Shanhaiguan Da Bei Temple

Shanhaiguan Da Bei Temple

Shanhaiguan Da Bei Temple is one of the comprehensive cultural tourism projects of the Shanhaiguan General’s Office. It is located to the west of the General’s Office compound, separated by the Confucius Temple and the Guan Yu Temple. Covering an area of 18 acres, it was first built in the early years of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of nearly 600 years. According to historical accounts, it was once a thriving place of worship and was once the most famous Buddhist temple from eastern Hebei to the northeastern region.

Due to wars and other reasons, this ancient architectural complex had fallen into disrepair and lost its original form after the liberation, when a school was built on the site. In 2006, the school was relocated, and the reconstruction of Da Bei Temple was completed. It was officially inaugurated in April 2012. The solemn temple, spreading Buddhist teachings across the three realms, features golden Buddha statues radiating divine light. Monks adhere to the precepts, widely propagating Buddhist doctrine. The temple faces south with its back to the north. The central axis from south to north includes the memorial archway, mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Da Bei Pavilion, and the Liberation Pond. The side halls on the east and west are the Guanyin Hall, Dizang Hall, Manjusri Hall, and Samantabhadra Hall, respectively.

Upon entering the mountain gate, on the left and right sides are statues holding vajras, known as Vajra Guardians (also called the Hengha Generals).

Directly opposite the mountain gate is the Heavenly King Hall, which enshrines the Laughing Buddha (Maitreya), along with the Four Heavenly Kings. The objects they hold symbolize favorable weather and prosperity. Behind Maitreya is Skanda, who stands with his back to Maitreya and faces the statue of Sakyamuni in the Mahavira Hall.

The Mahavira Hall is the main hall where the Buddha is enshrined. It houses one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas—Sakyamuni, accompanied by Manjusri and Samantabhadra, with the Eighteen Arhats surrounding them.

The Da Bei Pavilion mainly enshrines the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva. In addition to her two hands, she has twenty arms extending from both sides of her upper body.

The east upper side hall is the Manjusri Hall, which enshrines Manjusri Bodhisattva, the left attendant of Sakyamuni.