Dongyue Temple

Demystify baffling Daoism with a trip to temple

For those with only a vague understanding of Daoism, the contents of the Dongyue Temple might come as somewhat as a surprise. Originally founded in 1319 by Zhang Liusun, the temple located on the north side of Chaoyangmenwai Dajie has held a number of different purposes during its long and troubled history, but now it’s best known for the 76 halls and ‘departments’ housing various Zhengyi Daoist deities.

While the main courtyard, carved steles and gift shops barely differentiate the place from any other temple in Beijing, a glance into one of the main halls will convince you of the unique nature of Dongyue. Each room is filled with around eight life-size clay figures – some gruesomely dressed, others with heads of animals – that serve as enforcers or victims of particular Daoist principles.

The rooms (many of which have ridiculous names like Department of Egg Birth) have a collection box and a place to kneel to say a prayer for a particular cause that the room represents. Those seeking to renew their visas may be well-advised to go and visit the Department of Petty Officials, drop a few kuai in the box and give the stern looking god a wink.

Dongyue Temple , 141 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District  Tue-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm 10 RMB