Inside the Imperial Scripture Hall of Taihe Palace

The Golden Summit Imperial Scripture Hall was built on a lofty platform, facing south with its back to the north. It was originally constructed during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty but was later damaged. It was rebuilt in the 29th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. This hall has three rooms, with a width of 10 to 13 meters and a depth of 9 to 20 meters. It preserves a variety of wood carvings, exquisitely decorated and resplendent. The Imperial Scripture Hall is also known as the Chanting Hall. It is a place where Taoists recite scriptures and study. Reciting the true scriptures and edicts every morning and at dusk is a daily practice for the self-cultivation of the monks and nuns on Wudang Mountain, and it is regarded as a ladder for those ascending to immortality. Each chanting session lasts about an hour. Its purpose is to cultivate one's temperament and devout heart, so as to be single-mindedly devoted to the Tao. Inside the Imperial Scripture Hall, there are Taoist deities such as the Three Pure Ones, the Jade Emperor, Zhenwu, Lu Zu, and Lingguan. In the center hangs a golden plaque inscribed with the four characters "Sheng Tian Li Di", which was bestowed by Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty. The lintel and wooden partition panels are adorned with numerous reliefs of Taoist figures, stories and rare birds and beasts. The patterns are exquisite and the carving skills are superb, reflecting the social life, religious beliefs and aesthetic tastes of the Qing Dynasty.