Wudang Mountains (Chinese: 武當山) are located in the northwestern part of the Hubei (湖北) Province, China. They are home to a famous complex of Taoist (道教) temples associated with the god Xuanwu (玄武). Here Choumeizai will talk about Zixiao Palace (紫霄宮).
Zixiao Palace, literally means ‘Purple Cloud Palace’, standing on Zhanqi Peak (展旗峰), is one of the main Taoist temple of Wudang Mountains Taoist complex.
Zixiao Palace was built in the Song (宋) Dynasty (1119 - 1126), then rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1413) and extended in the Qing Dynasty (1803 - 1820).
Zixiao Palace is still preserved well, it consists of several Taoist halls including Zixiao Hall (紫霄殿), the main hall of Zixiao Palace.
Zixiao Hall is enshrined with statues of Xuanwu at different stages of his life, however, taking photos is not allowed inside Zixiao Hall.
It is said that Tai chi (太極) was originated from Zixiao Palace. Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for defense training, health benefits, and meditation.
The first site of worship in Wudang Mountains was constructed in the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907), while the largest complex on the mountain was built during the Ming dynasty (1468 – 1644).
