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Temple of Universal Happiness (Pule si)

To the east of the Summer Villa, and south of the Temple for Distant Security, the Temple of Universal Happiness (Pule si), also known as the Round Pavilion, is the resorts most modern looking complex. It was built, under orders from Emperor Qianlong, in 1766, in order to receive visiting dignitaries of minority cultures, including the Mongols and the Tibetans. The present complex has been well renovated, but retains its mix of Han and Tibetan style architecture.

The front section is of Han Chinese origins, and contains the usual Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwang dian), a Bell and Drum Tower (Zhonggu lou) and the Hall of Ancestors (Zongyin dian). Most of these buildings are fairly standard, although still worth looking into.

The back section holds the Tibetan architecture, and is of a far more interesting and colourful style. The main building here is the central, triple-tiered Xuguang Pavilion (Xuguang ge), which is highly reminiscent of buildings within Beijing's Temple of Heaven (Tiantan). Within this main pavilion is the temple's namesake, a copper statue of the Buddha of Happiness (Huanxi fo), unembarrasingly caught in acts unmentionable!

How to get there: Take bus No.10 from the town center. You can also easily walk south from the Temple for Distant Security.