Tongjiao Temple in Beijing
Overview
Tongjiao Temple (通教寺, Tōngjiàosì) is located in the Nuns’ Temple (尼僧寺庙, Nísēng Sìmiào) at 19 Zhenxian Hutong, Dongzhimen Inner Street, Beijing, China. Its history can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (明代, Míngdài). Originally founded by a eunuch during the Ming Dynasty, it was transformed into a nunnery in the Qing Dynasty (清代, Qīngdài) and renamed “Tongjiao Chanlin” (通教禅林). In 1942, two nuns, Kaihui (开慧, Kāihuì) and Shengyu (胜雨, Shèngyǔ), undertook its expansion.
Tongjiao Temple was reoriented to face east, moving surrounding residents to expand the temple grounds to over four acres and officially renaming it “Tongjiao Temple.”
Historical Development
The exact founding date of Tongjiao Temple is untraceable; it is believed to have begun in the Ming Dynasty and underwent repairs in the Qing Dynasty. Originally, it was a small temple with only a few halls. By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, the temple fell into disrepair, with damaged Buddha statues and only one elderly bhikshuni (比丘尼, bǐqiūní) residing there.
In 1942, two bhikshunis from Fujian, Kaihui and Shengyu, who were living at Guangci Temple (广慈寺, Guǎngcí Sì) in Beijing, decided to rebuild Tongjiao Temple after learning and practicing Buddhist teachings at Jinglian Temple (净莲寺, Jìnglián Sì). They raised funds to renovate the main hall and constructed additional buildings, including the north and south wings, the Amitabha Hall (念佛堂, Niànbuddhà) and the Five Observations Hall (五观堂, Wǔguān Táng).
After the founding of New China, Tongjiao Temple strictly adhered to Buddhist regulations, allowing the nuns to lead a lawful religious life. During the Cultural Revolution (文化大革命, Wénhuà Dàgémìng), religious artifacts were destroyed, and the nuns were scattered.
Renovation Period
After 1978, the People’s Government implemented a policy of religious freedom, leading to the renovation of Tongjiao Temple. The nuns who had left during the Cultural Revolution were invited back, and long-stopped religious activities were restored. In 1983, it was designated as a key national temple in Han areas (汉族地区, Hànzú Dìqū).
Architectural Style
Tongjiao Temple features a mountain gate (山门, Shān Mén) with three sections, facing east and measuring 9.5 meters wide and 3.8 meters deep. The interior is adorned with a white plaster ceiling, floral brick flooring, and a green glazed tile roof, decorated with ridge beasts and smaller animals, with a plaque reading “Tongjiao Temple.”
The main building, the Great Hero Hall (大雄宝殿, Dàxióng Bǎodiàn), faces east and consists of five sections, topped with green glazed tiles and featuring a traditional hard mountain roof structure.
In front of the main hall, there are three eaves with a hipped roof, adorned with ridge beasts and other decorations. The interior boasts a coffered ceiling with colorful patterns and polished stone flooring. The north and south auxiliary halls each contain seven rooms with grey tube tiles and plaster ceilings.
Opposite the mountain gate is a park filled with lush pine and cypress trees, as well as unique flowers and plants, enhancing the tranquil environment of the temple. Upon entering the mountain gate, visitors are greeted by the newly renovated Great Hero Hall.
Great Hero Hall
Inside the Great Hero Hall, there is a lotus seat with a statue of Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛, Āmítuófó), displaying a dignified and intricately crafted appearance. On either side of the hall are well-maintained monk residences, with the Five Observations Hall to the left front and the Amitabha Hall to the right front. There are also two stone tablets erected during the 1942 renovation.
The existing major Buddhist structures within Tongjiao Temple include the Great Hero Hall, Amitabha Hall, Five Observations Hall, and the nunnery (尼舍, Níshè), with the Great Hero Hall being particularly notable for its depiction of the “Fifty-Three Visits of Sudhana” (善财童子五十三参画像, Shàncái Tóngzǐ Wǔshísān Cān Huàxiàng).
The temple also houses two stone inscriptions and preserves a copy of the Japanese “Taisho Tripitaka” (大正藏, Dàzhèng Zàng).
Travel Information
- Address: 19 Zhenxian Hutong, Dongzhimen Inner Street, Beijing, China.
- Transportation: Accessible via the Dongzhimen Subway Station or bus routes 413 and 815.
