Chinese Archaeologists Announce Discovery of a Large Artifact Collection at a World Heritage Site Known for Its Taoist Temples.
Some notable artifacts recently unearthed on Wudang Mountain. (Video: Xinhua)
The collection includes over 1,000 artifacts discovered at the Wulong Palace (Five Dragon Palace) on Wudang Mountain in Hubei Province, central China. This Taoist temple was commissioned by the imperial court during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) but gradually fell into disrepair after the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), Xinhua reported on November 22.
Excavation team leader Kang Yuhu, a researcher at the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, stated that the artifacts date back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), including ceramics, glass building components, items such as candle holders and hairpins, as well as various religious artifacts.
Noteworthy among the findings are reliefs depicting five dragons, the deity Xuanwu (an important god in Taoism), flame patterns, and a jade rabbit grinding herbs.
The beauty of Wudang Mountain at dawn. (Photo: Xinhua)
Kang noted that the relief of the five dragons was created by the imperial court for the ritual of “five dragons praying for rain.” The surrounding stone steps indicate it was once part of an altar capable of hosting large gatherings.
Parts of the Wulong Palace began excavation in 2020. This massive structure, covering an area of 49,000 m2, is one of the oldest Taoist palaces and temples on Wudang Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 1994.