The Golden Palace of Wudang Mountain

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The Golden Palace (金殿) is located at the peak of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰) in Wudang Mountain (武当山), Hubei Province, China. At an altitude of 1,612 meters, this architectural marvel is the largest and highest-grade copper gilt palace currently in existence in China. It was originally built during the 14th year of the Yongle reign (永乐十四年) in the Ming Dynasty (明代) (1416).

History and Significance

The Golden Palace of Wudang Mountain, facing east, has a floor area of approximately 160 square meters. The building is constructed using copper and gilded throughout, with a heavy eaves and a unique architectural style. The palace is divided into three sections: a 5.8-meter wide front, a 4.2-meter deep hall, and a height of 5.54 meters. The structure is built in the style of a wooden building, but made entirely of copper, with every component cast separately, then assembled using traditional wooden joining techniques without any visible seams.

Originally, a small copper palace was located at the top of Tianzhu Peak, built in 1307 during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝大德十一年). However, in 1416, during the reign of Emperor Yongle (永乐), the small copper palace was replaced by the larger Golden Palace we see today.

After the components were cast in Beijing, they were transported via the Grand Canal, passed through Nanjing, and then shipped along the Yangtze River to Wudang Mountain. The Emperor issued special orders for the safe and cautious transport of the components. As per the historical records from the “History of the Ming Dynasty” (明史) and the “Wudang Mountain Chronicles” (武当山志), the assembly of the palace was completed with extreme care.

Architectural Features

The Golden Palace follows traditional Chinese temple architecture, with its distinct copper gilt structure and intricate design. The main hall houses the statue of the True Martial Emperor (真武大帝), with Golden Boys (金童) holding a book on the left and Jade Maidens (玉女) holding a seal on the right. The Two Generals of Water and Fire (水火二将) stand on either side, holding flags and swords. The rear wall of the palace displays a gold plaque inscribed with “Golden Light and Marvelous Image” (金光妙相) in Emperor Kangxi’s (清康熙) calligraphy.

The building is surrounded by a copper railing, and the entire structure is lavishly gilded, reflecting the power and divinity associated with the Wudang Mountain Taoist tradition.

Preservation and Recognition

The Golden Palace of Wudang Mountain was included in the first batch of national key cultural relics protected by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in March 1961. It was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1994, as part of the Wudang Mountain Ancient Architecture Group (武当山古建筑群).

Construction and Historical Evolution

Early Years

In 1307, the Yuan Dynasty (元朝) constructed a small copper palace at the top of Tianzhu Peak, the precursor to the Golden Palace. In 1416, during the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yongle ordered the construction of the new, grand Golden Palace on the site. This expansion was part of the Emperor’s effort to enhance the prestige of Wudang Mountain, a site of Taoist importance.

Qing Dynasty Modifications

During the Qing Dynasty (清朝), additional structures were built on the southern, northern, and western sides of the Golden Palace, further enhancing its grandeur. In the early years of the Republic of China (民国), further additions were made, including the construction of the Parents’ Palace (父母殿) behind the Golden Palace.

Architectural Features

The Golden Palace is designed in a traditional architectural style, with a structure that spans 5.8 meters in width, 4.2 meters in depth, and a height of 5.54 meters. The palace follows a royal design with heavy eaves and a grand roof, built with gilt copper. Its central ridge is adorned with large dragon heads, and the eaves are decorated with clouds and dragon motifs. The roof features a heavy, ornate structure with nine brackets supporting the eaves, giving the palace an imposing and majestic appearance.

The palace’s structure is meticulously assembled using individually cast components. These components are joined with traditional wooden techniques and are covered in gold leaf, creating a seamless and elegant finish. The base of the building is constructed from large granite blocks, and the surrounding area features green stone pavement and ornamental columns.

Cultural Relics

Inside the Golden Palace, a statue of the True Martial Emperor (真武大帝) is placed in the center. He is depicted wearing robes and armor, with his hair flowing and barefoot. On either side, there are statues of the Golden Boy (金童) and Jade Maiden (玉女), holding sacred books and treasures. The two generals of Water and Fire (水火二将) hold flags and swords, standing guard.

On the rear wall of the palace, a golden plaque is inscribed with the words “Golden Light and Marvelous Image” (金光妙相) in Emperor Kangxi’s (清康熙) calligraphy. The left side of the palace houses the “Sign Room” (签房), where ancient believers would draw lots, and the right side houses the “Seal Room” (印房), where special seals were created for worshippers.

Historical and Cultural Background

Origin of the Golden Palace

According to legend, Wudang Mountain is the place where the True Martial Prince (真武太子) ascended to immortality. After his ascension, he became the guardian of the northern regions, revered as the God of War. Emperor Yongle (永乐) of the Ming Dynasty, in his quest to legitimize his rule and obscure political upheaval, promoted the cult of the True Martial Prince. The construction of the Golden Palace was part of a larger effort to elevate the status of Wudang Mountain and strengthen its spiritual influence.

