Big Buddha Reclines in Beijing's Western Hills

Sleeping Buddha Temple Is Located Inside Beijing Botanical Garden

Mar 5, 2009 Cheryl Probst

The Sleeping Buddha Temple features a 54-ton statue of Buddha, surrounded by 12 of his disciples, on his way to Nirvana. It is one of the heaviest Buddhas in China.

Work at the site started in the seventh century. The temple was enlarged in the 14th century, with the addition of the giant bronze Buddha. Prior to that time, the Buddha was made of sandalwood. It was given its official name of the Temple of Universal Spiritual Awakening in 1734. But it is commonly known as the Sleeping Buddha Temple because of the Buddha’s reclining position. Its Chinese name is Wofosi.

The temple is located in Beijing’s western suburbs between the Summer Palace and Fragrant Hills Park. It can easily be included as part of a day trip to either attraction. Though possible, it is not recommended visitors try to see all three attractions in one day.

Walk to Temple Goes Through Botanical Garden

The temple is located inside Beijing Botanical Garden, about a 15-minute walk from the garden’s entrance. It can take longer if visitors take time to enjoy the garden’s nicely landscaped grounds, including various specialty gardens, and the Tropical Conservatory. Visitors who don’t want to walk can take a shuttle from the garden’s entrance to the temple’s entrance, or walk up and take the shuttle back.

The entrance gate dates from the 18th century. The entrance to the Sleeping Buddha Temple is at the bottom of a hill, but the climb to the temple is easy. At the top there are several buildings and ponds filled with gold fish, all leading up to the main hall where Sakyamuni reclines. While the Buddha is bronze, his disciples are clay. The disciples surround him in a way that makes it appear he is giving them instructions just prior to his death.

Statue Is Good Example of Buddhist Art

The hefty Buddha is more than 15 feet long, and is lying on his right side with his right arm bent at the elbow to support his head, and the left arm lying straight. The statue is said to represent the best of the iron-working techniques used in the Yuan Dynasty. It also is a good example of Buddhist art.

Visitors will tour the Four Heavenly Kings and Three Buddhas halls before reaching the Sleeping Buddha’s hall. A Scriptures Hall is behind the main temple, with small drum and bell towers also on the grounds.

Visit Is Opportunity to Enjoy Nature

Because they’re not considered major tourist attractions in Beijing, the garden and temple don’t get too many foreign visitors. This makes them less crowded while providing an opportunity to enjoy Chinese culture and nature in a peaceful setting.

The Sleeping Buddha Temple is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the temple entrance fee, an admission fee is also charged for the Beijing Botanical Garden. Both are located at Wofosi Road in the Haidian District. It is about 20 kilometers from central Beijing. The temple can be reached by buses 331 from the Summer Palace, as well as buses 333 and 360. Buses stop at the entrance to the parking lot.

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A hall at Sleeping Buddha Temple	Statue of Sleeping Buddha	Pond and bridge at Sleeping Buddha Temple
Statue in a lesser hall	Walkway to Sleeping Buddha Temple