Returning to the original essence, ascending to the true state - Suzhou Gonglong Mountain · Shangzhen Temple
Beyond the picturesque scenery of Jiangnan in Suzhou, deep within the Qionglong Mountain lies an ancient Taoist sanctuary, the Shangzhen Temple, surrounded by lush greenery. Here, it is not only a blessed place in the Wuzhong region, but also a perfect blend of Taoist beliefs and the artistic conception of mountains and waters. 
The Summit of Wuzhong, A Comprehensive View of Wuxi · Continuous Worship for a Thousand Years
The Shangzhen Sect has been recorded since the Tang Dynasty. Over the years, it has undergone several periods of destruction and reconstruction. In the early Qing Dynasty during the Shunzhi era, the renowned Taoist priest Shi Dao Yuan settled in the Ma Jun Gong Palace on Gu Long Mountain. He gathered materials to rebuild the temple and restore the Taoist temple. Shi Dao Yuan had received ordination from Wang Changyue and was the eighth generation of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect. Later, he converted to the Zhengyi Sect and founded a branch of Gu Long Mountain. The "Golden Cover Lamp" was bestowed with the title of the Shangzhen Temple in the 15th year of the Shunzhi era.
According to the "Xuanmiao Temple Annals": In the early Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Shunzhi, the 53rd generation Taoist priest of Longhu Mountain, Zhang Hong, visited Konglong Mountain. The Qing court bestowed the name "Shangzhen Temple" upon it. At that time, among all the Taoist temples in the region, Konglong was the most prosperous.
Emperor Qianlong made six southern tours. He visited Shangzhen Temple four times and wrote poems to praise it, saying: "The waters of Zhenze stretch endlessly, the Dongting Lake flows westward and then eastward. With my eyes, I see no end; all worries vanish in the presence of peace. Thirty-six thousand acres of land, in spring and autumn, under the influence of the gentle breeze. Five carts full of essence, who would order Lu Gudong to write this poem?" This poem was engraved on a stone tablet and erected in the Gonglong Lookout Lake Pavilion.
Building a landscape by borrowing the mountains, the ultimate expression of harmony between man and nature
Shangzhen Temple is built along the mountain, with its back facing the main peak of the dome. It houses: the Main Gate Hall, the Sanmao Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Three Pure Ones Pavilion, the Lake View Pavilion, and the Qianlong Palace. Looking towards Taihu Lake from afar, the viewing platform offers an excellent view. Based on the concept of the three realms (heaven, earth, and human), it resembles a "crossing point" between the three realms:
The gate of the mountain's peak features a large stone-carved dragon staircase above. One dragon is standing upright, while eight others surround it from all sides, resembling surging waves and flying dragons. It is extremely exquisite. The plaques of Shangzhen Temple and Gonglong Mountain are all inscribed with the calligraphy of Emperor Qianlong.
2. Sanmiao Temple, dedicated to the Three Immortals, features exquisite statues in Tang and Song styles, and a grand imperial inscription by Emperor Qianlong is prominently displayed.
3. The Jade Emperor Hall features a 16-meter-tall golden statue of the Jade Emperor, adorned with gold plating and precious stones, presenting a solemn and majestic appearance.
4. The Sanqing Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the vast and misty waters of Taihu Lake.
5. Wanhu Pavilion: The inscribed poem by Emperor Qianlong, "Shenze's waters stretch endlessly", together with the Moon Viewing Platform from the Song Dynasty, form the scene of "Ancient Spring and Bright Moon".
⸻ Shang Zhen Guan: This place not only houses the humble abode of a Han Dynasty hermit but also bears the footprints of Emperor Qianlong's southern tour. Moreover, it serves as a tranquil haven for the present generation, a place that "returns to the original essence and reconnects with nature".