Legendary Tales

One of the most famous legends associated with the Golden Palace is the “True Martial God and Yongle Image” (真武神、永乐像) myth. This story claims that the statue of the True Martial Emperor inside the palace is based on the image of Emperor Yongle. However, research shows that the current depiction of the True Martial Emperor follows earlier representations from the Song and Yuan dynasties, not the likeness of the Ming emperor.

Three Major Wonders

The Golden Palace has been associated with three major wonders that have fascinated visitors for centuries:

1. “Sweating of the Ancestor”: Before a rainstorm, drops of water mysteriously appear on the statue of the True Martial Emperor, as though he is sweating profusely.

2. “Sea Horse Spitting Mist”: A golden sea horse statue on the palace’s roof spouts white mist during the summer, often accompanied by a sound like “feeding,” followed by a thunderstorm.

3. “Thunderfire Forging the Palace”: During thunderstorms, large fireballs roll around the Golden Palace, causing thunderous explosions. Lightning strikes the peak, illuminating the mountain and creating a spectacular golden light visible from miles away.

Experts have explained these phenomena as the result of the palace’s construction with materials that allow for heat expansion and contraction, creating the appearance of sweating on the statue and mist coming from the sea horse. The “Thunderfire” phenomenon is attributed to the electromagnetic properties of the mountain and its metal structure, which acts as a lightning rod.

Historical Significance and Commemoration

In June 2010, the People’s Bank of China issued a set of gold and silver commemorative coins titled “World Heritage – Wudang Mountain Ancient Architecture Group” (世界遗产——武当山古建筑群). One of the coins featured the Golden Palace, with an image of the palace as the main attraction.

Cultural and Artistic Value

The Golden Palace of Wudang Mountain is not only an architectural wonder but also an important artifact of ancient Chinese craftsmanship. Each square meter of the palace contains 7.44 taels (a traditional Chinese unit of weight) of gold. The palace, which has stood for centuries, is also home to an eternal lamp that has been burning for over 600 years without ever extinguishing.

The palace is considered the most luxurious and technologically advanced among the surviving copper palaces from the Yuan (元), Ming (明), and Qing (清) Dynasties in China. The entire structure, including the statues and altar inside, is made from copper cast in gold. The casting process used was lost-wax casting (蜡模), a technique that reflects the great advancements in science, technology, and casting industries during the early Ming Dynasty (15th century).

This remarkable craftsmanship has earned the Golden Palace its status as a gem of ancient Chinese architecture and casting techniques. It is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of the widespread influence of the True Martial Emperor (真武大帝) and Taoist beliefs in the region.

Legacy and Influence

The Golden Palace’s architectural style and significance have inspired numerous temples and structures in China. In 1602, during the Ming Dynasty, Chen Yongbin (陈用宾), the Governor of Yunnan, ordered the construction of a similar Golden Palace at Mingfeng Mountain (鸣凤山) northeast of Kunming (昆明). This structure, also known as the True Martial Temple (真武殿) or “Golden Palace,” was modeled after the one at Wudang Mountain and became a place of worship for the True Martial Emperor.

Additionally, temples such as the Bixia Temple (碧瑕祠) at Mount Tai (泰山), the Emei Mountain Copper Palace (峨眉山铜殿), and the Copper Palace at Mount Huoshan (霍山) were also influenced by the Golden Palace at Wudang Mountain.

Preservation Efforts

In 1958, lightning rods were installed at the Golden Palace of Wudang Mountain to protect the structure from lightning strikes. However, this led to increased lightning strikes, causing damage to the surrounding areas, including the Parent Temple (父母殿) and the Golden Palace itself. A thousand-year-old pine tree near the palace was also lost, and the legendary “Thunder Fire Forging the Palace” (雷火炼殿) phenomenon disappeared as a result.

In March 1961, the Golden Palace was listed as one of China’s first batch of key cultural heritage sites by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. In 1980, additional lightning protection measures were taken, including the installation of lightning rods and nets. Finally, in December 1994, the Golden Palace was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, becoming an integral part of the Wudang Mountain Ancient Architecture Group (武当山古建筑群).

The Golden Palace of Wudang Mountain continues to stand as a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient China, and its preservation ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate its historical and cultural significance.

Visitor Information

Location

The Golden Palace is located on the summit of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰) at an elevation of 1,612 meters, in the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area (武当山风景区), Danjiangkou City (丹江口市), Shiyan City (十堰市), Hubei Province, China.

Transportation

By Air:
Visitors can fly to Shiyan Wudang Mountain Airport (十堰武当山机场) from major cities in China. From the airport, take a shuttle bus to the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area.

By High-Speed Rail:
From Wuhan Hankou Railway Station (武汉市汉口火车站), travelers can take a high-speed train to Wudang Mountain West Station (武当山西站). From there, take a bus to the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area.

By Long-Distance Bus:
Long-distance buses are available from Wuhan (武汉市), Shiyan (十堰市), or Xiangyang (襄阳市) to the Wudang Mountain Bus Station (武当山汽车站), which is located directly across from the main entrance to the scenic area. Visitors can walk to the entrance from the bus station.