The Baxian Temple (Temple of Eight Immortals), located at the Changle lane in Xi'an, is a famous Taoist architecture. Ba Xian An Monastery (Temple of the Eight Immortals), was named in honore of the legendary Eight Immortals Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, Tieguai Li, Cao Guojiu, Lv Dongbin, Lan Caihe and He Xiangu. These eight immortals are believe to be good-doers and well-respected by the people.
The monastery was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and then was renovated and expanded numerous times in succeeding dynasties. What you see at the temple today was mostly constructed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The Baxian Temple covers over 73,000 square meters divided into three parts from the Temple Gate to the Back Hall. The first section includes five halls, all built to honor the Taoist god of Protection, Wang Lingguan. The second section has two halls with painted statues of the Eight Immortals in the back hall. The third section contains the Main Hall with a tablet hung overhead on which is an inscription of the four characters 'Dong Tian Yun Ji' made by Empress Dowager Cixi. Inside the hall, sacrifices were made to the Taoist gods. East of the Main hall lies the Lvzu (Lv Dongbin) Hall and Yaowang (King of Chinese medicine) Hall while accommodations for Taoists lie on the west side.
The Baxian An Monastery is a gathering place for Taoist celebrations and festivals. So it attracts Taoists as well as tourists from all over the world.
After praying and buing some incense in the monastery, you can take a walk in the surrounding area. There are many craft shops selling all kinds of curios like bronze mirrors, folding screen, four treasures of study, gallipots, porcelain and folding fans.
