Taihe Palace of Wudang Mountain in Shiyan
Taihe Palace (大岳太和宫), also known as Taihe Gong, is located at the highest peak of Wudang Mountain, Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), in Danjiangkou City, Shiyan, Hubei Province. At an elevation of 1612 meters, it represents not just a place of worship, but also a symbol of imperial power and grandeur. The palace’s unique position amidst the dramatic landscape of Wudang Mountain, with its surrounding peaks and the view of the eight directions of pilgrimage, highlights the supreme authority and divine symbolism of the site.
Taihe Palace is considered the most sacred and awe-inspiring location on Wudang Mountain. For Taoist practitioners, pilgrims, and visitors alike, reaching the summit and entering the Taihe Palace is the ultimate experience and marks a true arrival at Wudang Mountain.
Historical Background
The Construction of Taihe Palace
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Early Construction: In 1412, during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Di (明成祖朱棣) decreed the construction of Taihe Palace. By 1416, the palace was completed, comprising 510 halls and buildings. Upon completion, Emperor Zhu Di conferred the title of “Great Taihe Mountain” (大岳太和山) to Wudang Mountain, elevating the status of Taihe Palace as the “Great Taihe Palace” (大岳太和宫). This imperial endorsement made Wudang Mountain the supreme among the Five Sacred Mountains of China.
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Further Developments: In 1417, Zhu Di commanded the construction of the “Purple Gold City” (紫金城) at the summit, under the supervision of officials Zhang Xin and Mu Xin. The imperial edict stated that the city walls should follow the natural landscape without altering the mountain itself, ensuring both strength and majestic form.
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Expansion in the Ming Dynasty: During the Jiajing period (嘉靖年间), Taihe Palace was further expanded, bringing the total number of halls and Taoist buildings to 520. After this expansion, the area inside the walls became known as “Purple Gold City” (紫金城), while the area outside the walls retained the name Taihe Palace. The comparison of “Purple Forbidden City” (紫禁城) in the north to “Purple Gold City” in the south highlights the palace’s supreme importance.
Architectural Features
Taihe Palace’s architectural design harmonizes with the natural topography of the mountain, utilizing the mountain’s steep terrain to create a dramatic and imposing structure. The layout of the palace and its buildings is carefully designed to reflect both the solemnity and grandeur of the site, invoking feelings of stability and awe-inspiring magnificence. Ancient texts describe it as “a thousand-layered pavilion rising into the sky, surrounded by endless mountains,” praising it as “a rare feat in Chinese architecture.”
The construction took five years, with a massive stone wall surrounding the palace, stretching 344 meters. The wall, strategically built on the dangerous cliff edges, encircles the summit, with four celestial gates representing the imperial power. These gates are positioned to face the four cardinal directions, creating a powerful representation of the heavenly realm.
Main Buildings
The Main Hall (正殿) & Worship Hall (朝拜殿)
The Main Hall, inscribed with the characters “Great Taihe Palace” (大岳太和宫), houses a copper statue of the True Martial Emperor (真武大帝) along with figures of four generals, the Water and Fire Gods, and the Golden Boy and Jade Maiden. On either side of the entrance, two copper plaques are displayed, one a royal decree from the Jiajing period in 1550, and the other commemorating a ritual offering by the Ministry of Works in 1552. In front of the Main Hall lies the Worship Hall, and flanking it are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, housing a copper bell cast in 1416 during the Yongle era.
The Golden Hall (金殿)
Unlike other Taoist palaces, Taihe Palace features a Golden Hall (金殿) above the main hall, which gives it a distinct status. This hall was originally considered the highest temple in Taihe Palace. During the Ming Dynasty, pilgrims could only reach the “Pilgrimage Hall” (朝圣殿) below the Golden Hall. The Golden Hall was reserved exclusively for the highest Taoist deities, including the True Martial Emperor (真武大帝). Visitors could only gaze at it from below.
The Imperial Scripture Hall (皇经堂)
The Imperial Scripture Hall, where Taoist priests chant scriptures, is a key location for religious rituals. This hall, originally destroyed by fire at the end of the Ming Dynasty, was rebuilt during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. It features exquisite carvings on the folding doors, illustrating Taoist deities and mythological creatures. Inside, the hall is filled with statues, ritual vessels, and sacred objects, showcasing a rich history of Taoist craftsmanship. The massive plaque “Shengtian Lidi” (生天立地), written by Emperor Daoguang, hangs in the center of the hall.
The Copper Hall (铜殿)
Located on a smaller peak, the Copper Hall (铜殿) houses a unique copper statue from the Yuan Dynasty (元代). Dating back nearly 700 years, this copper hall, originally situated on Tianzhu Peak, was relocated to Taihe Palace during the Ming Dynasty construction of the Golden Hall. The Copper Hall is a rare example of Yuan-era copper casting and is also known as the “Hall of Reincarnation” (转运殿). Pilgrims often circle the hall, seeking blessings for good fortune and success.
