Beijing's ancient camel stop revived as tourism hot spot

Temple attractions

Moshikou is home to Fahai Temple and its exquisite murals from the Ming Dynasty, which are a highlight of the cultural richness and history of the area.

The temple is located on the northern side of Moshikou block and was listed as a national key cultural heritage site in 1988. It has been preserved for centuries as a niche spot in western Beijing that was once part of the Ancient Camel Road.

Built in 1439 during the Ming Dynasty, the temple was founded by Li Tong, an imperial eunuch. Around 169 painters and craftsmen participated in the construction of the temple and the painting of the murals, a project that spanned over four years.

Fifteen court painters created 10 of the temple's murals, covering an area of 236.7 square meters and featuring 77 meticulously hand-drawn figures.

Compared with the Palace Museum or the Summer Palace, Fahai Temple is a less popular destination for tourists visiting Beijing. However, the murals that it housed for over 500 years, are hidden gems that are now attracting more visitors from home and abroad.

Shen Yayun, 34, from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has visited the temple twice in four years to appreciate its murals.

She said she is impressed by the fine details and extraordinary painting skills that brought almost everything on the walls to life, from flowers and grass to the eyes of mythical creatures and the attire of Buddha.

"To better protect the murals, they are kept in darkness in the main hall of Fahai Temple," she said. "Only when tourists visit are flashlights shone to allow them to appreciate the large murals, adding more mystery to their artistic charm."

Docents who guide the tour have a special flashlight that illuminates the murals in a yellowish glow that makes them look different, Shen said, adding it was a "mind-blowing" experience.

The names of the court painters are engraved on a Buddhist stone pillar in front of the temple, which is still well-preserved at an exhibition hall in the temple courtyard. The tomb of Li Tong, the founder of Fahai Temple, is located to the right of the temple gate.