The beautiful yulan is one of the most outstanding blossoms of this or any other season because of its elegant color and style. Words fail, however, in describing this beauty; you must see them for yourself.
Escape the tedium of work and urban life with a visit to one of Beijing’s temples. At this comfortable time of year, you can enjoy the yulan in peaceful solitude.
Period: Early to mid-April
Best site: Chang’an Jie (urban), Dajue Temple (Haidian District), Tanzhe Temple (Mentougou District) and so forth
Chang’an Jie
The yulan flowers are as famous as this street and the lamps that line it. They are a favorite of photographers. Exit the Tian'anmen West station of Beijing Subway Line 1, and you will immediately find youself in the presence of more than 40 yulan trees lining the red walls of Zhongnanhai. The solemn red wall and lovely white flowers provide a vivid contrast; picture yourself here for a wonderful memory.
Admission: free
How to get there:
By bus: 1, 4, 52 to Tian’anmen West
By subway: Line 1 to Tian’anmen West
Tanzhe Temple
This hillside temple is a complex of pavilions, prayer halls, courtyards and pagodas dating from the Yuan (1271–1368), Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. How long is the history of this temple? It’s hard to say. It’s said that the Tanzhe Temple (Tanzhesi) ushered in the construction of Beijing city. In addition to its long history, the Tanzhe Temple is famous for two yulan trees of a rare species known locally as Erqiao, which are said to be more than 300 years-old. In spring, the big trees, bearing thousands of flowers with a purple hue, presents a unique scene attracting many people to come especially for them.
Admission: 35 Yuan
Tel: +86 10 6086 2500
Address: Tanzhe Mountain, Mentougou District
Chinese address: 潭柘寺，门头沟区潭柘山麓
How to get there:
By bus/subway: Get off Subway Line 1 at Pingguoyuan Station and take bus 931 to Tanzhe Temple or take bus you (tourist bus) 7 at Qianmen or Fuchengmen to this temple
If you drive: Use the G108 National Road to the Tanzhe Temple turn off.
