Travel bucket list idea:
Beijing, China
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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.
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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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+
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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+
Beijing, China
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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+
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.
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.
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China
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.
