Beijing Temple of Recumbent Buddha

Wofo Buddhism Temple

Nestled peacefully within the expansive Beijing Botanical Garden at the foothills of the Western Hills, Wolong Temple (Wofo Si) offers a unique and deeply moving experience. It combines the awe-inspiring presence of a monumental ancient Buddhist treasure with the serene beauty of classical temple architecture and lush gardens.

Profile

ID : 210
City : Beijing
English name : Wofo Temple
Chinese name : 卧佛寺
Type :
Level : easy
Kids : possible
Elders: suggested
Best season : All seasons
Visiting length : 1 hour
Distance to city center : 30 km

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Introduction

- The Temple of Recumbent Buddha is located about 20 kilometers from Beijing and is near the Temple of Azure Clouds at the north foot of Xishan (Western Hill). The Temple of Recumbent Buddha is a Buddhist Temple and one of the famous ancient temples in Beijing. There is a bronze recumbent Buddha inside the Temple, which is how it received the name Temple of Recumbent Buddha.

Helper to visit Wofo Temple

Address in English : in the Beijing Botanical Garden, Wofosi Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Address in Chinese : 北京市海淀区卧佛寺路北京植物园内
Tel : 86-10-62591561
Post code : 100093
Ticket time : 8:00-16:30
Open time : 8:00-17:00
Closing time : Every Monday (except public holidays)
Location : Wofo Temple is around 30 km to downtown Beijing

Transportation

- Public bus: 318, 360, 505, 563, 698, 932
Private car is the best method to visit Wofo Temple with local tour operator.

Admission

high season : 15 RMB/person.
shoulder season : 15 RMB/person.
low season : 15 RMB/person.
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History

The temple with its official name of Temple of Universal Awakening was constructed in the reign of Zhenguan (627-649) during the Tang Dynasty(618 A.D. - 907A.D.) and has a history of more than 1300 years. Its original name was Doushuaisi and during the Yuan Dynasty renamed Zhaoxiaosi, also called Hongguangsi. As the Temple lies backed by the Shouan Mountain, it also got the name of Shouan (Longevity and Peace). In the year of Emperor Yongzheng region (1734) in the Qing Dynasty, it changed into the name of Universal Awakening, but commonly referred to as the Temple of Recumbent Buddha.

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Beijing Temple of Recumbent Buddha
Nestled peacefully within the expansive Beijing Botanical Garden at the foothills of the Western Hills, Wolong Temple (Wofo Si) offers a unique and deeply moving experience. It combines the awe-inspiring presence of a monumental ancient Buddhist treasure with the serene beauty of classical temple architecture and lush gardens.
https://www.beijingservice.com/attractions/templeofrecumbentbuddha.htm

Layout and Architecture

In its whole layout, the Temple starts from the front entrance gate, stretching north with four successive halls flanked by porches, side halls, parlors and abbot's room, which together form three connected courtyards. The main buildings from south to north are: Four Heavenly King's Hall, Three Buddhas Hall and the Recumbent Buddha's Hall.
The Recumbent Buddha's Hall is the most important hall in the Temple. The present hall is the one built in the Jin Dynasty (1115A.D. - 1234A.D.). The temple underwent further construction during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 A.D.- 1368A.D.). The recumbent Buddha inside the Hall is the statue of Sakyamuni, which is five meters long and weighs 54 tons, was built in 1321A.D. during the Yuan Dynasty. His left arm straightened and his right arm turned to support the head. It was said that this pose is that of Sakyamuni when he got nirvana ("nirvana" means the ineffable ultimate in which one has attained disinterested wisdom and compassion in Buddhism.). This bronze recumbent Buddha is the biggest bronze recumbent Buddha in present China. Around this Buddha are twelve other figures of Buddhas. This group of statues of Buddhas reflects the scene that Sakyamuni tells his disciples what to do after his nirvana. All twelve Buddhas are in deeply grieved expressions. The recumbent Buddha is perfectly kept and reflects the high iron-melting techniques in the Yuan Dynasty. The enormous statue exquisitely casted demonstrates the pure, solemn, yet simple style of Buddhist.
Sacrifices have been offered to three Buddhas inside the Three Buddhas Hall: Burning Lamp Buddha, Sakyamuni and Maitreya. On both sides of the three Buddhas are 18 color-clay-made Arhats. One of them is very special because he wears his clothes just like the human beings who live on earth. However, he is a false Arhat. Real Arhats who live in God's place wear special dresses. A legend said that this false Arhat is Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644A.D. - 1911A.D.).
Inside the Four Heavenly King's Hall, a sitting statue of Maitreya is offering sacrifice in the middle area. Four heavenly kings are on the two sides of Maitreya to bless the stability of the country and the happiness of the common people.
In front of the Three Buddhas Hall is an ancient tree planted, which was said to be transplanted from India and symbolizes how Sakyamuni got nirvana.
To the west of the Temple, there is a peony garden of an area of more than ten thousand square meters. More than 2000 peonies are planted here. Also, there is a bamboo garden outside the Temple.