Wanshou Xinglong Temple in Beijing

Location

Wanshou Xinglong Temple (万寿兴隆寺) is located at No. 39 Beichang Street (北长街), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市). Originally a Buddhist hall for the Military Bureau during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), it was rebuilt as Wanshou Xinglong Temple in the 39th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (康熙帝, 1700). It is one of the “Eight Outer Temples” (外八庙) of Beijing and currently serves as residential housing.

Architectural Layout

Wanshou Xinglong Temple is oriented from west to east and consists of three main architectural lines: east, middle, and west. The middle line features three halls dedicated to the Sea God (海神), Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), and Bodhisattva (菩萨). The western annex has three halls each for Guanyin (观音), Shakyamuni (释迦), and the Queen Mother (娘娘). The eastern annex includes a Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿), while the western annex is dedicated to Guan Yu (关帝). In front of the western line are a stage (戏台), a corridor (过厅), and a Weituo Hall (韦驮殿). The northern hall comprises five sections, housing the Three-World Buddha (三世佛), Xuantian Shangdi (玄天上帝), and Huode Zhenjun (火德真君). The temple is relatively large and well-preserved, providing valuable material for studying Buddhist architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties (明清).

Historical Development

  • During the Ming Dynasty (明朝), this site served as a Buddhist hall for the Military Bureau.
  • In the 20th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (康熙二十年, 1681), the hall was renovated.
  • In the 28th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (康熙二十八年, 1689), it underwent another renovation.
  • In the 39th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (康熙三十九年, 1700), the hall was transformed into Wanshou Xinglong Temple.
  • After 1949, it was used as a residence for elderly eunuchs and later transitioned into private housing.
  • In 2004, Wanshou Xinglong Temple was renovated.

Cultural Relics

Originally, Wanshou Xinglong Temple housed various stele inscriptions, including:

  • A stele commemorating the renovations by Mi Hanwen (米汉雯).
  • Stele from the 32nd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (康熙三十二年, 1693).
  • Stele from the 26th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (乾隆二十六年, 1761) concerning a charity association.
  • Stele from the 32nd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (乾隆三十二年, 1767) related to a flower offering.
  • Additional steles from the Tongzhi (同治), Guangxu (光绪), and Xuantong (宣统) periods.

Historical Significance

Wanshou Xinglong Temple is one of the “Eight Outer Temples” (外八庙) of Beijing, which includes Xuanren Temple (宣仁庙), Ninghe Temple (凝和庙), Pudu Temple (普渡寺), Zhenwu Temple (真武庙), Zhaoxian Temple (昭显庙), Wanshou Xinglong Temple (万寿兴隆寺), Jingmo Temple (静默寺), and Fuyou Temple (福佑寺). From the Ming to the Qing Dynasty, emperors performed rituals at the Temple of Heaven (天坛) for wind, rain, thunder, and clouds. During the Yongzheng Emperor’s reign (雍正帝), due to frequent disasters associated with these elements, he decided to separate their worship and constructed four temples outside the Forbidden City (故宫), collectively known as the “Eight Outer Temples” of Beijing.

Cultural Value

Wanshou Xinglong Temple is significant for its size and well-preserved layout, providing essential physical evidence for studying Buddhist architecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Preservation Status

On August 1, 1989, Wanshou Xinglong Temple was designated as one of the first batch of district-level cultural relics protection units by the Xicheng District People’s Government (西城区人民政府). On August 27, 2021, it was recognized as one of the ninth batch of municipal cultural relics protection units by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government (北京市人民政府).

Tourist Information

Geographic Location

Wanshou Xinglong Temple is located at No. 39 Beichang Street (北长街), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市).

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Visitors can take bus lines 5, Sightseeing Line 1 (观光1线), or Sightseeing Line 2 (观光2线), and alight at Beihai North Station (北海南站).
  • Driving: Wanshou Xinglong Temple is approximately 3.9 kilometers from the Xicheng District Government (西城区人民政府), taking about 15 minutes by car.