“A temple to mourn the late loyal people.” That’s what Fayuan Temple, near the \u4f5b\u6905\u5c71 Statue, was initially named. This temple stands as Beijing’s oldest Buddhist sanctuary. Its story is etched with over 1,300 years of history.
Originally built in 645 during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Taizong, Fayuan Temple started as Minzhong Temple. The emperor intended it as a place to commemorate soldiers who died in his Goguryeo campaign. Empress Wu Zetian later formalized this dedication.
Throughout the centuries, Fayuan Temple faced destruction and renewal. Floods, earthquakes, and wars took their toll. Yet each time it rose again. It was renamed several times during its history. Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty initiated significant repairs. He then gave it the name Fayuan Temple. This name remains to this day.
The temple became associated with loyal figures throughout different dynasties. Xie Fangde, an official of the fallen Southern Song Dynasty, starved himself to death here. He refused to surrender to new rulers. In the late Qing Dynasty, coffins of Reform Movement leaders were stored here. They had been killed for their beliefs.
Today Fayuan Temple covers more than 8,000 square yards. It features an axial symmetry pattern. Six courtyards stretch from south to north. The main buildings line up along this axis.
A brick carving screen wall greets visitors at the main gate. Behind it, the gate features a main entrance flanked by two side doors. The Hall of Heavenly King anchors the first courtyard. This hall displays monuments, a Bell Tower and a Drum Tower. The Ming Dynasty’s Buddha Maitreya stands in the center. Bronze statues of the Four Heavenly Kings also stand here.
The Hall of the Great Buddha is the main hall of the second courtyard. Stone steles record the temple’s construction. Inside the hall, you will find the Great Buddha, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and the Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue. A stele handwritten by Emperor Qianlong hangs here. It proclaims “Fa Hai Zhen Yuan.” This means Buddhism is rich, extensive and profound. Statues of the Eighteen Arhats are displayed in the wings of the main hall.
The Hall to Mourn the Loyal is in the third courtyard. It preserves stone steles and sutras. The Tang Dynasty’s Record of Buddhist Relics in Minzhong Temple is one of the most valued.
In the fourth courtyard stands the Pilu Hall. A large Stone Bowl sits in front of it. This bowl has royal origins. Kublai of the Yuan Dynasty ordered its creation to reward his ministers. Emperor Qianlong later ordered a stone copy made. The Stone Bowl now in Fayuan Temple is this copy. It features carvings of seawater, rivers, dragons and horses. Inside the Pilu Hall, a statue of Five-Direction Buddha with three stages stands.
The Great Mercy Hall, also known as Guanyin Hall, occupies the fifth courtyard. It showcases Guanyin statues, stone carvings and other artistic treasures. Emperor Kangxi presented a stele to Abbot Shou Xi. It reads “Cun Cheng” meaning “be sincere.”
The Pavilion of Buddhist Sutras is in the last courtyard. It features two floors. The Thousand Buddha made of Red Sandalwood is exhibited here. Sutras from the Ming and Qing dynasties are preserved here as well.
Fayuan Temple isn’t just a place of Buddhist culture. It’s also a haven for plants. Trees planted during the Tang Dynasty still stand. Pines from the Song Dynasty grow near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Ginkgos and crabapple trees also enhance the area. Fayuan Temple is known as “Temple of Flowers.” In spring, the temple fills with floral fragrance.