In the Footsteps of the Tourists: Buddhist Revival at Museum/Temple Sites in Beijing

Abstract

Only a fraction of the Buddhist temples in Beijing that once housed monastics now function as places for religious activity. Some were demolished while others were converted to schools, government buildings, or residences. Several of these former temples have been restored; however, some have not been reopened as official religious sites but rather as fee-charging museums. Other temples have been restored to religious use but remain encircled within fee-charging “parks” that cater mostly to tourists. Lay Buddhists in Beijing are challenging this “museumification” of Buddhist temples by seeking exemption from admission fees and engaging in religious activities at museum/temple sites. Through a close examination of two of these sites, the White Dagoba Temple and the Eight Great Places Park, the author explores how Buddhist laypeople engaged in popular worship practices are slowly transforming museum/temples into social spaces informed by a vital, living Buddhist religion.

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