Don't waste your time in Beijing! Missing even one of these 10 temples would be a regret (Yonghe Lama Temple, Guangji Temple, Fayuan Temple, Tanzhe Temple, Jietai Temple, Dajue Temple, Wofo Temple, Biyun Temple, Hongluo Temple, Zhihua Temple)!
Wutai Mountain, 10 temples you definitely cannot miss!
The most beautiful 4A scenic area in Beijing during late autumn, known as "Beijing's largest temple," with the "husband and wife" ginkgo trees that have been together for 1100 years turning golden — super romantic!
Today, I will introduce Cheng'en Temple in Shijingshan, Beijing. It is open for free for a limited time (November 4–17), and is considered the most mysterious temple, "never open for 500 years," with tickets harder to get than those for the Forbidden City!
01 Royal background of Cheng'en Temple
Cheng'en Temple was originally built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (around 1416) under the orders of Emperor Zhudi, in memory of his mother.
The name "Cheng'en" means "to bear the imperial grace," reflecting its strong royal significance. It served as a place of worship for the royal family and nobility.
As one of the most mysterious ancient temples in the capital, it does not receive incense offerings, does not serve as a place for Buddhist ceremonies, and rarely opens its doors to the general public.
02 Ginkgo Leaves of Cheng'en Temple
The architectural style of Cheng'en Temple is solemn and majestic, with a unique courtyard layout. Especially during the early morning or at dusk, the temple is enveloped in mist or bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, creating an atmosphere of profound mystery.
The ginkgo leaves within the temple grounds become a stunning sight in autumn. Every year, in early November, the leaves gradually turn yellow, creating a beautiful contrast with the ancient temple buildings in the sunlight, evoking a sense of tranquility and solemn beauty.
03 Visiting and Reservation Guide
1. Opening Hours
Cheng'en Temple is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Specific hours can be checked in advance.
2. Best Season
The temple is only open for free from November 4th to 17th; it is not open to the public at other times.
3. Transportation
Subway: Take Beijing Subway Line 1 and get off at Pingguoyuan Station. From there, you can transfer to a bus or taxi to reach the temple.
Self-Driving: If you choose to drive, you can use navigation to reach "Cheng'en Temple" or "Beijing Shijingshan Cheng'en Temple." There are parking lots nearby for your convenience.
4. Recommended Attractions
Shanmen: Entering the gate gives you an immediate sense of the temple's solemnity.
Tianwang Hall: This hall houses statues of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Daxiong Hall: The heart of the temple, where the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined, and the main place for worship (currently not open to the public).
Sutra Hall: The most mysterious building of the temple, where you can feel the weight of history from the outside (currently closed to the public).
Surrounding Forests: In autumn and winter, you can stroll through the surrounding forests, enjoying the red leaves and the distant mountain scenery.
5. Ticket Reservation: Tickets must be reserved through the Shijingshan Cultural Tourism WeChat Official Account. Reservations are only available for tickets within the next three days. Tickets are released daily at 6:00 AM, and only 400 tickets are available per day, so setting an alarm is highly recommended. Visitors aged 60 and above can enter without a reservation by showing their ID.
