A Guide to ’s unique heritage sites Into the Unknowns of Beijing Travel Feature Volume 5 Beijing

北京市旅游发展委员会 Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development Beijing landmark heritage sites Introduction Highlights History can be recorded and passed down through written documents, so can our surroundings and environment. Beijing has been established as the capital city since the sixth dynasty, after thousands of years of imperialism, Following Emperors’ Footprints in the — many cultural monuments with rich and intangibly invaluable assets have been left behind to preserve ’s history uniquely. Three Mountains and Five Parks

In Beijing, you can leisurely stroll through the Three Mountains and Five Parks, and follow in the footsteps of the emperor to experience an air of majesty, and take in the beauty of imperial artistry; or to savor a in Seeking the Imperial Spirit in — moment of peaceful solitude away from the bustling city and explore the Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts enigmatic and quieter historical sites.

In search of a rich, hidden and ancient Beijing, this volume will introduce you to the Beijing’s imperial and suburban landmarks, history and folklore with a touch of mystery and intrigue to tickle your fancy and add another layer of depth to your visit to Beijing.

2 3 Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Three Mountains and Five Parks Three Mountains and Five Parks

Three Mountains and Five Imperial Forrest Parks Introduction

The Three Mountains and Five Parks, located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing, were the royal gardens of the . The “Three Mountains” are the , the Longevity Hills, and the . Respectively, the “Five Parks” refer to the Park of Clear Ripple, the Park of Everlasting Spring, the Park of Perfection and Brightness, the Park of Tranquility and Brightness, and the Park of Tranquility and Pleasure.

​Each park has a rich history and tradition, with its defining landscapes, and horticulture. When viewed together, the five parks form a modern-day pathway that connects us to the beauty, history, and culture of the past. They are a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping and garden art, embodying the aesthetic concepts and values of various emperors and times while preserving the natural surroundings harmoniously.

4 5 Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Three Mountains and Five Parks Three Mountains and Five Parks

The Park of Everlasting Spring — The Park of Perfection and Brightness Yuanming Yuan —

Changchun Garden Old

The Park of Everlasting Spring in Beijing was built by as a replica of the Tsinghua Gardens, upon returning from a tour of Yuanming Yuan was once also known as the “Garden the south of the Yangtze River. The sheer beauty of all Gardens,” due to its beauty and imperial of Jiangnan instilled in Kangxi a deep fascination reputation. After five generations of emperors, and dream of being able to visit the area without Yuanming Yuan has become an amazing “world leaving his home. Thus, he chose a wasteland to of paradise,” which houses a solemn and majestic transform and recreate the Tsinghua Garden for its grand hall. There are also mountain villages with abundant pristine water springs which reproduced farmhouses that color the vibrant mountain slopes, the quality and scenery of the south of the Yangtze and replicate the magnificent scenery of the south of River. Therefore, the Park of Everlasting Spring is the Yangtze River, which invokes a uniquely oriental known for its water features and shimmering lakes. charm to the park. The pleasant, peaceful, scenic park also preserves ancient trees and vines that have thrived since the Ming Dynasty.

6 7 Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Three Mountains and Five Parks Three Mountains and Five Parks

The Longevity Hill and Park of Clear Ripple —

Qingyi Garden

Qingyi Garden is now known as the Summer Palace. Built in the height of ancient garden art, the Summer Palace is the largest and best preserved imperial garden in the world. When the ordered for the construction of Qingyi Garden to celebrate the birthday of his mother, the four large imperial gardens already existed. The construction linked the imperial gardens together, forming this unique imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty.

8 9 Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Three Mountains and Five Parks Three Mountains and Five Parks

The Fragrant Hills and Park of Tranquility and Pleasure —

Jingyi Garden

Jingyi Garden is located in the east part of the western outskirts of Beijing. It is well-known for its spectacular scenery. It has become a vast botanical garden after the construction by the Qianlong Emperor. The architectures in the garden were sparsely located among the mountains, accompanied by several ponds, adding on to the beauty of the garden.

10 11 Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Following Emperors’ Footprints in the Three Mountains and Five Parks Three Mountains and Five Parks

Yuquan Mountain

The Jade Spring Hill and Park of Tranquility and Brightness — Yuquan Mountain is located on an offshoot of the in Beijing. Hot springs could be found all across Jingmingyuan. The largest hot spring is named Yuquan Spring (i.e., Jade). Thus Jingmingyuan was called the Jade Spring Hill. It is the first temporary imperial palace in Beijing during the Qing Dynasty, which is also the starting point of the constructions for imperial gardens of “Three Mountains and Five Gardens.”

12 13 Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts

Cultural Heritages in Beijing’s Suburban Districts

Apart from the magnificent imperial gardens in Beijing, unique historical sites across the suburbs of Beijing also await discovery.

Different from the glamorous imperial gardens and mountains, the historical and cultural sites in the suburbs are more peaceful and quiet, with mysterious folk tales that only a few know. To take a glimpse at the history and its stories, these historical sites are must-sees.

