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Purple Clouds Palace (Zixiaogong) in Mount Wudang

Purple Clouds Palace (Zixiaogong) in Mount Wudang

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The Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫), also known as Taiyuan Purple Clouds Palace (太元紫霄宫), is a historical Taoist temple complex located on Mount Wudang (武当山) in Danjiangkou City, Shiyan, Hubei Province (湖北省十堰市丹江口市). This magnificent structure dates back to the Ming Dynasty (明代) and is one of the best-preserved royal Taoist temples in China. The palace is situated at the foot of Zhanqi Peak (展旗峰), the northeast peak of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), covering an area of approximately 274,000 square meters.

The surrounding peaks, such as Chaobi Peak (照壁), San Tai Peak (三台), Wu Lao Peak (五老), Lazhu Peak (蜡烛), Luohat Peak (落帽), and Xianglu Peak (香炉), along with nearby Leishen Cave (雷神洞) and Yuzhi Pond (禹迹池), form a stunning natural landscape that resembles a “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl” (二龙戏珠). During the reign of Emperor Yongle (永乐皇帝) of the Ming Dynasty, it was named “Purple Clouds Blessed Land” (紫霄福地).

Key Historical Significance

The Purple Clouds Palace is a significant Taoist temple complex, and one of the most complete and well-preserved structures on Mount Wudang. It is also an important part of the Mount Wudang (武当山) architectural heritage.

In 1932, during the Second Revolution War, the palace served as the headquarters of the Red Third Army (红三军), with Marshal He Long (贺龙) residing there.

On February 24, 1982, the palace was designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位) by the State Council (国务院).

In 1984, it was opened as a national religious activity site.

In December 1994, it became part of the Mount Wudang Ancient Building Complex, which was listed as a World Heritage Site (世界文化遗产名录) by UNESCO.

Location and Geography

The Purple Clouds Palace is located on the southwestern side of Mount Wudang (武当山), with Zhanqi Peak (展旗峰) to the northeast of the main peak Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰). It is surrounded by beautiful natural landmarks such as:

Chaobi Peak (照壁)

San Tai Peak (三台)

Wu Lao Peak (五老)

Lazhu Peak (蜡烛)

Leishen Cave (雷神洞) to the right

Yuzhi Pond (禹迹池) and Baozhu Peak (宝珠峰) to the left

The geographical coordinates of the Purple Clouds Palace are approximately 32°43′ N and 111°03′ E.

Historical Development

1121 (Northern Song Dynasty): The construction of the Purple Clouds Palace began, initially named Yuan Sheng Purple Clouds Palace (元圣紫霄宫).

1275 (Yuan Dynasty): The palace was expanded and renovated.

1412 (Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period): Major reconstruction took place, with the palace renamed Tai Xuan Purple Clouds Palace (太玄紫霄宫). The Emperor Yongle (永乐皇帝) ordered significant rebuilding of the temple as part of his effort to restore Mount Wudang.

1413 (Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period): An imperial inscription was placed in the Imperial Stele Pavilion (御碑亭), emphasizing the legal protection of the Taoist site.

1418 (Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period): The Imperial Stele Pavilion also carried the inscription “Imperial Edict for the Establishment of Mount Wudang” (御制大岳太和山道宫之碑).

1552 (Ming Dynasty, Jiajing Period): Another expansion took place.

1803-1820 (Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period): The temple underwent a major renovation.

Post-Qing Dynasty: The palace has undergone numerous repairs and maintenance throughout the years, ensuring its preservation.

Architecture and Main Attractions

The Purple Clouds Palace consists of several important buildings and sacred sites, including:

Key Buildings and Structures:

Longhu Hall (龙虎殿)

Purple Clouds Hall (紫霄殿)

Worship Hall (朝拜殿)

The palace is famed for its intricate architecture, which harmonizes with the natural beauty surrounding it. The buildings follow traditional Taoist principles and are revered by Taoist practitioners.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

08:30 AM – 05:00 PM

Ticket Price:

15 RMB (does not include the general admission ticket to the Mount Wudang Scenic Area)

Rating:

AAAAA级 (Top Grade Scenic Area)

Cultural Legacy

The Purple Clouds Palace holds great cultural significance as part of the Mount Wudang complex, which is not only an architectural marvel but also a center for Taoist philosophy and practice. The historical and spiritual value of the palace makes it a popular destination for those interested in Taoism, Chinese history, and ancient architecture.

Inscription by Emperor Yongle:

“圣旨” (“Imperial Edict”) – The inscription at the Imperial Stele Pavilion (御碑亭) of the Purple Clouds Palace enforces the prohibition of external disturbances, highlighting the sacredness of the Taoist temple and its importance to the Ming Dynasty’s religious and political landscape.

