Bailin Temple, Buddhist temple in Dongcheng District, China
Bailin Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Dongcheng District with five courtyards arranged along a central axis. The complex includes several key buildings such as the Shanmen gate, the Heavenly Kings Hall, and the Great Buddha Hall, which follow traditional Chinese temple architecture.
Construction of the temple began in 1347 during Yuan Emperor Shun's reign. It became one of Beijing's eight major temples under supervision of the Sakya school and was later recognized as a nationally protected historical and cultural site.
The temple houses rare wooden blocks of the Tibetan Dragon Sutra, which represent the most complete Buddhist encyclopedia in China. Visitors today can still sense its importance as a center for Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practice.
The temple opens to the public mainly during the annual Cultural Heritage Day, though it remains accessible year-round to affiliated institutions. Plan your visit for this day if you wish to explore the temple's interior.
The main hall displays a horizontal tablet inscribed by Emperor Kangxi on his 60th birthday. This personal gift from a ruling emperor reveals the temple's direct connection to imperial power and patronage.
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