Shanghai Qingxu Temple: A Taoist Legacy from the Republican Era
1. Historical Development: From the Three Officials Hall to Qingxu Temple
The origins of Shanghai Qingxu Temple trace back to the early years of the Republic of China. At that time, Taoist priests from the Quanzhen School—Yao Ruiqing, Ma Fuqing, Yan Hongqing, and others—moved by the scarcity of Taoist venues in Shanghai, jointly initiated its establishment. Initially named the “Three Officials Hall,” the temple honored the Three Officials of Taoism—the Heavenly Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official—who symbolize bestowing blessings, pardoning sins, and dispelling calamities. This naming aligned with core Taoist beliefs while embodying the aspiration to pray for blessings and ward off misfortune for devotees.
As the temple’s influence grew, its name was changed to “Qingxu Temple.” The term “Qingxu” originates from Taoist scriptures, meaning “pure and void.” It embodies the Quanzhen School’s pursuit of inner clarity and transcendence from worldly attachments, while also enriching the temple’s name with Taoist cultural depth. Subsequently, Master Yan Hongqing personally assumed the role of abbot, overseeing all daily affairs and laying a solid foundation for Qingxu Temple’s development.
2. Geographical Location: A Religious Landmark on Yan’an East Road
Qingxu Temple is situated on Shanghai’s Yan’an East Road, occupying a prime location directly opposite the Grand World Amusement Park. During the Republican era, Yan’an East Road was already one of Shanghai’s most bustling districts. The Grand World, as a renowned entertainment venue at the time, drew massive crowds encompassing citizens, merchants, literati, and people from all walks of life.
This location not only facilitated easy access for devotees to participate in religious activities but also served as a window for passersby to learn about Taoist culture. The stark contrast between the bustling World of Entertainment and the tranquil religious sanctuary coexisted, collectively forming the diverse urban cultural landscape of Republican-era Shanghai.
3. Core Activities: Religious Functions and Public Services
(1) Medicinal Relief: Religious Practice for Public Welfare
Amidst limited medical resources and widespread difficulty in accessing healthcare during the early Republican era, dispensing medicine became a vital religious activity at Qingxu Temple. Taoist priests practiced traditional Taoist medicine by gathering herbs and formulating prescriptions, providing free treatments—particularly for common ailments like wind-cold and gastrointestinal disorders—to those seeking assistance. This initiative not only embodied the Daoist doctrine of “benefiting the world and serving humanity” but also established Qingxu Temple as a people-friendly institution in the public consciousness. Many recipients thus developed a deeper affinity for Daoism.
(2) Sutra Recitation and Penance Rituals: Preserving Daoist Faith Ceremonies
Scripture recitation and penance rituals form the core religious activities at Qingxu Temple. Taoist priests follow traditional rites to chant scriptures, conduct repentance ceremonies, offer blessings for devotees, perform rites for the deceased, or host fasting and ritual assemblies. These ceremonies not only fulfill devotees’ religious needs—such as praying for family safety and career success—but also serve as vital vehicles for preserving Taoist culture. Through solemn ceremonies, Daoist doctrines and ethical principles are disseminated among believers, sustaining the faith-based bonds within the Daoist community.
(3) Vegetarian Cuisine: Integration of Religion and Daily Life
Beyond religious activities, Qingxu Temple also offers vegetarian meals. Daoism advocates a vegetarian diet, believing it aids in purifying the mind and body while aligning with the concept of “unity between heaven and humanity.” Qingxu Temple’s vegetarian cuisine is characterized by its lightness and health-promoting qualities, featuring ingredients such as beans, vegetables, and mushrooms. This not only meets the dietary needs of the Taoist priests but also attracts many devotees and vegetarian-loving citizens who come to enjoy the meals. The operation of the vegetarian restaurant not only provides a source of income for the temple but also allows Taoist culture to integrate into the lives of citizens in a way that is closer to their daily routines.
4. Historical Significance: A Microcosm of Taoism in Republican-Era Shanghai
Though modest in scale, Qingxu Temple stands as a microcosm of Taoist development in Republican-era Shanghai. Founded by Quanzhen School priests, it reflects the sect’s propagation and influence in the city. Its core activities—distributing medicine, conducting sutra recitations and penance rituals, and serving vegetarian meals—upheld Taoism’s religious essence while adapting to Shanghai’s urban needs, demonstrating Taoism’s constructive engagement with secular society.
Today, despite the passage of time, Qingxu Temple’s physical appearance may have changed. Yet the imprint it left during the Republican era—through religious practices and social services—remains vital historical material for studying Shanghai’s Taoist history and urban cultural heritage. It stands as an indispensable part of Shanghai’s religious and cultural memory.
