The second largest Taoist temple in Sichuan that 99% of people don't know about

When it comes to 'Tales of China', surely everyone is familiar with it, and the prototype of the Cat Temple in the drama is located in this thousand-year-old Taoist temple, which worships the cat god of the ancient Qi state. This is the 'Yuntai Temple' in Santai, Mianyang. Yuntai Temple was founded in the seventh year of Jiading during the Southern Song Dynasty, originally named Yousheng Temple. It is the second largest Taoist temple in Sichuan after Qingcheng Mountain and one of the three imperial Taoist temples in the country, a famous scenic spot in Shu. Yuntai Temple faces south with its back to the north and consists of a triple quadrangle linkage, forming a central axis symmetry. The temple is adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, flying eaves and dougong, ancient cypresses, lush bamboo forests, and mottled walls, all telling the profound sense of history with a hint of mystery. 'Main Buildings of the Taoist Temple' Ming Dynasty: Xuantiangong, Qinglong White Tiger Hall, Quangong Gate, Sanhe Gate, Shihua Tablet, Yudai Bridge Qing Dynasty: Bell and Drum Tower, Xiangting, Scripture Storage Tower, Chaojing Que, Demon-Subduing Hall, Lingguan Hall, Nine-Room Building, Chenghuang Temple, Guanyin Pavilion, Sanhuang Hall 'Main Hall of the Taoist Temple' Xuantiangong: The main hall of Yuntai Temple, rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, has two dragons coiling around the outside, and immortal children in red silk riding on the dragons as if soaring through the clouds with extraordinary valor. It is said that the main door was made by Lu Ban during the Warring States period, which is quite peculiar, as it makes the sound of a rooster crowing and a phoenix chirping when opened, audible for miles. 'Taoist Temple Cultural Relics' Existing cultural relics from the Ming Dynasty include a bronze bell, bronze tripod, plaques, 'Holy Edict' ribbed tablet, imperial sword, and various bestowed scriptures ⏳Ways to Visit: Choose self-driving and navigate directly to 'Yuntai Temple', with convenient parking at 10 yuan per vehicle, not recommended to park at 'Xuantian Yuntai', which charges by time Choose hiking, starting from the southern sky, about 1h to reach the temple (passing through one sky gate, two sky gates, three sky gates in order) 📍Detailed Address: Yuntai Village, Anju Town, Santai County, Mianyang City, Sichuan 🚉Travel Tips: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Daying East, then rent a car/taxi to get there, not recommended to take a taxi from Mianyang Drive from Chengdu, along the Shanghai-Chengdu, Chengdu-Bazhong, Suide Expressways, the journey takes 1.5h 💰Ticket/Business: Free 09-00-17:00 (Free to offer three sticks of incense) 🗓Itinerary: Nearby attractions include Qijiang Ancient Town, Xuantian Yuntai, Qijiang Zijin Bay Han Tomb Cluster