Although it is right in the heart of Beijing, Zhihuasi (literally, the Temple of Attained Wisdom) is one of the lesser known temples in the city. The temple built in 1443 is in the Chaoyangmen district, but few people find their way there. A visit to the temple is definitely worth it because it is one of Beijing's finest examples of Buddhist architectural complexes from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

The temple was built by a eunuch named Wang Zhen, who, even in China, had a questionable reputation. The Ming emperor Zhentong (1427-1464) was only eight years old when he came to the throne. Because of the imperial protocol that isolated him from others, the child emperor soon fell into the clutches of Wang Zhen. The eunuch was in effect running the country and had no qualms about using his position to advance his own agenda. In a way, Wang Zhen built the Zhihua temple as a monument to himself by stealing from government coffers.

Wan fo – ten thousand buddhas

The whole temple complex has seven halls. Many of them have black-tiled roofs typical of the era when they were built. The grandly decorated "hall of ten thousand buddhas" is dedicated to the Tathagata Buddha, known in China as Ru lai fo. The two-storey building is dominated by a two-meter high wooden statue, but 9999 miniature-sized, about 13 cm in height, buddhas fill the small niches on the wall. There are literally 10,000 buddhas, wan fo, in this hall. In the 1930s one of the grand cupolas in the hall was brought to the United States. It is now in the Nelson Museum in Kansas.

The gatekeeper to the Hall of the Ten Thousand Buddhas. (Image: Radio86)Another of the attractions in the temple is the 600-year old sutra cabinet, where sacred writing is kept. Engravings of animals, people, plants and gods decorate the round cabinet which rests on a marble pedestal.

The Zhihua temple covers two-square kilometers. It is no longer used primarily for religious purposes but as a spot for paying tourists. A bell- and a drum tower are on either side of the temple entrance. Tourists are welcome to strike the 600-year-old bronze bell, to the eternal delight of those living nearby.

Musical and architectural gems

Zhihua temple is also famous for promoting traditional Buddhist music from the Ming dynasty. In the temple, a "yellow-robed" house band plays everyday at 9, 10 and 11 o'clock in the morning and at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The concerts last for about 15 minutes. It would be worth it to time your visit to coincide with these performances.

The drum tower just got a new coat of paint. (Image: Radio86)People who enjoy Ming dynasty architecture should especially visit the Zhihua temple, located along Lumicang hutong, just walking distance from Beijing's most important shopping street, Wangfujing.

If you're coming by taxi, take with you a sign saying Chaoyangmen nan Xiaojie, where the hutong begins and walk the rest of the way. Cars are not really suitable in the old alleys of Central Beijing.

Opening hours: everyday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Tickets cost two yuan (under 2€).