Baiyun Temple (White Cloud Temple; 白雲觀)
Baiyun Temple (White Cloud Temple)
Beijing's Baiyun Temple is an historic Taoist temple and monastery south of the Capital Museum and east of Beijing West Station.
The temple is known for its lively temple fair on the 19th day of the first lunar month.
History
Baiyun Temple originally dates from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in the mid-8th century.
At this time is was an important state-controlled institution.
Later in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) the temple was host to imperial ceremonies and was the center of Taoist administration in China.
Under Mongol rule, the Quanzhen School of Taoism under the master Qiu Chuji (1148-1227) at the temple sought to keep the peace between the Mongols and the Han.
Qiu Chuji had several meetings with Genghis Khan where he explained the philosophy of Taoism and its practices to aid longevity. Genghis Khan sought immortality but Qiu Chuji was brave and honest enough to tell the great ruler that Taoism could extend life but not for ever.
Indeed, it is Qiu Chuji (Master Changchun) who is celebrated at the annual fair at the temple.
The temple grounds hold many fine buildings. These include many dated from the 17th century. The Yuhuang Hall, Sanqing Hall, Laolü Hall and Qiuzu Hall are the most important.
During the Qing Period (1644-1912) the temple served as an ordination center for Taoist novices. The training was extremely rigorous and lasted for 4 years.
The temple was suppressed in 1949 but remained undamaged during the Cultural Revolution. It reopened in the 1980s.
Baiyun Temple Access
Baiyun Temple
9 Baiyunguan Street
Xicheng District
Beijing
Tel: 6346 3531
The nearest subway station is Nanlishilu Station on Line 1. Several Beijing buses stop closer. Tianning Temple is directly south about 1.5 km away. Tianning Temple (Temple of Heavenly Tranquility 天寧寺) is known for its 12th century solid, brick and stone pagoda. Other temples in Beijing are the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple.
Baiyun Temple Map
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