Xi Zhao Temple

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

　　   Xi Zhao Temple is the cleanest temple in the southeastern part of the city. The year of its establishment is unknown, though some say it was built during the Ming Dynasty as a branch monastery for monks from Zhejiang in the Western Hills. The name "Xi Zhao" (Sunset Glow) is derived from one of the Eight Views of Yanjing — "Golden Terrace Sunset Glow." 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 destroyed, leaving only one remaining room. During the Yongzheng era, the monk Yuansin from Wenjue Temple retired here and renovated the halls, restoring them to their former glory.

　　   Xi Zhao Temple

　　   Xi Zhao Temple was repaired during the Qianlong reign, and in the third year of the Jiaqing reign (1798), funds were raised for a major restoration. The temple covered an area of over 20 acres and included 108 halls and rooms. It faces south and consists of a mountain gate hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Great Compassion Hall, east and west side halls, the abbot’s courtyard, a rear courtyard, a brick pagoda, and a funeral chamber. The mountain gate hall features a stone plaque inscribed with “Ancient Site – 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 “Ode to the Tall Pine” by Shen Yue of the Liang Dynasty, along with commentary written by Wang Ankun from Daxing. The right wall displays the “Ancient Pine Painting” by the artist Chen Song (also known as Shoushan). Chen Shoushan was a native of Tianchang who failed to find success in Chu and came to the capital to make a living selling paintings. His works are known for their exquisite craftsmanship. His painting of the pines at sunset is fantastical and majestic, richly green and dense, making those who view it feel as if they’ve entered a sea of pines.

　　   There is also a story behind the murals of Xi Zhao Temple. In the past, the Jingguan Hall of Hongshan Temple outside the Right Gate of Beijing (Yongdingmen) featured murals by Chen Xiangquan and Yu Zhiding, attracting crowds of admirers. The monk Hengji of Xi Zhao Temple greatly admired them and requested Chen Shoushan to paint pines for the temple, and Wang Ankun to write the ode. On June 9th of the 40th year of the Qianlong reign (1775), Chen Shoushan created the “Ancient Pine Painting” at Xi Zhao Temple. According to temple monks, Shoushan was eighty years old when he painted it. It was midsummer, and Shoushan stripped down, drank large cups of liquor, and then painted the piece in one continuous effort. As he painted, heavy rain poured, flooding the courtyard to a depth of one foot. By the time the rain cleared, the painting was complete. Shoushan’s brushwork evoked a dark, solemn presence, as if the hall itself was caught in a storm, bringing a refreshing coolness to all who viewed it. Ankun’s brushstrokes were elegant and lofty, carrying an unrestrained spirit, and together with Shoushan’s ancient pine, their works have been passed down through the ages.

　　   The murals inside Xi Zhao Temple are vivid, and the surrounding scenery is even more serene and beautiful. In the eastern courtyard of the temple is the Yicui Pavilion, where the monk Yunyan practiced. The courtyard contains bamboo trees, a small pond, and simple meditation huts, exuding a fragrant charm. Willow trees line the outer wall. Exiting through a small gate leads into the garden, filled with lilac flowers along with various rare blooms. When the lilacs are in full bloom, their beauty rivals that of the lilacs at Fayuan Temple. With such scenery complemented by the murals on the temple walls, Xi Zhao Temple has attracted countless literati and artists.

　　   Information source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development