Xuanmiao Taoist Temple (Temple of Mystery) is located on the Guanqian Street in Suzhou. Built in 276 AD, this temple has been renovated many times due to damage sustained during the wars of past dynasties. Originally, the temple was called Zhenqing Taoist Temple. It was renamed Xuanmiao Taoist Temple during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It is one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Suzhou as well as a key cultural relic under state protection.

Arriving at the Xuanmiao Taoist Temple, tourists first see Zheng Shan Men (a wooden structured temple). Facing south, it has two side gates: the Western Gate and the Eastern Gate. Some Chinese characters are inscribed on the front and back sides of the plaques hanging on the gates. Zheng Shan Men was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and was rebuilt in 1775. Inside it stand six statues of Taoist Gods including four marshals and two generals. On the right side of the temple stands a tablet which commemorates the restoration of the Temple of Mystery.

Covering an area of about 1,100 square meters (1,316 square yards), the San Qing Dian (Pure Trinity Hall) is the main hall of this temple. Built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), this hall features wood construction. Standing in front of the hall, tourists will find a plaque hung overhead with the three Chinese characters 'San' 'Qing' and 'Dian' written on it. Entering the hall, visitors can see another large plaque hung on the crossbeam with the four Chinese characters 'Tai', 'Chu', 'Chan' and 'Jiao' written by Qianlong (1711-1799), a famous emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

In the hall stand statues of the trinity San Qing (three Pure Gods) for people to worship. In the middle is Yu Qing (Jade Pure). On either side of Yu Qing stand Shang Qing (Upper Pure) and Tai Qing (Great Pure). The three statues are gold-gilded clay sculptures, each with a height of about 7 meters (23 feet). They look solemn and imposing as if they were still alive. On the left of the three statues stands a special tablet. An epigraph of Li Longji and the figure of Lao-tzu are both engraved on the tablet. Li (685-762) was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Lao-tzu was the founder of Taoism as well as a great thinker during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC). The figure was drawn by Wu Daozi (680-759), a very famous painter from the Tang Dynasty.

Looking up at the ceilings of the San Qing Dian, tourists will be delighted by the colorful patterns of clouds, deer, cranes, and the eight immortals. Also in the hall stand about forty huge vermilion pillars. The bottoms of the pillars are designed in the shape of basins. About one hundred and eighty Taoist Deities are carved on the thirty octagonal pillars standing outside San Qing Dian. The railings in front of the San Qing Dian are constructed from engraved lotus columns and relief stones. They blend harmoniously with the hall.

Other halls including the Caishen Hall (Hall of the God of Wealth) and the Wenchang Hall are also worth visiting. In the Caishen Hall stand three Gods of Wealth: Bi Gan, Zhao Gongming and Guan Yu. In the Wenchang Hall stands a statue of Zitong Dijun who determines people's official careers. On each side of him are statues of Confucius and Zhu Xi. Confucius (551 BC-479 BC) was a great thinker and educator during the Spring and Autumn Period as well as the founder of Confucianism. Zhu Xi (1130-1200) was a famous philosopher and teacher during the Song Dynasty.

After visiting the various halls, visitors can enjoy Taoist music and the flying cymbals performance to relax. Taoist music in Suzhou absorbs the best of the local folk music, for example, Kunqu Opera. It sounds deep and slow, can be gentle or strident, and has the lingering charm of the palace music. The flying cymbals performance is a delightful entertainment activity. Tourists will be surprised at the performers' stunts.

Finally, tourists can visit the Food Street opposite the Mountain Gate for a meal or go shopping on Guanqian Street to end their trip.