The Celestial Master’s Mansion is located in Shangqing Town, Guixi County, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province. It served as the residence and temple for generations of Zhang Celestial Masters. Originally built at the foot of Longhu Mountain, in 748 CE (7th year of Tianbao in Tang Dynasty), the 15th generation descendant of Zhang Ling was granted the title of Celestial Master and given tax-exempt land. During the Tang Dynasty, it was called “Zhenxian Guan” (True Immortal Temple).
In 1105 CE (4th year of Chongning in Northern Song Dynasty), it was relocated to the entrance of Shangqing Gate and began to be called “Tianshi Fu” (Celestial Master’s Mansion). The mansion was first established at the entrance of Shangqing Town in 1115 CE. In 1319 CE, it was moved to Changqing Fang in Shangqing Town. In 1368 CE, it was relocated to its current site. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566), it underwent extensive renovation and expansion.
In 1674 CE, most of the buildings were destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1779 CE. In 1857, it suffered damage from war. Between 1862 and 1874, the 61st Celestial Master Zhang Renzheng carried out repairs. In 1949, the long-neglected mansion was repurposed. Restoration work began in 1984, and in 1988, it was handed over to Taoist management.
The current Celestial Master’s Mansion is centered on the main gate, ceremonial gate, second gate, and private quarters. It includes the Jade Emperor Hall, Celestial Master Hall, Xuantan Hall, Falu Bureau, Tijü Office, and Wanfa Zongtan, integrating both temple and royal mansion architectural styles.
The main gate was rebuilt in 1990, with a plaque reading “Sihan Tianshi Fu” (Hereditary Han Celestial Master’s Mansion) above. The ceremonial gate was recently restored, with the Xuantan Hall to the east (dedicated to the God of Wealth, Zhao Gongming) and the Falu Bureau and Tijü Office to the west. The second gate was rebuilt in 1996.
Behind the second gate is a large courtyard with a well called “Lingquan Well” or “Dan Well.” The Jade Emperor Hall, originally the Celestial Master’s ritual hall, is located behind the well. The private quarters, where generations of Celestial Masters lived, are behind this hall. The front hall of the private quarters, originally called Sansheng Hall, was rebuilt as the Celestial Master Hall in 1985.
The mansion preserves many historical relics, including a large bell from the Yuan Dynasty weighing 9,999 jin (about 5,000 kg), a Taoist stele inscribed by Zhao Mengfu, and various plaques and couplets from different dynasties.
