Lingzhao Temple

Lingzhao Temple

Lingzhao Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Beijing Municipality.

Lingzhao Temple is located on the north shore of Lianhua Lake in Yanqing County, Beijing. It was first built during the Jin Dynasty and was originally named Guanyin Temple. It was destroyed in a war toward the end of the Yuan Dynasty. In the 12th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1414 AD), it was rebuilt on the original site. In the autumn of the 5th year of the Zhengtong reign (1440), Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty bestowed upon it the name "Lingzhao Temple." Later, through continuous expansion by monks over the dynasties, the temple grew to a grand scale with a unique layout, and it once ranked among the scenic highlights of Yanqing.

Lingzhao Temple faces south and covers an area of 3,678 square meters, with a construction area of 1,065 square meters. It has a two-courtyard, three-hall layout. The Mountain Gate Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, and the Mahavira Hall are aligned along the central north-south axis, while the side halls include those dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Temple’s Sacred Banner House, and monk quarters. The halls are majestic, resplendent, solemn, and imposing.

In 1984, the Yanqing County People's Government listed Lingzhao Temple as a county-level cultural relic protection unit. In 1997, emergency restoration work was carried out on the temple, and all renovations were completed by July 1999. The temple has now been fully restored to its historical appearance. Stone inscriptions such as steles and pagodas have been added, along with new structures including the Zhonggu Tower, the Money Eye, Buddha statues, and the dining hall. The side halls also feature folk exhibition rooms displaying over 600 pieces of folk artifacts and photographs, introducing the vibrant and diverse folk culture created by the ancestors of the Guichuan region. About 100 meters to the west lies the Gushui Park, showcasing European-style architectural charm; the nearby Lianhua Lake dock can fulfill your dream of sailing on the Guishui waters.

Transportation Information

Take bus 919 from Deshengmen to Yanqing Station, then transfer to a minibus to Lingzhao Temple, located south of the People's Mall.

Contact Information Phone: 010-69180339

Address: 7 North West Road, Lianhua Lake, Yanqing

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units in Beijing