Tanzhe Temple

Tanzhe Temple

Tanzhe Temple is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

With a history of over 1,700 years, Tanzhe Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Beijing. There is a popular saying: “Tanzhe Temple came first, then Beijing.” Towering mountain peaks block the cold winds from the northwest, giving the area a warm and humid climate. The temple boasts ancient trees, numerous pagodas, and majestic halls. The entire temple complex is ingeniously laid out along the contours of the land, with structures arranged in a well-balanced and picturesque fashion. The grounds are further enhanced by beautiful bamboo groves and flowers, creating an exceptionally serene environment.

Located at the foot of Tanzhe Mountain in the southeastern part of Mentougou District in western Beijing, Tanzhe Temple is 41 kilometers from Fuchengmen. The temple faces south and is backed by Baozhu Peak. It is surrounded by nine tall peaks that form a horseshoe shape, which are, from east to west: Hui Long Peak, Hu Ju Peak, Peng Ri Peak, Zi Cui Peak, Ji Yun Peak, Ying Luo Peak, Jia Yue Peak, Xiang Wang Peak, and Lian Hua Peak. These nine peaks resemble nine dragons encircling the central Baozhu Peak. The grand Tanzhe Temple complex is built on the southern slope of Baozhu Peak. The temple covers a large area—2.5 hectares within the temple itself, 11.2 hectares outside, plus over 121 hectares of forest and mountain land managed by the temple, totaling more than 121 hectares. The halls are built along the mountain slopes, creating a well-arranged, terraced landscape. The Forbidden City in Beijing has 9,999.5 rooms, while Tanzhe Temple, at its peak during the Qing Dynasty, had 999.5 rooms, making it a miniature version of the Forbidden City. It is said that when the Forbidden City was constructed in the early Ming Dynasty, it was modeled after Tanzhe Temple. In the early years after liberation, some dilapidated halls were demolished and new buildings were added. Today, the temple has 943 rooms in total, including 638 ancient halls, all maintaining the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest ancient temple architectural complex in the suburbs of Beijing. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Tanzhe Temple also offers stunning natural scenery. Each season presents its own unique beauty, and every time of day brings different charms. As early as the Qing Dynasty, the “Ten Scenic Spots of Tanzhe” were famous throughout the capital. The Ten Scenic Spots of Tanzhe: Red Leaves on the Plain, Nine Dragons Playing with the Pearl, A Thousand Peaks Embracing the Green, Myriad Ravines Piled with Clouds, Halls Bathed in Southern Breezes, Imperial Pavilion with Flowing Cups, Majestic Peaks Holding the Sun, Layered Mountains Framing the Moon, Brocade Screen and Snow Waves, and Flying Springs in Night Rain.

Suggested Duration

0.5–1 day

Location

At the foot of Tanzhe Mountain, southeastern Mentougou District, Beijing

Transportation

Transportation options: You can take Tourist Route 7 from Qianmen or Fuchengmen, or transfer to Bus 931 at Pingguoyuan for a direct ride. From downtown, drive along Fushi Road westward from Wukongqiao and take National Highway 108 to reach Tanzhe Temple directly. Alternatively, after visiting Yesanpo Scenic Area, get on National Highway 108, pass through Maguozhuang, Xiayunling, and Fozizhuang, and you’ll arrive at Tanzhe Temple.

Admission

55 RMB per person; Joint Ticket (Jietai Temple & Tanzhe Temple): 80 RMB per person; available only at Tanzhe Temple

Opening Hours

Summer: 8:00–17:00

Winter: 8:00–16:30

Tanzhe Temple Town: Transportation & Geography: Tanzhe Temple is one of Beijing’s renowned Buddhist temples with a long history. An old Beijing saying goes, “Tanzhe Temple came first, then Youzhou (ancient name for Beijing).” The temple is located halfway up Tanzhe Mountain in the western suburbs, named after the Dragon Pool and Zhe trees on the mountain. The town of Tanzhe Temple also derives its name from this.

Tanzhe Temple Town is located in the southeastern part of Mentougou District, western Beijing, bordering Fengtai District and Fangshan District of the city. The town covers a total area of 73 square kilometers.

It is 34 kilometers from the city center, with National Highway 108 running through the entire area. It is 21 kilometers from the Mentougou District Government and 11 kilometers from the Sixth Ring Road.

The roads within the area are well-connected... More detailed information about Tanzhe Temple Town++

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing

· Fifth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level