“Great love as one” is the meaning of Guang Ji. That is the perfect way to describe Guangji Temple. This temple is one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples. It serves as the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of China. It is the center for national Buddhist activities.
Guangji Temple’s story began in the Jin Dynasty around 1115-1234. Subsequent dynasties added to it. The present Guangji Temple was completed during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. The original structure saw three expansions. It also went through three fires plus three reconstructions.
Today, Guangji Temple covers 5.766 acres. That is about 23,330 square meters. The major structures include the main gate. You will also find the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Yuantong Hall, and Sutra Hall.
Let’s step through the Main Gate. Notice the three arched doors joined by connecting walls. Each door features colored glazed eaves. Steles accompany each one. Passing through, you’ll see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. You will face the Heavenly King Hall. A bronze Maitreya Buddha statue sits inside. The Four Heavenly Kings guard it. Above, a Wheel of Dharma suggests Buddha’s infinite power.
In the second courtyard stands the Mahavira Hall. Look for the bronze vessel in front. It dates back to 1793, Emperor Qianlong’s reign. This vessel is about two meters high. It is cast with the eight treasures of Buddhism. These include the wheel, spiral shell, umbrella, canopy, flower, vase, fish, and knot. Inside the hall, statues of Buddha and 18 arhats stand tall. These Buddhist practitioners are said to possess special powers. A Qing Dynasty painting hangs across their backs. Painted with fingers rather than a brush, it is five meters high and ten meters wide.
The Yuantong Hall is in the third courtyard. This serves as the residence of Buddhisattva. The two-storied Sutra Hall is in the fourth yard. It houses a vast collection of sutras and treasures. Gifts from friendly Buddhists of other states fill it. Over 100,000 volumes of sutras are here. The sutras written in blood from the Song and Ming Dynasties are especially precious.
Guangji Temple is not only a historical site. It actively promotes Buddhist culture. It fosters international exchange. Its location is 25 Fuchengmen Inner Street, Xicheng District. Guangji Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:50 PM. Entrance is free. It’s easily accessible by subway or bus. A visit here offers a deep dive into Buddhist art, history, and philosophy. It also provides a serene escape from Beijing’s bustling streets.