Jade Spring Temple (Yuquan Temple) of Mount Huashan

overview of Yuquan Temple of Mount Hua (华山玉泉院)

“Northwest’s No. 1 Garden” – A Taoist Sanctuary and the Starting Point of Mount Hua Climb

At the northern foot of Mount Hua (华山) lies Yuquan Temple (玉泉院), a famous Taoist monastery and one of the most important religious centers of the region. Surrounded by ancient trees, flowing springs, and delicate pavilions, it has long been praised as the “First Garden of Northwest China.” Today, Yuquan Temple is not only a cultural and spiritual landmark but also the gateway for hikers embarking on the classic trail up Mount Hua.

? Basic Information

• Name: Yuquan Temple (玉泉院)

• Type: Taoist monastery (Quanzhen Sect)

• Location: Yuquan Road, southern section, Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, inside Mount Hua Scenic Area

• Opening Hours:

  • Peak season (Mar–Nov): 08:00–19:00

  • Off season (Dec–Feb): 08:00–17:00

• Tickets: Free entry (climbing Mount Hua requires a scenic area ticket)

• Suggested Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

? History & Legends

Founded in the Northern Song Dynasty (1049–1051) by Taoist Jia Desheng in honor of his master Chen Tuan (陈抟, also called Chen Xiyi, the “Sleeping Immortal”), Yuquan Temple became a sacred site of Taoism and a cradle of cultural legends.

The Origin of the Name “Yuquan”

Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, Princess Jinxian dropped her jade hairpin into the Jade Well (玉井) on Mount Hua’s summit. Later, when she washed her hands at the spring below, she miraculously found the hairpin again. Believing the spring was connected to the well above, she named it “Yuquan” (Jade Spring), and the temple took the name Yuquan Temple.

Chen Tuan & Emperor Zhao Kuangyin

Another famous story tells of a chess game between Chen Tuan and Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty. Chen won the game and was granted ownership of Mount Hua, along with tax exemptions. This story further strengthened Mount Hua’s role as a Taoist holy land.

?️ Architecture & Main Attractions

Yuquan Temple combines Taoist philosophy with the elegance of classical Chinese gardens. Its halls, pavilions, springs, and ancient trees form a tranquil and poetic setting.

Key Highlights

• Xiyi Shrine (希夷祠): Dedicated to Chen Tuan (Xiyi Xiansheng), with front and rear halls.

  • Features: “Map of Mount Hua (华山全图碑)” on the left, “First Mountain (第一山)” by calligrapher Mi Fu (米芾) on the right.

  • Inside: A statue of Chen Tuan, with Empress Dowager Cixi’s calligraphy “Dao Chong Qingmiao (道崇清妙)” above the hall.

  • Special: The mystical “Itchy Tree (痒痒树)”, which trembles when touched.

• Shansun Pavilion (山荪亭) & Wuyou Tree (无忧树):

  • The pavilion was Chen Tuan’s favorite retreat for writing and meditation.

  • Beside it grows the legendary Wuyou Tree, believed to have been planted by Chen himself over a thousand years ago.

• Stone Boat & Lotus Pond (石舫与莲池):

  • A stone boat sits in the middle of a lotus pond, connected by curved bridges. Reflections of mountains and fish swimming below create a serene atmosphere.

• Historical Inscriptions:

  • Mi Fu’s “First Mountain (第一山)” stele

  • Cixi’s “Dao Chong Qingmiao (道崇清妙)”

  • Emperor Guangxu’s “Ancient Pines Live Forever (古松万年)”

  • Inscriptions by modern figures like Feng Yuxiang and Guo Moruo

? Garden & Aesthetic Features

Yuquan Temple is an excellent example of Taoist garden art:

• Balanced Layout: Symmetrical and harmonious, reflecting Taoist philosophy of balance and “Wu Wei” (无为).

• Natural Elegance: Grey-white stone, soft tones, flowing water, and ancient pines create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.

• Minimal Artificiality: Rocks and springs are mostly natural, following the principle of “Dao Follows Nature” (道法自然).

• Delicate & Ethereal Style: Light pavilions, shaded paths, soft streams, and graceful trees contrast beautifully with Mount Hua’s rugged, masculine peaks — embodying the Taoist idea of “Yin-Yang harmony.”

? Taoist Culture & Activities

Yuquan Temple remains one of the most active Taoist sites in northern China.

• Annual Festival: Every year on the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month, the Huashan Temple Fair (华山庙会) is held, with large ceremonies at the nearby Xiyue Temple (西岳庙). Yuquan Temple hosts chanting rituals and offerings, drawing huge crowds of pilgrims and visitors.

? Visitor Guide & Climbing Information

• Best Season: All year round. Spring flowers, summer shade, autumn crisp skies, and winter snow each offer unique charm. For climbing Mount Hua, April–October is the best period.

• Getting There:

  • From Huashan Railway Station (华山站): Take a short taxi ride.

  • From Huashan North High-Speed Station (华山北站): Taxi to Yuquan Temple (~¥20).

• Climbing Route:
  Yuquan Temple is the starting point of the famous “Ancient Trail of Mount Hua (自古华山一条路)”.

  • From Huashan Gate (华山门), hikers pass landmarks such as Wuli Pass (五里关), Shaluo Terrace (莎萝坪), Maiden’s Cave (毛女洞), Qingke Terrace (青柯坪), Huixin Rock (回心石), Thousand-Foot Precipice (千尺幢), and Hundred-Foot Gorge (百尺峡), before reaching North Peak (北峰).

? Tips for Visitors

• Time Needed: Allow at least 1 hour to explore.

• Respect the Culture: Keep quiet, avoid loud talking, and do not damage relics.

• Best for Photography: Morning and late afternoon light are ideal.

• Combine with Climbing: Visit Yuquan Temple first, then start your hike.

• Nearby Attractions: Xiyue Temple (西岳庙) and Xianyu Valley (仙峪).

✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you are a pilgrim seeking Taoist wisdom, a history enthusiast, or a traveler in search of peace before climbing Mount Hua, Yuquan Temple offers a perfect beginning.

With its flowing springs, ancient trees, mystical legends, and Taoist atmosphere, Yuquan Temple embodies the harmony between nature, culture, and spirituality — setting the stage for an unforgettable Mount Hua journey.