Biyun Temple, originally known as Biyun An, boasts a history of over 600 years since its establishment in the second year of the Zhizun era during the Yuan Dynasty (1331 AD). The temple’s architectural features were shaped during the ninth year of the Zhengde era (1514 AD) and the third year of the Tianqi era (1623 AD) when eunuchs Yu Jing and Wei Zhongxian successively expanded it, giving it the characteristics of the Ming Dynasty.
A significant expansion occurred in the thirteenth year of the Qianlong era (1748 AD) under Emperor Qianlong, who added the Arhat Hall, Vajra Throne Pagoda, and the Spring Courtyard, thus forming the current scale of the temple. Nestled on the northern side within Xiangshan Park, Biyun Temple is constructed against the mountain and faces east. Its layout is centered on six courtyards along the central axis, with additional courtyards on the north and south sides, spanning an area of over 40,000 square meters. The temple’s tiered structure up the mountain makes it a picturesque site in the Western Hills.
The first courtyard, the Mountain Gate Hall, is home to two statues of Vajra warriors, colloquially known as the ‘Heng Ha’ generals, who are the Buddhist deities that guard the temple gates. Flanking the hall are the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. The second courtyard houses the Maitreya Buddha Hall, which contains a bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha from the Ming Dynasty.
The third courtyard is the Mahavira Hall, the principal hall of Biyun Temple. The statue group within this hall depicts the scene of Buddha Shakyamuni preaching the Dharma.The temple’s opening hours vary by season:
– From November 16th to March 31st, the temple is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:30 to 17:00.
– From April 1st to November 15th, the temple is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 17:30.
The temple is closed all day on Mondays throughout the year. Additionally, during the following holidays, the temple operates from 08:00 to 17:30: New Year’s Day, Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day.
Concessions are available for the following groups:
1. Children: Free admission for children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters in height.
2. Seniors: Free admission for individuals aged 60 and above, both domestic and international.
3. Military personnel: Free admission for active duty, retired, military, and armed police officers with valid identification.
4. People with disabilities: Free admission for people with disabilities and disabled military personnel with valid identification.
5. Firefighters: Free admission for on-duty, retired, disabled fire rescue personnel, and fire rescue academy students with valid identification.
6. Retired personnel: Free admission for those with a retirement certificate.
7. Students: Concessions for students aged 7 to 18, both domestic and international.
8. Social security recipients: Concessions for those with valid identification.
