Temple of Azure Clouds (Biyun Temple)

The Temple of Azure Clouds (Biyun Temple) was founded in the 2nd year under the reign of Zhi Shun of the Yuan Dynasty (1331), and named as Nunnery of Azure Clouds at that time. In 1514 during the reign of Zheng De of the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed as Temple of Azure Clouds. During the reign of Tian Qi of the Ming Dynasty, Wei Zhongxian, a wicked eunuch, had the temple expanded considerably, and had his tomb built here in advance. But in the 40th year under the reign of Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty, the temple was razed to the ground as it was built for Wei Zhongxian, an arrant courtier in Chinese history. However, it was rebuilt in the 13th year under the reign of Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty (1748) since Emperor Qian Long loved the place very much for its beautiful landscape, and with an Indian-style Vajra-based Pagoda and the Hall of Arhats built, forming an axisymmetrical .pattern of six courtyards. Temple buildings ascend row by row along the hill. It is a representative building complex of Ming Dynasty. The temple is really renowned both in China and abroad for Sun Yat-sen's body had ever been placed here.