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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, the three ancient belief systems of China, each have their own temple sites in Beijing.

At White Cloud Temple you might see grey-robed Taoist monks with their hair gathered in topknots, while at the Lama Temple, Buddhist acolytes in saffron-hued robes come and go between the incense-shrouded halls. The Confucius Temple, being more a memorial than a place of worship, has dozens of stone stelae inscribed with the names of famous scholars.

All three styles are architecturally similar, comprising a symmetrical series of halls and courtyards rising in importance the deeper one moves into the temple complex.

There are also many Islamic Chinese in Beijing; the Niujie Mosque dates back 1,000 years and is the city’s largest.

Despite its name, the Temple of Heaven isn’t a temple but an imperial altar used for esoteric state sacrifices, such as when the emperor would ask heaven for good harvests.

Azure Clouds Temple

Beijing, China

front entrance to Azure-Clouds-Temple

This Buddhist temple complex enjoys a sublime hillside setting at the Fragrant Hills. The Diamond Throne Pagoda at the rear is a magnificent showpiece, while the unusual Hall of Arhats contains 500 near life-size sculptures of Buddhist disciples.

Best for ages 13+

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Zhihua Temple

Beijing, China

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Built to honour a corrupt and powerful eunuch, this is Beijing’s best-preserved Ming dynasty temple. The walls of the remarkable Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall are filled from floor to ceiling with tiny niches, each housing an effigy of Buddha.

Best for ages 13+

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Niujie Mosque

Beijing, China

front entrance to Niujie Mosque

Islam came to China around the tenth century AD; this mosque is Beijing’s oldest, dating to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Architecturally it resembles a traditional Chinese temple, but for that fact that it faces west rather than the customary south.

Best for ages 13+

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Lama Temple

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
Visitors at The Lama Temple Yonghe Lamasery in Beijing, China.It's one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Beijing’s most spectacular religious site, this palatial temple complex is a reminder of China’s long and complex association with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.

Best for ages 13+

Temple of Confucius

Beijing, China

front entrance to Confucius-Temple

Carved tortoise-like beasts heave enormous stone slabs on their backs at this grand temple complex honouring China’s foremost spiritual thinker, the great sage Confucius. The attached Guozijian (Imperial College) is where scholars of old studied for their civil service exams.

Best for ages 13+

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Five Pagoda Temple

Beijing, China

front entrance to Wuta Temple

An India-inspired temple along the once-royal waterway between the capital and the Summer Palace, the Wuta (Five Pagodas) is a remarkable piece of architecture. The temple grounds are also home to a fascinating museum of ancient Chinese stonemasonry.

Best for ages 13+

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Miaoying Temple

Beijing, China

front entrance to White Dagoba Temple

Dating back to the reign of Kublai Khan, this peaceful Buddhist temple is crowned with an urn-shaped, 51m tall dagoba that soars photogenically over the surrounding hutong neighbourhood, one of the city’s best for strolling.

Best for ages 13+

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White Cloud Temple

Beijing, China

front entrance to White-Cloud-Temple in Beijing

This maze of halls and shrines is still tended by Taoist monks. Its 19 separate chambers are each dedicated to a particular deity, such as the God of Wealth, or the Jade Emperor.

Best for ages 13+

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Temple of Heaven

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

Once a site for esoteric imperial rites, this marvellous complex of temples, altars and pavilions is set in a sprawling grove of knotted cypress trees. One of Beijing’s must-see sights.

Adult price: £2

Best for ages 13+

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Many of Beijing’s temples are free to enter, but you might be asked to show your passport so be sure to have it with you. Generally, temples in Beijing welcome visitors during opening hours.

There is no specific dress code, but visitors should avoid talking or taking photographs within the temple halls and buildings themselves.

Most temples don’t have English-speaking guides, and often captions on the information boards are Chinese only, so you might consider organising your own guide for the day if you plan on checking out several sites and delving deeper into Chinese spirituality. Local tour operator Bespoke Travel Company is a good source of well-informed guides.

When to do it

Beijing temples are generally open every day of the year.

A handful of temples and shrines host fairs during the first few days of Chinese New Year, with sideshows and cultural performances. Dongyue Temple, White Clouds Temple and Ditan (Altar of the Earth) Park are three to check out, but be prepared for crowds.

During prayer times, non-Muslims are unable to enter Niu Jie Mosque.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Half-Day Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple Tour by Metro

Beijing

Private Half-Day Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple Tour by Metro
Utilizing public transportation to make for easy access to famous religious attractions Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple in Beijing City. From this 4-hour private walking tour, you will find Beijing's public transport system is remarkably convenient and it is one of the fastest ways to get around the city. In addition, learn about the real insight into city life. This tour focus on history, culture,and tradition customs.

Price: $98

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [7 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Hour Private Tour: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian Museum with Dim Sum

Beijing

4-Hour Private Tour: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian Museum with Dim Sum
This private 4-hour walking tour showcases the beauty, culture and tradition of Beijing's two most iconic temples and followed by a dim sum meal. You can choose to have the morning start to have a lunch or afternoon start to have dinner.Follow your expert guide and learn about the architecture, beliefs and local heritage as you explore two temples as well as the imperial college. Enjoy the imperial performance inside the Imperial College.Enjoy the personalized attention from your guide on this private tour with your family and friends. A tasty Dim Sum lunch or dinner is inclusive.

Price: $108

Min age: 0

Rating 4.83 / 5 [12 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Early Bird Beijing Dim Sum Breakfast with Lama Temple Tour

Beijing

Early Bird Beijing Dim Sum Breakfast with Lama Temple Tour
This 4-hour morning tour combine eating and sightseeing.Start your day with a delicious Dim Sum in the local nice restaurant. Follow your expert guide to walk along the Hutong allay and Beijing's two most iconic temples to learn about the architecture, beliefs and local heritage. The tour also covers the imperial college where you will enjoy an imperial performance. Enjoy the personalized attention from your guide on this private tour with your family and friends.

Price: $108

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [6 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

Close up of rooftops of the Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

China’s vibrant capital captives with its unique melding of ancient wonders, bustling hutongs and modern architecture – the food ain’t bad either. Top of the bill are the Forbidden City, the marvellous palace of China’s greatest Emperors – and the extraordinary Great Wall of China.