Taoist temple

Ciyou Temple, Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan
Taoist temple
temple
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Literal meaning(orig.) a place to see
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinguàn
Wade–Gileskuan
Taoist temple
Traditional Chinese道觀
Simplified Chinese道观
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyindàoguàn
Wade–GilesTao-kuan
grand temple
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese宫观
Literal meaningpalatial temple
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyingōngguàn
Wade–Gileskung-kuan
grand temple
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese道宫
Literal meaningpalace of the Tao
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyindàogōng
Wade–GilesTao-kung

A Taoist or Daoist temple, also known by its Chinese names as a guan, daoguan, or gongguan, is a place where the Tao is observed and cultivated. It is a place of worship in Taoism. Taoism is a religion that originated in China, with the belief in immortality, which urges people to become immortal through moral and health cultivation.

Structure and function can vary according to the Taoist school the temple belongs to. For example, guàn of the Quanzhen School are monasteries where celibate daoshi "priests" live.