Guangji Temple in Beijing
Chinese Name: 广济寺
English Name: Guangji Temple
Type: Temple, Chinese traditional culture & Buddhism culture
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-3 hour
Opening Hours: 07:00-16:30
Ticket:free
Location: No.25 Fuchengmennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Why is Guangji Temple so special?
The building maintains the pattern of the Ming Dynasty and is divided into three roads. Many precious cultural relics are treasured in the temple, such as the statues of the Three Kingdoms Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats of the Ming Dynasty, the white marble platform built by Kangxi, and the bronze tripod of Ganlong. Guangji Temple广济寺, located on Fuchengmennei Street in Xisi, Beijing, is one of the city’s renowned ancient Buddhist temples. It currently serves as the site of the Chinese Buddhism Association and is a nationally recognized key cultural heritage site. With its long history and abundant relics, Guangji Temple holds a prominent reputation both domestically and internationally within the Buddhist community.
History of Guangji Temple
Guangji temple was founded in the Jin dynasty (1115~1234). during the Republic of China, the temple was burned twice and rebuilt twice. In the early days of New China, the government allocated funds to restore all the temple buildings. In 1984, it was announced as a cultural relic protection unit in Beijing. On May 25, 2006, Guangji Temple, as an ancient building in Qing Dynasty, was approved by the State Council as the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
Main Attractions of Guangji Temple
Guangji temple is dedicated to many Buddhist statues of Ming and Qing dynasties. there are also many precious Buddhist scriptures, steles and other cultural relics in the temple.
There is a bronze tripod cast in 1793 in Hall of Ceremony . It is more than 2 meters high and is placed on a carved stone base. Its body is decorated with eight Buddhist statues. Its shape is simple and elegant, and its workmanship is exquisite. It is a precious art treasure.
There is a picture hanging from the back wall of Hall of Ceremony . It was painted by Fu Wen, a famous painter, with his fingers in 1744. It is 5 meters high and 10 meters wide. In the picture, Sakyamuni was sitting on a lotus seat, explaining the scriptures to the believers, and more than 100 disciples around him listened attentively. Interestingly, among the audience were also Chinese historical figures such as Guan Yu.
The bronze Buddha statues, with tall and bright glass cabinets on both sides displaying precious gifts from visiting Buddhist circles in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and other regions, are dazzling and beautiful.
The Buddhist classics collected in Guangji Temple are very numerous. The library alone contains 23 languages, more than 100,000 Buddhist classics and works, and the ” Tripitaka ” alone contains 12 versions. It is an important historical material for studying the occurrence, development and evolution of Chinese Buddhism and an important part of Chinese traditional culture.
Historical Background
Founded at the end of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Guangji Temple was originally named Xiliucun Temple. It underwent various transformations and was known as Baoyuan Hongji Temple during the Yuan Dynasty. The temple was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) by monks Zenghui and Yuanhong from Shaanxi Province after it was destroyed by war. The temple gained further importance during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) as emperors frequently visited, leaving behind inscriptions and tablets, which enhanced its status. Following its reconstruction in 1935, the temple’s grandeur increased, and it became the founding site of the Buddhist Association of China in 1953.
Architectural Layout
The temple’s layout is symmetrical, with key buildings aligned along its central axis, including the Temple Gate, the Main Hall, the Sutra Hall, and the Jade Carving Monk Status Attaining Altar. A notable feature is a large finger painting by Qing Dynasty artist Fu Wen in the Main Hall, which is the largest existing fresco in China depicting Buddha expounding doctrines. The Sutra Hall houses precious Buddhist scriptures and relics, including the tooth relics of Buddha. The well-preserved Monk Status Attaining Altar is unique to Beijing.
Annual Activities
Guangji Temple attracts numerous Buddhists and tourists each year. It regularly hosts large meetings, religious ceremonies, and international events, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
Getting There: Transportation
To reach Guangji Temple, visitors can utilize several transportation options:
- By Subway: The nearest subway station is Fuchengmen Station on Line 2. From the station, it’s a short walk to the temple.
- By Bus: Several bus lines, including 16, 37, 49, and 64, stop near the temple. Check local transit apps for the most convenient routes.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Didi are readily available. Simply provide the driver with “Guangji Temple” or the address for a direct route.
- By Subway
Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Xisi Station. Get out from Exit A and walk to the south for three minutes. - By Bus
1. Take bus 3, 13, 42, or 102 and get off at Xisi Lukou Xi Station.
2. Take bus 22, 38, 88, 105, 409, or Special Line 13 and get off at Xisi Lukou Bei Station.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The temple is open year-round, but visiting during major Buddhist festivals can offer a unique experience with special ceremonies.
- Respectful Attire: As a place of worship, dress modestly. It’s recommended to wear long sleeves and avoid overly casual clothing.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the temple’s history and architectural details.
- Photography: Be respectful when taking photos, especially during ceremonies. Always ask permission if capturing individuals.
- Cultural Etiquette: Observe silence in prayer areas and follow local customs, such as bowing before the main altar.
Guangji Temple stands as a testament to Beijing’s rich cultural and religious history. Its serene environment and historical significance make it a must-visit for those interested in Buddhism and traditional Chinese architecture. With convenient transportation and valuable travel tips, visiting this historic site can be a memorable experience.
Nearby attractions
Prince Kung’s Mansion
Prince Gong’s palace is the most well-preserved palace complex in our country. It has gone through the historical process of the Qing Dynasty from its heyday to its decline and fall. Therefore, there is the saying “a Prince Gong’s palace, half of the history of the Qing Dynasty”.
Beihai Park
Beihai Park, located in the center of Beijing City, is the oldest, best preserved and most culturally deposited classical royal garden in China’s existing history.
