Hongluo Temple is the first major ancient temple in the north of Beijing. Originally named “Daming Temple”, it was first built in the fourth year of Emperor Xiankang in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (338) and expanded in the Tang Dynasty. Because there is a “pearl spring” under the mountain where it is located, it is said that there are two big red spiral shells deep in the spring, and every sunset they will spit out red flames, so the mountain is named Hongluo Mountain, which literally means “red snail mountain”; and the temple is commonly called Hongluo Temple, which is the birthplace of Buddhism in northern China.

Hongluo Temple gathered mountain and river aura. With thick forest and ravine shade around it, together with ancient trees, it becomes a geomantic treasure land. The “Three Great Views of Hongluo Temple” - the Royal Bamboo Forest, the male and female ginkgoes, and the wisteria pine - are known far and wide. Millions of bamboo rods and thousands of acres of ancient pine forests surround the entire monastery, forming a beautiful painting of “blue waves hiding ancient temples”.

Hongluo Mountain belongs to the remaining Yanshan Mountains, lofty and majestic, solemn and glorious. To its south is the hinterland in the north of Beijing in the north China plain, and the two peaks of the mountain tower over each other.

When you ascend Hongluo Mountain, the mountains are picturesque from a distant view, and the forest waves cover the whole temple in a close look. Halfway up the mountain, there is an observation deck. There you can look at the forest waves of Hongluo Lake and Yanqi Lake APEC site, overlook the whole Huairou District and feel the beautiful scenery of Beijing. The mood will be enlightened by sweeping away the tedium and depressed mood of living in the city for a long time, and you will truly experience the joy of returning to nature and the wonderful feeling of transcendence.

Translator: YUAN Ting

Reviewer: BAO Minmin