Xiangshan Biyun Temple

Xiangshan Biyun Temple

Xiangshan Biyun Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Introduction

Biyun Temple

Located at the eastern foot of the Fragrant Hills, originally named Biyun Nunnery, it was first built during the Yuan Dynasty. It is the most intact temple in the Western Hills scenic area and closely resembles Hangzhou’s Lingyin Temple. The entire temple complex spans 40,000 square meters and features attractions such as the Arhat Hall, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Shuiquan Courtyard, and the Vajra Throne Pagoda. The temple is set in beautiful surroundings with towering pines and cypresses. Outside the temple gate is a…

From the mountain gate to the top of the temple, there are six levels in total. Along the central axis inside the mountain gate are four major halls. Behind the halls are two vivid, tall, and majestic statues of the guardian deities Heng and Ha. The front hall houses the plump and jovial Maitreya Buddha. The middle hall is dedicated to the Buddha Sakyamuni. The hall features an exquisitely carved golden dragon caisson ceiling and gilded coiling dragons, with a statue of Sakyamuni giving a sermon at the center, surrounded by his disciples and arhats. Behind the main hall is the newly renovated Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, where the courtyard is embraced by intertwined pines and cypresses and covered with lush green lawns. The hall enshrines a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. There is also an exhibition room showcasing the life and achievements of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Ascending from the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall via a 34-meter-long memorial archway pathway leads to the highest structure in the temple — the Vajra Throne Pagoda. Standing 34.7 meters tall, the pagoda boasts magnificent architecture and exquisite carvings. It is a renowned pagoda in the suburbs of Beijing and also the highest point on the eastern foothills of the Western Hills. From the top of the pagoda, the suburban landscape of Beijing unfolds in a breathtaking panoramic view.

Admission Fee

10 RMB

Location

North Exit of Xiangshan, Eastern Foot of the Fragrant Hills, Haidian District, Beijing

Further Reading:

· One of the First Batch of Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units