Don't just stay in Beijing! It would be a pity to miss any of these 10 temples (Yonghe Temple, Guangji Temple, Fayuan Temple, Tanzhe Temple, Jie Tai Temple, Dajue Temple, Wofo Temple, Biyun Temple, Hongluo Temple, Zhihua Temple)!
Wutai Mountain, 10 temples that you must not miss!
The most beautiful 4A scenic spot in Beijing in late autumn, known as the "largest temple in Beijing", the "couple" ginkgo tree that has been together for 1100 years has turned golden, super romantic!
Today, I will introduce you to Cheng'en Temple in Shijingshan, Beijing, which is free to visit for two weeks (November 4-17). It is one of the most mysterious temples, "never opened in 500 years", and tickets are even harder to get than the Forbidden City~
01 The royal background of Cheng'en Temple
Cheng'en Temple was built in the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (around 1416), and was ordered to be built by Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di to commemorate his mother.
Cheng'en Temple is named "Cheng'en", meaning "to receive imperial grace", with a strong royal color, and is a place for royal nobles to worship.
As one of the most mysterious ancient temples in Beijing, it does not receive incense, does not hold ceremonies, does not open its doors, and is rarely open to ordinary people.
02 The ginkgo leaves of the temple
Cheng'en Temple has a solemn and dignified architectural style, with a unique courtyard layout. Especially in the early morning or at dusk, the temple is shrouded in mist or the afterglow of the setting sun, creating an extremely mysterious atmosphere.
The ginkgo leaves in the temple are a beautiful sight in autumn. In early November each year, the ginkgo leaves gradually turn yellow, shining against the ancient temple buildings in the sunlight, giving people a sense of tranquility and solemnity.
03 Travel and reservation strategy
1. Opening hours
Cheng'en Temple is generally open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the specific time can be checked in advance.
2. Best season
It is only open for free from November 4th to 17th, and is not open to the public at other times.
3. Transportation
Subway: You can take Line 1 of the Beijing Subway and get off at the Apple Garden Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to go to the temple.
Self-driving: If you choose to drive, you can navigate to "Cheng'en Temple" or "Beijing Shijingshan Cheng'en Temple". There are parking lots nearby for convenient parking.
4. Recommended attractions
Mountain Gate: After entering the mountain gate, you can feel the solemnity of the temple.
Heavenly King Hall: It houses the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Main Hall: This is the core of the temple, where the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined. It is the main place of worship for many believers (currently not open).
Scripture Hall: The most mysterious building, you can feel the weight of history outside (currently not open).
The mountains and forests around the temple: In autumn and winter, you can stroll through the mountains and forests outside the temple and enjoy the beautiful scenery of red leaves and distant mountains.
5. Ticket reservation: You can make a reservation on the Shijingshan Cultural and Tourism WeChat official account. You can only reserve tickets within three days. Tickets are released at 6 am every morning, and there are only 400 tickets available each day. Set your alarm clock, as tickets sell out quickly. People over 60 years old can enter for free with their ID card without reservation.
