Tanzhe Temple
The Tanzhe Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the mountainous area in western Beijing. It is not only one of the most well-known temples in Beijing, but also one of the most important temples in the nation.
History
The Temple was built in the Jin Dynasty (265–420), over 1,700 years ago. The area of the entire temple is 100 mu (6.8 hectares), and its arrangement of halls is something similar to that found in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tanzhe Temple is one of the oldest temples in Beijing.
Large numbers of the present buildings in the temple are from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and there are pagodas from various historical periods such as the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Layout
The temple's central hall is Mahavira Hall, which is 24 meters long, 33 meters wide. Buddhist monks often perform religious ceremony here. The temple is divided into three parts: the Hall of Abstinence, the Ordination Altar and Avalokitesvara Hall. The latter is famous for its association with princess Miaoyan, daughter of Kublai Khan. The princess is said to have entered the nunnery here in the 13th century, who came here every morning and night and as time passed by her footprints were left on the brick floor.
The Tanzhe Temple has a great number of historic relics and ancient trees along with many other tourist sights making it an unforgettable experience.
Travel Information
Admission Fee: CNY 55
Opening Hours: 8:00--17:00 (summer); 8:00--16:30 (winter)
Bus Route: Take 336 bus at Fuchengmen Wai Station and get off at Pingguoyuan Station, transfer to 931 bus and get off at Tanzhe Temple.
Subway: Take Line 1 to Pingguoyuan Station, then transfers to 931 bus and get off at Tanzhe Temple.