Shenyang Xita Yanshou Temple

Shenyang Xita Yanshou Temple

Shenyang Xita Yanshou Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xita Yanshou Temple was built in the second month of spring in the eighth year of the Chongde era of the Qing Dynasty (1643 AD) and completed in the second month of summer in the second year of the Shunzhi era (1645 AD). It was one of the four pagodas built around the old city of Shengjing (Shenyang), located to the east, west, south, and north. According to inscriptions in the temple: “The eastern one illuminates wisdom, named Yongguang Temple; the southern one brings peace to the people, named Guangci Temple; the western one prays for the longevity of the emperor, named Yanshou Temple; the northern one spreads the true dharma, named 0 Temple.” The four temples symbolize the Four Heavenly Kings, who guard the nation, protect the people, ensure “no disasters befall the country,” and bring “all five blessings together.”

Emperor Qianlong once inscribed plaques for the four temples, which were hung in their main halls. Yongguang Temple’s plaque read “Compassionately Nurturing All Spirits,” Yanshou Temple’s “Golden Millet Auspicious Light,” Guangci Temple’s “Vast Mind Reaching the Other Shore,” and 0 Temple’s “Golden Mirror Encircling the Garden.”

The eastern, southern, and northern pagodas were successively restored in the 1980s. The western pagoda, being too dilapidated, was demolished in 1968. During its demolition, an underground palace was discovered, yielding a number of precious cultural relics including Buddha statues. In 1998, to restore the western pagoda and Yanshou Temple as part of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Shengjing,” Shenyang City allocated a special fund of 30 million yuan to rebuild them on the original site according to the original appearance of the western pagoda. The rebuilt western pagoda stands 26.33 meters tall with a base covering 256 square meters. Yanshou Temple covers a total area of 4,000 square meters, with its mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, and east and west side halls occupying over 800 square meters. The halls are adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, presenting an ancient and magnificent sight.

Address: No. 82, Shifu Avenue, Heping District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 216, 262, 215, 248, 209, etc. in Shenyang City and get off at Xita South Station.