Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Side-hall Exhibitions
There's a superb collection of bronze Tibetan Buddhist statues within
Jietai Lou
, most of
which date from the Qing dynasty. The exhibits range from languorous renditions of
Green Tara and White Tara to exotic, tantric pieces (such as Samvara) and figurines of the
fierce-looking Mahakala. Also peruse the Tibetan Buddhist ornaments within the
Ban-
chan Lou
: there's a fantastic array of sceptres, mandalas and tantric figures.
Yongyou Hall
永佑殿
永佑殿
With statues of the Buddha of Longevity and the Buddha of Medicine (to the left), this
hall is especially popular with worshippers. Peek into the
East Side Hall
for its esoteric
gathering of cobalt-blue Buddhas and two huge dog-like creatures. Note how the tantric
statues have been partially draped to disguise their couplings.
Hall of the Wheel of Law
法轮殿
法轮殿
The fourth hall houses a large bronze statue of a benign and smiling Tsongkhapa
(1357-1419), founder of the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism (which the temple be-
longs to), robed in yellow and illuminated from a skylight above. Also within the hall is a
throne that seated the Dalai Lama when he lectured here.
Top Tips
›
Guides loiter by the entrance and ticket office, but they cost more than the audio tour that's available.
›
Get here as early as you can, and preferably on a weekday, because the temple attracts hordes of sightseers and
worshippers.
›
The surrounding streets are jammed with shops selling incense sticks and all manner of Buddhist statues and
paraphernalia. This is also a good area in which to get your fortune told!
Take a Break
There are many places nearby where you can grab a breather. Try the
Vineyard Café
(
Click here
)
for excellent
Western food, as well as coffee and proper English tea. Also within walking distance is the
Baihe Vegetarian
Restaurant
(
Click here
)
, one of the finest veggie eateries in Beijing.
