Introduction to Tian Ning Temple Pagoda, Fengtai, Beijing (2)

Last studied before World War II in 1935 by the renowned architectural couple Liang Sicheng and his wife Lin Huiyin, who dated the Pagoda to the late Liao Dynasty, the tower went un-noticed for years untill not long after the opening of china's economy to the world. Around 1990 the first renovation and repair plans were made.

In the 1950's, after the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China under Mao Tse Tung (ZeDong) Fengtai district of Beijing was caught up in China's early modernization drive. During the "Great Leap forward", industries were scattered around the city, often landing near the Hutong where laboreres were residing. During this necessary phase in China's modern history there was sparse attention, nor much money, for the preservation of cultural relics. For years people had been starving and dying. The magnificient 13 story Pagoda of TianNing, listed as one of China's great Pagoda Towers, sadly fell into dilapidation. Already hurt under the scant economy of the turbulent years of Civil War and Foreign Invasion, the 12Th Centruy tower fell into disrepair.

In 1991-92 initial repair work was started, mainly on the temple buildings not the Pagoda, and the Pagoda and it´s foundations were studied. An search inside the Pagoda base then revealed the remarkable accuracy of the 1935 architectural couple's prediction when a tablet hidden in the pagoda was discovered confirming it to have been built in 1119, during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), thereby acurately dating the origins of the Pagoda Tower.

Since then much has happened. Interest in TianNing Temple, now proven the oldest structure in Beijing was revived. By now, a newly interested Governement and Public have renovated TianNing Temple, declaring it one of Beijing´s 99 famous historic and cultural sites,

and declaring it a State

Level protected Site.

The Temple buildings

have been restored

from their decrepid

state and are fresh and

newly painted. Much

of the Pagoda, still

preserved much in it´s

original state has

undergone lenghty

and meticulous

restoration, done by

experts from Beijing

Municipal Relics

Bureau and China Universities.

After spending well over 2,5 million yuan (around 250.000 euros), truely a significant sum, TianNing Temple was finally ready to be opened to the public and to practice of active Buddhism in early summer of the year 2005. Sparkling as a new Gem amongst Beijing´s newly found polish and Glory, the Cities oldest building lives on in tranquil peace.

TianNing Temple South Gate with local Hutong citizens chatting. On summery days a street-hairdresser is often available at the

Temple Gate. Local women carry groceries sold in the

Hutong or take children to Kindergarten.

On this street locals come and go from shopping at nearby small stores or make a chat and have a haircut while enjoying the morning sun. Around TianNing Temple is a relatively quiet area that makes the view even more enjoyable.