Chengde Xumi Fushou Temple--Dahongtai

In 1780, the Qianlong Emperor celebrated his seventieth birthday. The Sixth Panchen Lama took the initiative to travel to Beijing to offer birthday congratulations. To demonstrate his respect for the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Qianlong specially built the Xumi Fushou Temple modeled after the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, providing a residence for the Panchen Lama during his stay in Chengde, ensuring his daily life and Buddhist activities during the birthday celebrations. Therefore, this temple is also known as the "Panchen Lama's Palace." Speaking of the Panchen Lama's Palace, it is not limited to just the Xumi Fushou Temple in Chengde. The Sixth Panchen Lama's birthday visit to the Qianlong Emperor involved activities in both Chengde and Beijing. Thus, there are two other Panchen Lama Palaces in Beijing: the Zongjing Dazhao Temple in Xiangshan and the Xihuang Temple. The Sixth Panchen Lama ultimately passed away from smallpox at Xihuang Temple. The Sixth Panchen Lama arrived in Chengde on July 21, 1780 (the 45th year of Qianlong's reign) and left for Beijing on August 25 of the same year, living in Chengde for about 40 days. During his stay at Xumi Fushou Temple, he held multiple Dharma talks, ordained monks, and received high-ranking monks from various regions to exchange Buddhist teachings, promoting Tibetan Buddhism and fostering religious and cultural communication between Han and Tibetan peoples. He also had several audiences with the Qianlong Emperor, during which they discussed local Tibetan affairs and religious matters. The Qianlong Emperor frequently visited Xumi Fushou Temple to see the Panchen Lama, exchanging precious gifts. These activities promoted the spread of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Central Plains and strengthened ethnic unity.