14 15 Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts

The Temple of Pool and Zhe Tree —

Tanzhe Temple

As the saying goes “First there is , then the Beijing City follows,” located in the western district of Beijing is the well-known Tanzhe Temple. Built in the Western Jin Dynasty, the Temple has the longest history amongst all Buddhist temples in Beijing. The name of the Temple has been changed a few times until the Qing Dynasty. Locals referred to it as the Tanzhe Temple because of the Dragon Pond at the back of the temple and the Zhe trees (Cudrania tricuspidata or Wild Mulberry) on the mountains, and the name remained until today. Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty took reference from the Tanzhe Temple when he was constructing the Beijing City.

The Pavilion of Capital Establishment —

Dingdu Pavilion

Located on the Dingdu Peak in , Dingdu Pavilion faces the Tongzhou Grand Canal at In Search of eastern Chang’an Street. Thus, the magnificent scenery of “Grand Canal in the east, Dingdu Pavilion in the the Origin Story of west” was made known. Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty conquered all of China, and sent his fourth son Zhu Di (later known as Yongle Emperor) to settle “ Beijing City” in Beiping (modern Beijing). One morning, Zhu Di and his military counselor looked afar from a mountain-top and decided the location of Beijing City. The mountain was then named Dingdu Peak (The Peak of Capital Establishment), and the Dingdu Pavilion was built.

16 17 Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts

In search of Cultural Heritages of ‘ Beijingers’

The River of Coloured Glass —

Liulihe and the Historical Site of Zhoukoudian Relics Western Zhou Dynasty Yan Capital Peking Man

Beijing Museum of Western Zhou Dynasty Yan Capital There is a small hill in a small town located in Fangshan Site is located in , 40 km away from District, southwest of Beijing. On this seemingly Beijing. The site is an essential witness of civilization insignificant hill, the relics of ‘Peking Man,’ ‘Xindong Man development of the past. It is also a historical and cultural (New Cave Man)’ and ‘Upper Cave Man’ were found. These museum that consists of both relic sites and exhibitions of discoveries shook archaeologists around the world and antiquities. The museum does not only display antiques became significant findings of anthropogenesis. In the from the Western Zhou Dynasty, but also shows remains early 20th Century, famous archaeologist Pei Wenzhong of four tombs and Chariot pits, demonstrating the culture discovered the first complete fossil hominin skullcap here, and development of Yan Capital. and the discovery became the talk of the world.

18 19 Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts

Ancient Cliff Dwellings —

The Guyaju Caves

The Guyaju Caves are found in a quiet gorge in the Yanqing County of suburb Beijing. These caves are ancient cliff residence on the steep mountain walls, and it is the largest site of cave-dwelling relics in China. Walking up the Jundu Mountains along the valley, there is a Yamen (i.e., official gate) and a lot of houses. However, these houses have never been occupied; thus the gate of the Guyaju Caves is also called ‘The Ghost Gate.’

Jundu Mountain

Jundu Mountain, located at the north of Beijing, is also known as the North Mountain and it is steeper In Search of the than the Juyong Pass of the Great Wall. Legends have it that various visits by Emperors had covered the Jundu Mountain with masculinity. The mountain Thousand-year Mystery of stands proudly in the north of Beijing and solemnly guards the land of China’s capital from above. From “ Beijing Mountain ancient wartimes to recent conflicts, with the guardian of the Jundu Mountains, Beijing always miraculously overcomes all challenges. Jundu Mountain is indeed the Wall Caves ” strongest backing of Beijing.

20 21 Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Seeking the Imperial Spirit of Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts Beijing’s Four Suburban Districts

Five Temple —

Zhenjue Temple

It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, a monk from India paid tribute to the Yongle Emperor with the designs of five gold Buddha statues and a Diamond Throne Pagoda. The Emperor rewarded him and started the construction of Zhenjue Temple and for the Buddha statues. Thus, Zhenjue Temple is also known as the Five Pagoda Temple In Search of and is famous for the Diamond Throne Pagoda. The Pagoda is hand-crafted in detail with Sanskrit and classic characters. Constructed from the Buddhism Culture of bricks, the work is a combination of Buddhism and traditional Chinese architectural styles. It is an “Ancient Beijing Temples” excellent model of temples without girders.

Cloud Dwelling Temple —

Temple of Recumbent Buddha —

Yunju Temple

Yunju Temple is located in the Fanshan District of Beijing and takes up a total area of 70,000 square Built in the Tang Dynasty, a copper recumbent meters. It was constructed in the late Buddha can be found inside the Wofo Temple. The and early Tang Dynasty, initially named “Zhi Quan Buddha is a statue of Sakyamuni lying on the bed; Temple” and later changed to “Yunju Temple.” After thus the temple is named the Temple of Recumbent being repaired in the several dynasties, this temple Buddha. Interestingly, two luxuriant shala trees, now consists of five yards and six halls. The Yunju which are usually only found in the south, are Temple, the nine caves of Buddhist scriptures and flourishing in the Wofo Temple. There is a saying the Pagodas in the Temple together form the great that tourists “visit the Temple of Recumbent treasure of Buddhism culture in China. Buddha and look at the shala trees.”

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26 Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development