Wanshou Temple
万寿寺 · Zizhuyuan Subdistrict
building in Beijing, China
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Wanshou Temple
Welcome to Wan-sho Temple, a site often described as the 'Mini Forbidden City' of Western Beijing. This imperial temple, originally built in 1577 during the reign of the Wan-lee Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, has served as a center…
Listen in the app2The Mountain Gate and the Ancient Scholar Trees
Our exploration begins at the Shan-men, or Mountain Gate, the primary entrance to the temple complex. The gate is adorned with the 'Hundred Bats' painting, a vibrant display of red and gold that immediately signals the theme of…
Listen in the app3Tianwang Hall — The Guardians of the Faith
Continuing north, we enter the second courtyard, dominated by the Tian-wang Dian, or Hall of the Heavenly Kings. In most Chinese temples, this hall serves to house the Four Heavenly Kings who guard the cardinal directions. …
Listen in the app4Wan-sho Pavilion — The Heart of the Longevity Theme
The third and central courtyard features the most iconic building in the complex: the Wan-sho Geh, or Longevity Pavilion. Originally built in the sixteenth century, this structure was tragically destroyed by fire and rebuilt…
Listen in the app5The Imperial Calligraphy Hall — Words of the Emperors
Beyond the Longevity Pavilion lies the Da-chan Tang, or Great Chan Hall, which currently serves as the gallery for Imperial Calligraphy. This is a rare opportunity to see the actual brushwork of the emperors themselves. …
Listen in the app6The Artificial Rockery and the Three Sacred Peaks
Behind the Great Chan Hall, the landscape shifts from formal architecture to a more organic, garden-like setting. Here you will find a massive artificial rockery made of layered limestone. …
Listen in the app7The Bronze Stupa and the Hall of Infinite Longevity
Our final stop in the northernmost courtyard is the Hall of Infinite Longevity, or Woo-liang Sho Fo Dian. While the original statues of the Buddha of Infinite Life are no longer here, the hall now houses a magnificent bronze…
Listen in the app8Final Reflections
As we conclude our walk through Wan-sho Temple, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for this 'Mini Forbidden City.' We have moved from the ancient scholar trees of the entrance to the heights of the artificial rockery…
Listen in the app9Closing
As we conclude our walk through Wan-sho Temple, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for this 'Mini Forbidden City.' We have moved from the ancient scholar trees of the entrance to the heights of the artificial rockery…
Listen in the app
What is Wanshou Temple?
Wanshou Temple is a place in Zizhuyuan Subdistrict with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Zizhuyuan Subdistrict |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9453, 116.3052 |
| Last updated |
