Guangji Temple Beijing

Guangji Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. It is situated on Inner Fuchengmen Street, in the Xicheng District. The temple is now the head office of the Chinese Buddhism Association and national Buddhist activities. Jin Dynasty originally built the Guangji Temple during 1115-1234. Later on, successive dynasties made additions to the construction of the temple.

The Guangji Temple was finally completed as the present structure during the Ming Dynasty during 1368-1644. As of now, the present structure of the temple has undergone many changes and expansions. The temple covers an area of 5.766 acres. The main attraction of the temple is its main gates including the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Yuantong Hall (or Buddhisattva Hall) and Sutra Hall.

The Main Gate of Guangji Temple has three arched doors that are joined together to one another by connecting walls. You can see the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower while passing through the gate. The roof of the hall has a Wheel of Dharma that shows the infinite power of Buddha.

The second courtyard of Guangji Temple houses the Mahavira Hall. There are statues of Buddha and 18 arhats inside the hall. There is also a painting by an artist of the Qing Dynasty behind the statues. The painting is 16.4 feet high and 10 meters wide. It is, in fact, a great artwork it has been painted with fingers rather than a brush pen by the artist.
The Yuantong Hall in the third courtyard is the residence of Buddhisattva.

The admission fee charged to see the Guangji Temple is 5 RMB. The Temple opens daily from 8:40 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening. One and a half hours is enough time to visit and have a detailed view of the temple. The bus route suggested to reach this temple is 13, 823.

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