Xizhao Temple in Beijing

Xizhao Temple夕照寺 is located on Guangqumen Main Street in Beijing. The temple faces south and consists of various structures, including the Mountain Gate, the Mahavira Hall, the Great Compassion Hall, the Abbot’s Courtyard, and the rear courtyard with a brick pagoda. The Mountain Gate features a stone plaque inscribed with “Ancient Site Xizhao Temple” (古迹夕照寺). During the Ming Dynasty’s Zhengtong period, Minister of War Yu Qian visited this temple, where the monk Pulang invited him to compose a poem on the “Central Pagoda Diagram” by his master, the Zen master Gu Zhuo Jun. This poem was later included in the 38-volume “Sanxitang Shiqu Baotie” (三希堂石渠宝帖) published during the Qianlong period.

Geographical Environment

South of Guangqumen Main Street lies Xizhao Temple Street, named after Xizhao Temple, which is situated along this street. As previously mentioned, the temple faces south and is composed of several key structures. The Great Compassion Hall features a painting titled “Old Pine Tree” (古松图) by the artist Chen Shoushan, created in the 40th year of the Qianlong era (1775). The east wall showcases a cursive inscription of “Ode to the Tall Pine” (高松赋) by Wang Ankun, a remarkable combination of calligraphy and painting that constitutes a treasure of Xizhao Temple. Both the “Old Pine Tree” and “Ode to the Tall Pine” are preserved at the Beijing Cultural Relics Research Institute.

Historical Origins

Xizhao Temple was originally a large temple in the southern city. While its exact founding date is unclear, various historical records suggest that it may have been established during the late Yuan or early Ming Dynasties, particularly in the Zhengtong and Jingtai periods. The patriotic hero Yu Qian visited this temple multiple times, and by that time, Xizhao Temple had already developed into a substantial establishment.

The temple served as a branch of the Western Mountain Zen Monks. It was named after the large red screen that once stood in front of the Mountain Gate, reflecting bright red light during sunset, which gave rise to the name “Xizhao Temple.” Inside the Mountain Gate, there are statues of Cai Lun on the left and Guan Yu on the right, with the back featuring the usual deity of the temple. According to the inscription of Zhao Jishi’s Yingtang Stele, Xizhao Temple was largely destroyed during the early Qing Dynasty, leaving only one pillar standing. During the Yongzheng period, the Zen master Wenjue revitalized the temple, restoring its structures anew.

In the Qianlong period, Xizhao Temple underwent renovations, with significant funds being accumulated for reconstruction in the third year of the Jiaqing era. The temple covers an area of approximately 20 acres and consists of 108 rooms.

Mural Legend

The most famous feature of Xizhao Temple is the murals in the Great Compassion Hall. The left wall features the “Ode to the Tall Pine,” inscribed by the Daxing Wang Ankun. The right wall displays the “Old Pine Tree” painted by Chen Song, known by his courtesy name Shoushan. He was a native of Tianchang and became known for his paintings after moving to the capital. The “Old Pine Tree” painting is remarkable for its vibrant greens and majestic presence, inviting viewers into a sea of ancient pines.

There is an interesting story behind this mural. At the time, the Jinguan Temple in You’anmen had murals of Chen Xiangquan and Yuzhiding, which attracted many visitors. The monk Hengji at Xizhao Temple greatly admired these works and requested Chen Shoushan to paint an old pine tree for Xizhao Temple, with Wang Ankun inscribing the ode. At nearly 80 years old, Chen Shoushan completed the painting in a single session, inspired by a summer storm that filled the courtyard with water. The contrast between the dark, stormy atmosphere and the serene beauty of his painting created a memorable experience for visitors.

Jintai Xizhao

When discussing Xizhao Temple, one cannot overlook “Jintai Xizhao,” one of the famous “Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing” (燕京八景) in Beijing. The Eight Scenic Spots emerged during the Ming Dynasty’s Jinzong period and included: “Juyong Dile,” “Jimen Yanshu,” “Xishan Qingxue,” “Yuqian Baotu,” “Qiongdiao Chunyin,” “Taiye Qiubo,” “Lugou Xiaoyue,” and “Jintai Xizhao.” The latter is said to be located south of Miaojia Di in Chaoyang District, which served as a military training ground for the Bannermen of the White Banner during the Qing Dynasty.

In early 2002, while constructing a financial center in the area, a stone stele inscribed with “Jintai Xizhao” was discovered. Measuring 2.7 meters in length, the front bears the inscription, while the back includes “Imperial Seal” and a poem. This stele was later erected beside the landscape pool of the financial center, enduring through time amidst the bustling surroundings.

The “Jintai Xizhao” spot is historically linked to King Zhao of Yan during the Warring States period, who built the Golden Terrace to attract talented individuals. Historical records note that “the king built a terrace for Wei to recruit talented individuals.” The Golden Terrace succeeded in drawing many notable figures, such as the famous scholar Zou Yan and the military general Le Yi. Their legacies can still be seen today, with temples dedicated to Zou Yan in Shugu Valley and Le Yi’s tomb located east of Fuzhuang Village in Fangshan District.

The Golden Terrace, designed with a high trapezoidal structure, was visible from afar. When the sun set, the golden rays illuminated the terrace, creating a stunning spectacle. Over the centuries, many scholars have penned poems praising the Golden Terrace, which contributed to its inclusion among the “Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing.”

The “Eight Scenic Spots” were officially established during the Qianlong era when Emperor Qianlong erected stone steles to commemorate each spot, inscribing the names on the front and poems on the back. The eight scenic spots were formally confirmed, with only the “Jintai Xizhao” stele currently missing.

Transportation Information

Public Transport:

1. Take bus routes 1, 29, 638, 829, 827, 52, 674, 434, 122, or 957 and get off at Guangqumen Station.
2. Take bus routes 750 or 750 Express and get off at Guangming Tower Station.
3. Take bus route 12 and get off at the north entrance of Xizhao Temple Street.
4. Take bus route 8 and get off at Anhua Tower Station.

You can walk to the middle of Xizhao Temple Street to reach your destination. A taxi ride costs about 10 yuan.