Established in 793 AD during the Tang dynasty, this is one of Beijing's few Taoist Temples, replete with long-haired monks. Unless you're claustrophobic, visit during the Spring Festival when good-natured worshippers throng the grounds to burn incense and leave prayer tags to the deities. The home of the Chinese Taoist Association and a Taoist clinic with three medically licensed priests and ten herbalists, White Cloud Temple is peaceful the rest of the year.
Early religious Taoism evolved from an interest in alchemy and the search for the elixir of life. It is distinct from Taoist philosophy and provided a sense of spirituality that Confucianism lacked. Pantheons of deities, including manifestations of philosopher Laozi, are worshiped. Because of Taoism's tendency towards mysticism, its temples became breeding grounds for secret societies.
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