The First Taoist Temple of Fujian, one of the most easily overlooked attractions in Quanzhou

⛵️ I believe most tourists visiting Quanzhou go to Kaiyuan Temple (Buddhism), Tianhou Palace (Mazu), Guanyue Temple (Folk), and Qingjing Mosque (Islam), but Yuanmiao Temple (Taoism) is often easily ignored. 🏮 Yuanmiao Temple is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, so it is also called Tiangong Temple. It is the first Taoist park in Fujian, dating back to the Taikang period of the Western Jin Dynasty, and is known as "the First Taoist Temple of Fujian." 📜 Built in the Taikang period of the Western Jin Dynasty, it was originally named Baiyun Temple; in the first year of the Shenlong era of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty, it was rebuilt and renamed Zhongxing Temple; during the Kaiyuan era of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, it was renamed Longxing Temple; in the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the Song Dynasty, it was renamed Tianqing Temple; in the first year of Yuanzhen of Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan Dynasty, it was renamed Xuanmiao Temple; in the seventh year of Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, to avoid the taboo of the sacred ancestor Xuanye's name, it was renamed Yuanmiao Temple. To this day, the plaque hanging on the main gate still reads "Xuanmiao Ancient Temple." 🐲 The Three Pure Ones Hall, Lingxiao Hall, and Guanling Hall, the three main halls, feature exquisitely carved dragon stone pillars. The flying eaves and dragon ridges on the roofs are decorated with Taoist ornaments such as Laozi’s alchemy furnace, flying dragons, and qilin. The stone and brick carvings on the east and west outer wall windows and the rear walls depict Taoist stories, serving as a warning to encourage people to do good and eliminate evil. 🍍 Yuanmiao Temple currently has relatively few tourists, mostly local residents coming to pray, with stable incense offerings. The first and fifteenth days of the lunar month see more visitors. Every year on the ninth day of the first lunar month, the temple holds a ceremony to worship the Jade Emperor, praying for favorable weather and family safety in the new year. This day is the liveliest of the year.