Sanshan’an Nunnery of Badachu Park in Beijing

Overview

Sanshan’an Nunnery三山庵 is the third temple in the Badachu scenic area of Beijing. Founded in the third year of the Tian De era during the Jin Dynasty (金) (1151), it boasts a history of over 900 years. The mountain gate faces northeast and features an intricately designed quadrangle with beautiful architecture.

Architectural Features

  • Mountain Gate: The gate hall has three bays with corner doors on each side.
  • Main Hall: Comprising five columns and two side rooms, the main hall is symmetrically arranged with two side halls.
  • Plaques:
    • The gate hall displays the plaque “San Shan An” (三山庵), with couplets that read “Ink and brush have old ties; clouds and mist provide nourishment.”
    • The main hall bears the inscription “This is the Great World,” with a couplet: “Compassionate eyes and calm hearts reflect the Dharma; gentle winds and sweet rains bring auspicious clouds.” These couplets were composed by contemporary artists.

Horizontal Plaques

Outside the eastern side hall is an open pavilion connected to its back door. Two horizontal plaques hang inside and outside the pavilion:

  • Inner Plaque: “Jianyang Half-Foot Pavilion”
  • Outer Plaque: “Cuiwei Enters the Picture”

Both plaques were inscribed by Yongrong, the sixth son of Emperor Qianlong. The pavilion’s pillars feature couplets: “Distant waters and nearby mountains clear the mist; fresh breezes and bright moons purify the Zen heart.”

Scenic Views

The area is open and provides a broad view of:

  • Yuyuan Mountain’s pagoda
  • Kunming Lake
  • The towers of the Forbidden City

Seasonal scenes such as “Spring Mountain Apricot Forest,” “Tiger Peak Seeking Green,” “Deep Autumn Red Leaves,” and “Layered Peaks in Clear Snow” are ever-present.

Literary and Artistic Significance

Visitors to Sanshan’an Nunnery often feel a sense of openness and reflection, inspired by the numerous poets and artists who have been captivated by its scenery over the centuries. Notable works include:

  • Ming Dynasty: “Viewing the Flowing River,” “Viewing the Spring,” and “Viewing the Moon”
  • Qing Dynasty: “Lingguang’s Guiding Path,” “Revisiting the Fragrant Realm,” and “Leisurely Sitting Among Pines and Stones”

Buddhist Influence

Renowned Buddhist monks have also held a special affection for Sanshan’an Nunnery. One of the most famous was Master Datian Tongli, who received favor from Emperor Qianlong and was honored with the title of “Chanting Teacher.” He resided here to annotate the “Lotus Sutra” and “Sutra of the Perfect Enlightenment.”

In the summer of the 19th year of the Jiaqing era (嘉庆), Master Haifeng Yuanliang from Dazhong Temple stayed at Sanshan’an Nunnery for recuperation, collaborating with the renowned Zen master Chongli Gaolian to advocate for the renovation of the Eight Great Places’ Zen Forest.

Location and Architecture

Situated between Cuiwei (翠微), Pingpo (平坡), and Lushi (卢师) mountains in the western outskirts of Beijing, Sanshan’an Nunnery is just a few hundred steps west of Lingguang Temple (灵光寺). Initially known as “Majia’an” (麻家庵), it underwent significant renovations during the Qianlong era (1736-1795).

Courtyard Design

The nunnery features a compact design, with a single courtyard surrounded by red walls and gray tiles. Towering pines and cypress trees create a tranquil atmosphere.

Unique Features

In front of the main hall is a rectangular “Water Cloud Stone,” with natural patterns resembling clouds, birds, beasts, landscapes, and figures, resembling a picturesque landscape painting.

To the east of the main hall, near the mountain, is an open pavilion with a plaque reading “Cuiwei Enters the Picture,” flanked by couplets: “Distant mountains and nearby waters clear the mist; fresh breezes and bright moons purify the Zen heart.” The pavilion also displays a horizontal plaque “Jianyang Half-Foot Pavilion,” written by Yongrong.

This location provides a clear view of the surrounding peaks, lush pines, and thickets, creating a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Visitors can rest here before continuing their exploration of the mountains.

Cultural Influence

Throughout history, many literati and artists have cherished the beautiful scenery here. Qing Dynasty poet Gong Zizhen famously described it in his poetry as “the spirit of the righteous” and “the bones of a beauty.”

Artistic Representations

Numerous paintings inspired by the landscape have been created, including:

  • Ming-era works: “Viewing the Flowing River,” “Viewing the Spring,” and “Viewing the Moon”
  • Notable pieces from the Kangxi era: “Lushi Painting the Mountains” by Wang Shizhen
  • Qianlong period: “Leisurely Sitting Among Pines and Stones”
  • Works from the Daoguang era: “Mystical Magic of the Three Residences,” “Lingguang’s Guiding Path,” and “Revisiting the Fragrant Realm”

Many of these artworks include accompanying poetry.

Today, while ancient temples still stand, the prominent figures of the past are gone, leaving visitors with a deep sense of nostalgia as they explore the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Sanshan’an Nunnery.

Transportation

Public Transport

  • Bus Routes: Take bus lines 347, 389, 598, 972, or 958 to Badachu Park Station (八大处公园站).

Subway

  • Transfer Stations: You can transfer to buses between Bajiao Amusement Park (八角游乐园) and Apple Garden Station (苹果园站) to reach the park.

By Car

  • Driving Directions: Exit at Badachu on the West Fifth Ring Road (西五环路八大处出口) and drive approximately two kilometers along Badachu Road (八大处路); or exit at Four Seasons Green (四季青) on the West Fourth Ring Road, then follow Xing Shikou Road (杏石口路) to Badachu Road. The parking area is within 100 meters of the entrance, with three parking lots available, accommodating a total of 1,200 vehicles.