Fahua Temple in Beijing

Overview

Fahua Temple (法华寺) is located on Fahua Temple Street in Dongcheng District (东城区) of Beijing, formerly known as Chongwen District (崇文区). The exact date of its establishment is unclear, but it underwent renovations during the Kangxi (康熙) and Tongzhi (同治) eras of the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the major temples in southern Beijing.

Architectural Features

The temple complex includes a mountain gate (山门), a three-hall main building, and east and west side halls. The mountain gate features a three-bay design with a gabled roof, flanked by lattice windows, and an inscription reading “Daxing Fahua Temple” (大兴法华寺) above the central archway. Each of the three main halls is also three bays wide and includes a front porch, with the east and west side halls similarly structured.

During the Qing Dynasty, the area surrounding Fahua Temple housed barracks for the Eight Banner troops, referred to as the “ying fang” (营房). In the eighteenth year of the Shunzhi era (1661), it was converted into a teaching ground for the Zhenlan Banner. By the Republic of China period, many of the structures had been repurposed as temporary funeral homes. Today, only the mountain gate, the three main halls, and some ancillary buildings remain, while the bell tower and drum tower have been lost.

Current Condition

Currently, Fahua Temple serves as residential housing and is associated with a clothing company. Visits require permission and are not recommended. The temple is a temporary protection unit in Chongwen District, located on a demolition site at No. 6 Chongwai, with plans for redevelopment, although the timeline is still uncertain.

Location

The temple is situated at No. 67 Fahua Temple Street, Dongcheng District (东城区), Beijing.

Structural Layout

The mountain gate features three bays and a large, gabled tile roof, with a brick plaque inscribed “Imperially Granted Fahua Zen Forest” (敕赐法华禅林). The east and west side doors also have gabled roofs. The Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Goddess Hall, and the Medicine King Hall all feature gabled tile roofs, while the bell and drum towers have similar architectural styles. The Great Hero Hall (大雄宝殿) comprises five bays with a large tiled roof adorned with a phoenix and lotus carvings, and three coffered ceilings featuring a central relief of a dragon and two painted dragons on either side.

On the back wall of the main hall hangs a wooden plaque reading “Wisdom Illuminates Clarity” (慧照登清), with couplets on the golden pillars stating: “Whether the Tathagata comes or not, the Buddha arrives early; those who speak nonsense are mistaken” and “Originally awakened, originally unawakened, only nature truly awakens; everything is in the hands of the person.” The plaque was inscribed in the seventh year of the Guangxu era (光绪) during the Dingyou year.

Decorative Elements

The couplets on the main hall’s columns read: “The fragrant mist is all the scent of sandalwood” and “The lotus blooms, revealing the light of treasures.” The east and west side halls include the Kṣitigarbha Hall, the Ancestor Hall, and six other rooms. The Pilu Hall (毗卢殿) features a double-eaved roof with gray tiles and is complemented by three additional rooms at the back with yellow glazed tiles.

Most of Fahua Temple’s structures and decorations have been lost, and visits are not encouraged.

How to Get to Fahua Temple in Beijing

Whether you are driving 🚗, taking a taxi 🚖, or using public transportation 🚇🚌, you can easily reach your destination! 🌸

Driving

For those driving, you can park at the following locations:

  • Street Parking (Fahua Temple Street)
    💡 Note: This is a roadside parking area; please park carefully. It’s less than 100 meters from the scenic area.
  • Fahua Temple Street – Roadside Parking
    💡 Note: This is a roadside parking area; please park carefully. It’s less than 100 meters from the scenic area, about a 1-minute walk.
  • Street Parking (Yingfang West Street)
    💡 Note: This is a roadside parking area; please park carefully. It’s less than 100 meters from the scenic area. 🚗

Public Transportation

  • Metro: Take Line 5 and get off at Tiantan Dongmen Station, or take Line 5/Line 7 and get off at Qici Kou Station.
  • Bus Stops:
    • Beijing Sports Stadium West Station: Bus 6, 34, 35, 36
    • Hongqiao Road North Station: Bus 17, 39, 60, 84

Visitor Tips

🔍 Fahua Temple is located in Haidian District, Beijing, and can be included in your itinerary for sightseeing.
👚 It is recommended that visitors dress appropriately and respect the religious culture while touring.
💸 Entry to Fahua Temple is free; visitors can explore the temple at no charge.
You can walk around the temple grounds to appreciate the architectural and religious cultural heritage.