Luoyang's Shangqing Palace is known as the source of Taoism.
Later generations honored Laozi as Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, so Shangqing Palace is also called Laojun Temple.
Shen Siyuan, having experienced the mystical nature of Buddhism, naturally wanted to see the wonders of Taoism.
Thus, he came to this place reputed as the source of Taoism, the Shangqing Palace.
But to be honest, he was a bit disappointed. The so-called source of Taoism appeared quite ordinary from the outside, not majestic or grand at all, and even gave off a sense of decay.
The Shangqing Palace doesn't charge an entrance fee, and one can enter directly. Upon entering, you can see Cuiyun Cave, where a statue of Lao Jun is worshipped.
Shen Siyuan did not go in immediately but stood outside observing the surroundings.
Inside, it looked even more dilapidated. The ground was uneven, clearly indicating that the government had not done much restoration here, but this only highlighted the marks of time.
