Ciji Palace of Qingjiao

Introducing Ciji Palace of Qingjiao (from Xiamen Municipal Government Office)
Ciji Palace of Qingjiao, also known as East Palace, is located on the Dongming Range, Qishan Mountain in Qingjiao village in Xiamen's Haicang district. It covers an area of 1.15 square kilometers. The palace was built to honor Wu Tao, a "Medical Saint" who devoted his whole life to saving people in China and Southeast Asia. The palace was previously named Ciji Miao and was built in 1151; it was later renamed Ciji Palace in 1241. Nowadays it has become a famous tourist resort with key historical and cultural relics under State protection. Every year thousands of pilgrims make the trek to the site to pay homage to the "Medical Saint.”

Ciji Palace of Qingjiao Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qing Jiao Ci Ji Gong 青礁慈济宫
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Maqing Road, Haicang District, Xiamen, Fujiang Province

What to expect at Ciji Palace of Qingjiao

Ciji Temple
Ciji Temple consists of groups of majestic and splendid palace buildings. Its main hall is supported by tens of huge stone pillars including 12 rare dragon pillars. Numerous ancient art treasures created with wonderful ancient techniques, including stone sculptures, wood carvings and paintings, can be found all over the temple.

Herb Garden
Built in 2007, the Herb Garden contains more than 400 kinds of medicinal herbs, covering an area of 4,000 square meters. It was given the title of "Xiamen's Model Science Education Base" in 2008, with the goal of preserving the culture of traditional Chinese medicine and increasing the variety and quantity of medicinal herbs in the city.

Fujian-Taiwan Museum of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine)
Opened in April 2008, the Fujian-Taiwan Museum of TCM set up in Baosheng Hall of Ciji Temple seeks to expound the historical origins of traditional Chinese medicine in both Fujian and Taiwan. With an indoor exhibition area of more than 500 square meters, the museum, which integrates the outdoor Herb Garden and Gallery for Famous Herbalist Doctors, has become China's first TCM museum that combines indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.

Cross-Straits Baosheng Ciji Cultural Festival
The annual Baosheng Ciji Cultural Festival has been held in Haicang Qingjiao Ciji Palace since 2006 and was upgraded to a cross-Straits cultural festival in 2009. In 2010, the Cross-Straits Baosheng Ciji Cultural Festival made its debut in Taiwan, becoming a platform for cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between both sides of the Taiwan Straits. Themed "health, benevolence, harmony," the Cross-Straits Baosheng Ciji Cultural Festival seeks to promote Minnan culture and promote cross-Straits communication.

How to get to Ciji Palace of Qingjiao
• Take bus 801, 853, Jiaomei 709 to Ciji Donggong Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Xiamen to Ciji Palace of Qingjiao.

Additional travel advice on Ciji Palace of Qingjiao
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes.