Cibei Nunnery in Beijing

Cibei Nunnery (陶然亭慈悲庵), also known as Guanyin Nunnery (观音庵), Great Compassion Nunnery (大悲庵), Cibei Zen Forest (慈悲禅林), and Zhaoti Shengjing (招提胜境), is located in Taoranting Park (陶然亭公园) in the Xicheng District (西城区) of Beijing (北京市), China. This historic site was originally established during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), and it was opened to the public in October 1979.

The nunnery, with its rich history and architectural beauty, has long been a place of cultural and political significance. It became a key site for revolutionary activities prior to and during the early years of the Chinese Communist Party (中国共产党), hosting intellectuals and revolutionaries.

In recognition of its cultural and revolutionary importance, Cibei Nunnery was listed as a Municipal Cultural Heritage Site by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government (北京市人民政府) in August 1979, and in 2021, it was designated as one of the first immovable revolutionary monuments by the Beijing Cultural Relics Bureau (北京市文物局).

Key Information

Name: Cibei Nunnery (陶然亭慈悲庵)

Location: 19 Taiping Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区太平街19号陶然亭公园内)

Size: 840 square meters

Protection Status: Beijing’s Second Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units (北京市第二批市级文物保护单位)

Opening Hours:

• Peak Season (April 1–October 31): 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)

• Off-Season (November 1–March 31): 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)

Historical Evolution

Cibei Nunnery was first constructed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and underwent several key renovations and expansions throughout the centuries.

In 1663 (Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era), the nunnery was renovated.

In 1695, Jiang Zao, a government official, built Taoranting Pavilion (陶然亭) in the nunnery.

In 1704, Jiang Zao’s brother, Jiang Fan, expanded and modified the pavilion, transforming it into a spacious hall.

During the Republic of China (民国), notable revolutionaries like Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Li Dazhao conducted secret revolutionary activities here between 1920–1923.

In 1946, the nunnery underwent repairs.

In 1978, the nunnery was restored again, and the Taoranting Revolutionary Memorial Museum (陶然亭革命纪念馆) was established.

In 2021, the site reopened as an important venue for the early Chinese Communist Revolution (中国共产党早期革命活动旧址).

Architectural Layout

Cibei Nunnery is situated on the southwestern edge of an island within Taoranting Park (陶然亭公园). The layout features four courtyards and various historic buildings, including the Taoranting Pavilion (陶然亭) and other sacred halls.

Main Gate: The main gate faces east, symbolizing good fortune with its inscription “Ancient Temple of Cibei Zen Forest” (古刹慈悲禅林) above the entrance.

Main Hall: The Guanyin Hall (观音殿) is the central building, where statues of Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛), Avalokiteshvara (大势至菩萨), and Guanyin (观音菩萨) are enshrined.

Zhun Ti Hall (准提殿): The south hall houses various statues and religious artifacts, including that of Zhun Ti Bodhisattva (准提菩萨).

Taoranting Pavilion (陶然亭): Built by Jiang Zao, it is a simple pavilion with significant cultural and historical value, offering a beautiful view of the surroundings.

Stone Carvings and Inscriptions: Several ancient stone carvings have been preserved, such as “Taoranyin” (陶然吟) by Jiang Zao and “Taoranting Ji” (陶然亭记) by Jiang Zao’s brother Jiang Fan.

Cultural and Revolutionary Significance

Cibei Nunnery is renowned not only for its spiritual and architectural beauty but also for its historical role in the revolutionary activities in China.

Key Revolutionary Figures

During the Opium War (鸦片战争) period, notable figures such as Lin Zexu (林则徐), Gong Zizhen (龚自珍), Wei Yuan (魏源), and Huang Juezi (黄爵滋) frequented the site.

During the 1898 Reform Movement (戊戌变法), intellectuals like Kang Youwei (康有为), Liang Qichao (梁启超), and Tan Sitong (谭嗣同) gathered here.

In the early days of the Republic of China (民国), leaders such as Sun Yat-sen (孙中山) and Qiu Jin (秋瑾) visited the nunnery.

The May Fourth Movement (五四运动) leaders, including Li Dazhao (李大钊), Mao Zedong (毛泽东), and Zhou Enlai (周恩来), all connected with the site.

Due to this revolutionary connection, Cibei Nunnery is often referred to as the “Cradle of the People’s Revolution” (人民革命的摇篮).

Cultural Heritage

Cibei Nunnery holds immense cultural value. From the Ming Dynasty (明朝), it has been a place for scholars, intellectuals, and revolutionaries to gather and reflect.

Several famous inscriptions and couplets by noted scholars have been preserved at the site, including:

“Smoke Conceals Ancient Temples, No One Comes; The Moon Arrives at the Deep Hall” (烟藏古寺无人到，榻倚深堂有月来), written by Weng Fanggang (翁方纲).

“The Three Paths Opened by Tao, Let Us Commune with Amitabha in a Shared Shrine” (似闻陶令开三径，来与弥陀共一龛), written by Lin Zexu (林则徐).

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Peak Season (April 1–October 31): 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)

Off-Season (November 1–March 31): 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)

How to Get There

Public Transport:

Bus: Take buses 25, 50, 62, 90, 122, 200 (inner loop), 414, 485, 692, 958, 997 to Taoranting Park South Gate Station (陶然亭公园南门站).

Driving:

Distance from Xicheng District People’s Government (西城区人民政府): 6.8 km (approximately 20 minutes by car).

Address

Cibei Nunnery: 19 Taiping Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区太平街19号陶然亭公园内)

Cibei Nunnery offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Beijing, with rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the revolutionary history of China. It’s a must-visit for those interested in Chinese history, architecture, and culture.