Tongjiao Temple: Lilacs Blooming and Incense Lingering in the Depths of the Hutongs

Hidden deep in the Zhenxian Hutong in Dongzhimen, Beijing, lies a little-known Buddhist nunnery, Tongjiao Temple, the only one of its kind remaining in Beijing. Several lilac trees in the temple are in full bloom, filling the air with fragrance. With few people and beautiful scenery, it is a rare place of peace and quiet, and a great place to admire the lilacs ‼️ Lilac, also known as Syringa oblata, has a history of more than 1,000 years in China. It is called lilac because its calyx is as thin and fragrant as a nail. Lilac flowers are purple and white, common but not frivolous. White lilacs are pure and clean, while purple lilacs are quiet and profound. The lilacs are in full bloom, lush and lively, with a light fragrance, reminiscent of the sad girl holding an oil-paper umbrella. 📚Background Information: 1️⃣Tongjiao Temple was first built in the Ming Dynasty by a eunuch. It was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty and converted into a nunnery, renamed "Tongjiao Chan Forest." In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, the halls were dilapidated and the Buddha statues were destroyed, leaving only an elderly Bhikkhuni (nun) in the temple. 2️⃣In 1942, two Bhikkhunis, Kaihui and Shengyu, raised funds to rebuild the temple, constructing buildings such as the North and South Buildings, the Amitabha Hall, the Five Contemplations Hall, and the Great Dormitory. In the 1960s, the statues and dharma objects were destroyed, and the nuns were scattered. It was rebuilt after 1978. 🌈Highlights: ✅Mountain Gate: It has three rooms, facing west to east, 9.5m wide and 3.8m deep, with a white ash roof, patterned brick floor, hard mountain green glazed tile roof, with ridge beasts and small animals, and a plaque with the words "Tongjiao Temple." A pair of Vajra warriors stand in front of the gate, solemn and dignified. ✅Mahavira Hall: It is famous for the "Sudhana's Fifty-Three Visits" paintings in the hall. It faces west to east, is five rooms wide, with a green glazed tile roof, and a large hard mountain three-roll linked roof. In front of the hall is a three-room gable-roofed veranda with kiss beasts, main beasts, and small beasts on the roof ridge. The interior has a wellhead ceiling decorated with swirling painted patterns, and the floor is made of terrazzo square bricks. 🎫Tickets: Free ⏰Opening Hours: 8:30–16:30 🚗Transportation: Take bus 162, bus 44 outer ring, bus 142, subway line 5/subway line 2 outer ring