Xi Zhao Temple

Xi Zhao Temple

Xi Zhao Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xi Zhao Temple, located on Guangqumen Street in Beijing, is situated along Xi Zhao Temple Middle Street. Among the many temples in Beijing, its name has always been considered the most poetic.

Xi Zhao Temple is the cleanest temple in the southeastern part of the city. The exact year of its establishment is unknown, though some say it was built during the Ming Dynasty as a branch monastery for monks from Zhejiang on the Western Hills. The name “Xi Zhao” (Sunset Glow) is derived from the “Golden Terrace Sunset Glow,” one of the Eight Views of Yanjing. According to the stele inscription of the Foundling Hospital by Zhao Shishi: “By the early years of the Shunzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty, Xi Zhao Temple had already been ruined, with only one hall remaining. During the Yongzheng era, the monk Yuanshin of Wenzue Chan Monastery retreated here and renovated the temple buildings to a brand-new condition.”

Xi Zhao Temple

Xi Zhao Temple was renovated during the Qianlong reign and underwent major repairs funded by donations in the third year of the Jiaqing reign. The temple complex covered an area of over 20 acres and comprised 108 halls and rooms. It faces south and consists of the Mountain Gate Hall, Mahavira Hall, Great Compassion Hall, East and West Side Halls, Abbot’s Courtyard, Rear Courtyard, Brick Pagoda, and Funeral House. The Mountain Gate Hall bears a stone plaque inscribed with “Ancient Xi Zhao Temple.”

The most renowned feature of Xi Zhao Temple is the mural in the Great Compassion Hall. On the left wall of the hall is the calligraphy and postscript of “Ode to the Tall Pines” by Shen Yue of the Liang Dynasty, written by Wang Ankun from Daxing. The right wall features the painting “Ancient Pine Tree” by the artist Chen Song (also known as Shoushan). Chen Shoushan, a native of Tianchang, failed to find success in Chu and came to the capital to make a living selling paintings—his works are known for their ingenuity. His painting of the “Sunset Pines” is wildly imaginative, richly verdant, and immersive, making viewers feel as if they are in a sea of pines.

There is also a story behind the murals of Xi Zhao Temple. In the past, the Jingyi Hall of Hongshan Temple at Beijing’s Right Anmen Gate featured murals by Chen Xiangquan and Yu Zhiding, attracting crowds of admirers. The monk Hengji of Xi Zhao Temple greatly admired them and asked Chen Shoushan to paint pines and Wang Ankun to inscribe the ode for their temple. On June 9, 1775 (the 40th year of the Qianlong reign), Chen Shoushan created the “Ancient Pine Tree” painting at Xi Zhao Temple. According to temple monks, Shoushan was already eighty years old when he painted it. It was midsummer, and he stripped down, drank large cups of liquor, then painted the piece in one continuous effort. As he painted, a heavy rain poured down, flooding the courtyard with over a foot of water. When the rain stopped, the painting was finished. Shoushan’s brushwork created a dark, stormy atmosphere, bringing a sense of coolness to those who viewed it. Ankun’s calligraphy was elegant and graceful, exuding a carefree spirit, and together with Shoushan’s ancient pines, these artworks have been immortalized.

The murals inside Xi Zhao Temple are vividly expressive, and the surrounding scenery is even more serene and picturesque. The eastern courtyard of the temple houses Yicui Pavilion, where the monk Yunyan once practiced. The courtyard features bamboo, trees, a small pond, and quiet meditation rooms, all fragrant and delightful. The outside of the wall is lined with willows and poplars. Exiting through a small gate leads to a garden filled with lilacs, intermingled with exotic flowers and plants. When the lilacs are in full bloom, they rival those of Fayuan Temple. With such scenery complemented by the temple's murals, Xi Zhao Temple has attracted countless literati and artists over the years.

Address: No. 19, Xi Zhao Temple Middle Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Phone: 010-67119999

Opening Hours:

8:00-19:00

Information Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development