Exploring the Hometown of Laozi｜Luyi Taiqing Palace, a Millennium-Engraved Taoist Epic

Luyi Taiqing Palace, hailed as the "Source of Chinese Taoism," is not only the birthplace of Laozi but also the origin and core of Taoist culture and its transmission. Walking through it, every brick and tile carries the weight of history, every blade of grass and tree is imbued with the enduring charm of Taoism, and each step feels like leafing through a vivid history of Taoist civilization. Tracing its origins, Taiqing Palace's history dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty. Historical records state that Laozi's surname was Li, given name Er, courtesy name Dan, born in the late Spring and Autumn period in Kuxian Lixiang Qurenli (now Taiqing Palace Town, Luyi). In the eighth year of the Yanxi era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (165 AD), Emperor Huan Liu Zhi sent envoys to Luyi to worship Laozi and established the "Laozi Temple." In the third year of the Wude era of Emperor Gaozu of Tang (620 AD), Li Yuan posthumously honored Laozi as "Holy Ancestor," ordered the expansion of the temple, and renamed it "Taiqing Palace," making it the exclusive royal site for worshiping Laozi. In the thirteenth year of the Kaiyuan era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (725 AD), the palace underwent large-scale renovations and reached its peak, covering an area of 872 mu, with numerous grand halls, rivaling the Taiji Palace in Chang’an and Shangyang Palace in Luoyang, becoming a sacred place revered by Taoists nationwide. Entering the scenic area, the ancient cypress groves flanking the central axis are particularly striking. Most of these ancient trees were planted during the Tang and Song dynasties and have withstood a thousand years of weathering, remaining robust and upright. The most famous "Han Cypress" is said to have been personally planted by Laozi. Its trunk is so thick that five people are needed to encircle it, its branches are strong like coiling dragons reaching out, and its bark is mottled like an old turtle’s shell, silently witnessing the rise and fall of Taiqing Palace. Inside the mountain gate are the "Tang Stele" and "Song Stele," precious historical relics—the Tang Stele, "Tang Dao De Jing Annotation Stele," was carved in the twentieth year of the Kaiyuan era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. The inscription is Emperor Xuanzong’s own commentary on the Dao De Jing, written in clerical script with vigorous and weighty strokes, an important artifact for studying Tang dynasty Taoist culture and calligraphy. The Song Stele, "Eulogy to the Primordial Empress," was composed and inscribed by Emperor Zhenzong Zhao Heng of the Song dynasty. The stele’s header is exquisitely carved, and the inscription records the merits of Laozi’s mother and the historical evolution of Taiqing Palace, regarded as a masterpiece of Song dynasty epigraphy. Following the central axis, the core buildings such as the Taiji Hall, Sanqing Hall, and Sanhuang Hall are arranged in sequence, all preserving the architectural regulations of the Tang and Song dynasties. The Taiji Hall, as the main hall, has a high and broad foundation with flying eaves and upturned corners. Although the colorful paintings on the vermilion beams and columns have been restored, they still reveal the former splendor. The statue of Laozi enshrined inside is restored according to historical records, with a kind and wise expression, as if conveying the profound wisdom of "Tao follows nature" to the world. The stone carving of the Dao De Jing on the hall walls is written in strong and powerful characters, from "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao" to "The way of Heaven benefits and does not harm," each word a gem, embodying Laozi’s philosophical essence, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the inheritance of millennia-old wisdom. The Primordial Empress Hall in the rear courtyard was built to commemorate Laozi’s mother, the "Primordial Empress," with its origins tracing back to the Tang dynasty. Outside the hall is the Bagua Pond, said to be where Laozi bathed as a child. The pond’s water is clear to the bottom, reflecting the red walls and green tiles, exuding a sense of mystery and timelessness. Beside the pond is the "Nine-Dragon Well," reportedly carved during the Tang dynasty, with nine dragon patterns engraved around the well mouth. The well water is sweet and clear, and legend has it that drinking it can inspire wisdom. Throughout history, many scholars and poets have drawn water here to brew tea and contemplate Laozi’s Tao. The history of Taiqing Palace has not been smooth; it has suffered destruction from wars and natural disasters multiple times and has been rebuilt repeatedly. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, although smaller in scale than during the Tang and Song, it still maintained the layout of a Taoist sacred site. In modern times, after several restorations and protections, Taiqing Palace has gradually regained its former appearance. It is now a nationally protected key cultural relic and an important base for studying Taoist culture, Qin and Han history, and Tang and Song architectural history. Today, strolling along the bluestone paths of Taiqing Palace, one can almost hear the ritual music of emperors worshiping through the ages and feel the devotion of Taoist pilgrims from centuries past. Every hall, every stele, every ancient tree here is a witness to history, telling the story of the profound and extensive heritage of Taoist culture. Tips: 1. Admission is 40 yuan per person. It is recommended to spend 3-4 hours exploring. The scenic area offers paid in-depth historical explanations (highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the stories behind the ancient sites). 2. The core historical relics are concentrated along the central axis and rear courtyard. Focus on key landmarks such as the Tang Stele, Song Stele, Han Cypress, and Nine-Dragon Well during your visit. 3. The scenic area includes a Taoist Culture Exhibition Hall, displaying Laozi’s life, various editions of the Dao De Jing, and the development of Taoist culture, which is worth seeing. 4. Nearby, it is recommended to visit the Luyi Laozi Museum, which houses a large collection of artifacts related to Laozi, enriching the historical exploration experience. 5. Every year on the 15th day of the second lunar month, Laozi’s birthday, Taiqing Palace holds a grand sacrificial ceremony, recreating the grandeur of ancient royal worship, an excellent opportunity to experience historical culture. Luyi Taiqing Palace is not just an ancient temple but a Taoist epic engraved with a thousand years of history. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture, Taoist philosophy, or ancient architectural history, this place is definitely worth a special visit to trace the origins, seek the Tao, and feel the profound historical weight and brilliance of wisdom spanning millennia.