Dongyue Taoist Temple (东岳庙), located in Beijing, is a historic and culturally significant religious site that holds a prominent place in Taoist tradition. With a history dating back over 600 years, the temple stands as a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of China.
Situated in the Chaoyang District, Dongyue Temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture and tranquil surroundings. Its design embodies traditional Chinese temple aesthetics, featuring magnificent gateways, ornate pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The temple complex covers a vast area, with various halls, courtyards, and altars dedicated to different deities and Taoist beliefs.
Dongyue Temple holds a special significance for Taoists as it is regarded as the headquarters of the Beijing Taoist Association. Devotees and visitors flock to the temple to pay homage to various Taoist gods, seek blessings, and participate in religious rituals and ceremonies. The temple’s serene atmosphere provides a sanctuary for spiritual reflection and meditation amidst the bustling city.
Dongyue Taoist Temple is situated in the Chaoyang District, which is a bustling area in Beijing. Its exact address is No. 141 Chaowai Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 75, 101, 109, 110, 139, or 615, get off at Shenlu Street Stop (神路街站), and you will be standing right at the entrance of the temple.
Subway: The nearest subway station to Dongyue Taoist Tempel is Dongdajie (东大街) on line 6. After getting out of the station from Exit A, walk about 600 meters to the west to reach the temple.
A Brief History of Dongyue Taoist Temple
Dongyue Temple in Beijing was founded during the Yuan Dynasty. In 1276, Taoist priest Zhang Liusun arrived in the capital and later decided to establish a temple dedicated to the Eastern Peak God, Dongyue Emperor. In 1319, he acquired land outside the city gate, but he passed away before construction began. His disciple, Wu Quanjie, continued the project, completing the main hall and entrance gate in 1322. By 1323, the temple was officially named “Rensheng Palace,” and in 1325, a rear hall was added with the support of a Yuan princess.
During the Ming Dynasty, the temple underwent multiple renovations. In 1447, Emperor Yingzong initiated repairs and renamed the main halls. Later, in 1560, a palace eunuch funded major restorations, adding a decorative wall and a well for visitors. Further enhancements were made in 1575 by Empress Dowager Li, who financed repairs alongside the Wanli Emperor. By 1592, new halls and gateways were constructed.
The Qing Dynasty continued the temple’s preservation. After a fire in 1698, Emperor Kangxi ordered reconstruction, completed in 1702. Emperor Qianlong also oversaw repairs in 1761. In 1836, the temple expanded with new halls and charitable initiatives, including a school for poor children.
During the Republic of China, war and economic decline led to the temple’s deterioration. It was later repurposed for government use. In 1986, restoration efforts began, and in 1997, the temple was transformed into the Beijing Folklore Museum, preserving its historical and cultural significance.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Touching the Copper Mule: One of the highlights of the temple is the Copper Mule statue, believed to be the mount of Wen Chang, the God of Literature. Legend has it that touching the statue can heal illnesses and bring good fortune.
The Seventy-Six Departments: Upon entering the temple courtyard, you’ll notice two side corridors with seventy-six departments on each side. Each department is presided over by a deity responsible for judging good and evil. The statues in each department depict various scenes from the underworld. While observing these statues, it’s important not to offer prayers or worship.
The Stone Forest: Adjacent to the main hall, there are two stone forests, one on the east and one on the west. The east stone forest contains a significant monument called the “Daoxing Stele,” protected by a glass cover. This stele, written by the renowned calligrapher Zhao Mengfu, is a treasure of the temple. Although many stone monuments were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the remaining ones bear visible signs of damage and repair, offering insight into the temple’s tumultuous history.
The Dongyue Temple in Beijing is definitely worth a visit on a sunny day. You might need to step outside and soak up some sun after checking out a few rooms. For those who are daring, you can visit on a cloudy day. Anyway, my friend and I were a bit scared to explore it alone, but the experience was great since there weren’t many people around.
The Dongyue Temple in Beijing is definitely worth a visit on a sunny day. You might need to step outside and soak up some sun after checking out a few rooms. For those who are daring, you can visit on a cloudy day. Anyway, my friend and I were a bit scared to explore it alone, but the experience was great since there weren’t many people around.