Tianning Temple in Beijing

Overview

Tianning Temple (天宁寺), located at No. 3 Jia, Tianning Temple Front Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区天宁寺前街甲3号), was originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty under Emperor Xiaowen (北魏孝文帝) (some sources suggest the Tang Dynasty). The temple features the majestic Tianning Pagoda, one of the oldest preserved ancient pagodas in the Beijing area.

Initially, the temple was oriented west to east, later changed to north to south during the Ming Dynasty, and reverted back to west to east during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. The current layout faces south, with two axial lines running east-west and north-south. Upon entering Tianning Temple, visitors encounter a mountain gate inscribed with “Tianning Temple” (天宁寺) in large characters, featuring a grey-tiled, hard-mountain style roof. Moving further in, one can see the Xumi Hall (须弥殿), which spans five bays and extends three bays deep. In front of the hall is a platform, and behind it are three halls on both the east and west sides, with the iconic Tianning Pagoda standing prominently along the central axis.

On October 28, 1957, the Tianning Pagoda was announced as one of the first municipal-level protected cultural relics by the Beijing Municipal Government. On January 13, 1988, it was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Historical Evolution

Tianning Temple was established during the Northern Wei Dynasty under Emperor Xiaowen (北魏孝文帝, Tuoba Hong) and was originally named “Guanglin Temple” (光林寺).

  • During the Sui Dynasty, Guanglin Temple was renamed Hongye Temple (弘业寺).
  • In the Tang Dynasty’s Kaiyuan Era, it was renamed Tianwang Temple (天王寺).
  • Between the 9th and 10th years of the Tianqing Era of Liao Dynasty (辽天庆九至十年, 1119—1120), Emperor Tianzuo ordered his uncle Yelü Chun to build a relic pagoda at Tianwang Temple.
  • Throughout the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Tianwang Temple suffered destruction from wars but was rebuilt multiple times.
  • It underwent renovations during the Yongle Era of the Ming Dynasty.
  • During the Xuande Era of the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed Tianning Temple (天宁寺).
  • In the Wanli Era, significant repairs were made, and Empress Dowager Li (万历皇帝生母慈圣宣文李太后) visited Tianning Temple to pay her respects.
  • After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, most of Tianning Temple had been occupied by factories and was severely damaged.
  • Between 1991 and 1992, the temple and pagoda were restored to their Qing Dynasty Qianlong period style, with the Tianning Pagoda measuring 55.38 meters tall.
  • In 2002, major renovations were undertaken, and residents living within the temple were relocated.

Architectural Layout

Tianning Temple originally faced west to east, then changed to north to south in the Ming Dynasty, and reverted to west to east during the Daoguang period. The current layout remains oriented north to south, featuring two axial lines. Entering Tianning Temple, visitors are greeted by a mountain gate inscribed with “Tianning Temple” (天宁寺), topped with a grey-tiled, hard-mountain style roof. Further inside, the Xumi Hall (须弥殿) stands prominently, featuring a green glazed roof and yellow edges. In front, there is a platform with memorial tablets built during the 21st year (1756) and the 47th year (1782) of the Qianlong Era. Behind the hall, there are three rooms each on the east and west sides, with the famous Tianning Pagoda standing centrally. The pagoda courtyard is spacious, with eastern and western halls: the Eastern Hall is the Medicine Master Hall (药师殿) and the Western Hall is the Amitabha Hall (弥陀殿). Behind the pagoda courtyard is the tranquil Siheyuan (四合院) known as Lanruo Courtyard (兰若院).

Major Attractions

Tianning Pagoda (天宁寺塔)

The Tianning Pagoda is a majestic and exquisitely carved ancient pagoda, recognized as one of the earliest preserved pagodas in Beijing. Initially thought to be built during the Sui Dynasty, renowned architect Liang Sicheng (梁思成) confirmed that the existing structure is a reconstruction from the Liao Dynasty (辽代). Despite its reconstruction, it retains the architectural style of the Liao period. The pagoda features a unique design with 13 tiers of eaves and arches, constructed of solid brick without internal stairs. Standing at 57.8 meters tall, it consists of a base, pagoda body, and eaves, with an octagonal footprint. The pagoda’s base is quite high, featuring a lotus pedestal.

Each of the six niches on the base contains carved sitting statues, adorned with interlaced lotus designs between the niches, along with flower decorations. Above, a waist section supports the structure, culminating in a flat platform topped with a gem-shaped finial. The pagoda’s body features intricate relief sculptures of guardians, bodhisattvas, and cloud dragons, showcasing diverse and vivid representations. The highest tier, standing on the lotus, constitutes one-third of the entire height of the pagoda, with arches on the four sides and standing guardian figures.

Cultural Heritage Protection

On October 28, 1957, Tianning Pagoda was announced as one of the first municipal-level protected cultural relics by the Beijing Municipal Government. On January 13, 1988, it was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Tourist Information

Location

Tianning Temple is located at No. 3 Jia, Tianning Temple Front Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区天宁寺前街甲3号).

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take bus routes 19, 40, 42, 46, 49, 50, 62, 69, 390, or 676 to Guang’anmen North Station.
  • By Car: Tianning Temple is approximately 4.4 kilometers from the Xicheng District Government, which is about a 12-minute drive.

Travel Tips

  • Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds.
  • Check the opening hours before your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple complex.

Add More About How to Get There

For those traveling by subway, the nearest station is Xidan Station on Line 1. From there, it’s a short bus or taxi ride to the temple. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more peaceful experience.