Miaoying Temple

Miaoying Temple, also known as the White Stupa Temple or White Dagoba Temple, is located in the Xicheng District of Beijing. There is a tall and spectacular white dagoba standing in it, hence the name. The dagoba is one of two famous white dagobas in Beijing, with the other one standing in Beihai Park.

The White Dagoba Temple, Beijing
The White Dagoba Temple


Miaoying Temple has experienced a long period of uncertainty in Chinese history. In the year 1271, Mongolian leader Kublai Khan united the whole country and started the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The governor of the spacious and mysterious Tibet also began to succumb to the central state at that time. To consolidate the relationship between the empire and the monkish power in Tibet and to gain the agreement of the Tibetan Buddhists among the Yuan officials, Kublai Khan granted imperial permission to build the White Dagoba. When it was completed in the year 1279, a further decree was given to grant the building of yet another temple around the dagoba within an area of 40 acres (16 hectares), which was defined by the landing spots of arrows shot in the four directions by the Emperor from the top of the dagaba. The temple was then obliged to adopt the name of 'Dashengshou Wan'an Temple'. The Dagoba, along with the capital Dadu (present Beijing), was called 'Golden City and Jade Dagoba' by the people then because of their grandiose appearance. Unfortunately, it was burnt to the ground in the year 1368, and amazingly only the White Dagoba remained. In the year 1457 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Emperor Tianshun commanded the reconstruction of it that covered an area of 3.2 acres (13,000 square meters), much smaller than the original size. It was then renamed 'Miaoying Temple'. The temple has been renewed in more recent times, but not as extensively as before.


Miaoying Temple is mainly composed of the White Dagoba and four halls, which store many lifelike Buddhist statues, classical Buddhist scriptures, five Buddhas' crowns, flowery cassocks, colorful fabrics and other rare valuables. The most famous is the golden Dagoba Longevity Statue at the height of 2.1 inches (5.4 cm) with over 40 rubies and bronzy Kwan-yin Bodhisattva Statue with a thousand hands and eyes. In addition, Miaoying Temple is the earliest known place for translating Buddhist scriptures.

Miaoying Temple mainly functioned as an imperial temple in the Yuan Dynasty. The governor then stipulated that all the important ceremonies should be rehearsed here three days ahead of the actual ritual. The sacrificial ceremony of Kublai Khan was also held here when he died, which proves its importance. In the later days of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the temple became one of the most renowned spots for temple fairs, which formed the popular saying 'August eighth, time to visit the white dagoba'. There was also a custom on the lunar Oct. 25th (the anniversary date of the completion of the dagoba) every year. Many lamas walked around the dagoba, chanting the scriptures and playing music. Even nowadays many devout followers pray for blessings around the dagoba.
 

White Dagoba

Beijing Baita Si
The Elegant White Dagoba
The white dagoba stands north to the centre of the Miaoyin Temple. It was designed by the Nepalese architect Anigo, whose work also includes the Buddhist Temples in Mt. Wutai. The bottom of the dagoba is a three-layered seat, the body appears to resemble an upside-down ice cream cone which makes it an interesting construction. Near the top is a solid bronze canopy above and thick wood at the bottom, which is well supported by a number of iron chains. The dagoba is topped by another small stupa. Small Buddhist characters and statues adorn the borders as well as wind-chimes, which transmit a clear and pleasant chime carried along in the breeze.

The dagoba is the earliest and largest Tibetan dagoba that remains as a witness of the once resplendence region of Dadu during the Yuan Dynasty and the friendship that existed between China and Nepal. It has now been listed as a key cultural spot that is now under the protection of the Chinese State Department. With high cultural value and heavenly beauty, Miaoying Temple is bound to amaze you and leave you with a unique and lasting impression.
 

How to get to Miaoying Temple

 By Bus:
Take bus 3, 7, 13, 42, 47, 101, 102, 103, 409, or 612 and get off at Baitasi (White Dagoba Temple) Station.
 By Subway:
1. Take Subway Line 2 to Fuchengmen Station. Get out from Exit B and walk to the east for about 700 yards (640m).
2. Take Subway Line 4 to Xisi Station. Get out from Exit A and walk to the west for about 900 yards (820m).
Beijing Bus / Subway Search

Admission Fee CNY 20 (the first 200 visitors on Wednesday can enter for free)
Opening Hours 9:00 - 16:30

 Neighboring Attractions:
 Temple of Ancient Monarchs
 Muslims Pushou Temple
 Lu Xun Museum
 National Political Consultative Hall 
 Beihai Park
 Geological Museum of China

- Last updated on Dec. 29, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on Miaoying Temple
Asked by Fiona from UNITED KINGDOM | Jun. 02, 2019 23:16Reply
Has the White Dagoba temple reopened yet?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica from NEW ZEALAND | Jun. 03, 2019 19:09
00Reply


Yes, it has reopened since December 6,2015.
Asked by Ksenia from RUSSIA | May. 29, 2015 04:17Reply
Will the pagoda be open in the middle of July?
I will be in Beijing from 14th through 18th of July, wanted to visit this temple. I heard that it had been under reconstruction since 2010. Does it really take so long?

Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Ia from SWEDEN | May. 29, 2015 04:21
10Reply


I would like for everyone to know that it's still closed for renovation, and the new date I got when calling 010-66166099 (they only speak Chinese) is October (but I wouldn't count on it).
Asked by Ia from SWEDEN | May. 26, 2015 22:37Reply
I only have one more month left in China and I really want to visit White Pagoba Temple.
I've tried to call the numbers I've found on-line, but with no luck. Does anyone know anything or how I can find out?
Answers (1)
Answered by Belly from AUSTRALIA | May. 27, 2015 01:31
11Reply


Oh, I found the number is 010-66166099. You can try it again. But I'm not sure whether they have English service or not.
The scenic spot is located at No.171, Inner Fuchengmen Avenue, Xicheng District. As I know, the opening hours are from 09:00 to 16:30 with the entrance ticket of CNY 20 per person.
Asked by Ia from SWEDEN | Mar. 05, 2015 17:08Reply
Is the White Dagoba open again to visitors?
Answers (1)
Answered by Wilson from CANADA | Mar. 05, 2015 18:58
11Reply


Well, as far as I know, it's still under construction nowadays. There is no official information about the time of reopen.
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail