Temple of Recumbent Buddha

Wofo Temple, literally the Temple of Recumbent Buddha, is located inside Beijing Botanical Garden, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the city center. It is one of the famous ancient Buddhist temples in Beijing.

Wofo Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and has a history of more than 1,300 years. It received repairs during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. There is a bronze recumbent Buddha inside Wofo Temple, which is how it got the name.

The main buildings are: Four Heavenly King's Hall, Three Buddhas Hall and the Recumbent Buddha's Hall.

The Recumbent Buddha's Hall is the most important hall in Wofo Temple. The present hall is the one built in the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234). It underwent further construction during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368). The recumbent Buddha inside the Hall is a statue of Sakyamuni made in 1321, 5.3 meters (17.4 feet) in length and 54 tons in weight. Sakyamuni's left hand touches his leg and his right hand supports his head. It was said that this pose is that of Sakyamuni when he got nirvana. 'Nirvana' means the ineffable ultimate in which one has attained disinterested wisdom and compassion in Buddhism. This bronze recumbent Buddha is the biggest bronze recumbent Buddha in present China. Around this Buddha are twelve other figures of Buddhas. This group of statues of Buddhas reflects the scene that Sakyamuni tells his disciples what to do after his nirvana. All twelve Buddhas appear to be grieving. The recumbent Buddha is perfectly kept and reflects the high iron-melting techniques in the Yuan Dynasty.

Sacrifices have been offered to three Buddhas inside the Three Buddhas Hall: Burning Lamp Buddha, Sakyamuni and Maitreya. On both sides of the three Buddhas are 18 colored clay-made Arhats. One of them is very special because he wears his clothes just like the human beings who live on earth. However, he is a false Arhat. Real Arhats who live in God's place wear special dresses. A legend said that this false Arhat is Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

Take bus 331, 505, 563, or Yuntong 112 stops at Wofo Si Station.

Take bus 318, 360, 630, or 698 stops at Zhiwuyuan (Botanical Garden) Station.