Qing Dynasty

By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the Songzhusi complex was expanded to include two new temples: Zhizhusi and Fayansi. While all three temples were associated with important lamas, Songzhusi became the residence of one of the most important religious authorities for the Qing emperors. Known as a ‘living Buddha', the Jangjia Qututgtu resided in this temple, which he also used for ceremonial rituals that were part of the Qing Dynasty court. In 1949, on the eve of the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the Sixth Living Buddha still had his residence in the temple.