Yuandushi Temple in Longtan Park, Beijing

Yuandushi Temple in Longtan Park, Beijing

Yuandushi Temple (Yuandushi Miao, 袁崇焕庙) is situated in the lush cypress grove by the West Lake in Longtan Park (龙潭公园), Beijing (北京市). Established 85 years ago, the temple features couplets inscribed by Kang Youwei (康有为) on either side of the entrance. Inside, a stone statue of Yuan Chonghuan (袁崇焕) adorns the main wall, complemented by various historical stone carvings, including “Ming Yuan Dushi Miao Ji” (《明袁督师庙记》) and others mainly authored by Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao (梁启超). These works hold significant historical and calligraphic value. In 1984, the temple was officially designated as a municipal cultural heritage site.

Temple Background

Yuandushi Temple, also known as Yuan Ancestral Hall (袁祠), consists of three rooms, facing east from the west. Inside, visitors can find the statue of Yuan Chonghuan and several stone inscriptions of his writings. The main entrance features the hand-written “Yuandushi Miao” (袁督师庙) by Kang Youwei. A commemorative hall has been established behind the temple, showcasing the heroic deeds of Yuan Chonghuan. This temple, located in the northwest of the park, is a key protected cultural relic in Beijing, constructed by Zhang Bozhen (张伯祯) from Dongguan (东莞) in Guangdong Province (广东省) in 1717 and renovated in 1980 to honor the national hero.

Historical Figures

Yuan Chonghuan (袁崇焕)

Courtesy Name: Yuanshu (字元素)
Style Name: Ziru (号自如)
Origin: Shijie Town (石碣镇), Dongguan County (东莞县), Guangdong Province

Yuan Chonghuan passed the imperial examination in 1619 (the 47th year of the Wanli era, 明万历四十七年) and was appointed as the magistrate of Shaowu County (邵武县), Fujian Province (福建). Over the next five years, he led forces against the Later Jin (后金), defeating Nurhaci (努尔哈赤) and later his son, Hong Taiji (皇太极). To delay conflict, Yuan suggested peace talks with Hong Taiji, which were initially approved by Emperor Tianshun (天启皇帝). Yuan was a significant political figure and military leader during the late Ming Dynasty (明朝), later executed under Emperor Chongzhen (崇祯帝) for various charges, including the death of General Mao Wenlong (毛文龙) and unauthorized peace negotiations.

Historical Context

Around October 1627 (the seventh year of the Tianshun era, 天启七年), Yuan Chonghuan was forced to resign and return to Teng County (藤县), Guangxi Province. In 1628 (the first year of the Chongzhen era), Emperor Chongzhen reappointed him as the Minister of War (兵部尚书) and Right Vice Minister of the Imperial Guard (右副都御史), overseeing military affairs in Ji (蓟) and Liao (辽). Yuan was granted the title of Taizi Taibao (太子太保) and received various honors.

In 1629 (the second year of the Chongzhen era), Hong Taiji led an army to bypass Yuan’s defenses, capturing the city of Zunhua (遵化) and advancing to Beijing. Yuan rushed to the capital but faced opposition from political factions that accused him of treason. He was imprisoned and executed on August 16, 1630 (the third year of the Chongzhen era, 崇祯三年) in Xishi (西市).

Visitor Information

Location

Address: Longtan Road 8 (龙潭路8号), Longtan Lake Park (龙潭湖公园), Chongwen District (崇文区), Beijing.

Ticket Price

Longtan Lake Park: 2 RMB
Monthly pass: 5 RMB
Seasonal pass: 15 RMB

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: The temple is suitable for visits in all seasons.

Dining Options

Hongyuan Shuanrou City (宏源涮肉城) (Longtan Lake Branch)
Shanshuijian Yangjizi Hot Pot (山水间羊羯子火锅) (Longtan Lake Branch)
Maxim Restaurant (马克西姆餐厅) located north of Beijing Amusement Park (北京游乐园), known for signature dishes like Bordeaux Foie Gras (波尔多酒鹅肝酱) and colorful flounder.

Accommodation Recommendations

7 Days Inn (七天酒店) (Tiantan Branch, 天坛店)
Tiantan Hotel (天坛饭店)
Holiday Inn (假日酒店)
Sicilian Hotel (西西里酒店)
Century Hengtong Hotel (世纪恒通宾馆)
Dabao Hotel (大宝饭店)

Public Transportation

Bus: Take Beijing Bus No. 8 and get off at Longtan Lake (龙潭湖).
Alternatively, take Bus No. 116, 352, 6, 60, 684, 750, 807, 938, or 958 and get off at Beijing Amusement Park (北京游乐园).
Take Bus No. 12 and get off at Longtan Lake Swimming Pool (龙潭湖游泳池).