Gleaming under the Beijing sun stands Xiaoxitian. Have you ever wondered about its story? Xiaoxitian is more than just a beautiful building. It is a testament to imperial devotion and architectural ingenuity.
Xiaoxitian is located within Beihai Park. This serene location adds to its mystique. It is a reminder that Beijing once had several places known as Xiaoxitian.
This Xiaoxitian has a formal name. It is actually called the Hall of the Blissful World. Emperor Qianlong built it between 1768 and 1770. He intended it as a birthday gift for his mother. She was the Empress Dowager Xiaosheng. The Emperor wished to honor her.
The Xiaoxitian complex covers 1,200 square meters. Its main hall boasts a 13.5-meter beam span. This makes it China’s largest square pavilion-style palace building. Sunlight streams through windows adorned with intricate floral patterns. High above hangs a golden plaque. It bears the inscription “Ji Le Shi Jie” meaning Pure Land. These words are in Emperor Qianlong’s calligraphy. Above the plaque is an octagonal caisson. It features a dragon design.
Water surrounds the hall on all sides. Stone bridges provide access. Four glazed pagodas stand to the east west north and south. Small square pavilions grace each corner. To the south a crescent-shaped river flows. A stone bridge adorned with carvings spans the river. The overall effect is grand and imposing.
Inside Xiaoxitian there was once a clay sculpture. It depicted the South Sea Putuo Mountain. The mountain held 260 Luohan Buddha statues. Painted sea water at the mountain’s base symbolized the Buddha realm. People called it “Luohan Mountain” or “Hai Island”. Sadly this sculpture was lost by the late Qing dynasty.
Xiaoxitian was once part of a trio of artistic treasures. These were known as the “Three Unique Features of Beijing Clay Sculpture”. The other two were the Luohan Mountain at Shanguo Temple and the Heavenly Palace at the Nine Heavens Palace. Only the Putuo Mountain model survived.
In 1993 the Buddha statues were gradually restored. They brought new life to the temple. Xiaoxitian is now a vibrant reminder of its past splendor.
So as you gaze upon Xiaoxitian remember its history. It is a place of imperial devotion artistic achievement and enduring beauty. It stands as a beacon of history within Beihai Park.