The Azure Clouds Temple is a Buddhist temple located just outside the north gate of the Fragrant Hills Park in Haidian District, approximately 20 km from the city center. It was built in the 14th century during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and was expanded in 1748.

The temple, which is built on six different levels over an elevation of nearly 100 meters, is known for its fine scenery. The temple also includes the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which is located at the center of the temple complex. Two other prominent features are the Arhats Hall and the Vajrasana Pagoda.

There are 512 statues, of which include 500 wooden Arhats, 11 Bodhisattvas and one statue of Ji Gong (a famous Buddhist monk) inside the Hall of Arhats. All the Arhats are vivid, life-size statues with different poses and expressions. It has been said that two of these Arhats were the statues of Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

The magnificent Vajra Throne Pagoda is the highest building in the temple. This 35 meter-high tower with elegant decorations is a perfect observational position to view all the scenery of western Beijing.

Admission: 5 yuan (If you buy a 15 yuan ticket for the Fragrant Hills Park admission, you won’t have to pay the extra 5 yuan.)Opening Hours: 08:40 - 16:50Getting there: Visitors will take Bus No. 318, 360, 634, 696, 698 or 714 and get off at Fragrant Hills Station.

Note: You have to buy the entrance ticket of the Fragrant Hills Park to get to the mountain where the Temple of Azure Clouds is located.

Source: beijingholiday.com