Day Excursion to Explore the Forgotten Treasures in Western Suburbs

Please join us on Saturday November 15th for an exclusive day excursion to view the splendorous 1450s Buddhist mural paintings at Fahai Temple in Beijing’s western Shijingshan district, as well as a walk around the ancient Moshikou Village and Tianyi Tomb which date back to the Ming Dynasty. 

When: Saturday November 15th, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Meet at Jianguo Hotel for bus transportation to Fahai Temple (please click here for directions)

Cost: RMB370 for Members renewing annual membership; RMB400 for all others. Price includes ticket, transport, lunch and audio headset use

Numbers are limited. To reserve your place on the bus please confirm and finalize payment by Monday November 10th.

REPLY–Please email [email protected] to RSVP, stating  whether you want to pay for seats on the bus, and if so how many. 

Fahai Temple

The stunning works of Buddhist mural art at Fahai Temple are among the most under-appreciated sights in Beijing. Li Tong, a favored eunuch in the court of Emperor Zhengtong (1436–49), donated funds to construct Fahai Temple in 1443. Since Li Tong was very close to the emperor, he was able to invite celebrated imperial court painters to decorate the temple. As a result, the murals in the only surviving chamber of that period, are considered the finest examples of Buddhist mural art from the Ming Dynasty.

Moshikou Village

Moshikou Village is one of the oldest villages in Shijingshan District, largely due to its strategic location on the way from the western provinces, which supplied Beijing with coal, wheat and other essential goods.

Tianyi Tomb

The western suburbs of old Beijing used to be the favorite choices for the concubines, eunuchs and senior officials as their burial sites. Tianyi Tomb is simply one of the best preserved from the Ming Dynasty.

Itinerary: 

0900: Depart Jianguo Hotel

(Jianguomenwai North side, 100m west of Yong An’li subway)

1000: Tour Moshikou Village

1030: Stop at Tianyi Tomb

1130: Walk to Longquan Temple for lunch

1200: Lunch at Longquan Temple

1400: Walk to Fahai Temple, visit the main hall to see the murals.

1600: End of the tour, board bus for downtown