A Guide to Visiting Laoshan Taiqing Palace in Qingdao

You probably know about Qingdao, a coastal city that is very developed and a popular tourist destination. But just 30 kilometers from the city center lies a scenic area called Laoshan Taiqing Palace, which is known as the “Palace of the Immortals.” What’s so interesting about this place? Let’s find out!

Introduction to Laoshan Taiqing Palace

Laoshan Taiqing Palace, also known as Xiaqing Palace, “Small Jiangnan of the North,” and “Palace of the Immortals,” is commonly called Lower Palace. Located at the foot of Pantao Peak in Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, it sits at the southeastern end of Laoshan Mountain, with its back to the mountain and facing the sea. To the left is Taoyuan Peak, and to the right is Chongyang Peak. The palace was first built in the first year of the Jianyuan era of the Western Han Dynasty (140 BC) and has been renovated many times since. The existing buildings are the remains of the scale and layout after a major renovation in the 28th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1600 AD). It is the ancestral temple of Taoism in Laoshan, the second largest Taoist forest of the Quanzhen sect, and the ancestral temple of the Suishan sect, a branch of the Quanzhen sect.

Laoshan Taiqing Palace covers a total area of 30,000 square meters and has a total building area of 2,500 square meters. The palace is divided into three courtyards, each with its own mountain gate. The eastern courtyard houses the Three Officials Hall, the middle courtyard houses the Three Pure Ones Hall, and the western courtyard houses the Jade Emperor Hall. Other buildings include the Loyal and Righteous Shrine, the Hanlin Academy, and the east and west side halls. It is the largest Taoist architectural complex and Taoist cultural dissemination center in Shandong Province and Qingdao City.

In 1982, Laoshan Taiqing Palace was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Qingdao City. In 1983, it was listed as a national key palace protection unit by the State Council. In the same year, it was listed as one of the 21 key Taoist temples nationwide by the State Council.

Travel Guide

The entire Taiqing Palace has three main halls, which are quite large in scale and have an exquisite architectural style. The halls are not only adorned with exquisite patterns but also feature intricate carvings. Besides the three main halls, there are several side halls, along with guest rooms and an elder’s courtyard, forming this tourist attraction.

The historical and cultural atmosphere within the scenic area is quite strong, and there is much content related to Taoist culture. The halls enshrine the Three Pure Ones, the Western Queen Mother, and the Eastern Hua Emperor, all figures closely related to the founding and development of Taoism.

The scenery of Laoshan Mountain is beautiful, with not only many trees but also picturesque mountain colors. Along the way, you can see small streams flowing slowly, adding a serene touch to the overall atmosphere. The biggest feeling you get when visiting Taiqing Palace is tranquility.

The people who practice here maintain a solemn and peaceful atmosphere. Aside from some low voices, you rarely hear loud noises. Therefore, when you come here to visit, you can experience a very peaceful and harmonious environment.

Food Recommendations

Besides the many beautiful sights, Qingdao also has a lot of delicious food, especially its seafood, which is very tasty. The large crabs are meaty and succulent, and the clams are very tender. The large squid has a satisfying bite, and not to mention the sea cucumbers, abalone, lobster, and oysters. Order a large seafood platter and enjoy all the delicious flavors in one go.

The local horse mackerel dumplings here are also very flavorful. Paired with Qingdao beer, you’ll feel all your worries melt away. Blowing on the gentle sea breeze and savoring the local specialties, this kind of travel experience is truly unforgettable.