Bucket list experience:
Beijing, China
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.
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Destination Guide >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+ | Free
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+ | Free
Beijing, China
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+ | Free
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+ | Free
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
A burgeoning megacity with one foot in the past, Beijing is a marvellous melange of UNESCO-listed heritage buildings set within an ever-more tech-forward cityscape. Come for the culture, the people, and of course the food.
