Hall of Divine Light, Buddhist hall in Beijing, China
The Hall of Divine Light, also known as Chengguang Hall, is a square building with a double-eaved roof and four side pavilions, located on the Round City in Beihai Park. Inside, a white jade Buddha statue sits in meditation, carved from a single block of jade and adorned with jewels.
The hall was first built in the Yuan dynasty as the Hall of Heavenly Ceremonies and was renamed in the Ming dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1690 during the Kangxi reign and later expanded under Emperor Qianlong.
The jade Buddha inside the hall is a focal point for devotees, who leave offerings and pray before it. The statue's left arm bears a scar from a sword blow, a reminder of the hall's turbulent past.
The hall is part of the Round City, a short walk from the south gate of Beihai Park. Visitors can explore the hall and the surrounding walls at their own pace, but should note that some areas may have steps and uneven surfaces.
The jade Buddha was originally enshrined in a small temple near Xizhimen and was later moved to the hall after a series of events involving a monk and the Empress Dowager Cixi. The statue's left arm still shows a deep sword cut from the Eight-Nation Alliance invasion.
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