Baozhudong Temple of Badachu Park in Beijing
Introduction
Baozhudong Temple宝珠洞寺 is the seventh temple in Beijing’s Badachu Park, located at the peak of Pingpo Mountain. Built in the 46th year of the Qianlong reign (1782), the temple features a main hall and two side halls, with a cave behind that is about five meters deep and filled with gravel that resembles large pearls, hence the name “Baozhudong Temple.”
Overview
From the northern side entrance of Xiangjie Temple (香界寺), the steep mountain path resembles a bow. Near the summit of Cuiwei Mountain (翠微山), there’s an archway inscribed with “欢喜地” on the outside and “坚固林” on the inside, alongside a large rock with imperial poetry carved into it. Behind the archway stands the renowned Baozhudong Temple, the highest point among the Badachu temples, known for its majestic and imposing scenery.
The cave is dark, featuring a statue of the monk Haixiu (海岫) seated in meditation, commonly referred to as “Ghost King Bodhisattva.” In front of the cave is a pavilion named Zhaowang Pavilion (眺望亭), offering views of Kunming Lake (昆明湖) and the lush scenery of the capital. On clear days, witnessing the sunrise here is breathtaking, as the sun rises like a red disc.
Historical Background
Baozhudong Temple was constructed through the efforts of the monk Haixiu, who used his fingers to meticulously create the cave over many years. Haixiu lived in the cave for over forty years and passed away there. His physical body was once worshiped inside, and today, a stone statue remains. Haixiu hailed from Ding County, Hebei Province, and was a disciple at Baiyi Temple (白衣庵) before moving to Shenggan Temple (圣感寺). He was highly respected by Emperor Kangxi, who visited him seven times.
Haixiu also earned the nickname “Ghost King Bodhisattva” after an incident involving Emperor Qianlong’s beloved concubine, who was thought to have haunted the emperor. After Haixiu was summoned to exorcise her spirit, the emperor recovered, leading to his renown in the capital.
Natural Scenery
The temple sits atop Pingpo Mountain. From the northern gate of the six temples, a stone staircase leads west for over a mile. The area is lush with yellow larch and torchwood, vibrant in spring and summer and stunningly red in autumn.
In front of the temple is a wooden archway with “坚固林” and “欢喜地” inscribed by Emperor Qianlong. A nearby large stone bears an imperial poem from the 13th year of Qianlong’s reign (1748).
The temple has two floors built along the cliff, with the Guanyin Hall (观音殿) forming a courtyard. Behind the Guanyin Hall is a cave approximately four meters wide, filled with sparkling gravel resembling pearls. This cave is known as “Pearl Cave.” In the past, Haixiu was summoned by Emperor Kangxi, and his ability to exorcise spirits earned him the title “Ghost King Bodhisattva.”
Historical Legends
One legend tells of a “great talent” who, upon visiting the temple, failed to understand a peculiar couplet and turned red with embarrassment. At that moment, an old monk appeared and explained the couplet, which has since continued to intrigue scholars.
Just south of the Guandi Temple (关帝庙), a delicate Qing-style archway stands, richly decorated and inscribed with the same phrases by Emperor Qianlong. Not far from this archway is a large stone, which bears signs of past poetry left by the emperor during a casual visit.
Baozhudong Temple itself is modest, facing northeast, with a two-tiered hall and an open pavilion called “Zhaoyuan Pavilion” (眺远亭). This location offers spectacular views, capturing the essence of “absolute peak viewing.”
During the crisp autumn season, exiting through the southern gate of Baozhudong Temple leads to the pinnacle of Pingpo Mountain, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Forbidden City, the Yongding River, and the Cuiwei Mountains. Here, the beauty of the landscape can truly inspire deep contemplation.
Transportation
Public Transport
- Bus Routes: Take bus lines 347, 389, 598, 972, or 958 to Badachu Park Station (八大处公园站).
Subway
- Transfer Stations: You can transfer to buses between Bajiao Amusement Park (八角游乐园) and Apple Garden Station (苹果园站) to reach the park.
By Car
- Driving Directions: Exit at Badachu on the West Fifth Ring Road (西五环路八大处出口) and drive approximately two kilometers along Badachu Road (八大处路); or exit at Four Seasons Green (四季青) on the West Fourth Ring Road, then follow Xing Shikou Road (杏石口路) to Badachu Road. The parking area is within 100 meters of the entrance, with three parking lots available, accommodating a total of 1,200 vehicles.
