Chanfu Temple (Back Gate)

Chanfu Temple (Back Gate)

Chanfu Temple (Back Gate) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Chanfu Temple is the largest temple complex in Beihai. It was originally the Taisu Hall from the Ming Dynasty, a summer retreat for imperial family members. In the seventh year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1742), it served as the silkworm pavilion for the Xiancan Altar. After the death of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, mourning ceremonies were held here. In the eleventh year of Qianlong's reign (1746), the emperor, following his mother’s wishes, ordered it to be converted into a Buddhist temple, modeled after the scale of Longxing Temple in Zhengding County, Hebei Province, and bestowed the name Chanfu Temple.

Not far from the Great Western Paradise lies Chanfu Temple. Originally a temporary palace within the Ming Dynasty’s Taisu Hall and a summer retreat for the imperial family, it was used as the Xiancan Altar in the early years of the Qianlong reign. In the tenth year of Qianlong’s rule, by decree of Empress Dowager Xiaosheng, it was renamed “Chanfu Temple” as a site for imperial worship and prayers for blessings. From the first to the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month each year, Emperor Qianlong held grand blessing ceremonies here, personally inscribing the character “Fu” (blessing) to bestow upon his ministers. The recipients felt deeply honored by this imperial grace. This practice became an established tradition for the Qing imperial family to pray for good fortune. After the abdication of the last Qing emperor, the Xuantong Emperor, the blessing ceremony was discontinued. In 1919, when warlord troops were stationed here, a fire broke out and Chanfu Temple was largely destroyed. Today, the outer main structures are open for visitors to view.

Starting in 2004, Beihai Park has held the “Spring Welcoming and Blessing Culture Festival” centered around Chanfu Temple during the period from the lunar twelfth month to the first month, continuing the cultural tradition of praying for peace and prosperity in the nation.

Attraction Location

Chanfu Temple, Jiaochang Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing, China