White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan)
EasternTaoisttempleEast Asia739 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Beijing
Country
China
Region
East Asia
Coordinates
39.8970, 116.3560
Era
739 CE - present
Site Type
Temple
About
The largest and most important Quanzhen Taoist temple complex in China, serving as the national headquarters of the Chinese Taoist Association and housing the remains of Qiu Chuji.
Significance
The principal administrative and ritual center of the Complete Perfection (Quanzhen) school of Taoism; the canonical Taoist text collection (Daozang) has been preserved and republished here.
History & Historical Arc
Founded as Tianchang Guan in 739 CE; Qiu Chuji was summoned by Genghis Khan and returned to establish the temple as the …
Archaeological Notes
The temple preserves a rare complete set of Qing-dynasty Taoist ritual implements and vestments; the Daozang Jiyao (1906…
Key Features & Structures
- Qiu Chuji's tomb shrine (Qiuzu Dian)
- Three Purities Hall (Sanqing Ge)
Visitor Information
Open daily; located in Xicheng District, Beijing near the Second Ring Road. Small entry fee. Active religious ceremonies…
Related Figures
Qiu Chuji (Changchun Zhenren)Genghis Khan (patron)Wang Chongyang (Quanzhen founder)
In the Bible
Source References
- Goossaert, Vincent. 'The Taoists of Peking, 1800–1949' (2007)
- Chinese Taoist Association records