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Sense of calm

Observing the murals of Fahai Temple is more than just a tourist experience, as they convey spiritual aspects of Buddhism. The giant Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, nearly 2 meters tall, stand with dignified and benevolent faces, their robes adorned with intricate patterns traced in gold.

"The brush strokes, smooth, free and soft, combined with the delicate and complete depiction, conveyed to me a peaceful Buddhist world, and a sense of calm," said Shen.

Angela Latham, a British journalist who explored Fahai Temple early last century, was amazed by the preserved Ming dynasty murals. "The vastness of the intricately-woven composition, its grace and dignity, seem the work of some divine artist," Latham wrote in an article published in the Illustrated London News in February 1937.

She described the Bodhisattvas she saw as "so beautiful that I have never seen any paintings as noble and as charming".

Latham wrote that the "distinguished people" so admirably attending the Buddha on the walls of Fahai Temple are "a gathering of immortals".

In 2023, Fahai Temple Mural Art Center was opened, showcasing the fine details and motifs of the frescoes with digital technology. The practice of copying the frescoes inside the temple has also gained popularity among visitors.

The costumes of the figures on the murals of Fahai Temple are displayed. CHINA DAILY

Fresco-copying events are also held at Jingxi Shuju bookstore. Zuo, the manager, said that in the past two years, most of the visitors from Beijing had got to know Fahai Temple and its murals.

"The development of the area and the preservation of the cultural relics site should complement each other, and I believe that is the goal," she said.

"In the future, as more tourists come, the reputation of Fahai Temple, Moshikou, as well as our bookstore will grow."