How many emperors have walked these grounds? We are standing at the Site of Xifeng Temple. It is a Buddhist temple in Beijing. Though the temple was established during the Tang Dynasty, what you see today largely dates back to 1436. This was during the Ming Dynasty.
Xifeng Temple is located in Xishanwo, Keluo village. It is in Yongding County, Mentougou District. You can visit from 09:00 to 17:00. Entry is free. I recommend allowing about an hour for sightseeing.
The Qianlong Emperor, who reigned from 1736 to 1795, had a strong connection to a similar temple. He was born in that building. He converted it into a Tibetan Buddhist temple in 1745. That temple became the largest and best-preserved of its kind in Beijing. The Qianlong Emperor practiced Tibetan-style Buddhism. Perhaps he even visited Xifeng Temple.
Imagine an abbot standing in the courtyard. He stands next to a large incense burner. His hat marks him as part of the Gelugpa order. This order practices Tantric Buddhism.
Susan Naquin’s book “Peking: Temples and City Life, 1400-1900” mentions Xifeng Temple. This suggests the temple played a role in city life during that time.
Today, the Site of Xifeng Temple stands as a testament to Beijing’s long history. It shows the enduring influence of Buddhism. As you explore, consider the monks who once walked here. Think about the emperors who may have sought solace within these walls. Let the stones whisper tales of centuries past.