Taoist Monastery “Bayyun White Cloud”

Near the central square of Beijing Tiananmen is the White Cloud Monastery (Baiyungguan). Built in the eighth century, the Taoist monastery underwent many reconstructions, the main causes of which were fires and destruction associated with wars. The current appearance of the monastery is the result of a large-scale restoration, which was carried out in 1987.

The White Cloud Monastery houses the All-China Taoist Association and the Taoist Academy. There are several temples in the monastery. The oldest one is Yuan Chen, which has been preserved since 1190.

The greatest interest is caused by a two-storey temple, which became the first abode of the sect "Quan Zhen-dao". At the bottom of the temple there is a sanctuary of "4 heavenly emperors", at the top - sculptures of the main deities of the Taoist pantheon.