Visitors can experience the rich spiritual heritage and majestic beauty of this historical Taoist site while exploring the awe-inspiring architecture and learning about its significant role in Chinese culture.

Climate

Mount Wudang (武当山) is located in the North Subtropical Monsoon Climate Zone (北亚热带季风气候区), with distinct vertical climate layers. The climate changes significantly from the base of Danjiangkou Reservoir (丹江口水库) to the peak of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), offering a variety of local microclimates. The region is divided into three distinct climate zones:

High Zone:

Altitude: 1200 – 1612 meters (from Chaotian Palace (朝天宫) to Golden Peak (金顶)).

Average Temperature: 7.7 – 10.0°C.

Frost-Free Period: 163 – 194 days.

Middle Zone:

Altitude: 750 – 1200 meters (from Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫) to Chaotian Palace).

Average Temperature: 10.0 – 12.0°C.

Frost-Free Period: 194 – 222 days.

Precipitation: 995 – 1106 mm.

Low Zone:

Altitude: Below 750 meters.

Average Temperature: 12.8 – 16.0°C.

Frost-Free Period: 222 – 254 days.

Precipitation: 843 – 995 mm.

Architecture Layout

The Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫) sits facing southeast, covering an area of approximately 27.4 hectares (274,000 square meters) with a building area of 6854 square meters. The palace complex consists of 29 buildings, symmetrically arranged along a central axis with five terraces. The layout of the buildings features various halls and temples, with the central area dedicated to Taoist practice and worship. Notable buildings include:

Longhu Hall (龙虎殿)

Stele Pavilion (碑亭)

Shifang Hall (十方堂)

Purple Clouds Hall (紫霄大殿)

Shengwenmu Hall (圣文母殿)

The main building, Purple Clouds Hall, is built on a three-layer stone platform, with pathways leading to a moon terrace at the front and sides.

Main Buildings

Purple Clouds Hall

The Purple Clouds Hall (紫霄殿) is the centerpiece of the palace and stands as one of the most iconic wooden structures in Mount Wudang. The hall measures 29.9 meters in width, 18.3 meters in height, and 12 meters in depth, covering an area of 358.8 square meters. It features 36 golden pillars, arranged in an orderly manner. The hall has a double eaves gable roof with a three-tier base, maintaining the architectural style from the early Ming Dynasty (明代).

Inside, the golden pillars and dougong (bracket sets) are intricately carved, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty. The ceiling is adorned with a “井口天花” (well-shaped ceiling), and the back of the hall houses a finely carved altar dedicated to the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) and the accompanying deities.

This hall is the only double-eaved wooden Taoist structure preserved on Mount Wudang, showcasing ancient architectural techniques. Its scientific and artistic layout blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment and reflects the achievements of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.

Longhu Hall

The Longhu Hall (龙虎殿) houses statues of the Taoist deity Wang Lingguan (王灵官), the protector of the Taoist faith. According to legend, Wang Lingguan had three eyes and could distinguish between good and evil. The hall’s two prominent figures, Azure Dragon (青龙) and White Tiger (白虎), are lifelike clay sculptures crafted during the Yuan Dynasty (元代) by sculptor Liu Yuanyi (刘元一). These statues are known for their powerful, intimidating expressions, and are prized pieces of Wudang’s artistic heritage.

Parents’ Hall

The Parents’ Hall (父母殿), also known as the Lotus Leaf Hall (荷叶殿), is a beautiful and elegant structure dedicated to the deities King Mingzhen (净乐国王) and Queen Qiongzhen (善胜皇后琼真上仙). The hall is located near Taizi Rock (太子岩), which is a natural cave that has been slightly modified into a stone room. The left altar houses the statue of Guanyin (观音), and the right altar is dedicated to the Three Heavenly Mothers (三霄娘娘) and the Goddess of Children (送子娘娘), earning the hall the nickname Hundred Sons Hall (百子堂).

Stele Pavilion

The Stele Pavilion (碑亭) is located on a raised platform and houses an impressive “Bixi” Turtle (赑屃) carrying the imperial stele. The stele, which is 8 meters tall, 4 meters long, and 2.5 meters wide, weighs approximately 98 tons. The Bixi Turtle, a mythical creature known for its strength, was said to carry royal edicts to ensure stability in the empire. This historical monument is finely carved, and the Bixi Turtle is often mistakenly referred to as a turtle, but in fact, it is a dragon’s eighth son (龙的八子), who is known for its great ability to bear weight.

Cultural Relics

The Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫) houses a variety of precious cultural relics. Around the main hall, numerous deities from the Yuan Dynasty (元朝), Ming Dynasty (明朝), and Qing Dynasty (清朝) are depicted in statues made of bronze gilded with gold. These relics were relocated here after the collapse of some Wudang temples in the early Republic of China period.

