🕍 Xiangyan Zongyin Pavilion: A Harmony of Han and Tibetan Heritage

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📍 Summer Palace, Haidian District, Beijing

Hidden behind the lush hills of Longevity Mountain in Beijing’s Summer Palace lies Xiangyan Zongyin Pavilion — a captivating blend of Han and Tibetan architecture and spiritual tradition. Originally built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the pavilion was modeled after Tibet’s famous Samye Monastery. It once stood proudly as a three-story tower, commanding the rear slopes of the palace with serene grandeur.

However, history left its mark. In 1860, the Anglo-French allied forces devastated the Summer Palace, and Xiangyan Zongyin Pavilion was reduced to ruins. When the palace was restored during the Guangxu reign, it was rebuilt as a single-level Buddhist hall. Inside, it now houses statues of the Three Buddhas and Eighteen Arhats, exuding peaceful spiritual energy.

What makes this place special isn’t just its religious significance — it’s the quiet power of cultural fusion. The structure subtly interlaces Tibetan motifs with traditional Chinese aesthetics, creating a rare architectural language.

Post by _Traveltastic_ | Aug 4, 2025