The White Cloud Taoist Temple (白云观, Baiyun Temple), also known as Lüzu Temple, was established in the 17th year of the Daoguang reign (1837) during the Qing Dynasty. It was funded by Hu Song’e, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, and is one of the three ancient Taoist temples in Lanzhou. The temple is located facing south with its back to the north, and it overlooks the Yellow River. Originally, the temple complex was quite large, consisting of four sections: east, middle, west, and the rear. It featured a variety of structures such as halls, pavilions, corridors, and residences for Taoist priests, all showcasing the distinctive architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Unfortunately, many of these buildings have been destroyed over time, leaving only three main halls, the bell and drum towers, and the opera stage intact.
In the past 20 years, White Cloud Taoist Temple has become a significant center for religious activities, attracting both Quanzhen Taoists and Zhengyi Taoists from across the province, as well as the local religious community. The temple has also become a popular destination for Taoist followers and tourists from around the world. It has hosted visitors and cultural exchange groups from countries including the United States, Japan, and Singapore. Annually, over 200,000 pilgrims and tourists visit the temple to worship and tour, making it an important window for showcasing traditional Taoist culture and fostering cultural exchange and friendship.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of White Cloud Taoist Temple
- Highlights of White Cloud Taoist Temple
- Attractions near White Cloud Taoist Temple
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 16.00 (1st October – 30th April) 8.30 – 16.30 (1st May – 30th September) |
Location and Transportation
The White Cloud Taoist Temple, also known as Lüzu Temple, is located at 987 South Binhe East Road in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 15, 21, 25, 105, 109, 139, or 142, get off at Baimalang Stop (白马浪站, White Horse Waves), and walk about 150 meters to the east to reach the temple.
Metro: The closest metro station to White Cloud Taoist Temple is Wenhuagong (文化宫, Cultural Palace) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit A, walk about 700 meters to the northeast to reach the temple.
History of White Cloud Taoist Temple
The White Cloud Taoist Temple in Lanzhou originally had two parts: the Upper Temple and the Lower Temple. The Upper Temple was located in the outskirts of Cuijia Cliff in Jishoushan. However, it was completely dismantled during the construction of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway in the 1950s. Today, when people refer to the White Cloud Temple, they mean the Lower Temple, which stands across from the famous Jin Cheng Pass ruins on the northern bank of the Yellow River, a crucial point along the ancient Silk Road. The stretch of the Yellow River between them is known for its turbulent waters, called the “White Horse Waves.” The usually calm Yellow River becomes exceptionally tumultuous in this area, which is how it got its name.
According to legend, Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism, revealed his presence on the Yellow River during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, leaving behind the “White Horse Waves” as a sign. In response, the people of Lanzhou built the Lüzu Temple. Historical inscriptions from the White Cloud Temple mention the construction of a shrine to the west, corroborating this legend. The ancient trees within the temple grounds also support this historical narrative.
During the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, local gentry and Taoist followers petitioned Hu Song’e, the Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, to expand the Lüzu Temple to honor the spirit of Lü Dongbin. Hu Song’e consulted a feng shui master who selected a site “in the northwest corner of the city, by the riverbank,” which is the current location of the White Cloud Temple. He named it “White Cloud Temple” and dedicated it to the worship of Lü Dongbin, which is why it is also known as the Lüzu Temple. The temple stands as a testament to the enduring cultural and religious heritage of Lanzhou.
Highlights of White Cloud Taoist Temple
Front Hall (Lüzu Hall)
The Front Hall, also known as Lüzu Hall, is a Qing Dynasty building with a history of over 160 years. As you enter through the main gate, you are greeted by a majestic structure with flying eaves, upturned corners, and intricate beams. The hall covers an area of 280 square meters and houses statues of many revered Taoist deities. Prominent figures include Lü Dongbin (Lü Chunyang), Wang Chongyang, and his seven disciples: Ma Yu, Tan Chuduan, Liu Chuxuan, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi, Hao Datong, and Sun Bu’er. These statues pay homage to the influential figures in Taoism and their contributions to the religion.
Middle Hall
Proceeding past the Front Hall, you arrive at the Middle Hall. This hall venerates several key deities of the Taoist pantheon: the Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Emperor, the Purple Tenuity Emperor, the Emperor of Longevity, and the Empress of the Earth. Additionally, it houses statues of the Golden Boy, the Jade Girl who serves incense, and the inverted seated figure of Sun Simiao, known as the Medicine King. The Middle Hall is a place where visitors can seek blessings and pay their respects to these divine figures.
Rear Hall (Three Purities Hall)
The Rear Hall, also known as the Three Purities Hall, covers 240 square meters and is characterized by its solemn and ancient decor. It features vibrant painted sculptures and houses six bronze statues, three in the Middle Hall and three in the Rear Hall. This hall is dedicated to the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in Taoism, representing the core tenets of the religion. The statues and artwork here reflect the deep spiritual and artistic heritage of the temple.
Side Halls
On the east and west sides of the temple are the auxiliary halls, known as the Three Officials Hall and the Three Laws Hall, each covering 120 square meters. The East Hall (Three Laws Hall) includes seven statues: the Thunder Ancestor, the Heavenly Master, the True Warrior Emperor, the Emperor Guan, the True Lord Erlang, and two immortal children. The West Hall (Three Officials Hall) features statues of the Heavenly Official, Earth Official, Water Official, Wenchang, the Purple Yang Real Person, and two immortal children. These halls add to the temple’s rich tapestry of Taoist mythology and worship.
Ancient Theater Stage
One of the unique highlights of the White Cloud Taoist Temple is the ancient theater stage, the only remaining traditional stage in Lanzhou. This Qing Dynasty structure is architecturally striking with its flying eaves, upturned corners, and intricately carved beams and painted pillars. The stage faces south and is connected to the main gate, creating a distinctive layout with the stage above and the gate below. This design not only showcases the temple’s historical significance but also its cultural value as a place of performance and community gathering.
Festivals and Events
The White Cloud Taoist Temple is a vibrant center of religious and cultural activities. Major festivals and temple fairs are held on important Taoist dates, such as the Jade Emperor’s birthday on the ninth day of the first lunar month, Laozi’s birthday on the fifteenth day of the second lunar month, the Qingming Festival, the Ghost Festival on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, and the temple fair on the first day of the tenth lunar month. These events feature elaborate ceremonies, sutra recitations, and prayers for blessings and transcendence. Additionally, on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, the temple is bustling with worshippers offering incense and prayers.
