Wanfo Yanshou Temple in Beijing
Overview
Wanfo Yanshou Temple (万佛延寿寺, Wànfóyánshòu Sì) was named in the first year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era (公元1573年, 1573 AD) and was abolished in 1967.
Meaning of the Name
The meaning of the name cannot be verified through internal documentation or external investigations.
Historical Development
Established in the first year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, the temple was well-known in the area outside Guang’anmen (广安门, Guǎng’ānmén), often referred to by locals as Gaomiao (高庙, Gāomiào). Before 1949, the temple’s surrounding walls had vanished, leaving only the Dabeige (大悲阁, Dàbēigé) standing. Facing east, the roof of Dabeige had collapsed for many years. Inside, there was a bronze statue of Guanyin (观音, Guānyīn) standing, while on the foundation of the hall rested a bronze seated statue of Shakyamuni (释迦牟尼, Shìjiāmóuní). In 1967, during the Cultural Revolution, the standing Guanyin statue was toppled. The seated statue survived and was moved to the Capital Museum for preservation. The temple site is now part of the Fengtai Sports Center (丰台体育中心, Fēngtái Tǐyùzhōngxīn), rendering its name obsolete.
Visiting the Temple
To enter the temple, walk south on Fengtai South Road (丰体南路, Fēngtǐ Nánlù) and enter through the south gate of the sports center. After walking over 900 meters, you will reach the back of the temple.
Preservation Efforts
In 1984, the bronze statue of Guanyin was designated a district-level cultural relic protection unit. In 1994, the Fengtai District Government brought back the original bronze Guanyin statue from the Beijing Dazhong Temple Museum (大钟寺博物馆, Dàzhōngsì Bówùguǎn) and restored it to its original form, including the crown and four arms. In 2006, the statue was further restored to include twenty arms, and surrounding environmental improvements were made, including the installation of a protective railing.
Historical Records
A stone tablet behind the Ksitigarbha (地藏王菩萨, Dìzàngwáng Púsà) records the temple’s history. The first year of the Ming Wanli era should correspond to 1573 AD.
Artistic Features
The bronze statue of Guanyin is tall and graceful, exuding a dignified presence. The statue embodies the qualities of femininity, kindness, and devotion, resembling an elegant and serene ancient Eastern girl.
This Guanyin statue was crafted in three segments, followed by intricate carving. The techniques used are simple yet powerful, with soft, flowing lines. It showcases exceptional artistic achievements in both casting and carving, making it a remarkable piece from the Ming Dynasty and the tallest, most elegantly shaped bronze bodhisattva statue in the Beijing area.
From the base, the height of the Guanyin statue is 8 meters, adorned with a crown that features three feminine faces. The statue has a total of 24 hands, each in different poses, with delicate and graceful fingers. The figure is dressed in a short top and long skirt, with flowing ribbons on either side, all embellished with patterns of lotus flowers and scrolling vines. The statue is barefoot, stepping on a lotus pedestal, creating a lively and dynamic form.
