Temple of Ancient Monarchs

The Temple of Ancient Monarchs is one of the eight temples in Beijing that functioned as a place to worship wise emperors and brilliant government officials and military officers in feudal times. It is the only temple in memory of monarchs in China that witnessed the development of Chinese society.

Originally built in the reign of Jiajing in Ming Dynasty (1531), the temple played a significant role in Ming and Qing dynasties which was as important as the imperial ancestral temples and Confucian temples. Over 660 memorial ceremonies used to be held here. The temple covers an area of 180 thousand square meters.

Compared to other temples, it is known by few visitors, although the scale of the complex is vast. The massive Jing De Chong Sheng Palace is the second largest of its kind in Beijing (after the Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony). The architecture is impressive enough to warrant a quick side trip from your visit to nearby Miaoying Temple. It is perfect for tourists favoring a quiet visit.

Location: No. 131 Fuchengmennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Admission Hours: 9:00 – 16:00

Admission Fee: 20 RMB

Transportation:

Bus stop nearby: Baita Temple (白塔寺)

Buses that stop: 3, 13, 42, 101, 102, 103, 409, 612, Night 13