Zhihua Temple in Beijing

Zhihua Temple in Beijing

Overview

Zhihua Temple (智化寺), located at No. 5, Lumingcang Hutong (禄米仓胡同), Dongcheng District (东城区), Beijing (北京市), is renowned as the largest wooden structure from the Ming Dynasty (明代) in the capital. It was constructed in the eighth year of the Zheng Tong era (正统) (1443) and originally served as the ancestral temple for the eunuch Wang Zhen (王振) from the Directorate of Ceremonial.

During the reign of the Ming Emperor Yingzong (明英宗), Wang Zhen, a favored court official, held immense power despite being a eunuch. His wealth allowed him to build a lavish ancestral temple, which was named “Baoyin Zhihua Zen Temple” (报恩智化禅寺) in recognition of his service to the emperor. Zhihua Temple is the most well-preserved Ming wooden structure in Beijing. Although the buildings have undergone several renovations, they retain the architectural style of the early Ming period, particularly notable in the intricate coffered ceilings (藻井), which hold significant historical and scientific value for studying Ming wooden architecture.

On March 4, 1961, Zhihua Temple was announced by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院) as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics.

Historical Development

In the 14th year of the Zheng Tong era (1449), the Mongolian forces invaded, and Wang Zhen encouraged Emperor Yingzong to lead an army, resulting in a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Tumubao (土木堡). Emperor Yingzong was captured, an event known as the “Tumubao Incident.” After Emperor Yingzong’s restoration, he commemorated Wang Zhen by establishing a shrine for him in Zhihua Temple.

In the first year of the Tianshun era (天顺) (1457), after his return to power, Emperor Yingzong awarded the temple with a complete collection of the Buddhist Canon (大藏经) and two cabinets, further enhancing the temple’s prestige. Throughout the Ming Dynasty, Zhihua Temple remained vibrant, with continuous worship and activities.

However, during the seventh year of the Qianlong era (乾隆) (1742), Wang Zhen’s statue was ordered to be destroyed, and the associated inscriptions were erased, leading to a decline in the temple’s prominence. By the Guangxu era (光绪), the temple’s structures had deteriorated significantly.

After the invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance in 1900, Zhihua Temple suffered extensive damage. During the Republic of China period, the temple fell into further disrepair, leaving only 199 rooms, with maintenance relying on rental income. Some renovations were made in 1938, but parts of the temple were appropriated for breweries.

In 1990, Zhihua Temple was officially opened to the public, and by 1992, it was fully accessible. In 1994, the Beijing Cultural and Museum Exchange Center (北京市文博交流馆) was established within the temple.

Architectural Layout

Zhihua Temple comprises five main courtyards, with the primary structures aligned along the north-south axis. From south to north, the sequence includes the Mountain Gate (山门), Zhihua Gate (智化门), Zhihua Hall (智化殿), Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion (万佛阁), Great Compassion Hall (大悲堂), and the Hall of All Laws (万法堂). Each main hall is flanked by auxiliary buildings. Originally, the temple housed hundreds of rooms across more than 2 hectares, with a five-courtyard layout. Currently, the central route retains the Mountain Gate, Bell and Drum Tower (钟鼓楼), Zhihua Gate, Zhihua Hall, Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion, and Great Compassion Hall, while the east and west wings have been repurposed for a primary school and residences.

Main Buildings

Mountain Gate

The Mountain Gate, located at the southernmost point of Zhihua Temple, features a brick construction imitating wooden structure, with an arched door and a single-eaved hip roof covered with black glazed tiles. It measures 7.1 meters wide and has a stone inscription stating “Imperially Granted to Zhihua Temple.” Two stone lions guard the entrance, and a wall originally faced the gate but was demolished after liberation.

Bell and Drum Tower

Inside the Mountain Gate stands the Bell and Drum Tower, with identical structures on the east and west sides, each topped with a black glazed tile roof. Each measures 7.1 meters in width and depth, with an arched entrance, featuring ornate bracket sets above the doors.

Zhihua Gate

Zhihua Gate serves as the main building of the first courtyard, measuring 13.3 meters wide and approximately 10 meters deep. It has a single-eaved hip roof and is adorned with a plaque stating “Zhihua Gate.” The gate is flanked by the Bell and Drum Tower on either side.

Zhihua Hall

Located behind Zhihua Gate, Zhihua Hall is the main hall of the temple, facing north and featuring a single-eaved hip roof. It is 18 meters wide and 14.5 meters deep. The hall houses a prominent coffered ceiling, showcasing intricate carvings and decorative elements, significant for studying Ming architecture.

East and West Side Halls

Flanking Zhihua Hall are the East Hall (大智殿) and the West Hall (藏殿), both featuring similar architectural styles and black glazed tile roofs. The West Hall houses a unique prayer wheel cabinet, known as the Cang Hall (藏殿).

Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion

This structure, the largest on the central axis, houses the main statue of Buddha, earning its name. It is a two-story building adorned with numerous niches containing over 9,000 smaller Buddha statues.

Great Compassion Hall and Hall of All Laws

These are the main structures of the two courtyards north of the Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion. The Great Compassion Hall, formerly known as the Pure Land Hall, served as a lecture hall for senior monks.

Cultural Value

Zhihua Temple’s layout, facing south, reflects Ming architectural characteristics. Despite renovations, it retains clear features transitioning from the Song Dynasty (宋代) to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (明清). The coffered ceilings within the halls provide significant historical and scientific insights into Ming wooden architecture.

The temple’s decorative paintings and Buddhist music are unique treasures, showcasing important artistic value. The layout and artistic techniques used in the construction have influenced subsequent architectural works.

Theft of Cultural Relics

The coffered ceilings of Zhihua Temple, intricately crafted, are considered exquisite examples of ancient wooden architecture. Particularly notable are those in the Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion and Zhihua Hall, characterized by their stunning design and craftsmanship. In the early 1930s, they were stolen by temple monks and are now housed in the Nelson-Atkins Museum in the United States and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Cultural Relic Protection

After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the government strengthened the protection and maintenance of this precious Ming architectural complex. In 1957, Zhihua Temple was designated as a cultural relic protection unit. In 1961, it was recognized as a national key cultural relic. Subsequent renovations and restoration efforts were undertaken in 1986, 1987, and again in 2012, focusing on damaged sections and structural stability.

Travel Information

Address

Zhihua Temple (智化寺)
No. 5, Lumingcang Hutong (禄米仓胡同)
Dongcheng District (东城区), Beijing (北京市)

Opening Hours

Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays).

Admission Fee

The ticket price is 20 yuan per person. Every Wednesday, the first 200 visitors and pre-booked minors can enter for free. University students with valid student IDs receive a half-price discount. Seniors, disabled individuals, active soldiers, primary and secondary school students, and recipients of honorary awards for bravery in Beijing can enter for free with valid documentation.