Millennial Fragrance, Lilacs in Full Bloom at Beijing's Fayuan Temple

"The most ancient temple in Yanjing, known for its compassion and loyalty," nestled near Caishikou in Beijing's Xicheng District, there lies a temple immersed in the fragrance of lilacs come spring. The temple grounds are adorned with purple clouds and white snow, offering tranquility and peace of mind, and even the temple cats seem to be leisurely enjoying themselves. This is one of Beijing's oldest temples—Fayuan Temple. Fayuan Temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan era, initially named Minzhong Temple. It was renovated during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, and Emperor Yongzheng bestowed upon it the name "Fayuan Temple." The temple layout is neat, facing south with a north-south central axis symmetry. From south to north, it sequentially includes a screen wall, the main gate, bell and drum towers, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Avalokitesvara Hall, the Vairocana Hall, the Hall of Great Compassion, and the Sutra Tower. The lilacs of Fayuan Temple, which make it a top destination for spring flower viewing in Beijing, also have a long history. It is said that as early as the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, there were poetry gatherings themed around lilacs. In modern times, the lilacs of Fayuan Temple have attracted many famous visitors. When the renowned Indian poet Tagore visited Beijing, Xu Zhimo and Lin Huiyin once accompanied him to enjoy the flowers at Fayuan Temple. Through a millennium of time, amidst the changing seas and fields, as the world and its affairs shift with the years, the white and purple lilacs of Fayuan Temple continue to spread their delicate fragrance, and the Buddhist pagodas nestled in the sea of flowers stand quietly. While strolling through the temple, I found the "five-petaled lilac" (Picture 5). Address: No. 7, Fayuan Temple Front Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Admission: Free, no reservation required