The ancient temples of the capital are a beautiful scene of Beijing's cultural history. As 2024 comes to a close and the new year begins, why not visit these 12 ancient temples in the capital for a meaningful ritual to pray for blessings?

Lama Temple（Yonghe Gong）

The architectural layout here retains the regulations of a royal palace. Except for the Wanfu Pavilion, the temple features a central axis about 400 meters long, with seven courtyards lined up in succession. At the front of the temple stands a majestic archway, and a ceremonial path is laid in front of the Zhaotai Gate, showcasing the grandeur of a royal imperial construction. It is known as a popular destination for a "one-day escape" on weekends in Beijing, with its popularity remaining high year-round.

In addition, as a royal temple, the craftsmanship of the Buddha statues at Yonghe Temple is exquisite, earning it the title of the "Three Wonders of Yonghe Temple." Among them, the Maitreya Buddha carved from white sandalwood is the crown jewel of the "Three Wonders." Standing at 18 meters tall, it is located in the Wanfu Pavilion and was included in the Guinness World Records in 1990, recognized as the world's largest wooden carved Buddha.

Address: No. 28, Yonghegong Dajie (St), Dongcheng

Opening Hours: 09:00—16:30 (last entry at 16:00)

Admission: 25 RMB per adult

Tanzhe Temple 

"First there was the Tanzhe Temple, then there was Beijing city." As the oldest temple in Beijing, Tanzhe Temple has a history of over 1,700 years. The tradition of New Year blessings at Tanzhe Temple has a long-standing history.

"Shiyu" (Stone Fish) is one of the four treasures of Tanzhe Temple. The beautiful legend of "touching the stone fish" to pray for health has been passed down through the generations. It has become an essential ritual for visitors to the temple, a must-do for those who come here.

Stroll to the Lishuyuan Courtyard and enjoy a cup of "Jiafu"(加福) coffee. At the Jiafu Post Office and Jiafu Cultural and Creative Store, you can choose cultural products that represent good wishes and take these blessings home with you.

Address: Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou

Opening Hours: 8:30—16:30 

Admission: 50 RMB per adult

Jietai Temple

At Jietai Temple, you can tie a prayer cord, make a wish by striking the money-eye bell, and ring the auspicious bell. In addition to these rituals, visitors can also admire the ancient architecture, observe the old trees, and immerse themselves in the temple's long history and rich cultural heritage.

Between the Hall of the Great Hero and the Thousand Buddha Pavilion (ruins), there is a Jietai Cultural and Creative Shop displaying a variety of beautiful and exquisite themed cultural products. Visitors can also enjoy a warm cup of coffee at the Peony Courtyard and experience the timeless charm of this thousand-year-old temple.

Address: Jietai Temple Park, Yongding Town, Mentougou

Opening Hours: 8:30—16:30 

Admission: 45 RMB per adult

Hongluo Temple 

The scenic area is divided into the Hongluo Temple Ancient Temple Cultural Zone, Guanyin Temple Cultural Zone, Great Buddha Cultural Zone, and two natural scenic areas: Hongluo Mountain and Qinglong Mountain. On New Year's Day, visitors can enter the ancient temple to participate in fortune cultural activities such as striking the money-eye bell, ringing the auspicious bell, and tying the prayer cords.

There is a cable car to take you up the mountain, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the scenery. On the way down, you can ride the toboggan and experience the thrilling, roller-coaster-like speed.

Address: No. 2, Hongluo Lu (Rd), Huairou

Opening Hours: 8:30—17:00 (last entry at 16:00) 

Admission: 54 RMB per adult

Wofo Temple 

Located within the China National Botanical Garden (Northern Garden), Wofo Temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty's Zhen Guan period. It is one of the oldest existing temples in Beijing. Due to its phonetic similarity to "offer," Wofo Temple is especially popular among young people seeking blessings for academic success, civil service exams, and job hunting.

The temple is home to towering ancient trees and tranquil halls. Recently, a few early-blooming wintersweet trees have quietly blossomed. Every year, from late autumn (mid-November) to early spring (late March), the wintersweet flowers bloom one after another, creating a serene and beautiful atmosphere.

Address: Wofosi Lu (Rd), Haidian, China National Botanical Garden 

Opening Hours: Open at 8:00, last entry at 17:00, closed at 17:30 

Admission: 5 RMB per adult for the North Garden of China National Botanical Garden, with an additional 5 RMB per adult for Wofo Temple.

Fayuan Temple 

The entire temple is tucked away by an alley, very close to Niu Jie (St), blending quietly into the city. "As one Fayuan Temple, half of Chinese history." Many patriotic scholars and intellectuals have left their poetry and inscriptions here, making the temple a place rich in cultural and historical significance.

