Travel in China
The temple reads along a single axis - enter from the south on Yonghegong Dajie and walk north through the five halls in sequence. The compact complex rewards a slower circuit of the side halls.
Suggested Itinerary
- The approach
Walk north up Yonghegong Dajie from the subway station (Lines 2/5). The street is lined with incense shops and Buddhist supply stores. - The five-hall axis
Enter through the Zhaotai Gate and proceed north through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of Eternal Harmony, Hall of Everlasting Protection, Hall of the Dharma Wheel, and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses. - Side halls and exit
Circle through the east and west side halls - the 500 Arhats relief and Buddhist art gallery - before exiting north into the hutongs toward the Confucius Temple.
What to See
Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses
The 18-metre sandalwood Maitreya Buddha - the pavilion was built around the carving.
Hall of the Dharma Wheel
The 500 Arhats Mountain in bronze - look for the hidden figures of Buddha and Ji Gong.
Imperial Driveway
The glazed-tile carriageway reserved for the emperor, with cloud-and-dragon relief.
Hall of Eternal Harmony
Three bronze Buddhas and eighteen arhats along the walls.
Eastern Side Halls
Tibetan Buddhist sculpture gallery with wrathful deities and tantric instruments.
The Golden-Nanmu Niche
A nanmu-wood niche carved with 99 intertwined dragons, housing the 18-metre sandalwood Maitreya Buddha.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Real Travelers
Food & Drink
Wudaoying Hutong cafes
The lane west of the temple has some of the old city's best independent coffee shops.
Ms. Shan's Dumplings
Jiaozi and northern staples a short walk from the temple entrance.
Ghost Street (Gui Jie)
Beijing's famous 24-hour food street, 5 minutes east - red lanterns, crayfish and hotpot.
Dicos and local fast food
Quick options around the subway station.
Comments