Here at the Museum of Beijing Stone Inscription Art, history speaks through stone. The Museum of Beijing Stone Inscription Art resides on the grounds of Five-Pagoda Temple. This temple is 200 meters north of the Beijing Zoo.
The Five-Pagoda Temple is formally called Dazhengjue Temple. It gets its name from the five small pagodas. They rise like diamonds from a square base below. The pagoda is one of Beijing’s few Indian-inspired “Diamond Throne” pagodas.
Arranged around the pagoda, the Stone Inscription Museum has six sections. These sections include comprehensive stone inscriptions and tablets of merit. You will also find epitaphs, calligraphy, temples, guildhalls and stone carvings.
In the comprehensive stone inscription area, see two huge carved tables. Emperors Qianlong and Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty commissioned these tables. The twelve tablets of merits applaud officials and nobles. These figures from the Ming and Qing dynasties are recognized for good deeds. They are also honored for upright behavior.
The epitaph section displays 300 tombstone inscriptions. These date from the Tang to Qing dynasties. They were carved for imperial family members and high officials.
Tablets on calligraphy showcase famous calligraphers’ work. These pieces come from the last two imperial dynasties. The temples and guildhalls section collects inscriptions. These are from provincial, industrial, and commercial associations.
The stone carving section features Yuan Dynasty dragon and phoenix slab stones. It also includes statues from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Zhen Jue Temple once stood here. It is generally called the “Five Pagodas Temple”. The temple was built between 1403 and 1424 during the Ming Dynasty. It was destroyed at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Today, only the Buddha’s Warrior Attendant’s Throne remains. It dates to 1473. This throne is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.
The outdoor exhibition centers on this ancient pagoda. The museum displays over 500 kinds of stone inscription cultural relics. They are organized into eight exhibition areas.
The museum itself holds over 1000 stone inscriptions. Among them is the earliest stone inscription in Beijing. It is the stone inscription pillar of Blessing Qin Jun in Han Gu Youzhou Road. You will also see sculptures from the Beichao Dynasty. There are epitaphs from various dynasties since the Tang Dynasty. Discover stone carvings from the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. Admire the detailed Shixiang Hall from the Qing Dynasty. Note the epitaph of Nalanxinde’s Wife, Lushi. Study unique sculptures and calligraphies.
The Beijing Stone Inscription Museum is a treasury of knowledge. It is another classroom for reappearing human civilization’s history. The Human Being and Stone Inscription Brief History Exhibition reveals stone inscription culture. Pictures, articles, objects and surroundings enhance the experience.
Each year, the museum holds two stone inscription culture exhibitions. Every two years, it hosts an Epigraphy, Calligraphy and Painting Festival. The Keluoban Printing Company is also located here. They reproduce ancient calligraphy and paintings.
Amidst old trees and pagodas, find a silent space. The Museum of Beijing Stone Inscription Art provides an ideal place for study and research.