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Xumi Fushou Monastery (built 1780)

In 1778, during the 43rd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the reigning Panchen Lama VI of Tibet was invited to journey to Chengde to congratulate Emperor Qianlong on the occasion of his 70th birthday which was due in 1780. In order to receive the Lama in a setting appropriate to his position, Qianlong had Xumi Fushou Monastery constructed. It is built along the lines of the Zhashilunpu monastery where the Panchen Lama lived in Shigatse, Tibet, though it incorporates many Chinese elements.

The Panchen Lama, known as Lobsang Palden Yeshe, set out with a large retinue for a trip that was expected to last several months and travel over several thousand kilometers of rough terrain. Along the way Chinese representatives contacted him and assisted with transportation on the way to Beijing and Chengde. Although the Panchen Lama reached Chengde and stayed there for a time, the visit turned into a disaster when the Panchen Lama contracted smallpox in Beijing. He died on Nov 2nd, 1780 in Beijing.

According to GPS readings taken on site, the front gate of the temple is located at 41 00.44170' N, 117 56.15269' E (WGS84 map datum).

Plan view

Image largely redrawn and adapted from Ancient Architecture of Chengde by Tianjin University.