Beijing Xiangshan Temple

　　Xiangshan Temple is situated in Beijing’s Xiangshan Park and boasts a long history. According to historical records, as early as the Tang Dynasty, there were two temples here: Ji’an Temple and Xiangshan Temple. In 1186, the two temples were combined, and Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty bestowed upon it the name “Da Yong’an Temple.”

　　Xiangshan Temple in Beijing’s Xiangshan Park was renovated during the Yuan Dynasty and renamed “Ganlu Temple.” It was rebuilt again during the Ming Dynasty and called “Yong’an Chan Temple.” During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, it was expanded on the original site, forming a unique temple layout consisting of the front street, middle temple, and rear garden. It was bestowed the imperial title “Da Yong’an Chan Temple” and became one of the Twenty-Eight Scenic Spots of Jingyi Garden. Built against the mountain, the temple features a well-arranged, majestic, and imposing structure, once ranking as the foremost among the temples of the Western Hills. Xiangshan Temple was burned down by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860 and the Eight-Nation Alliance in 1900, leaving only relics such as Zhilehao (Pleasure Lake), Tingfa Song (Listening-to-the-Dharma Pine), the royal stele of the Sal Tree, and stone screens.