The Pool and Cudrania Temple is situated in between the Vairochana Pavilion and the Mahavira Hall. The temple is located 45 kilometres west of Beijing. There was a saying: "First there was The Pool and Cudrania Temple, then came Beijing." It was known as the Temple of Auspicious Fortune during the Jin Dynasty dating back to1,600 years. Tang Dynasty expanded it and renamed it as the Dragon Spring Temple. The Pool and Cudrania Temple is well-known as The Pool and Cudrania Temple because of the Dragon Pool and Cudrania trees on the hill at the backside of the temple. The buildings were reconstructed in the Qing and the Ming dynasties.
The Pool and Cudrania Temple was constructed into the landscape and laid out in a beautiful natural setting. Ancient pines which are believed to be several hundred years old are in front of the gate. Various groups of buildings remain firm on the terraces one higher than the other. Their distribution is harmonious, distinctive of Ming temple architecture. The buildings large and spacious, arranged in three main north-south axes. On the central axis are the Front Gate Archway, Mahavira Hall, Deveraja Hall, and Vairochana Pavilion. The temple was enrolled by the Chinese Government as a national key relie under special preservation in 2001.
An ancient gingko tree, known as the "Emperor of Trees" is said to have been set during the Laio Dynasty between the Vairochana Pavilion and the Mahavira Hall. The name was given by Qing Emperor Qianlong. This tree is believed to have been planted before one thousand years and it still has a mass of leaves and branches. The tree is about 40 meters high and takes six people with extended arms to encircle it. Towards the west is another gingko, planted after the former one. If you are planning to visit Beijing then you may visit The Pool and Cudrania Temple, one of the most ancient temples of Beijing attracting large number of tourists throughout the year.
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