Chengde Yongyou Temple

Chengde Yongyou Temple

Chengde Yongyou Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yongyou Temple is located to the east of the Ten Thousand Trees Garden. Built in the 16th year of the Qianlong reign (1751), it is the largest among the nine temples within the Mountain Resort. "Yongyou" means eternal protection and peace. The temple faces south and features a central axis along which are arranged, in sequence, the mountain gate, memorial archway, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Rear Hall, Stupa, and Imperial Portrait Hall.

Historical records indicate that there were three memorial archways in front of the gate hall, arranged in a triangular pattern. From east to west, their inscriptions read: "Beholding the Dharma like Dragons and Elephants," "The Thunderous Sound of Blessings," "A World of Longevity and Compassion," "The Gate of Merciful Teachings," "The Radiance of Udumbara," and "The Fragrance of Jasmine." To the north of the gate hall, the Front Hall, Precious Wheel Hall, Rear Hall, Stupa, and Imperial Portrait Hall are arranged sequentially along the central axis. The east and west side halls of the Precious Wheel Hall are named "Wonderful Awakening" and "Wisdom Illumination," while those of the Rear Hall are called "Universal Wisdom" and "Great Benevolence." Originally, the halls enshrined statues of Maitreya, the Buddhas of the Three Ages, the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, and the Buddha of Infinite Life. The Imperial Portrait Hall was specifically used to display portraits of deceased Qing emperors. After the death of Emperor Kangxi, his portrait was placed here; every year, the first activity of Emperor Qianlong upon arriving at the resort was to worship here. Later, the portraits of Emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong were also enshrined here. Today, apart from the stupa and four stone steles, all other structures of Yongyou Temple have been lost. The four steles bear the following inscriptions: "Inscription of Yongyou Temple," "Record of the Stupa of Yongyou Temple and Postscript of the Mountain Resort," and "Preface to the Hundred-Verse Poem of the Mountain Resort."

Having endured wars and turmoil, by the time of liberation, only the stupa and four stone steles remained in the temple. In the 1990s, the surrounding walls and gate hall were restored. More than 250 years later, the majestic stupa still stands proudly, showcasing its enduring presence, while the Imperial Portrait Hall has faded into the passage of time, evoking deep reflection.