Ninghe Temple

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! As a tourist guide, I would like to introduce you to one of the most fascinating historical sites in the city - the Níng Hé Temple. The Níng Hé Temple, also known as the "Cloud God Temple," is located at No. 46 Beichizi Street in Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was built during the eighth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1730) and was used to worship the Cloud God, hence its nickname. The temple is one of the eight temples outside the Forbidden City and is now a cultural heritage site protected by the Beijing Municipal Government. The construction of the Níng Hé Temple was decided upon in the seventh year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign (1729), along with the Zhao Xian Temple on North Chang Street, which worships the Thunder God. At that time, the Dragon God (Rain God Temple, or Shiyin Palace) and the Wind God (Wind God Temple, or Xuanren Temple) already had their own temples, but the Thunder God and the Cloud God did not. Therefore, the Níng Hé Temple was built according to the same specifications as the Shiyin Palace and Xuanren Temple. The temple has an imperial plaque with the words "Xing Ze Zhao Cai" written by Emperor Yongzheng himself. During the Qing Dynasty, the Níng Hé Temple was frequently visited by officials who came to Beijing because of its proximity to the Forbidden City. In the Republican era, the temple was converted into a school called "Beiping No. 43 Primary School." During the People's Republic of China, it was renamed "Xiangyang Primary School" and later became the Beichizi campus of Dengshikou Primary School in 2014. The Níng Hé Temple is also a cultural heritage site protected by the Beijing Municipal Government. According to the Qianlong "Map of Beijing" and on-site investigations, the Níng Hé Temple faces south and is surrounded by temple walls. The main buildings include: Archway: There used to be two archways on the east and west sides of the temple wall (two pillars and one door or four pillars and three doors), but they no longer exist. Screen Wall: There is a screen wall on the south side after entering the east and west archways, with the temple gate on the north side. This large screen wall is made of glazed bricks and covered with glazed tiles, measuring 22.9 meters long and 0.95 meters thick, with a stone-made Sumeru pedestal below it. However, this screen wall no longer exists. Temple Gate: Located north-facing south, the temple gate is 16.8 meters wide and 6.6 meters deep, with three rooms. As you can see, the Níng Hé Temple is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical site that reflects the architectural style and culture of the Qing Dynasty. I hope you enjoy your visit to this fascinating temple and learn more about the rich history of Beijing.

Location: Donghuamen Subdistrict

Source: Wikimedia