“Centuries-old Buddhist mural art comes alive in Beijing”, do you hear these words echoing? Right here, we’re standing before something truly special: a mural in Beijing’s subway system. More precisely, we’re talking about the Fahai Temple Mural Art Center. It opened its doors to the public in early 2023.
Let’s step back in time for a moment. The Fahai Temple was built way back in 1443. Its walls hold some of the best mural art from the Ming Dynasty. According to Pang Xianhui, the head of the temple’s cultural relics department, these murals are the oldest and best-preserved in Beijing.
These murals aren’t just old. They offer a window into a different world. They showcase the artistry and beliefs of people who lived centuries ago. The temple’s cultural relics department has worked hard to preserve these treasures.
Now, imagine you’re one of the first visitors to the Fahai Temple Mural Art Center. The center boasts digital exhibition halls. There is even a ball theater. A cafe offers refreshments. You can explore the cultural and creative spaces.
But the real star of the show is the murals themselves. Thanks to 8K ultra-high-definition video technology, you can experience these masterpieces like never before. The center provides an immersive viewing experience. You’ll feel like you’re stepping right into the Ming Dynasty.
These aren’t just any murals. They are Ming Dynasty palace murals. They’re the longest-existing and most well-preserved of their kind in Beijing. The Fahai Temple Mural Art Center uses modern technology to bring ancient art to life.
But subway stations themselves have murals too. Beijing Subway Line 2 opened in 1984. It traces the path of the old city wall. Several stations along Line 2 feature their own murals.
Consider Jianguomen Station. It has murals depicting astronomical instruments and ancient constellations. You can spot satellites and rockets. On the other side, there’s the “Four Great Inventions”: papermaking, the compass, gunpowder, and printing.
Then there’s Xizhimen Station. Its murals depict “Yanshan and the Great Wall” and “Eastward on the Yangtze”. These murals evoke ancient Chinese art.
Lastly, Dongsishitiao Station. Its murals celebrate sports, especially martial arts. You’ll see wushu weapons and elements like the Eight Trigrams.
But back to the Fahai Temple Mural Art Center. It’s more than just a museum. It’s a portal to the past. It’s a place where you can connect with Chinese history and culture. The center is located at No.47-1 Moshikou Street, Shijingshan District. It’s open from 9:00 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:00. The center is closed on Mondays, except for public holidays.