Xiangjie Temple of Badachu Park in Beijing

Xiangjie Temple of Badachu Park in Beijing

Overview

Xiangjie Temple (香界寺) is located within Badachu Park (八大处) in Shijingshan District, Beijing. It is a Han Chinese Buddhist temple and serves as the sixth temple of Badachu. Founded during the Tang Dynasty, it was initially named Pingpo Dajue Temple (平坡大觉寺). It underwent renovations during the Ming Dynasty, changing its name to Dayuantong Temple (大圆通寺). In the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, it was refurbished again and renamed Shenggan Temple (圣感寺), before finally being called Xiangjie Temple during the Qianlong era.

Layout

The layout of Xiangjie Temple is symmetrical along a central axis. From south to north, the main structures are: the Mountain Gate Hall (山门殿), the Mahayana Gate (大乘门), the Heavenly King Hall (天王殿), the Bell Tower (钟楼), the Drum Tower (鼓楼), the Great Hero Hall (大雄宝殿), the Hall of the Western Three Saints (西方三圣殿), and the Scripture Collection Building (藏经楼). To the east of the Scripture Collection Building is the Summer Palace (行宫院) of Emperor Qianlong. Xiangjie Temple faces south and covers nearly 20 acres, showcasing a grand scale that ascends with the mountain terrain. It was once the most magnificent temple among the eight.

Historical Background

Xiangjie Temple was established during the Tang Dynasty and originally called Pingpo Dajue Temple. It was renovated during the Ming Dynasty and renamed Dayuantong Temple. In the Qing Dynasty, particularly in the Kangxi period, it was rebuilt and renamed Shenggan Temple, and later, during the Qianlong period, it became Xiangjie Temple. The temple’s architecture features a design that rises stepwise, creating an imposing presence against the mountains.

Architecture

The architectural layout is as follows:

Mountain Gate Hall

This hall has three bays and features a hard ridge roof. The entrance is marked by a white marble archway inscribed with “Built by Imperial Decree, Xiangjie Temple” in five characters. Inside, there are two statues of the guardians Heng and Ha.

Mahayana Gate

Located within the Mountain Gate Hall, the stone inscription reads “Awakening Path Together” (觉径同由).

Heavenly King Hall

This hall is located beyond the Mahayana Gate. The archway and window grilles are crafted from white marble. Inside, the four Heavenly Kings are depicted in colorful clay sculptures, with a large seated statue of the Laughing Buddha (大肚弥勒佛) holding a “Buddha’s Hand” at the center, and a statue of Weituo behind it.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower

These structures are situated on either side of the Heavenly King’s courtyard. Both feature double-eaved roofs and square layouts. Under the Drum Tower, an ancient oil pine tree known as “Dragon Pine” stands within a marble-railed enclosure, its branches stretching over the Mahayana Gate and Drum Tower.

Great Hero Hall

Located north of the Heavenly King Hall, this hall has five bays with red-painted pillars, and the doors and windows are intricately carved with floral patterns. It houses gilded statues of the Three Ages Buddha and eighteen Arhats, all crafted in the early 21st century. Originally, it housed statues of Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Two tall stone steles stand in front, with the eastern one featuring an inscription from the Kangxi era and the western one adorned with a stone carving and verses related to the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion.

Hall of the Western Three Saints

Inside this hall, the central figure is a wooden statue of Amitabha Buddha, flanked by Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta. The bronze bell hanging under the eaves was cast in the tenth year of the Kangxi era. Two seven-leaf trees, planted during the Ming Dynasty, stand in the courtyard.

Scripture Collection Building

Ascending eighteen steps from the Hall of the Western Three Saints leads to the Scripture Collection Building courtyard. The main structure here is a two-story building with five bays, flanked by two six-bay auxiliary buildings. The courtyard features two seven-leaf trees said to have been transplanted from Tibet, along with a magnolia tree believed to date back to the Ming Dynasty. Currently, the building serves different purposes, with only a few artifacts remaining.

To the east of the Scripture Collection Building is the Summer Palace, which features intricately carved structures, walkways, and scenic stones. Emperor Qianlong visited Xiangjie Temple and the Summer Palace multiple times, leaving behind many poems and calligraphic works. Various emperors and their consorts also resided here. Upon entering, visitors first encounter a spacious hall with three bays, which leads to the five-bay sleeping quarters of the emperor and empress. The sleeping quarters features a plaque inscribed with “Capture the Essence of the Mountains” and couplets written by Emperor Qianlong.

Adjacent to the sleeping quarters is the Observation Pavilion, also marked by a plaque from the emperor, providing sweeping views of Yuyuan Mountain and Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace.

Transportation

Public Bus

Take bus routes 347, 958, 972, or 489 to get off at Badachu South Station (八大处南站). Alternatively, you can take bus routes 389 or 598 and get off at Shixing North Street North Entrance (实兴北街北口).

Subway

Take Line 6 to Xihuangcun Station, then transfer to bus 389 to Shixing North Street North Entrance. Alternatively, take Line 6 to Yangzhuang Station and transfer to bus routes 972 or 958 to Badachu South Station. You can also take Line 1 to Bajiao Amusement Park Station and then transfer to Express Bus 215 to Xing Shikou Station.

Self-Driving

Exit at Badachu on the West Fifth Ring Road and follow the signs to Jinding Mountain Road (金顶山路). At the traffic light by the Badachu Archway (八大处牌楼), head west for 100 meters, and you will reach the ecological parking lot on Jinding Mountain Road. After parking, you can either walk or take bus 215 to your destination.