Tucked into the south side of the Cuiwei Mountains in western Beijing, Fahai Temple is the humble home of an amazing collection of Ming-dynasty murals. With RMB 20 and a complimentary flashlight in hand, take some time to examine the five-century-old frescoes, which depict a meeting of Buddhist deities. Commissioned and funded by eunuch Li Tong in honor of Ming emperor Zhengtong (reigned 1435-1449 and 1457-1464 AD), this 236.7-square meter mural was made by two master painters and 13 artisans, who worked from 1439 to 1443. Keep an eye out for the six-tusked elephant on the back wall. Each of his long appendages represents a quality that leads to enlighten-ment. Tian Yi Eunuch Tomb (description below) is in the same location and is open for visitors.
Daily 9am-4.30pm. RMB 8. 80 Moshikou Dajie, Shijingshan
District. (8872 4148, 8872 2585) 田义墓，石景山区模式口大街80号
Approx. distance: 19km
Bus: From the Pingguoyuan subway station (use exits A or D), take buses 336, 396, 959 or 746 to Shougang Xiaoqu (首钢小区), or take a taxi to Tian Yi Tomb for RMB 10.
Car: Take Fushi Lu from Hangtian Qiao on West Third Ring Road to Pingguoyuan, and follow signs to Moshikou Dajie.
Location
Contact
No event here now.