Baitasi Closes Yet Again for Two-Year Renovation

Two years after its last renovation, the Miaoying Temple complex, which includes the iconic Baitasi (White Pagoda), has once again closed for renovation. To add insult to injury, the latest round of works will last for a solid two years, according to a Weibo post from the Miaoying Temple Management Office.

One of our favorite weekend destinations, the otherwise commanding tower is tucked away in a sleepy northern Xicheng neighborhood, and although it doesn’t welcome anywhere near the same number of tourists as its Tibetan Buddhist temple counterpart in Dongcheng, Lama Temple, it provides a much more serene and no less beautiful escape from the bustle of central Beijing.

The 13,000sqm temple complex is home to three halls presenting an impressive selection of Buddhist sculptures and murals, and most significantly, the White Pagoda – the largest remaining Lama stupa of the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368).

Despite its age, the tower has maintained its quiet charm over the past 700 years, thanks in part to several renovations. The latest renovations to the tower were completed in as late as 2015, however, the accompanying complex was not included and its current decaying condition has been deemed unsafe to visitors and nearby residents. Additionally, when asked via phone about the renovations, staff emphasized to the Beijinger that they were being undertaken as "a protective measure" for the buildings, reassuring us that "the renovation will preserve the current structure" but not at the detriment to its historical importance.

The renovations will encompass the Hall of Heaven King, the courtyard, and the walls located to the north of the hall.

Management estimates the temple will reopen to the public on Jun 10, 2021. If you want to explore Xicheng before then, don’t forget that there's plenty more to see, including the Lu Xun Museum, Guangji Temple, and Baiyunguan Temple, all within walking distance to Miaoying Temple.

Xicheng, what's that? Read our two-day itinerary for what to see in Beijing's western district here.

More stories by this author here.
Email: kuang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: 梵华