Dongwutai Temple

Dongwutai Temple

Dongwutai Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Dongwutai Temple is located in Xishuangtang Village, Shuangtang Town, Jinghai County, Tianjin, covering an area of 120 mu with a construction area of 79,920 square meters. Historical records indicate that during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty, Master Zhiyuan traveled here, recognized the land’s spiritual significance, and built a temple on the site. Using his exceptional Buddhist medical skills, he helped the local people ward off disasters and alleviate suffering, earning their deep affection and respect. Spontaneously, the community raised funds and over a three-year period, expanded the temple into a grand and magnificent religious complex. Due to its majestic presence and strong spiritual energy, the temple attracted a continuous stream of worshippers, creating a scene of thriving prosperity.

The temple site endured many hardships. In the early years of the Republic of China, as new-style schools were being widely established nationwide, the temple was forced to be converted into a national university. Later, it was destroyed by a rare catastrophic flood, leading to the decline of the sacred site. During the Japanese invasion of China, the remaining precious cultural relics at the site were looted, leaving only ruins behind, a truly desolate sight. Because the site had a profound impact on the public, there was strong local desire to restore the original temple.

On March 28, 2003, reconstruction was approved by the Religious Affairs Bureau of the Tianjin Municipal Government. On April 7, the foundation stone was laid. Subsequently, construction was completed on over 10,000 square meters of buildings, including the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Liberation Pond, and the Bell and Drum Towers. The temple officially opened and was consecrated on October 1, 2005.