Temple of Ancient Monarchs in Beijing
Chinese Name: 历代帝王庙
English Name:Temple of Ancient Monarchs
Type: Temple, Chinese culture & emperors worship.
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-3 hour
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9:00-16:00, closed on Monday and Tuesday
Ticket: 20 RMB for ticket
Location: North of Fuchengmennei Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijin
Why is Temple of Ancient Monarchs So special?
The imperial temple of all dynasties, commonly known as the imperial temple, is a royal temple that worships the three emperors and the five emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties and the outstanding emperors and heroes of all nationalities in all dynasties. Its scale and function are unique in the country and rare in the world.
History of Temple of Ancient Monarchs
The Imperial Temple was built in 1530. It was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to their ancestors. After several adjustments, Ganlong finally decided to offer sacrifices to 188 emperors. In 1979, it was announced as a cultural relic protection unit in Beijing, and in 1996, it was announced as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council.
Main Attractions in Temple of Ancient Monarchs
Entering Jingde Gate to the north is the largest courtyard in Temple of Ancient Monarchs. In the middle of the courtyard is Jingdechongshen Temple, the main building of Temple of Ancient Monarchs. the Temple of Ancient Monarchs is not only an exquisite masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, but also a critical cultural heritage which gives visitors a chance to learn about Chinese history.
On the left and right sides of the Jingde Chongsheng Palace, there are two side halls. The memorial tablets of 79 prominent officials and generals are displayed there, such as Wen Tianxiang, Yue Fei, and Zhuge Liang, who are all well-known loyal civil officers. One very unusual thing exists within this temple: a separate temple for Guan Yu, a famous military officer of the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). It is rare to see a temple within another temple.
As the only temple for worshipping ancient emperors in various dynasties, the Temple of Ancient Monarchs has been well preserved and basically maintains its appearance and layout from the Qing Dynasty, thus having significant architectural and cultural value.
Features of Temple of Ancient Monarchs
A temple without Buddha
Temple of Ancient Monarchs in Beijing are a royal temple of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Ming and Qing dynasties worship Chinese ancestors and historical sages. Now, Temple of Ancient Monarchs officially opened to the outside world. Temple of Ancient Monarchs in Beijing are just such architectural classics that they pour out rich historical and cultural information to people.
Architectural features
The Imperial Temple in Beijing is a national key cultural relic protection unit. It is a royal building in history. The Imperial Temple is a group building with a central axis in terms of layout design. Several buildings on the central axis are of high grade.
How to get to Temple of Ancient Monarchs
- Take bus line 3, 7, 13, 42, 47, 101, 102, 103, 409, or 612, and get off at the Baitasi Station.
- Take Subway Line 4 to Xisi and leave from Exit A. Then walk west for about 5 minutes to Temple of Ancient Monarchs.
Nearby Attractions
BeiHai Park
Beihai Park, located in the center of Beijing City, is the oldest, best preserved and most profound classical royal garden in China’s existing history.
Prince kung’s Mansion
Prince Gong’s palace is the most well-preserved palace complex in our country. It has gone through the historical process of the Qing Dynasty from its heyday to its decline. Therefore, there is the saying “a prince Gong’s palace, half of the history of the Qing Dynasty”.
