Home > Travel China > China Attractions > White Cloud Temple

White Cloud Temple

China, an East Asian country is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has a vast cultural history of more than five thousand years and an outstanding natural beauty. On the other hand, this country has remained a comparatively isolated and secluded one, and being a land of mystery, this country is not known to the western half of the world. However, China is rapidly developing and has grown in the phase of modernization, with an immense speed and is also welcoming the outer world to interact and do business with them.

White Cloud Temple is situated in southwestern Beijing, is the headquarters of the Quanzhen Daoist Sect and was founded in the 8th century. Tang dynasty emperor Xuanzong ordered its structure to house a stone seated statue of Laozi who was the founder of Daoism. The original temple burned down in 1202 and the only article that survived was the stone statue which is on exhibit in the exhibition hall. Kublai Khan had the temple rebuilt and in 1224, invited the legendary Daoist monk Qiu Chuji to live there.

At his passing, Qiu was buried in the temple complex and there is at the present a Hall of the Patriach Qiu dedicated to his worship. There is in addition a stele with calligraphy by Qing emperor Qianlong recording in detail the history of the temple and the life of Qiu Chuji. Additionally renovations were completed to the temple in the Qing dynasty and it is a fine example of Daoist architecture from the period.

White Cloud Temple is definitely one of the popular tourist attractions in China. It is worth paying a visit while touring the country. This place will leave a pleasing and unforgettable memory and justify the proud cultural tradition of China.

Back to China Attractions

MISCELLANEOUS

SUBCATEGORIES

Copyright © 2007 justtravelchina.com and Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
NOTICE: We collect personal information on this site.
To learn more about how we use your information, see our Privacy Policy.core_az