Fuyou Temple in Beijing
Overview
Fuyou Temple (福佑寺) is located at 20 Beichang Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区北长街20号). It was established during the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty and served as a refuge for Emperor Kangxi during his childhood.
Historical Development
- Shunzhi Era (1644-1661): Fuyou Temple is built as a refuge for the young Kangxi Emperor.
- Yongzheng Era (1723): The main hall is constructed, intended for Prince Aisin Gioro Hongli, but he does not move in.
- Qianlong Era (1736): The prince’s residence is converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple named Fuyou Temple.
- December 22, 1919: The People’s News Agency is established at Fuyou Temple.
- 1927: Fuyou Temple becomes the office of the Panchen Lama in Beijing.
- 1980s: The temple continues to serve as the office for the Panchen Lama.
Architectural Layout
Fuyou Temple faces south, with the outer wall gate oriented to the west. The central axis features a sequence of structures: glazed wall, archway, mountain gate, bell tower, drum tower, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, rear hall, and the back room.
Main Structures
- Glazed Wall: Located at the southern end, it is approximately 18.5 meters long with a yellow glazed tile roof.
- Archway: Situated between the mountain gate and the glazed wall, there are two archways. The eastern archway is inscribed with “Buddha Light Illuminates All,” while the western one reads “Grace Flows to All Beings,” both written by Emperor Yongzheng.
- Mountain Gate: This three-bay structure has a hip roof with a yellow glazed tile covering. It features a carved dragon imperial road and a pair of lions at the entrance.
- Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Located on either side of the mountain gate, these two-story structures have yellow glazed tile roofs.
- Heavenly King Hall: This hall has three bays and features an inscription that reads “Illuminating Wisdom.” It is flanked by two side halls.
- Mahavira Hall: Located north of the Heavenly King Hall, it measures 21.9 meters wide and 13.8 meters deep, topped with a yellow glazed tile roof and decorated with a Tibetan-style pagoda.
- Rear Hall: This five-bay hall has an inscription that reads “Compassionate Countenance.” It once housed a tablet honoring the achievements of the Kangxi Emperor (now located in the Palace Museum).
Historical and Cultural Significance
Notable Figures
Aisin Gioro Xuanye (爱新觉罗·玄烨) (1662–1722), also known as the Kangxi Emperor, was born in the Palace of Jingren on March 18, 1654. He was the third son of the Shunzhi Emperor and became the emperor in 1661.
Cultural Value
Fuyou Temple, as a childhood residence of the Kangxi Emperor, has special significance for studying the architecture and culture of the Qing Dynasties of Kangxi and Yongzheng.
Protection Status
On May 24, 1984, Fuyou Temple was designated as a municipal cultural heritage site by the Beijing Municipal Government. On March 27, 2021, the former site of the People’s News Agency (Fuyou Temple) was recognized as one of Beijing’s first immovable revolutionary cultural relics by the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau.
Tourism Information
Location
Fuyou Temple is located at 20 Beichang Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区北长街20号).
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take bus lines 5, Sightseeing Route 1, or Sightseeing Route 2 to Beihai South Station.
- By Car: The distance from the Xicheng District People’s Government to Fuyou Temple is approximately 3.9 kilometers, taking about 10 minutes by car.
