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Tanzhesi Temple
Tanzhesi
Tanzhesi Temple (the Pool and Cudrania Temple) is located among the
peaks of West Hill about 45 kilometres west of Beijing City. The name
comes from the Dragon Pool behind the temple and the rare three-bristle
cudranias growing on the hills. It is well known that "Tanzhe
Temple was built before Beijing." It was built in the Jin Dynasty
(265-420) when it was known as the Jiafusi Temple. It has as such
existed for more than 1600 years.
The complex is divided into three parts. The middle part includes
the Archway Tower, Temple Gate, the Heaven King Hall, Daxiong Baodian,
and Biluge. The Daxiong Baodian is very imposing with long gilded
chains hung at either end of the main roof ridge. To the east grows
an ancient gingko tree that is about 1000 years old. The tree was
named the "Emperor of Trees" by Emperor Qianlong. Biluge
stands on the highest point in the temple grounds. It offers an excellent
view of the site and the surrounding hills. The eastern section consists
of the courtyard buildings, including the Abbot's Room and the Imperial
Palace, where the emperor would stay for short trips away from the
capital during Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The western section includes
an ordination altar and the Guanyin Hall. Seventy-two pagodas dating
from the Jin (1115 - 1234), Yuan (1271 - 1368), Ming (1368 - 1644)
and Qing dynasties stand in front of the temple. The Dragon Pool is
behind the temple. The spring water was very clear and flows in a
constant stream.
Once the home of masses of monks and nuns, the temple is now a
peaceful and esoteric place to visit with its simple and elegant
buildings and its natural surroundings.
,,Copyright
2001 By China Daily Information. All rights reserved.
,,Copyright
2001 By China Daily Information. All rights reserved. 
