China·Beijing Zhihua Temple

Beijing Zhihua Temple is located at No. 5 Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is built according to the regulation of the "Garan Seven Halls" of a temple, and it is known as the largest Ming Dynasty wooden structure complex in Beijing. Zhihua Temple was founded in the eighth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1444), originally as the family temple of Wang Zhen, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department. During the reign of Emperor Yingzong, Wang Zhen, as the emperor's favorite courtier, monopolized the power of the court. Although he was a eunuch, he had considerable family wealth, which is why the family temple he built was extremely luxurious and magnificent. As a favored courtier of the emperor, and because Wang Zhen built the temple under the guise of being grateful for the emperor's grace, Emperor Yingzong bestowed the name 'Bao'en Zhihua Zen Temple'. Zhihua Temple is the most completely preserved Ming Dynasty wooden architectural complex in Beijing. Although the buildings in the temple have been repaired many times in later generations, they still retain the regulations from the early Ming Dynasty, especially the caisson ceiling inside the halls, which has significant historical and scientific value and provides an excellent example for the study of Ming Dynasty wooden architecture. Beijing Zhihua Temple, every April, the courtyard is full of blooming pear blossoms, a sea of white, offering a spectacular view that attracts many citizens to visit.