What secrets lie behind the closed doors of the 菩薩殿 (Pusa Dian), also known as the Hall of Bodhisattvas, here at 護國寺 (Huguo Si), the Temple of Protecting the Nation? This magnificent hall, tucked away within the sprawling temple complex, holds a special place in the heart of 菩薩殿. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the rich tapestry of Buddhist traditions woven into the very fabric of Beijing. The 菩薩殿, a two-story structure with a distinctive octagonal roof, isn’t merely a place of worship. It’s a sanctuary, a place where the whispers of ancient prayers mingle with the hopes and aspirations of contemporary devotees. The original temple, including the 菩薩殿, was first constructed way back in 1286 during the Yuan Dynasty, when it was known as the Chongguo Si, or Temple of Serving the Country. It wasn’t until later, in 1722 during the Qing Dynasty, that it earned its current name, Huguo Si, and the 菩薩殿 found its place within this sacred space. As you ascend the steps to the 菩薩殿, imagine the countless pilgrims who have walked this path before you, their hearts filled with reverence and devotion. Inside, a breathtaking sight awaits you. The ground floor houses a magnificent 5-meter-tall bronze statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva, radiating compassion and wisdom. Each hand reaches out to alleviate suffering, each eye perceives the needs of sentient beings. Upstairs, the second floor holds a unique treasure – a stone tablet inscribed with an account of the excavation of Kunming Lake during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor. This surprising detail connects the 菩薩殿 not just to the spiritual realm but also to the earthly history of Beijing. The 菩薩殿 here at Huguo Si is more than just a building. It is a living embodiment of Buddhist philosophy, a beacon of hope in the bustling metropolis of Beijing.
菩萨殿
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
After discovering the story of 菩萨殿 in Beijing, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Beijing while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way.
Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Beijing. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Beijing directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful.
Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Beijing. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive.
Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Beijing. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Beijing with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.
More Places in Beijing
St. Peter’s Basilica
“Have you seen the cameras?” That’s what I thought the first time I saw the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,
Jianwai Subdistrict
Thirty thousand souls. That’s how many people call Jianwai Subdistrict home. Jianwai Subdistrict sits nestled on the western side of