Nestled in Fangshan District lies a temple with a story etched in stone. That temple is called Baishui Temple. Have you heard of it? Baishui Temple was once known as Baishui Xinglong Temple. A mountain stream flows before the temple and it’s a beautiful sight. Locals call it Dàfó Temple. The exact construction date of Baishui Temple remains a mystery.
Baishui Temple is renowned. It’s celebrated as one of Fangshan’s eight scenic spots. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Baishui Temple was known for its “Baishui Different Paste”.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the temple during the Jin Dynasty over 800 years ago. The temple was a vibrant center of Buddhist practice. According to “Rixia Old News”, Baishui Temple was also called Dàfó Temple. It attracted many visitors.
Now, picture this. The temple nestled in the mountains offered a tranquil escape. Towering rocks formed the basis for a grand Buddhist statue exceeding several meters in height. A wooden hall sheltered the statue. Sadly the hall was destroyed during the Ming Dynasty. The stone Buddha was exposed to the elements.
In 1576 a wandering monk named Chang Yuan stumbled upon the desolate scene. Seeing the dilapidated temple and exposed Buddha filled him with determination. He vowed to rebuild Baishui Temple. This time he decided to construct a unique structure. A hall made of stone without beams would protect the three stone Buddhas.
The monk had the stone Buddhas covered with gold powder. Murals adorned the hall’s interior. Subsequent construction included Maitreya Hall, meditation hall, and a mountain gate. The mountain gate bore the inscription “Xinglong”. A bell tower and kitchen were built.
Baishui Temple’s stone Buddhas are the largest in Beijing. Experts believe they were carved during the Yuan Dynasty. These statues offer insights into Beijing’s Buddhist culture. They are important relics. In 1984, they were listed as municipal-level cultural relics.
Inside Baishui Temple, you can see three stone Buddhas. They stand facing south on lotus pedestals. The central figure is Sakyamuni. To his left stands Ananda. To his right is Kasyapa. Sakyamuni measures 5.8 meters tall. The other two are slightly shorter. The Buddhas have full faces. Their expressions are serene. The statues’ lines are clear and the robes are fluid. The sculptures showcase ancient artistry.
Sadly after the Republic of China era, the mountain gate, Maitreya Hall, meditation hall, bell tower, and stone bridge crumbled. Only the stone hall, stone Buddhas, and a stone pagoda remained. In 1993, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics allocated funds to restore the damaged stone hall. The Baishui Temple stone bridge was rebuilt. Baishui Temple was renewed.