The Fahai Temple is situated in Moshikou Village at the
south foot of Cuiwei Hill, a place of beautiful scenery in a Beijing suburb.
The Fahai Temple was erected in 1439 with funds raised by the eunuch Li Tong
of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The large temple was modeled after Cuiwei Hill.
Only the mountain gate, main hall and wing rooms remain today. The Fahai Temple
is famous for its well-preserved frescos from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Altogether there are seven frescos located on the back wall, north wall and
gable walls.
The three frescos on the back wall are portraits of Kwan-yin, Wenshu and
Puxian Bodhisattva. The two on the north wall recount the story of the emperor
and empress paying courtesy to Buddha with 20 other gods. Altogether there are
36 painted figures, the tallest at about 1.6 meters. The two frescoes on the
gable walls include painted figures of Buddha and flying Apsaras. All of the
frescos are considered elaborate works among other pieces from the Ming period.
In addition, the temple also houses wooden Buddha statues and well-preserved
musical instruments used at the Buddha mass during the same
period.