Who should visit Dahui Temple?
Sightseers do not have public access to Dahui Temple, so it should not be visited even though this site is of historical importance.
What is there to see at Dahui Temple?
Dahui Temple is located within two residential apartment complexes in Haidian, Beijing. It is enclosed by walls and tall trees. According to locals, it has been closed off to the public for a long time. One resident has been inside, but only by invitation of the temple facilities manager. He remembered seeing Buddhist statues, and explained that they were truly impressive.
One can view Dahui Temple from outside the walls where only the rooftops of the temple can be seen. For this reason, tourists should not go there specifically to view the site. Onlookers can see the rooftop from two access points, both of them through different entrances to the residential compounds. The guards to the residential compound will explain that it cannot be entered or viewed.
Directly to the south of Dahui Temple, on the main road, is a gate that gives the illusion that it could be the main entrance to the site. However, this gate was built by a restaurant and has no connection to Dahui Temple.
What is the historical significance of Dahui Temple?
Dahui Temple was built in 1513 during the Ming Dynasty. Its literal meaning is the Temple of Great Wisdom. The main feature of this site is the 28 carved Buddhist statues, standing three meters tall. The Japanese destroyed one part of the temple in the 1940s, along with the statue contained within it. On the walls there are also murals of a man who attained Nirvana through his good deeds. Photos of the Buddhist statues can be viewed at Beijing Daily.
How is Dahui Temple written in Chinese?
The Chinese name for Dahui Temple is: 大慧寺.
Getting there and attractions close by:
Price: Not applicable.
Opening hours: Not applicable.
Attractions close by: No major attractions close by.
Address: Number 11, Dahui Temple Road, Haidian District, Beijing (北京市海淀区大慧寺路11号).
Closest subway: Weigongcun (魏公村).
Walking time: It takes 20 minutes to walk 1.2 kilometers from Weigongcun Station to Dahui Temple.
