Fahai Temple, Buddhist temple in Shijingshan District, Beijing, China
Fahai Temple is a Buddhist temple in Shijingshan District, Beijing, located at the base of Cuiwei Mountain with traditional Chinese architecture. The complex includes a main hall and several side structures with intricately designed interior spaces.
Construction began in 1439 under eunuch Li Tong and finished in 1443, making it a significant example of Ming Dynasty religious architecture. This period marked an era when Buddhist structures flourished across China.
The temple displays Ming Dynasty wall paintings showing Buddhist deities gathered in different scenes, reflecting the spiritual beliefs of that era. These artworks served visitors as visual guides to understand and honor Buddhist teachings.
The temple sits at the base of a mountain, so reaching it involves some walking and weather conditions can affect the paths. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for seasonal conditions, especially during rain or winter.
The temple houses an ancient bronze bell and features a distinctive mural of a six-tusked elephant, an unusual animal motif for Ming Dynasty Buddhist art. This imagery stands apart from the usual deity paintings and gives the complex a unique visual character.
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