The temple was founded in the Yuan dynasty, was destroyed and then became part of a large classical garden, Xiyuan or West Garden (Chinese: 西园). The garden belonged to a Senior Government Official during the Ming Dynasty. When he died, his son donated the garden to the monastery. Most of the buildings were destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in 1860. It was rebuilt after the war.
The temple is known for its statues, Arhat Hall and Free Life Pond, where 2 famous long-life Asian Giant Softshell Turtles lived. One turtle died in 2007 at the age of 400, and the other has disappeared.[citation needed]
Chinese Buddhism |
North | Beijing | - Guangji Temple, Fayuan Temple, Lingguang Temple, Guanghua Temple, Tongjiao Temple, Yonghe Temple, Xihuang Temple
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Tianjin | |
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Hebei | - Zhengding County: Linji Temple
- Chengde: Puning Temple
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Shanxi | - Taiyuan: Chongshan Temple
- Datong: Huayan Temple
- Jiaocheng County: Xuanzhong Temple
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Northeast | |
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East | |
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Southeast | |
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South Central | |
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Southwestern | |
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Northwestern | |
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- Template:Chinese Buddhist Pantheon
- Template:Venerable Master of the Buddhist Association of China
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