Carved into the heart of Beijing’s western hills lies a sanctuary of serenity. This is Xiangjie Temple. Nestled within the Eight Great Sites, Xiangjie Temple offers a unique glimpse into China’s rich Buddhist heritage. It stands as the sixth site.
Founded in the Tang Dynasty around 758 AD, the temple has transformed over centuries. It was initially known as Pingpo Great Enlightenment Temple. Later, during the Ming Dynasty, a restoration led to its renaming as the Great Round Temple. Another restoration occurred during the Qing Dynasty under the Kangxi Emperor. It was then known as the Sacred Temple. In 1748, under the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the temple received its current name, Xiangjie Temple. This translates to “fragrant boundary temple”. This name has remained since then.
Imagine yourself standing before the temple’s mountain gate. The Qianlong Emperor’s calligraphy adorns the entrance. The five characters read: “Diligent Construction of Xiangjie Temple”. Within the hall, two imposing statues of Heng and Ha stand guard. They symbolize the temple’s strength and protection.
Step through the mountain gate and into the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. Here, you’ll find statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. They are sculpted from painted clay. Facing them is a statue of Maitreya Buddha with his large belly. Behind him, a statue of Skanda stands tall.
Continue to the Great Hero Hall, the temple’s main hall. Inside, three gilded statues of Buddhas of Three Lifetimes. These were created in the early 21st century. Before the hall stand two towering stone steles. The stele to the east features a tortoise base. The inscription is from the Kangxi Emperor. The stele is dedicated to the Sacred Temple. The west stele is carved from green stone. It showcases intricate carvings of plum blossoms, deer, and seahorses.
Ascend eighteen steps to reach the Sutra Depository. This two-story building once housed a vast collection of Buddhist texts. Today, the Sutra Depository is repurposed. Not many cultural relics remain.
East of the Sutra Depository lies the Summer Palace of Emperor Qianlong. The palace exemplifies imperial architecture. Emperor Qianlong visited Xiangjie Temple multiple times. Kangxi, Jiaqing and Xuantong Emperors also resided here. Inside, an open hall displays a plaque inscribed with the Emperor Qianlong’s calligraphy. It reads: “Vivid and Peaceful”.
Xiangjie Temple is the largest temple. It offers a tranquil escape. Its rich history and stunning architecture showcase the enduring legacy. This is a legacy of Buddhism in China. As you leave, reflect on the temple’s journey. It has been a journey from its humble beginnings to its current splendor. It is a testament to faith, art, and imperial patronage.