双泉寺

Nestled in the mountains of Beijing’s Shijingshan District, Shuangquan Si, also known as Twin Spring Temple, awaits. Its name, meaning “Twin Springs”, comes from the two springs located to the right of the temple. Shuangquan Si has existed since at least the mid-Jin dynasty. It served as a summer retreat for the Jin Emperor Zhangzong. It was later bestowed upon the monk, Wise and Wonderful, by Emperor Xuande in 1427. Damaged over time, the temple we see today was meticulously restored, thanks to funding from the nearby Lingguang Temple. This restoration, completed in 2013, followed traditional architectural methods, bringing back the original layout of the temple. It now serves as an active place of worship once more, its grand reopening celebrated with a momentous ceremony in August 2013. The main buildings include the Shanmen (mountain gate), the main hall, the wing halls, and the monks’ quarters. Within Shuangquan Si, you’ll discover intriguing artifacts: clay and iron Buddha statues, an iron bell, and striking Black Dragon murals. North of the temple stands the Auspicious Fortune Pagoda. A short distance from Shuangquan Si, you’ll find the single-arch stone bridge, initially called Twin Spring Bridge, and later renamed Wanshan Bridge during the Ming Dynasty. This bridge, a protected historical site, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Shuangquan Si. While much of the original structure is gone, two Qing dynasty steles, a tablet, two stone Buddha statues, and the Wanshan Bridge still stand, whispering stories of centuries past. Imagine yourself stepping back in time, sipping tea at the bustling teahouse that once stood before the temple, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains, much like the visitors of yesteryear. Not far from Shuangquan Si, inscribed on a massive boulder, you’ll find the characters for “Feiwei Mountain”. Below, a poem captures the spirit of the place: “Winding paths climb cloudy heights, never lost. Palace affairs and worldly thoughts momentarily forgotten. Old monks ponder true emptiness, uniquely inscribing Feiwei on the cliff face.” Close by, another inscription on a boulder simply reads “Buddha”. These enduring marks on the landscape, like Shuangquan Si itself, offer a glimpse into the enduring power of faith and history in this tranquil mountain setting.