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.
When you have some free time, you can visit the Dongyue Temple for a stroll. You don’t have to worship; you can simply explore! There’s also a Folk Museum of Beijing in the temple, which is quite nice.
Stephanie Williams
10 months ago
The Dongyue Temple is right next to the guesthouse I’m staying at. On my first day in Beijing, I was captivated by its architecture. I took the opportunity to visit in the morning; the entrance ticket is 10 yuan. There weren’t many people, allowing for a peaceful tour of the site.
Denise Martinez
11 months ago
I arrived late today, and the main hall was still conducting a religious ceremony. To the west was the Folk Museum, but there weren’t many people around. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time, so I couldn’t explore much.
Tyler Martin
1 year ago
It’s the spookiest place in Beijing, so much that even under the bright sun, it sends chills down your spine. I haven’t been to Fengdu Ghost City, but I think you can get a taste of that kind of atmosphere here.
Tammy Harris
1 year ago
The area here is quite large, with many statues, but there are not many people around. I particularly like the statue of Dongyue Emperor in the main hall; it is very majestic. On both sides, there are the 76 Departments, which are referred to as the underworld or hell.
Timothy Torres Jr.
1 year ago
Located on Chaowai Street, Beijing Dongyue Temple is quite an interesting place to visit. Due to various factors, only the main courtyard of Daiyue Palace and the Yude Hall in the back serve as places for prayer (with Taoist priests and incense offerings), while the other areas function more as museum exhibition halls. The entrance fee is essentially for the museum experience. Overall, it’s a very peaceful place and worth a visit if you’re passing by.
Linda Bass
1 year ago
I took a walk around the Dongyue Temple in the city of Beijing, and wow, it was scorching hot! The sun was relentless, haha!
David Foster
1 year ago
Today I came mainly because I heard about the story of the Sea God Hall, which enshrines Mazu. Legend has it that during the turbulent times, this statue of Mazu was taken to Taiwan by her followers. She kept appearing in dreams saying she wanted to return to Beijing. Eventually, she made her way back to Meizhou Ancestral Temple, and was taken in by believers from Beijing, where they found that the base fit perfectly at the Sea God Hall.
Heather Oconnor
1 year ago
In the height of summer, Dongyue Temple is like a mini forest park, full of greenery. Walking through it, you can see ancient buildings in the architectural styles of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, numerous stone cultural relics, exquisite colored sculptures and paintings from the Ming Dynasty, over a hundred pairs of couplets and plaques… If you’re lucky, you might even encounter some little cats (didn’t see any today, but the security guard said they come in the morning… Read more »
Mr. Evan Molina
1 year ago
Dongyue Temple is a Taoist temple with many rooms, each room being managed by a different “official” responsible for both the yin and yang realms. Overall, it focuses heavily on the concepts of karma, retribution, and reincarnation, but some of the sculptures in the rooms can be quite scary.
Many of the temple’s staff members are dressed in Taoist attire, including children.
When you have some free time, you can visit the Dongyue Temple for a stroll. You don’t have to worship; you can simply explore! There’s also a Folk Museum of Beijing in the temple, which is quite nice.
The Dongyue Temple is right next to the guesthouse I’m staying at. On my first day in Beijing, I was captivated by its architecture. I took the opportunity to visit in the morning; the entrance ticket is 10 yuan. There weren’t many people, allowing for a peaceful tour of the site.
I arrived late today, and the main hall was still conducting a religious ceremony. To the west was the Folk Museum, but there weren’t many people around. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time, so I couldn’t explore much.
It’s the spookiest place in Beijing, so much that even under the bright sun, it sends chills down your spine. I haven’t been to Fengdu Ghost City, but I think you can get a taste of that kind of atmosphere here.
The area here is quite large, with many statues, but there are not many people around. I particularly like the statue of Dongyue Emperor in the main hall; it is very majestic. On both sides, there are the 76 Departments, which are referred to as the underworld or hell.
Located on Chaowai Street, Beijing Dongyue Temple is quite an interesting place to visit. Due to various factors, only the main courtyard of Daiyue Palace and the Yude Hall in the back serve as places for prayer (with Taoist priests and incense offerings), while the other areas function more as museum exhibition halls. The entrance fee is essentially for the museum experience. Overall, it’s a very peaceful place and worth a visit if you’re passing by.
I took a walk around the Dongyue Temple in the city of Beijing, and wow, it was scorching hot! The sun was relentless, haha!
Today I came mainly because I heard about the story of the Sea God Hall, which enshrines Mazu. Legend has it that during the turbulent times, this statue of Mazu was taken to Taiwan by her followers. She kept appearing in dreams saying she wanted to return to Beijing. Eventually, she made her way back to Meizhou Ancestral Temple, and was taken in by believers from Beijing, where they found that the base fit perfectly at the Sea God Hall.
In the height of summer, Dongyue Temple is like a mini forest park, full of greenery. Walking through it, you can see ancient buildings in the architectural styles of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, numerous stone cultural relics, exquisite colored sculptures and paintings from the Ming Dynasty, over a hundred pairs of couplets and plaques… If you’re lucky, you might even encounter some little cats (didn’t see any today, but the security guard said they come in the morning… Read more »
Dongyue Temple is a Taoist temple with many rooms, each room being managed by a different “official” responsible for both the yin and yang realms. Overall, it focuses heavily on the concepts of karma, retribution, and reincarnation, but some of the sculptures in the rooms can be quite scary.
Many of the temple’s staff members are dressed in Taoist attire, including children.