Baishui Temple Forest Park

Baishui Temple Forest Park

Baishui Temple Forest Park is located in the hinterland of the district and is part of the Xihuling mountainous area. The terrain here is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with an elevation ranging from 118 to 208 meters, a natural drop of 90 meters, and an average gradient of 22.5%. It stretches 900 meters from northwest to southeast and 400 meters from northeast to southwest, resembling an inverted clamshell, covering a total area of 840 mu.

A stream known as Baishui Mountain Creek flows in front of the temple, hence the name Baishui Xinglong Temple, commonly referred to as Baishui Temple. The temple enshrines three massive stone-carved Buddha statues, earning it the colloquial name "Great Buddha Temple." The founding date of Baishui Temple is unknown, and today only the stone pavilion, stone Buddha, and stone pagoda remain.

The stone pavilion of Baishui Temple was built during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era when Changyuan oversaw its renovation. It is a beamless structure made of granite, designed in the style of a pavilion. Nestled against the mountain and facing the water, it is exquisitely picturesque. The pavilion faces south and has a square floor plan, appearing as a two-tiered square structure from the outside. Its southern entrance is flanked by two symmetrical arched stone windows, which align perfectly with the top of the seated stone Sakyamuni Buddha inside. Light streams into the pavilion from three different directions, clearly illuminating the grand outlines of the three stone Buddhas. The design of the arched windows not only highlights the architectural features of a Buddhist temple but also enhances its decorative appeal, while achieving optimal natural lighting—an ingenious touch.

Inside the stone pavilion, the three stone Buddhas stand back to north and face south, with hands clasped and eyes downcast, positioned atop a circular carved stone lotus pedestal. The statues are carved from granite. The central figure is Sakyamuni, with Ananda on the left and Kasyapa on the right. Sakyamuni stands 5.8 meters tall, while Ananda and Kasyapa are slightly shorter. The Buddha statues feature full, round facial contours and serene, dignified expressions. With clear lines, smooth drapery patterns, and an ancient, simple style, these works are masterpieces of stone carving art. According to experts such as Professor Su Bai from Peking University, the statues were carved during the Yuan Dynasty and have a history of several hundred years. The Baishui Temple stone Buddhas are the largest of their kind in the Beijing area and serve as important artifacts for the study of Beijing’s Buddhist culture and iconography. They have been designated as a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit.

In 1984, the former People's Congress of Yanshan District decided to develop the site into a scenic area. Roads were subsequently laid, and scattered burial grounds were relocated. In 1993, with funding from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics and financial support raised by the Yanshan Office, protective restorations were carried out on the existing stone pavilion to preserve its original appearance. The Baishui Temple stone bridge was rebuilt, the Huyun Pavilion was constructed atop the mountain, and a reservoir was planned. The time-worn Baishui Temple was thus revitalized. The area is dotted with trees such as Toona, mountain peach, wisteria, vitex, and jujube. Since 1984, the Yanshan Office has preserved the original woody plants while planting large-specimen trees and shrubs including weeping willows, black locusts, arborvitae, junipers, Chinese pines, maple trees, and torch trees. A number of fruit trees such as apple and peach trees were also planted. Over the years, more than ten thousand trees have been planted. During the Eighth Five-Year Plan period, a Xihuling Afforestation Monument was erected to commemorate the afforestation efforts. The Baishui Temple Forest Park has been developed with the temple at its center. In 1997, a mountain-looping park road was constructed, stretching 2,500 meters, making it convenient for visitors to explore. The ancient Baishui Temple, with its unique historical and cultural presence, has seamlessly integrated into modern life.

Today, Baishui Temple Forest Park is taking shape, featuring rolling mountains, deep valleys, rugged rocks, and clear streams—all of which are captivating. The majestic ancient temple is nestled among lush pines and cypresses, winding paths meander through flower clusters, red foliage intermingles with radiant morning glow, birds chirp in harmony with the sound of wind bells. Eagles patrol the cliffs, bees and butterflies flutter among flowers. The petrochemical satellite city offers not only urban convenience but also the charm of mountains and wild nature, where young couples, elders, and children blend harmoniously with the beautiful scenery.

Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development