Nianhua Temple in Beijing

Nianhua Temple (Nianhua Si, 拈花寺) is located at No. 61, Dashiqiao Hutong (大石桥胡同), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市). It was built in the ninth year of the Ming Dynasty (1581) under the order of Eunuch Feng Bao (冯保), serving the Empress Dowager Xiaoding (孝定皇太后), for the renowned monk Pian Rong (偏融) from Sichuan. Initially named “Huguo Baoen Qianfo Chan Temple” (护国报恩千佛禅寺), it was commonly referred to as Qianfo Temple (千佛寺). In the twelfth year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1734), it was restored by imperial decree and renamed Nianhua Temple.

Historical Development

In the ninth year of the Ming Dynasty (1581), Eunuch Feng Bao established Qianfo Temple following the order of Empress Dowager Xiaoding. In the twelfth year of the Yongzheng reign (1734), the temple was officially restored and renamed Nianhua Temple.

In the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920), Nianhua Temple established a Buddhist Studies Institute. From the fifteenth to the thirty-fourth year of the Republic of China (1926–1945), the temple’s律堂 (Lü Tang) operated Nianhua Temple Primary School, enrolling young monks from various temples.

In the twenty-sixth year of the Republic of China (1937), most of the bronze Buddha statues in Nianhua Temple were taken away by the Japanese army. The twenty-eighth year (1939) marked the death of warlord Wu Peifu (吴佩孚), whose body was temporarily placed in Nianhua Temple.

In 1953, Nianhua Temple was managed by the Printing Factory of Renmin University of China (中国人民大学出版社). During the 1960s, the factory occupied the site, dismantling the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿) and relocating bronze statues to Bai Ta Temple (白塔寺) and Fa Yuan Temple (法源寺).

In 2005, Nianhua Temple’s restoration project was included in the property recovery plan for religious organizations. On December 12, 2009, a significant fire destroyed the west auxiliary hall. On August 27, 2013, the temple’s recovery work officially commenced.

Architectural Layout

Nianhua Temple faces south and covers an area of over 6,000 square meters. The layout is a regular rectangle, constructed with a brick-and-wood structure. The ground is partially paved with uneven bluestone, often obscured by cement and weeds, with some areas still visible. The overall structure is divided into three main routes: west, east, and middle. Before the recovery efforts, the central courtyard and east yard were occupied by the Printing Factory of Renmin University of China, while the west yard served as dormitories. Apart from the Mahavira Hall’s demolition, the original architectural layout of the middle and west routes largely remains intact.

Main Buildings

West Route

The first courtyard features a hall with five bays, a gable roof, and a collapsed roof that was repaired with cement panels. The main hall has three bays and a gable roof, with eaves that drain into a rainwater channel. The east and west wing rooms each have three bays, also with gable roofs. The second courtyard has a hall with three bays and a gable roof, along with east and west ear rooms with two bays, significantly damaged. The third courtyard features a large hall with five bays and intricate decoration.

Middle Route

The middle route consists of the Mountain Gate (山门), Bell and Drum Tower (钟鼓楼), Heavenly King Hall (天王殿), Mahavira Hall, Avalokiteshvara Hall (伽蓝殿), and the Sutra Depository (藏经楼). The Mountain Gate features a gable roof with painted decorations and is adorned with various motifs. The Heavenly King Hall is similarly constructed with intricate painting under the eaves.

East Route

The east route includes a main hall with five bays, gable roofing, and significantly modified architectural features. The second courtyard has southern rooms with five bays and various renovations, maintaining a gable structure. The halls here have also undergone various modifications.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Notable Figures

Pian Rong, the eminent monk from Sichuan, was recommended by Eunuch Yang Yong (杨用) to Eunuch Feng Bao. Upon the Empress Dowager Xiaoding’s request, the temple was constructed to accommodate his Buddhist activities.

Cultural Heritage

Nianhua Temple’s architecture, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, exemplifies the characteristics of both periods. Although many structures have deteriorated over time, the remaining buildings provide valuable insight into ancient Chinese architecture.

Heritage Protection

On December 11, 2003, Nianhua Temple was designated as a cultural heritage site by the Beijing Municipal Government.

Visitor Information

Location

Nianhua Temple is located at No. 61, Dashiqiao Hutong (大石桥胡同), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市).

Transportation

Public Transportation: Take bus routes 5 or 135 and disembark at Guozishi Station (果子市站).

By Car: The distance from the Xicheng District Government (西城区人民政府) to Nianhua Temple is approximately 6 kilometers, taking about 19 minutes by car.