The Fayuansi Neighborhood, where Fayuan Temple is located, is known for its long cultural history and distinctive architectural style. In 2002, it was designated as one of Beijing's second batch of historical and cultural preservation areas. Visitors can stroll through the charming, traditional Lanman Hutong, visit the ancient Xuannan Bookstore, and explore the artistic Nanbanjie Hutong.

Address: No. 7, Fayuansi Qianjie (St), Xicheng

Opening Hours: 8:30—16:00 

Admission: Free

Miaoying Temple 

Inside the temple stands a tall and majestic Tibetan-style Lama Tower, designed and built by Nepalese craftsmen over eight years. Known as the "White Tower" due to its entirely white structure, it remains an important landmark preserved from the Yuan Dynasty in Beijing.

Last month, Miaoying Temple released a new cultural and creative plush product inspired by the White Tower called "Shi Ta," which sounds like "It is it." This item serves as both a keychain and a refrigerator magnet. When you open the base, you'll find a small wishing card inside the tower, where you can write down your beautiful wishes and blessings.

Address: No. 171, Fuchengmennei Dajie(St), Xicheng

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00—17:00 (last ticket sold at 16:30), closed on Mondays 

Admission: 20 RMB per adult

Yunju Temple   

Yunju Temple consists of five courtyards and six halls, preserving over ten Tang and Liao stone and brick pagodas. The temple also houses ancient texts on stone, paper, and wood, with the 14,278 stone sutras being particularly famous worldwide.

Currently, the temple is hosting three temporary exhibitions: 

1. "Treasured Beginnings—Master Jingwan's Life and Achievements Exhibition" 

2. "Yunju Temple's Precious Treasures—Exhibition of Valuable Cultural Relics and Artifacts" 

3. "Engraving Eternity—Stone Sutras and the Joint Exhibition of Luoyang Nine Dynasties Steles Rubbings"

Address: South of Shuitou Village, Dashiwo Town, Fangshan 

Opening Hours: 09:00—17:00 (last ticket inspection at 16:30) 

Admission: 40 RMB per adult

Dajue Temple  

Dajue Temple is built on a mountainside, facing east with its main structures facing west. The architecture is majestic and ancient, with a carefully arranged layout. It utilizes the natural terrain, gradually ascending the mountain, giving visitors a sense of endless discovery and intrigue.

The temple is famous for its "Eight Wonders" of scenic beauty. There are 160 ancient trees within the temple grounds, including a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, a 300-year-old magnolia, an ancient sala tree, and other pines and cypress trees.

Address: No. 9, Dajuesi Lu (Rd), Sujiatuo Town, Haidian

Opening Hours: 9:00—17:00 (Open year-round, except for special circumstances), last ticket sold at 16:30 

Admission: 20 RMB per adult

Baiyun Temple 

Wandering through Baiyun Temple, visitors can experience not only the tranquil, solemn, and reverent atmosphere but also the unique Daoist cultural ambiance. The stone wall of the temple's mountain gate is carved with patterns of flowing clouds, cranes, flowers, and other motifs, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and detailed artistry.

Baiyun Temple also preserves traditional Beijing customs, such as the "Hitting golden eye" and "Touching stone monkey" rituals during the Spring Festival, where people pray for peace and good health in the coming year.

Address: No. 9, Baiyunguan Jie (St), Xicheng

Opening Hours: 08:30—17:00 (last entry at 16:30) 

Admission: 10 RMB per adult

Dongyue Temple  

Dongyue Temple was built during the Yuan Dynasty and boasts over 300 ancient buildings, with a history of more than 700 years. It showcases architectural styles from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, earning its reputation as a "treasure of ancient architecture." The temple also houses numerous stone artifacts, exquisite Ming Dynasty sculptures and paintings, as well as couplets, plaques, and other cultural relics.

In 1997, the Beijing Folk Custom Museum was established here. Visitors can not only learn about Beijing's history and culture but also immerse themselves in the rich atmosphere of folk traditions. During traditional Chinese festivals, the museum hosts various cultural events and activities.

Address: No. 141, Chaoyangmenwai Dajie(St), Chaoyang  

Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30—16:30 

Admission: 10 RMB per adult

Huangwa Zengfu Mammon Temple 

This ancient temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, officially opened to the public for trial operation on December 21st. The main hall of the temple is dedicated to the God of Wealth, Mammon. Above the hall, the yellow glazed tiles shine brightly, making it the only Mammon temple in Beijing covered with ancient royal yellow tiles. The temple also features a multi-functional space for cultural experiences, including creative cultural products, beverages, and more. Visitors can find many delightful "wealth" and "fortune" themed souvenirs, perfect for gifting or keeping as mementos.

Address: 117 Gulou Dongdajie(St), Dongcheng 

Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00, closed for maintenance every Monday (except during public holidays) 

Admission: Free

Translator: BAI Jing

Translator: FENG Haoxuan