynasty and reverted to ‘Qingyang Temple’ during the Five Dynasties, before being renamed ‘Qingyang Palace’ in the Song Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty, Prime Minister Zhang Penghuo gifted a unique single-horned bronze sheep to Qingyang Palace, believed to be a divine object. The main buildings of Qingyang Palace include the ‘Hall of the Ancestor of Spirits,’ ‘Hall of Heaven and Earth,’ ‘Bagua Pavilion,’ ‘Hall of the Three Pure Ones,’ ‘Hall of Dou Mu,’ and ‘Tang King Hall,’ with platforms for Laozi’s birth and teachings on both sides. Not far to the west of Qingyang Palace are attractions such as the Sichuan Museum and Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, which can also be visited. The temple is open all year round from 08:00 to 17:00.
