Long’an Temle in Beijing
Overview
Longan Temple (隆安寺), located at 3 Nali, Baiqiao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区白桥大街南里3号), was first built in the fifth year of the Jingtai reign during the Ming Dynasty (1454) and reconstructed in the 47th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1708). The temple is oriented north to south, measuring approximately 10,000 square meters, and is divided into four courtyards with major buildings aligned along the central north-south axis. The first courtyard includes the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Bell and Drum Tower (now no longer extant). The second courtyard consists of the main hall and the opera stage, the third courtyard houses the Mahavira Hall, and the fourth courtyard is the rear hall. Each main hall in the courtyards is flanked by auxiliary halls and rooms. Longan Temple provides physical materials and research value for the Buddhist architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the historical culture of southern Beijing.
On May 24, 1984, Longan Temple was announced as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the People’s Government of Beijing.
Historical Evolution
- In 1454, Longan Temple was founded.
- During the Tian Shun reign, Longan Temple was abandoned.
- In 1609, Longan Temple was rebuilt.
- In 1708, Longan Temple underwent another reconstruction.
- During the Daoguang and Xianfeng reigns, Longan Temple was used as a workshop for making incense.
- In 1952, Longan Temple was established as Longan Temple Primary School, later renamed Baiqiao South Li Primary School and Donghuashi Youth Center.
- In 1983, Longan Temple was repaired.
- In 1984, it was designated as the Chongwen District Youth Science Museum.
- In 2003, further repairs were made to Longan Temple.
Architectural Layout
Longan Temple is oriented north to south, measuring approximately 10,000 square meters and divided into four courtyards, with major buildings along the central axis. The first courtyard includes the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Bell and Drum Tower (now no longer extant). The second courtyard comprises the main hall and the opera stage. The third courtyard is the Mahavira Hall, and the fourth courtyard is the rear hall. Each main hall has auxiliary halls and rooms on both sides.
Major Structures
Mountain Gate
The mountain gate is built in a pseudo-wood and brick-stone structure with a hip roof. A stone plaque inscribed with “Established Longan Temple by Imperial Decree” hangs above the single-arched entrance, with a corner gate built on each side.
Hall of Heavenly Kings
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is the main hall of the first courtyard, spanning three bays and featuring a large, hip roof.
Front Hall
The front hall is the main hall of the second courtyard, spanning three bays with corridors in front and back, and includes an opera stage at the back. It has a green glazed tile hip roof. The stage faces north, stands 0.74 meters high, is 3.8 meters tall, 6.1 meters wide, and 6.4 meters deep, with two pillars at the front and open on three sides for viewing performances. The stage connects to the rear hall.
Mahavira Hall
The Mahavira Hall is the central building of Longan Temple, spanning three bays, featuring a large, hip roof, and a green glazed tile roof, with a platform in front.
Rear Hall
The rear hall is the main hall of the fourth courtyard, located at the end of Longan Temple, spanning five bays with a green glazed tile hip roof.
Cultural Heritage
Longan Temple retains four stone tablets, of which two have been unearthed. One tablet records “Construction of Longan Temple” and is dated to the fifth year of Jingtai, while another is a memorial for the reconstruction of Longan Temple, dated to the eighth day of the twelfth month in the eighth year of Xianfeng.
Literary References
The Iron Threshold Temple mentioned in “Dream of the Red Chamber” (《红楼梦》) is believed to be modeled after Longan Temple, located near the residence of Cao Xueqin (曹雪芹).
Anecdotes
It is said that when the enlightened monk Cui Lin first visited Longan Temple, he found it severely damaged and lamented its state. He decided to solicit donations for its repair. However, due to a lack of worshippers, no benefactors were willing to donate money. Cui Lin then made a giant iron chain, locking himself to the statue of Weituo in the sun. Soon, the statue began to sweat profusely, and the drops of sweat turned into money, allowing the temple to be repaired.
Cultural Value
Longan Temple provides physical materials and research value regarding Buddhist architecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it represents the historical culture of southern Beijing.
Heritage Protection
On May 24, 1984, Longan Temple was announced as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the People’s Government of Beijing.
Tourist Information
Geographic Location
Longan Temple is located at 3 Nali, Baiqiao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区白桥大街南里3号).
Transportation
- Bus: Take bus routes 8 or 12 and get off at Baiqiao Street Station.
- Subway: Take the Line 7 subway and get off at Guangqumen Nei Station.
- Car: Longan Temple is approximately 6.3 kilometers from the Dongcheng District People’s Government, taking about 17 minutes by car.