Notable Artifacts:

Iron Incense Burner (铁铸香炉): Standing about 2 meters high, this incense burner was cast in 1416 during the Yongle Period of the Ming Dynasty (明永乐十四年). The top of the burner was made in 1515 during the Zhengde Period (明正德十年), with three swastika symbols carved on it. In Buddhist symbolism, the swastika represents auspicious signs and is often used in religious iconography.

Jade Emperor Sutra (《高上玉皇本行集经》): This three-volume text, handwritten in gold by the Hanlin Academy (翰林院) in the 5th year of the Zhengtong Period (明正统五年), is over 500 years old and remains in pristine condition, gleaming with golden light.

Golden Dragon (金龙): A 11.5 cm long and 5.2 cm high gold dragon unearthed in 1982. It was crafted by Prince Zhu Bai (湘王朱柏) in the 1st year of the Jianwen Period (明建文元年). The craftsmanship is exceptional, showcasing vivid detail.

The numerous statues, ritual vessels, altars, scriptures, and inscriptions found in the Wudang Mountain temples offer invaluable insights into Taoist history and culture. They are rare primary sources for studying Chinese Taoist history.

Cultural Value

The Purple Clouds Hall (紫霄大殿) is the most iconic structure in the palace and the only double-eaved gable-roof wooden Taoist hall preserved in Mount Wudang (武当山). As one of the most remarkable wooden structures in Chinese architecture, its scientific structure and layout, harmonious artistic style, and integration with the natural environment make it unique in the Wudang Mountain architectural complex. This hall showcases the collective craftsmanship and wisdom of generations of artisans, symbolizing the glorious achievements of Ming and Qing architecture. It holds both scientific and artistic significance for future research and appreciation.

Cultural Preservation

Protection and Maintenance:

In 1982, the State Council of China listed Purple Clouds Palace as one of the National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

In 1994, as part of the Wudang Mountain Ancient Architecture Group, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In 1999, the Wudang Mountain Taoist Association repaired and maintained several important structures, including the Purple Clouds Hall, Parents Hall, and Bell and Drum Tower. The Yuzhi Pond (禹迹池) and the Northern and Southern Imperial Stele Pavilions were also renovated, with new roofing and decorative painting.

In September 2015, the Hubei Provincial Government issued a protection and construction control plan for the Purple Clouds Palace, as stipulated by the Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China.

In February 2025, the Purple Clouds Palace Restoration Project will begin, aiming to repair seven buildings within the palace, including the Longhu Hall, Shifang Hall, and Parents Hall. This restoration will focus on roof repairs, structural reinforcement, and detailed restoration of damaged components.

Taoist Culture

Taoist Five Arts

Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫) is one of the key Taoist temples in China, where disciples must strictly follow Taoist teachings and adhere to the Five Arts of Taoism (道教五术). These five arts are:

Shan (山) – Cultivating personal character through meditation, martial arts, and dietary therapy.

Yi (医) – Using herbal remedies, acupuncture, chanting, and spiritual healing to maintain health and treat ailments.

Ming (命) – Using Taoist techniques to predict and improve one’s destiny.

Xiang (相) – Observing physical appearances to determine good fortune and avoid misfortune.

Bu (卜) – Divination and fortune-telling, selecting auspicious dates, and making decisions based on predictions.

Taoist Rules and Regulations

The Taoist regulations of Mount Wudang include strict codes of conduct for Taoist monks, which are designed to regulate their thoughts, words, and actions. The basic rules include Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, and Ten Precepts. These laws govern behavior, with punishments for violations ranging from kneeing in front of the incense, being asked to leave, to being struck with a staff or expelled from the temple.

Notable Taoist Texts

Some of the most important Taoist texts followed at Purple Clouds Palace include:

“Taisu Sutra” (太上经律)

“Dōngxuán Língbǎo Tiānzūn Shuō Shíjiè Jīng” (洞玄灵宝天尊说十戒经)

“Heavenly Immortals’ Precepts” (天仙大戒)

“First True Precepts” (初真戒)

Visitor Information

Best Time to Visit

Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫) can be visited year-round. The daily rituals conducted by the Taoist priests are an essential experience for visitors to witness the deep spiritual atmosphere of the Wudang Taoist tradition. The morning and evening services take place at:

Morning Service: 6:00 AM

Evening Service: 5:00 PM (times vary depending on the season)

Recommended Visit Duration

1 to 2 hours for a thorough visit to the palace and its surroundings.

Admission Fees

15 RMB (Entrance to the palace only, excludes general Wudang Mountain ticket).

Opening Hours

08:30 AM – 05:00 PM

Address

Wudang Road, Danjiangkou City, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China.

To reach Purple Clouds Palace from the mountain entrance, visitors can take the internal sightseeing bus (ticket included with the general admission) or walk from Nanyan Palace (南岩宫).