Beijing and Shanghai, as two of the world’s most famous cities with two distinct style attract the people throughout the world. In Beijing, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Hutong, Peking Opera, roast duck etc make you feel a strong cultural atmosphere here; but if you want to know China’s rapid development, the recent outcome of Shanghai’s science and technology, information technology, trade, financial will make you feel an international cultural exchange and integration in the bustling city.
The temple was decreed to be built by Tang Emperor Taizong in 645 in memory of his generals and soldiers who died in wars, and it was initially named Temple to Mourn the Loyal. Over the last millennium, it has been nearly destroyed many times by fire, wars and earthquakes, and renamed and renovated several times too. The oldest buildings are still standing, and the present temple name is from 1734.
Being the oldest and second largest temple within the confines of the city, this temple has a hall that other temple don’t have – the Vairochana Hall. Formerly a memorial hall for the eminent Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (a major figure in the novel Journey to the West) who went to India to learn Buddhism, it contains a five-in-one bronze image of Vairochana seated on a lotus throne.
The temple is also home to the Chinese Buddhist Academy and the Museum of Buddhist Literature and Heritage of China which displays some valuable relics, including Buddhist manuscripts, bronze statues and stone tables.
Every April the lilacs bloom here, this temple draws numerous visitors with its Lilac Fair where people enjoy beautiful lilacs, create paintings and write poems. So visit during this time, when you can catch a glimpse of Beijing people’s cultural life.
Address: No. 7, Fayuansi Qianjie, Xuanwu District
Open Time: 8:30am-3:30pm
Ticket: RMB 5
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