Xiangjie Temple, located within the Western Hills' Badachu Park in Beijing, is the sixth temple among the renowned "Eight Great Sites." With a history spanning five dynasties — Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing — the temple has undergone several name changes, including Pingpo Dajue Temple, Dayuantong Temple, and Shenggan Temple. In 1748, during the 13th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the temple was reconstructed and officially renamed Xiangjie Temple, a name it retains today. Xiangjie Temple features a four-courtyard layout, with major structures including the Shanmen Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Yuantong Hall, and the Mahavira Hall.
The Shanmen Hall: Gateway to the Temple
The Shanmen Hall serves as the temple's main entrance and the first stop for visitors. The hall is crowned with the inscription "Imperially Established Xiangjie Temple" written in bold red lacquer by Emperor Qianlong, signifying the royal endorsement of the temple. Inside, statues of the Heng and Ha generals (guardian deities) flank the doorway, symbolizing the temple's sacred protection. The architectural style and adornments of the Shanmen Hall introduce visitors to the temple's cultural and religious significance.
Behind the Shanmen Hall lies an area dedicated to the Twelve Zodiac Guardians, a unique cultural feature linking Buddhist beliefs with the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. Each zodiac sign is associated with a specific guardian bodhisattva, believed to bring blessings, ward off misfortunes, and ensure peace, health, and prosperity. This spiritual connection attracts visitors seeking guidance and protection from their zodiac guardians.
The second courtyard houses the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings, an essential structure in Buddhist temples. At its center sits a statue of the Laughing Buddha, symbolizing the importance of harmony and inclusivity. Flanking the hall are the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians representing the four cardinal directions, who hold symbolic objects signifying their role in ensuring favorable weather and a prosperous nation.
Adjacent to the hall, two symmetrical pavilions, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, were built during the 60th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1721). These structures not only enhance the solemn atmosphere of the temple but also served as tools for daily rituals and religious gatherings. The intricate architecture and ceremonial significance underscore the temple's historical and spiritual importance.
The third courtyard features the Yuantong Hall, dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Wisdom. The hall is adorned with exquisitely carved red-lacquered columns and intricately designed lattice windows, mirroring the patterns found in Beijing's Forbidden City. These elements reflect the hall's high status and craftsmanship.
In front of the hall stand two imposing stone steles. The eastern stele, with a turtle-shaped base, dates back to the 17th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1678). Its inscriptions include both The Imperial Inscription of Shenggan Temple and The Imperial Inscription of Xiangjie Temple, added during the 14th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1749). The western stele, carved from green stone, features intricate decorations and bears the inscription "Reverence for Buddha" in Kangxi Emperor's handwriting. This stele reflects the Qing dynasty's respect for Buddhism and its integration into imperial culture.
The fourth courtyard is home to the Mahavira Hall, which enshrines the Three Buddhas and the Eighteen Arhats. In front of the main hall of Xiangjie Temple stand two seven-leaf trees from the Ming Dynasty. Their leaves spread out like hands, and their flowers resemble pagodas. The vibrant green leaves and pure white flowers, bathed in sunlight, create a beautiful scene that enhances the natural beauty of the temple. These trees have also become a sacred symbol in the hearts of both devotees and tourists, offering a sense of peace and tranquility in the embrace of nature. The seven-leaf tree symbolizes the integration of Buddhist culture and natural beauty, with deep cultural roots in Buddhism. Historical records mention a cave in the ancient Indian city of Rajgir, surrounded by seven-leaf trees, which became known as Seven-Leaf Cave. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha, Sakyamuni, resided and taught. In China, many ancient temples, such as the Wofosi Temple in Beijing, Dajue Temple, and Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, are home to seven-leaf trees over a thousand years old. At Xiangjie Temple in the Badachu Scenic Area, the seven-leaf tree is not only a plant but also a symbol of culture and spirituality.
Xiangjie Temple, the largest temple in the Badachu area, is renowned for its grand architectural scale and exquisite craftsmanship. The entire temple complex is built into the mountainside, with layers of structures rising in majestic formation, showcasing profound cultural heritage and architectural beauty. The temple's collection of ancient buildings and historical inscriptions enriches its cultural and historical value, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage closely with Buddhist culture and experience the unique charm of these cultural relics firsthand.
