Qixia Palace

An Overview of Qixia Palace

Qixia Palace is located 5 kilometers northwest of Yunyang County, and on the top of the mountain in Jinji (golden chicken) Village of Qixia County. It is the most famous temple of Taoism in eastern Sichuan area. It is said that famous official-Fujia in Qin Dynasty, the Taoist priest-Zhai Fayan and Yang Yunwai once cultivated themselves here. In late Yuan Dynasty, the well-known Zhang Sanfeng also lived here. Qixia Palace has always been a perfect resort for the high officials and noble lords, as well as literati and poets. It is also an ideal place for escaping the summer heat.

History of Qixia Palace

Qixia Palace was originally built in Han Dynasty. Since the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it was repaired and expanded successively. In Tang Dynasty, it was named Yunsheng Palace.

Qixia Palace was originally quite small. In Jingde years of Song Dynasty (1004-1007), it was expanded and four halls were built inside it. Meanwhile, it was changed into the name of Qixia Palace.

In the early Zhengde years of Ming Dynasty (1506-1514), Qixia Palace was repaired with the attribution of the local man-Xujun.

Later, in Qianlong the 14th year (1749) and Daoguang the 9th year (1829) of Qing Dynasty, Qixia Palace was rebuilt and enlarged.

Before the liberation, Qixia Palace covered an area of almost 4,000 square meters with nearly a hundred ancient buildings and more than 30 Taoist priests.

After the liberation, Taoist priests in the Qixia Palace resumed the secular life and Qixia Palace was changed into the school and folk houses. Now, it is a good resort for traveling.

Attractions of Qixia Palace

Qixia Palace was built on the top of the mountain, surrounded by dark green pine trees. Ancient architectures are decorated with upturned eaves, carved beams and painted pillars. The statues of primus and the very high lord etc. are treasured up in the palace. There is a huge furnace for making elixir in the middle of the main hall. Famous couplets and poets inscriptions can be found in the temple here and there. It is said that Fujia-a famous official in Qin Dynasty once secluded here and planted a yacca tree. Now, the yacca tree is still growing in the Qixia Palace and is green all the year round. Apart from the main hall inside the Qixia Palace, there are also many other attractions in the Qixia Palace such as the Tiger Stone, Jinpan Pond, Luolong Well, Sheshen Rock, Fox Cave and so on.