Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS
TÁNZHÈ TEMPLE
(Tánzhè Sì)
The largest of all Běijīng's temples, and one of the oldest, Tánzhè Temple dates
from the Jin dynasty (AD 265-420) but has been modified considerably since those days.
|TEMPLE
The Buddhist temple is attractively placed amid trees in the mountains and its ascending
temple grounds are overlooked by towering cypress and pine trees, many of which are so
old that their gangly limbs are supported by metal props. Don't miss the small
Tǎlín
Temple
(Tǎlín Sì) by the forecourt where you get off the bus, with its assembly of stupas.
Visits to Tánzhè Temple around mid-April are recommended, as the magnolias are in
bloom then.
JIÈTÁI TEMPLE
(Jiètái Sì)
About 10km southeast of Tánzhè Temple, the smaller Jiètái Temple was originally
built in the 7th century. The main complex is dotted with ancient pine trees. One of these,
Nine Dragon Pine
, is claimed to be over 1300 years old, while the
Embracing Pagoda
Pine
does just what it says.
|TEMPLE
Hóngluó Temple
Explore
Straddling the south face of Hóngluó Mountain (813m) and hidden among pine trees and
bamboo, Hóngluó Temple ( Hóngluó Sì) is one of Běijīng's largest and oldest Buddhist
temples. Originally built in AD 338, all of what you see today has been rebuilt over the
years, most recently in 1992. But despite the absence of genuinely old structures, a con-
spicuous lack of monks and a slight theme-park feel to the place (you can ride a toboggan
to get to one of the temples!), the complex has a peaceful atmosphere, and the forested
grounds and steep hillside climbs can make for a low-key family-friendly excursion. There
are small restaurants and snack stalls close to the entrance to the complex, and some snack
stalls inside, but bringing your own picnic isn't a bad option.
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