Louguantai Temple

Louguantai Temple in pictures

Presentation of the Louguantai Temple

Louguantai Temple, often referred to simply as Louguantai, is one of the most revered and historically significant sites of Taoism in China. Located in Shaanxi Province, near the city of Xi’an, it is renowned as the site where Lao Tzu (Laozi), the presumed founder of Taoism, wrote the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing), the foundational work of this philosophy and religion. More than just a temple, Louguantai is a monastic complex, a center of study, and a site of great natural beauty. Louguantai Temple is located on the northern slopes of the Qinling Mountains (Qinling Shan), about 70 kilometers southwest of Xi’an, in Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province. It can usually be reached from Xi’an by bus or car. The journey offers picturesque scenery, passing from the Guanzhong Plain to the foothills of the Qinling Mountains.

The Louguantai complex is vast and houses several sites of interest:

1. Canon Reading Hall (Cangjing Ge): This is the symbolic heart of the temple, believed to be the exact spot where Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching. Although the current building is a reconstruction, it retains an atmosphere of reverence.
2. The Observation Platform (Guanxing Tai): It is said that Yin Xi, the guardian of the pass, observed the stars from this platform before the arrival of Lao Tzu, from where he perceived the aura of a holy man coming from the east.
3. The Temple of the Heavenly Mother (Tianzhu Dian): Dedicated to the legendary mother of Lao Tzu.
4. The Source of the Way (Daoquan): A spring renowned for its pure waters and its spiritual virtues.
5. Ancient Cypress Trees: The site is famous for its thousand-year-old cypress trees, some dating back over 2,000 years, adding to the ancient and sacred atmosphere of the place. One of the most famous is the “Lao Tzu Cypress” (Laozi Baishu).
6. Qinling Wildlife Conservation Center: Near the temple, this center is dedicated to the conservation of red pandas (Ailurus fulgens), giant pandas, and other species endemic to the Qinling Mountains, combining spirituality and environmental awareness.
7. Other Halls and Pavilions: Many other structures are scattered throughout the complex, each with its own history and religious significance, such as the Hall of Three Purities (Sanqing Dian), the Hall of the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dian), etc.

Tips for the Visit

• Visit duration: Allow half a day to a full day to explore the complex and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer the most pleasant climates and lush or colorful landscapes.
• Respect: As with any religious site, it is important to show respect for the site and its practitioners.