Ninghe Temple in Beijing
Overview
Ninghe Temple (凝和庙), also known as the Cloud God Temple, is located at 46 Beichizi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区北池子大街46号). It was established in the eighth year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (1730) and is dedicated to the worship of the Cloud God. It is one of the “Eight Outer Temples” of Beijing and is currently the site of the Beichizi Campus of the Dengshikou Primary School.
Historical Development
- 1730: Ninghe Temple is founded.
- Republic of China period: The temple is converted into a school.
- 1972: The bell tower and drum tower of Ninghe Temple are demolished.
Architectural Layout
Ninghe Temple faces south and consists of four main halls. The main entrance was remodeled later, and the original glazed wall, Heavenly King Hall, bell tower, and drum tower have all been removed. Only the mountain gate, offering hall, worship hall, sleeping hall, and flower hall remain.
Main Structures
- Glazed Wall: Previously located in front of the mountain gate, it featured a glazed brick style, covered with a glazed tile roof, measuring 22.9 meters long and 0.95 meters thick, built on a stone base.
- Mountain Gate: The mountain gate is three bays wide, measuring 16.8 meters in width and 6.6 meters in depth, topped with a hip roof and yellow glazed tile with green edges. It features various decorative elements and a stone inscription stating “Imperially Established Ninghe Temple”.
- Bell Tower and Drum Tower: These structures, now no longer extant, had double-eaved hip roofs and measured 4.6 meters on each side.
- Offering Hall: This front hall has three bays, measuring 10.9 meters wide and 6 meters deep, featuring a hard ridge roof and black glazed tiles with green edges.
- Worship Hall: The main hall is three bays wide, measuring 14.4 meters wide, and features a yellow glazed tile roof. It includes elaborate decorations and significant architectural features.
- Sleeping Hall: This rear hall is five bays wide, measuring 18.4 meters wide and 8.5 meters deep, topped with a yellow glazed tile roof.
- Flower Hall: Located on either side of the sleeping hall, it has three bays on each side, measuring 10 meters wide and 6.4 meters deep.
Cultural Significance
The name “Ninghe” derives from the belief that clouds and mist can condense into water, symbolizing prosperity. The temple is notable for its historical significance as the only royal temple dedicated to the Cloud God in Qing Dynasty Beijing, providing essential insights into royal rituals during that era.
Protection Status
On May 24, 1984, Ninghe Temple was designated as a municipal cultural heritage site by the Beijing Municipal Government.
Tourism Information
Location
Ninghe Temple is situated at 46 Beichizi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区北池子大街46号).
Transportation
- Public Transport: Buses 2, 60, 82, 103, 141, and Sightseeing Route 1 can be taken to the Qihe Tower station.
- By Car: The distance from the Dongcheng District People’s Government to Ninghe Temple is approximately 2.2 kilometers, taking about 7 minutes by car.
