Experience Xuanmiao Temple: A Taoist Sanctuary Through the Ages

Xuanmiao Temple, located at No. 94 Guanqian Street in Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, was originally established in the second year of the Xianning era during the Western Jin Dynasty (276 AD). Initially named "Zhenqing Taoist Institute," it underwent several name changes, including "Kaiyuan Palace" and "Tianqing Temple." In the first year of the Yuanzhen era during the Yuan Dynasty (1295 AD), an imperial decree renamed all Tianqing Temples in Jiangnan to "Xuanmiao Temple," giving it its current name. During the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the name was changed to "Yuanmiao Temple" or "Yuanmiao Temple" to avoid taboo. It is often referred to as "the oldest Taoist temple in Jiangnan." Upon entering Xuanmiao Temple, the grand mountain gate immediately catches the eye, adorned with an imperial plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi reading "Yuanmiao Temple." Proceeding further, visitors arrive at the main hall, the Sanqing Hall. Reconstructed during the Southern Song Dynasty, the hall spans nine bays in width and six bays in depth, standing approximately 30 meters tall with a total area of 1,125 square meters. Featuring a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, the structure is majestic and imposing, making it the largest surviving wooden building from the Song Dynasty in the Jiangnan region. Inside the hall, three towering statues of the Sanqing (Upper Purity, Jade Purity, and Supreme Purity) are enshrined on a Sumeru pedestal, with the central figure being the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, flanked by the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Venerable and the Moral Heavenly Venerable. These statues, collectively known as the Sanqing, are grand and solemn, representing the finest examples of Song Dynasty Taoist sculptures. Among the Sanqing, the Moral Heavenly Venerable, also known as the Supreme Lord Lao, is traditionally believed to be Laozi (Li Er). Beneath his statue lies a stone carving of Laozi, originally painted by Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi, inscribed by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and calligraphed by Yan Zhenqing. The carving was later reproduced by Song Dynasty master engraver Zhang Yundi, earning the title of "Four Masterpieces" and is one of only two surviving Laozi stone carvings in China. On the west wall of the Sanqing Hall, there are 60 large hexagonal stone pillars, each engraved with images of a Heavenly Venerable, totaling 360 figures to represent the days of the year—a truly awe-inspiring sight. Additionally, the temple houses numerous ancient steles from various dynasties, chronicling the long history of Xuanmiao Temple. Beyond exploring the ancient architecture and artifacts, the area surrounding Xuanmiao Temple is bustling with activity. Guanqian Street is one of the most vibrant commercial streets in downtown Suzhou, offering a variety of local delicacies. Highlights include the juicy "Mute Fried Dumplings," the sweet and crispy "Squirrel Fish" from Songhelou, the sticky and refreshing "Mint Cake" from Huangtianyuan, as well as the popular "Qiujuan Wontons" and "Zhu Xinnian Glutinous Rice Balls." Here, visitors can immerse themselves in ancient Taoist culture while savoring the unique flavors of Suzhou, making for an unforgettable experience.