Badachu Xiangjie Temple

Badachu Xiangjie Temple

Badachu Xiangjie Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located northwest of Longwangtang on Pingpo Mountain, an extension of the Western Hills in Beijing, it is the largest temple among the Eight Great Sites. Due to its gently sloping terrain, it is also known as "Pingpo Temple." The temple was first built in the early years of the Qianyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (758), and was rebuilt in the first year of the Hongxi era of the Ming Dynasty (1425), when it was renamed "Dayuantong Temple." In the 17th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1678), it was rebuilt again and renamed "Shenggan Temple." In the 13th year of the Qianlong era (1748), after renovation, it was renamed "Xiangjie Temple," meaning "the realm of fragrant forests and Buddhist law."

The architecture of Xiangjie Temple extends from the mountain gate to the scripture depository, following the contours of the mountain slope. It consists of six courtyards and five levels of halls, with grand structures and multiple gates. Upon entering the temple gate, there is a stone stairway hundreds of steps long. Ascending the stairs leads to the Mahayana Gate. A couplet reads: “A single bamboo shadow taps the bright moon; half a mat of pine breeze lies on white clouds,” perfectly capturing the serene and elegant scenery of the place. The temple is larger in scale than the other seven sites and was historically a resting place for emperors during their mountain excursions. Today, the temple still preserves the “imperial lodging” and “scripture depository” from the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty.

Most of the existing buildings date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple complex centers around the scripture depository, enclosed by east and west “corridor towers” forming a square courtyard. There are bell and drum towers on either side, with the Qianlong imperial lodging on the east. The central hall enshrines three large Buddha statues, flanked by colorful clay sculptures of the Eighteen Arhats. The upper level of the lodging has a throne for the emperor, while the opposite hall features a plaque personally inscribed by Qianlong, reading “Yuanjing Pingbi” (Purity of Origin, Peaceful Completion).

The scripture depository consists of three sections. The main building houses a Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin statue, alongside four tall scripture cabinets containing 756 volumes of Buddhist scriptures. The left building serves as a meditation hall and storage area, while the right building houses over a hundred memorial plaques of past abbots. The courtyard in front of the scripture depository is spacious, planted with rare flowers and trees such as peonies, tree peonies, lilacs, hibiscus, cherries, and wisteria. The most precious is a magnolia tree planted during the Ming Dynasty, as tall as the building. When it blooms, its fragrance fills the courtyard. It typically flowers in late spring, emitting a rich scent with pure white petals and golden stamens. Legend has it that it was planted in the Ming Dynasty and is the only one of its kind among the Eight Great Sites. The eastern section, the Qianlong imperial lodging, differs in style from the temple buildings. It is grand in scale and exquisitely decorated. In front of the main hall is the Tianyuan Zhai (Distant View Study). Visitors who open the door here are greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the peaks, plains, greenery, and misty landscapes of western Beijing — a truly exceptional sightseeing spot.

The layout of Xiangjie Temple is neat and symmetrical. Along the central axis from south to north are, in sequence: the Mountain Gate Hall, Mahayana Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Western Trinity Hall, and Scripture Depository.

The Mountain Gate Hall is three bays wide, with white marble arched gates. Under the eaves is a white marble plaque inscribed with the four characters “?” (characters unclear), serving as the temple’s name plaque. The plaque is elegantly carved. The “Mountain” and “Gate” characters are particularly prominent, standing out vividly against the background. The gate gives a sense of solemnity and reverence.

Entering the Mahayana Gate leads to a flat and open courtyard. On either side of the courtyard stand the bell and drum towers. Both towers feature a double-eave hip-and-gable roof with rolled-up edges, tall and exquisitely crafted, befitting the grandeur of the “Mountain Gate.” The left tower houses an ancient bell from the Ming Dynasty, while the right contains a large drum. The sound of the bell and drum echoes through the mountains, creating a uniquely spiritual atmosphere. To the east of the courtyard is the imperial lodging, where the front hall features a Tianyuan Zhai (Distant View Study). Visitors who step out here can gaze into the distance, feeling an immediate sense of openness. The mountain ranges, plains, green trees, and misty clouds of western Beijing stretch out before one’s eyes — an absolutely splendid vantage point.

Attraction Location

Northwest of Longwangtang on Pingpo Mountain, an extension of the Western Hills, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China