Four Great Regions (Tibetan Style Temple)

Nestled on the northern slope of Longevity Hill, the Four Great Regions is an architectural ensemble inspired by Buddhist cosmology, uniquely featuring Tibetan-style elements in the Sumner Palace. Occupying over half of the central area on the hill's back slope, this expansive complex spans approximately 11,050 square meters (118,941 square feet).
  
In 1750, Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799) commissioned the construction of the Four Great Regions' Buddhist architecture. By integrating both Tibetan and mainland Chinese architectural styles into this complex, the emperor aimed to facilitate his mother's Buddhist practices and to extend his goodwill toward the Tibetan people, thereby strengthening his governance. With its wooden structures burned by a fire in 1860, the Four Great Regions were reconstructed in 1888, and underwent a few restorations in 1980s and 2010.
 
The Four Great Regions, mainly in red, gold, and white hues, are a collection of Buddhist halls, pavilions, and pagodas constructed on a red trapezoidal platform. The architectural design of the Four Great Regions area employs symbolic forms to represent the Buddhist cosmology, essentially creating a miniature Buddhist world.
 
This single-story square Buddha hall serves as Mount Sumeru at the Buddhist universe center. It is the largest and most magnificent building of the complex, boasting a roof of yellow glaze tiles, intricate green and gold paintings under eaves, and red doors and windows with gold inlaid. Inside, it houses the Past, Present, and Future Buddha statues, with the Eighteen Arhats enshrined on both sides.
 
The four structures representing the Four Great Regions symbolize the inhabited places of the Buddhist world, featuring a blend of Tibetan fortress as the bases and mainland four-corner roofs, each housing a statue of a Buddhist deity or Vajra.

South Jambudvipa, greeting visitors upon arriving the Four Great Regions area, resembles the shape of a Buddha's scapula with a trapezoidal floor plan. In Buddhism, residents here are brave and have excellent memories. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Buddha and the location of the Earth in Buddhism. 

West Aparagodaniya is shaped like a full moon. This region is abundant in cattle, sheep, pearls, and jade in Buddhism. Residents have red faces and use cattle as currency. 

North Uttarakuru, atop the highest point of the rear Longevity Hill, is square-shaped, resembling a box cover. In Buddhism, residents here enjoy a lifespan of a thousand years, living in equality, happiness, and freedom. However, the absence of Buddha here makes it difficult for Buddhist practice. 

East Purvavideha boasts vast and wonderful land, with a terrain and people's faces resembling a crescent moon. Its residents have graceful bodies.

Adjacent to the Four Great Region halls stand eight fortress-like platforms, each crowned with a flat-roofed pavilion housing Buddhist deities or Vajras, symbolizing the Eight Minor Regions where humans also reside. 

Between the Four Great Regions and the Eight Minor Regions stand two towering halls, respectively dedicated to the Bodhisattvas of Sunlight and Moonlight, representing the sun and moon revolving around Mount Sumeru.
 
In the four corners of the Pavilion of Mount Sumeru stand four as Lama Towers. Painted green, white, black, and red, their bases are red squares adorned with white blind windows and accessible doors, with the bodies resembling treasure vases, atop which sit thirteen rings of phases. The tops of the towers feature patterns of treasure-box cover, dew dish, crescent moon, round sun, and flame-like gem. These towers embody the Buddha's four kinds of wisdom, deterring demons and dispelling sufferings and doubts in the world. 

The green tower symbolizes the wisdom of accomplishment, signifying that with devout faith in Buddhism, one can attain the supreme wisdom of self-benefit and benefiting others. 

The white tower represents the wisdom of the great mirror-like consciousness, which allows for a clear understanding and reflection of all things in the world through Buddhist wisdom.

The black tower embodies the wisdom of equality, as Buddhism views all things in the world as equal and indistinguishable. 

The red tower signifies the wisdom of profound insights, highlighting the Buddha's ability to perceive good from evil.
 
1. Built along the mountainside, this complex requires ascending several steep stone steps to fully explore. Come prepared with plenty of energy and comfortable, slip-resistant shoes.

2. The North Palace Gate offers the quickest access with just a 10-minute walk south. However, this route is steeper, which might be tough for those with knee issues or carrying heavy bags. Take breaks at platforms along the way or opt for the gentler, paved slope from the East Palace Gate, which takes about 18 minutes.

3. With its rich layers, unique structures, and dispersed crowds, the Four Great Regions is ideal for photography. Try framing with the arches, stairs, or eaves, and shooting from different angles to highlight your photos. For attire, choose red, green, or white tones; traditional Chinese outfits like cheongsams, Tibetan robes, or hanfu will further enhance your photographs.