Location & How to Get There

Tzu Chi East Palace sits in a peaceful village called Yuanqian Society, Qingjiao Village, Xiamen. It’s about a 40-minute drive from downtown Xiamen, near the border of Zhangzhou. To reach here, you can take a taxi or rent a car—it’s easy to find, but the winding village roads add a bit of adventure to the journey. If you’re up for a longer trip, some local buses connect Xiamen city with nearby towns, but checking schedules in advance is wise.

Natural Scenery: A Serene Escape

Surrounded by lush green hills and traditional stone houses, Tzu Chi East Palace feels like a hidden gem. The temple blends into the landscape, with mountains rising behind it and rice fields stretching out front. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the paths, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of nature. It’s the perfect spot for quiet walks or photos that capture both history and natural beauty.

Cultural & Historical Charm

Tzu Chi East Palace isn’t just a temple—it’s a window into Chinese folk religion and art. Built in 1150 during the Song Dynasty, this palace honors Wu Tuo, a revered doctor from the Song era. Locals call him Baosheng Dadi (Emperor of Health), and he’s still celebrated as a healer and protector. The temple’s design is a masterpiece: think dragon-carved stone pillars, bright red arches, and ceilings painted with gold details. These elements mix styles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, earning it the nickname “Fujian’s Mini Forbidden City.”

Architecture: A Living Museum

Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The three-hall layout unfolds upward, with each level more grand than the last. The roofs curve like birds’ wings, and intricate wood carvings tell stories of legends and gods. What makes Tzu Chi East Palace special? Unlike other temples, its art combines painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. Look closely: the dragons on the columns seem to dance, and the gilded ceilings shimmer in the light.

Connections to Taiwan

This temple isn’t just important in Xiamen—it’s a pilgrimage site for people in Taiwan too. After Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) recovered Taiwan, many immigrants from Zhangzhou brought their faith over. Today, Taiwan hosts over 200 “Tzu Chi Palaces” inspired by this very spot. Every March, during Baosheng Dadi’s birthday (around