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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.

(Source: en.beijing2008.cn)