Donghua Temple Scripture Depository

Donghua Temple Scripture Depository

The Donghua Temple Scripture Depository is a cultural relics protection unit of Chongqing Municipality.

The Donghua Temple Scripture Depository is located on Kaixuan Road in Yuzhong District and dates back to the Ming Dynasty.

The Donghua Temple Scripture Depository, also known as the Yuquan Hall or the Imperial Scripture Hall, is located at No. 7 Kaixuan Road (formerly Donghua Lane), Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty and reconstructed in the Ming Dynasty, making it the oldest surviving wooden building in central Chongqing.

Donghua Temple was first built in the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. According to the 1939 (28th year of the Republic of China) “Baxian Annals,” it states: “Donghua Temple, located in Donghua Lane, was constructed during the Zhiyuan era (1335–1340) of the Yuan Dynasty. It underwent renovations in the 7th year of the Tianshun era (1463) and the 11th year of the Zhengde era (1516) of the Ming Dynasty. It houses imperial inscriptions from the Tang and Song dynasties. According to 'Records of Famous Sites in Shu,' quoting older records, it says: ‘Within the city lies Donghua Temple. Behind the temple are the eighteen Donghua Caves, all interconnected. Locals now call it the Immortal’s Mouth, believing that the True Lord of Donghua attained enlightenment here. The rear hall of the temple was destroyed by fire during the Republic of China era.’”

In 1926, a great fire engulfed Donghua Temple, burning down two-thirds of the entire complex, leaving only the Lingguan Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, and the Qiu Zu Hall. Thereafter, the temple faced further misfortunes. In 1939, it was bombed by Japanese aircraft, resulting in the destruction of the Qiu Zu Hall. In 1942, when Kaixuan Road was constructed, the remaining Lingguan Hall and Jade Emperor Hall were divided into two sections by the road — the Jade Emperor Hall on the upper side and the Lingguan Hall beneath. In 1953, the Lingguan Hall was demolished to make way for the construction of a Soviet-style grain storage facility. As a result, only the front hall of Donghua Temple, the Scripture Depository — formerly the Jade Emperor Hall — remains today. Covering an area of over 200 square meters, it features a unique design and classic ancient style, with glazed tile roofing, upturned eaves, and distinctive ridge sculptures. The craftsmanship is exquisite, exuding an antique charm, and it stands as a high-standard example of wooden architecture in China.

In 1983, the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government designated the “Donghua Temple Scripture Depository” as a municipal-level cultural relics protection unit. In October 2000, it was further listed as one of the first batch of municipal-level cultural relics protection units under the direct-administered municipality.