Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Near the north gate of Fragrant Hills Park, but still within the park, is the excellent
Azure Clouds Temple
(Bìyún Sì; adult ¥10; 8am-5pm) , which dates back to the Yuán dynasty. The
Mountain Gate Hall
contains
two vast protective deities: Heng and Ha, beyond which is a small courtyard and the drum and bell towers, lead-
ing to a hall with a wonderful statue of Mílèfó - it's bronze, but coal-black with age. Only his big toe shines
from numerous inquisitive fingers.
The
Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall
contains a statue and a glass coffin donated by the USSR on the death of Mr
Sun (the Republic of China's first president) in 1925. At the very back is the marble
Vajra Throne Pagoda
,
where Sun Yatsen was interred after he died, before his body was moved to its final resting place in Nánjīng.
The
Hall of Arhats
is well worth visiting; it contains 500
luóhàn
statues (those freed from the cycle of rebirth),
each crafted with an individual personality.
Southwest of the Azure Clouds Temple is the Tibetan-style
Temple of Brilliance
(Zhāo Miào), and not far
away is a glazed-tile pagoda. Both survived visits by foreign troops intent on sacking the area in 1860 and then
in 1900.
There are dozens of cheap restaurants and snack stalls on the approach road to the north gate of the park,
making this your best bet for lunch out of any of the sights in this part of the city.
Note that sometime after 2013, the subway will extend here via the Summer Palace and Botanic Gardens.
