Guanghua Temple in Beijing

Guanghua Temple in Beijing

Guanghua Temple in Beijing is a cultural relic protection unit of Beijing Municipality.

The temple complex covers an area of over 20 acres, or 13,858 square meters, and consists of 329 halls, divided into three main courtyards: the central courtyard, the east courtyard, and the west courtyard. The entire temple features a rigorously structured layout, with exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters, presenting a magnificent and resplendent sight.

Shichahai is composed of three interconnected lakes: Qianhai (also known as Shichahai), Houhai, and Xihai (Jishuitan), boasting a long historical legacy and rich cultural heritage. In the past, the area was densely populated with temples, famously referred to as "nine nunneries and one temple," which is the origin of its name "Shichahai" (meaning “Ten Temples Lake”). During the Yuan Dynasty, Shichahai served as the starting point of the northern section of the Grand Canal, featuring vast waters and beautiful scenery. Guanghua Temple is situated on the scenic northern shore of Houhai in Shichahai, adjacent to Yinding Bridge to the east and the former residence of Soong Ching-ling to the west. It maintains the tranquility and serenity of a Buddhist sanctuary amid the bustling secular world.

Address: No. 31, Ya’er Hutong, north of Shichahai, Xicheng District, Beijing

Type: Temple

Phone: 010-64076395

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00

Opening Hours:

30 yuan

Transportation:

Get off at Gulou Station via bus routes 60, 124, or 107; get off at Zhongzhouchang Station via bus routes 5, 815, 834, or 819, then walk west

Information Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

Shichahai Subdistrict: Shichahai Subdistrict is located in the northeast of Xicheng District, adjacent to the Shichahai water system (comprising Qianhai, Xihai, and Houhai). Shichahai Subdistrict is situated in the northeast of Xicheng District and was formed by merging the area east of Xinjiekou North Street from the former Xinjiekou Subdistrict with the former Changqiao Subdistrict. The subdistrict spans an area of 5.80 square kilometers. It borders the Old Gulou Street, Di’anmen Inner and Outer Streets to the east, adjacent to Dongcheng District; stretches to Xinjiekou South and North Streets and Xisi North Street to the west, connecting with Xinjiekou Subdistrict; reaches Jingshan Front Street, Wenjin Street, and Xi’anmen Street to the south, adjoining Xichang’anjie Subdistrict; and extends to Deshengmen East and West...   More detailed information about Shichahai Subdistrict++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Units in Beijing