"Three Temples and One Pagoda" is a large ancient building complex integrating three religions in North China, an important bearing place of Beijing's Grand Canal culture, and an important part of creating a national 5A-level cultural tourism scenic spot. "Three temples and one tower" refer to the Temple of Literature, Randeng Pagoda, Youshengjiao Temple and Ziqing Palace. At present, the "Three Temples and One Pagoda" scenic spot has been repaired and opened to the public.

Temple of Literature 

The Tongzhou Temple of Literature, built in the second year of Dade in the Yuan Dynasty (1298), is four years older than the Confucius Temple next to Guozijian in Dongcheng District, and is the oldest existing Confucius temple in Beijing. Randeng pagoda and the Temple of Literature reflect each other and become landmark ancient buildings in the sub-center of the city. 

In front of the gate of the Temple of Literature, there is Panqiao and Panchi. Among them, Panqiao is composed of three small stone bridges, which were built in the second year of Yuan Dade and have been expanded many times in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Under the Panqiao is Panchi. After repairs, the historical pattern of the Temple of Literature has been restored. Among them, the biggest change is the Panqiao. Due to the need for cultural relics protection, the bridge was previously covered with a glass cover, and visitors can only observe the base of the Panqiao through the glass.  

Dacheng Hall is the temple of Confucius and it is also the most important main building of the Temple of Literature complex. It is a temple-style building with five rooms on the top of the mountain. There is a platform in front of the hall, which forms a "convex" shape layout with the Dacheng Hall. The worship platform is the main place where the ceremonies are held. The center of the Dacheng Hall is dedicated to the Confucius tablet, and the Confucius statue is flanked by the tablets of Yan Hui, Zeng Can, Meng Ke, etc.

Randeng Pagoda and Youshengjiao Temple 

Randeng pagoda was built during the Northern Zhou period and has been rebuilt many times over the generations. It is one of the earliest and tallest pagodas built in Beijing. The existing ancient pagoda is 56 meters high and has dense eaves solid brick and wood structures. 2248 copper bells are hung on the eaves of the tower and when the breeze blows, there are sounds of bell rings.

Randeng pagoda has a history of more than 1,400 years and is the beacon of the Grand Canal for thousands of years, standing here silently and watching the changes of history.

Youshengjiao Temple, commonly known as "Taan", is located next to the pagoda. As soon as you enter the courtyard, you will see a national acacia tree that is more than 350 years old. The main trunk of the ancient tree more than three meters has been broken, and although it has experienced war and natural disasters, it is still standing tall. Ancient trees are part of the memory of the Grand Canal, and the protection of ancient trees is a unique scenery in the canal heritage.

Ziqing Palace 

Ziqing Palace was built in the middle of the Ming Dynasty and is now a Qing Dynasty building. There is one mountain gate, one main hall and two side halls on the east and west. There is an inscription in the east gable of the main hall that records the rebuilding of the Ziqing Palace during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty.

At present, the "Three Temples and One Pagoda" scenic spot has opened special projects and introduced AI, holographic projection and other technologies to create an immersive experience for tourists.

Tips: 

Trial operation time: 9:00-17:00 (reservation and admission close at 16:30)

Admission: free during the trial operation period

Hotline: 80882290

Reservation: WeChat public account of "Beijing Tongzhou Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Service Platform"

Translator: BAO Minmin

Reviewer: WANG Yiwen