Is this Chinese temple the most remote Taoist temple in the world?

A set of stunning photos have revealed the hidden beauty of a Taoism temple sitting on the peak of Tayun Mountain in north-west China. 

Tayun Mountain (塔云山), located in Chaiping town (柴坪镇), is one of the most famous peaks associated with Taoism. 

The series of photos taken by 'Da Qin Farmer' in September show the isolated temple with a golden top situated on top of the mountain. The temple worships Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy in Taoism.

Stunning images show the isolated location of the temple which stands on top of the 5,460ft peak.  

'Ta', the Chinese word for pagoda, and 'yun' which means clouds, is used to name the mountain with its peak similar to the shape of building.

The tiny temple with an area of less than six square metres (64.5 square feet) has its four stone pillars rooted in the mountain's rocks. 

Stone strips have been stacked up to make up the foundation of the temple, reports the People's Daily Online.

Built in the Zhengde Period of the Ming Dynasty, the cluster of ancient Taoist buildings on Tayun Mountain also include a guesthouse, pagoda, a hall and nine palaces. 

The buildings have a history dating back some 500 years and are classified as secondary cultural relics.

Since the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the buildings have been repaired and renovated for five times.

Tayun mountain is known for its steep peaks and is viewed as a Holy Land of Taoism, according to the Shaanxi provincial government website.  

Taoism, with a history of more than 1,800 years, is one of the mainstream traditional religion in China, according to a research by People's Daily. It places a strong emphasis on respect for nature as it advocates the worship of natural objects including mountains. 

Currently, there are more than 1,500 Taoist temples in China.

Source: Daily Mail