Guangji Si, the "Temple of Great Charity," is the headquarters of the Chinese Buddhism Association and is one of the few functioning Buddhist temples in the city today. Originally built in the Jin dynasty (280-316 AD), it was almost completely burned to the ground on several occasions during both the Jin and Yuan dynasties. During the reign of Qing dynasty Emperor Shunzhi, the complex was expanded and new Buddhist schools were established within the temple grounds, which by then housed over a hundred disciples. In 1934, a fire consumed countless scrolls of priceless calligraphy and paintings, as well as valuable jade and porcelain pieces. After being rebuilt again (including some major renovations in the 1970s), Guangji Si now covers an area of almost six acres, and includes a main gate, the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Yuantong Hall (or Bodhisattva Hall) and the Sutra Hall.

The monks normally do not allow visitors to their quarters in the back of the compound, but it is possible to explore the entire temple grounds during the first or 15th day of the lunar calendar during Spring Festival. The main halls in the front are open to the public, and a collection of religious artifacts, including priceless statues of Buddhist deities and Ming dynasty religious relics, is housed within. There is also a collection of 170,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures, including a few written in blood, from the Song and Ming dynasties, penned in 23 different languages; most of them are housed in the two-storied Sutra Hall to the rear of the complex.

The Mahavira Hall features exquisite statues of Buddha and 18 arhats (Buddhist practitioners said to have special powers), as well as a unique 5x10m religious painting that was done entirely by the artist's fingers. At the northwestern end of the temple is a terrace for lectures -that, and the hall beside it, are the two oldest remaining structures (built in the Qing dynasty) still standing in the temple.

Also in the area

From Guangji Si, walk towards the Fuchengmen subway station and you will see a strikingly white pagoda on the right. From here, you can walk through Bai Ta Si Dong Jia Dao (an avenue just east of Bai Ta Si) to the next point of interest on this walk: The White Pagoda Temple. Built over 700 years ago in the Yuan dynasty, this landmark was originally known as Miaoyin Si and was designed and built by a Nepalese architect in 1279 under the orders of Kublai Khan, an early convert to Tibetan Buddhism.

During his 34-year reign (from his rise in power in 1260 to his death in 1294), Tibetan Buddhism (Huang Jiao) was given great prominence in China and Bai Ta Si was specifically erected by the Great Khan to symbolize his theocratic rule. Since then the temple has undergone several reconstructions due to fires. Be sure to check out Dajue Dian (The Hall of the Great Enlightened Ones), with its striking myriad of Buddha figures set in glass cases.

Getting there

To reach Guangji Si, take exit B from the Fuchengmen subway stop on Line 2, turn left and go east along Fuchengmennei Dajie and then cross the street to catch bus no. 13, 101, 102, 105, 823, 812, or 814, all of which stop at Xisi.

Guangji Si
Entrance free. 7am-4.30pm. 25 Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District (6616 0907)

Baitasi
RMB 60. 9am-4.30pm. 171 Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District (6651 2625)