Jietan Temple

Jietan Temple

Jietan Temple is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a key cultural relic protection unit in China.

Jietan Temple and the nearby Tanzhe Temple are the two major Buddhist temples in western Beijing. The most famous feature of the temple is its well-preserved Ming Dynasty ordination platform, which is the largest and most prestigious of its kind in China. In addition, the temple also features garden architecture such as the Peony Courtyard. It’s a great place to pray, admire ancient pines, enjoy flowers, and take photos.

Temple Overview

Jietan Temple is not very large, with the temple gardens forming an approximate circle about two to three hundred meters in diameter. The buildings inside are not symmetrically arranged like in typical Buddhist temples but are instead irregularly scattered throughout the complex. Once inside, you can simply walk around and explore at your own pace. A leisurely visit generally takes about two hours.

Ordination Platform Hall

The most important site to visit at Jietan Temple is the Ordination Platform Hall, home to the Ming Dynasty ordination platform, hailed as the “No. 1 Ordination Platform in China.” The ordination platform is a Buddhist structure used for conferring precepts upon monastics. Different levels of platforms confer different levels of precepts, and this one is authorized to grant the highest level — the Bodhisattva Precepts. It has also been used to ordain several emperors, underscoring its prestige. The platform is about 3.5 meters high and made of white marble. Around the edge are exquisitely carved statues of 113 ordination deities, each with unique expressions. Atop the platform sits a statue of the Buddha, presenting a majestic and solemn presence.

Peony Courtyard

The Peony Courtyard is another renowned attraction at Jietan Temple. It is a serene and beautiful garden built during the Qing Dynasty by Prince Gong Yixin when he resided in the temple. The courtyard is planted with numerous peonies that bloom magnificently in April and May, creating an elegant and picturesque scene. Aside from the flowers, the architecture in the courtyard is also exquisitely crafted and worth a visit.

In addition, the temple also houses other structures worth seeing, such as the Great Bell Pavilion, a thousand-year-old wooden statue of Maitreya, the Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Hall, and the Guan Yu Hall. Many of these buildings were constructed during the Liao Dynasty, making this one of the best-preserved sites of Liao architecture. Their architectural style differs from later styles seen in places like the Forbidden City, offering a unique sight to behold.

Ancient Pines in Diverse Forms

Aside from the garden architecture, the temple’s flora is another highlight. Jietan Temple is home to many ancient pine trees that are over a thousand years old. These pines come in various shapes and forms, each uniquely shaped and long famous across Beijing. Among the halls, you’ll also find flowers such as lilacs and peonies, making it a great spot for photos in spring and summer.

The temple offers vegetarian meals to visiting worshippers and tourists every day at noon, which you can choose to try. The meals typically include rice, steamed buns, and small portions of vegetable dishes, and they taste quite good. Payment for the vegetarian meal is voluntary, though most visitors do leave a small contribution.

Highlights: As a national key cultural relic protection unit, Jietan Temple is currently the northernmost temple in China that preserves the most and most intact relics from the Liao Dynasty. Most notably, it retains rare treasures of Liao Buddhism, such as stupas, stone pillars, and ordination platforms. Jietan Temple Guide Map: Jietan Temple is located at the foot of Ma’an Mountain in Mentougou District, 35 kilometers from central Beijing and 11 kilometers from the district government. It lies to the west of Jile Peak, south of Liuguo Ridge, north of Shilong Mountain, and east toward Beijing. The temple faces east and sits on a mountain slope at an elevation of over 300 meters, covering an area of 4.4 hectares with a built-up area of 8,392 square meters. The halls are built along the contours of the mountain, creating a well-arranged and staggered layout. The entire temple complex combines the grand and majestic aura of northern temples with the serene and elegant charm of southern gardens. It boasts both a strong religious cultural atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery, making it not only a renowned Buddhist site in China but also a long-celebrated tourist destination. Jietan Temple (also known as Ordination Platform Temple) is world-famous for its “Ordination Platform, Unique Pines, and Ancient Caves.” The ordination platform was first built in the fifth year of the Xianyong era of the Liao Dynasty. Together with the ordination platforms of Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian, and Zhaoqing Temple in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, it is known as one of the “Three Great Ordination Platforms in China.” Among them, Jietan Temple’s platform is the largest, earning it the title “No. 1 Platform Under Heaven.” The temple is also home to many famous ancient trees, including 88 protected trees, the most famous of which are the ancient pines. These pines, whether naturally grown or human-shaped, have endured centuries of wind, frost, snow, and rain, forming unique and striking shapes that are highly valued for appreciation. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the “Ten Famous Ancient Pines” had already gained fame across the land. The mountain behind the temple consists of limestone. Over hundreds of millions of years of erosion by rainwater, it has formed numerous natural caves. The stalactites and stalagmites inside create bizarre and fantastic shapes, as described: “some leap like dragons, some swim like fish, some sit like lions — all formed by mineral deposits.” These have given rise to countless myths and beautiful imaginings.

Special Notes

1. When having vegetarian meals in the temple, please follow the rules: men and women sit separately, and no talking is allowed during the meal.

2. Jietan Temple is not far from Tanzhe Temple to the northwest, and buses are available. Many tourists choose to visit both temples together.

Suggested Visit Duration

0.5–1 day

Location

Ma’an, Yongding Town, Mentougou District, Beijing

Transportation

Metro: Exit at Exit A of Apple Park Station on Line 1, then transfer to Bus 931 or 948 directly to the temple.

By Car:

1. Head west along Fushi Road → turn south at Shuangyu Roundabout → Shimenying Roundabout → 108 National Road, 7 km to reach.

2. From Beijing West Railway Station, head west along Lianshi Road → Wulonggang → Shimenying Roundabout → 108 National Road, 7 km to reach (with entrances/exits on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ring roads).

3. Head west along Chang’an Avenue → turn right at the east gate of Shougang → turn left at Shijingshan Overpass → head south at Shuangyu Roundabout.

Ticket

45 RMB per person, 22 RMB per person for students and other eligible groups, free entry for military personnel and seniors aged 65 and above. A joint ticket for Jietai Temple and Tanzhe Temple costs 80 RMB per person and can only be purchased at Tanzhe Temple.

Opening Hours

Summer: 8:00–17:30

Winter: 8:00–17:00

Further Reading:

· One of the First Batch of Municipal Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Beijing

· Fourth Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites