Mahayana Nunnery

Mahayana Nunnery

Mahayana Nunnery is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Mahayana Nunnery is located in Linglong Lane, south of Balizhuang, Haidian District, Beijing, to the east of Cishou Temple Pagoda. It was built in the 25th year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty (1546). The site was originally the graveyard of eunuch Zhao Zheng, who raised funds to construct this nunnery in hopes that monks would offer incense for him for generations. It is said that the bricks and timber used in its construction were leftover materials from the Forbidden City, and the entire architecture is quite exquisite.

The temple complex faces south and is divided into three sections. The central section consists of the mountain gate, bell and drum towers, mountain gate hall, Mahavira Hall, rear hall, along with east and west side halls and auxiliary rooms, with Zhao Zheng’s tomb at the very back. A corner tower stands at each of the courtyard’s four corners. The Mahavira Hall features an architectural style from the Ming Dynasty. The central caisson ceiling decorated with a coiled dragon is exceptionally refined, and the hall houses Ming Dynasty murals. On both sides of the front terrace stand two Ming Dynasty stone steles. The eastern section includes the Vajra Hall, whose walls are inlaid with 61 Ming Dynasty stone carvings of the Diamond Sutra in 32 calligraphic styles, all exquisitely crafted. Mahayana Nunnery has long been known for its spaciousness and cleanliness. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, literati and poets often visited in spring to admire the scenery and flowers, leaving behind many poetic inscriptions.

Though not very large in scale, Mahayana Nunnery is spacious and spotless. Upon entering the mountain gate, ancient pines and cypresses shade the path, creating the feeling of entering a forest. Elegant flagpole stone bases and white mounting stones stand on either side. The bell tower lies to the east corner, and the drum tower to the west, both pavilion-shaped, uniquely designed and standing tall opposite each other. Stepping into the front hall, the fierce-looking "Heng" and "Ha" generals are awe-inspiring.

Passing through the front hall, you will see a grand hall standing majestically. The plaque above the door bears four golden characters, “Mahavira Hall,” shining brilliantly. Outside the gate, a stone turtle carries a stele, and incense smoke curls around the burner, giving the hall a solemn and magnificent appearance—this is the main hall. Inside, the carved beams and painted rafters create a richly ornate space. At the center stands a bronze statue of the Maitreya Buddha, bare-chested and smiling kindly, weighing several tons. The Eighteen Arhats are arranged on both sides, each with vivid expressions. The murals depict Buddhist stories with highly lifelike figures. At the center of the ceiling is a large caisson decorated with coiled dragons, whose heads reach down to hold a hanging lamp—an extremely rare feature not commonly found in temples or nunneries.

The east wing courtyard houses the Vajra Hall, with both its east and west walls made of white marble, engraved with the Diamond Sutra in 32 seal script styles. The characters are simple yet vigorous, making them rare treasures of ancient calligraphy. The west wing courtyard is shaded by pines and bamboos, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance, offering an especially tranquil and serene atmosphere. Qing dynasty scholars Wen Zhen and Wen Jing once studied here in seclusion during their early years. After their deaths, their descendants renovated the premises and inscribed the story on the courtyard walls. Beyond the main hall lies the rear courtyard, lush with flowers and trees, green grass like a carpet, and several creeping figs that are approximately two to three hundred years old.

The courtyard’s incense burner, stone pagoda, and flower stands are exquisitely carved and thoughtfully arranged. At the end of the meditation rooms stands a memorial archway, with the burial mound resembling a hill—that is Zhao Zheng’s tomb. A lush green pine tree stands atop the grave, its branches spreading like an umbrella, traditionally referred to as “the green pine pressing down the top.” From here, climbing up to look back, you can see the corner towers standing tall. Ascending the western tower and leaning on the railing, you can take in the nearby embankment, woods, and pagoda shadows, the distant fields like embroidered silk, and the majestic Western Hills rising close, their verdant beauty refreshing the spirit.

Address: Balizhuang Primary School, No. 7 Balizhuang Street, Haidian District, Beijing

Opening Hours:

Open all day (currently occupied by Balizhuang Primary School and not open to the public)

Balizhuang Subdistrict: Located in the southern part of Haidian District, Balizhuang Subdistrict was established in March 1963. Currently, the area has 35 community residents' committees, with a total administrative area of 6.5 square kilometers, a registered population of 82,878, and a migrant population of 59,489. In 2009, the subdistrict had a fiscal expenditure of 65.737 million yuan. The area is home to Fucheng Road, known for its premium dining street featuring restaurants such as Xiang E Qing, Jinyue, Lichang, and Shunfeng, making it one of Beijing’s four renowned specialty dining streets. Other notable institutions include the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Newspaper Office, Capital Normal University, Crystal CG Digital Technology Co., Ltd., and Beijing Kejingyuan Science... More detailed information about Balizhuang Subdistrict++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units