Dajue Temple (Temple of Enlightenment), Beijing - a large building with a lot of trees in front of it
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Dajue Temple Beijing

4.6
·16 reviews·, China

A serene Buddhist sanctuary in Beijing's western hills, Dajue Temple offers ancient architecture, tranquil gardens, and a thousand-year-old ginkgo tre...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Dajue Temple (Temple of Enlightenment), Beijing - a large building with a lot of trees in front of it

Dajue Temple Beijing

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Buddhist sanctuary in Beijing's western hills, Dajue Temple offers ancient architecture, tranquil gardens, and a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree.

4.6
(16 reviews)

"A peaceful escape from the city, Dajue Temple is a must-visit for history and tranquility."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Arrive Early for Peace

Beat the crowds by visiting Dajue Temple right when it opens. Enjoy the serene atmosphere before it gets busy.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds, so wear comfortable shoes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hall of Heavenly Kings

Hall of Heavenly Kings

Main Courtyard

Marvel at the imposing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of Buddhist teachings.

Ancient Ginkgo Tree

Ancient Ginkgo Tree

Temple Grounds

A majestic, thousand-year-old ginkgo tree stands as a living testament to the temple's long history.

Arhat Hall

Arhat Hall

Rear Courtyard

Discover intricate sculptures of 500 Arhats, each with unique expressions and postures.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Dajue Temple

Dajue Temple is a serene escape, but can get busy. Visit early on weekdays to experience its tranquility. Avoid major holidays for a more peaceful visit. TikTok

Getting to Dajue Temple

Located in the western suburbs of Beijing, Dajue Temple is best reached by public transport or taxi. Plan your route in advance, as it's a bit of a journey from the city center. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn (Sept-Oct)
Why
Pleasant weather, beautiful foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Planning your first trip to Beijing? 🇨🇳 Don’t make these rookie mistakes! 🙅🏻‍♀️ . . . 📌 Save this guide for your trip to China and travel like a pro!🏅 #beijingtravel #travelbeijing #beijingrravelguide...
@nextwonderchina
17.1K likes • 444.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Arrive Early for Peace

Beat the crowds by visiting Dajue Temple right when it opens. Enjoy the serene atmosphere before it gets busy. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTok

📸 Capture the Serenity

The temple offers many picturesque spots. Bring your camera to capture the ancient architecture and tranquil gardens.

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Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Arrive Early for Peace

Beat the crowds by visiting Dajue Temple right when it opens. Enjoy the serene atmosphere before it gets busy. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTok

📸 Capture the Serenity

The temple offers many picturesque spots. Bring your camera to capture the ancient architecture and tranquil gardens.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dajue Temple is praised for its historical significance, serene atmosphere, and beautiful ancient architecture, offering a peaceful escape from Beijing's urban sprawl. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved grounds and the impressive Buddhist art, though some note the journey can be a bit time-consuming.

"This is a historical Buddhist Monastery with beautiful gardens, a Shaoxing cuisine restaurant and a Tea house. The bad thing is both of the restaurant and the Tea house are very expensive. The Tea house became empty almost every day because they prefer making money instead of service quality. The good thing is the taste of Longjing Shrimp at the restaurant remains unchanged. (Longjing Shimp is a signature dish in Shaoxing cuisine. It's stir-fried shrimps with Longjing tea.) The ticket to the Monastery is not cheap as well. So now you can only appreciate the nice garden scenery and savor the delicious Shaoxing cuisine if your wallet can afford it."

Bars Bars

"A beautiful old temple nestled in a scenic location. It's English name is the "Temple of Great Awakening' or the "Temple of Enlightenment". Getting here is easy just catch metro line 16 to Anheqiao north station (安河桥北站) and then catch a taxi to the temple. Beautiful ginkgo trees and magnolias fill the temple grounds a great day trip out of Beijing."

Latonya Wigginton

"good temple"

zhengshu qi

What People Like

Tranquil atmosphere
Ancient architecture
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Journey time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dajue Temple is located in the Haidian District, northwest of central Beijing. The most convenient ways to get there are by taxi or ride-sharing service, which will take approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take public transport: take subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station and then transfer to bus 346 or 584 to reach the temple. TikTok

Yes, Dajue Temple is accessible by public transport, though it requires a few transfers. Bus routes like 346 and 584 stop near the temple. Planning your route using a navigation app is recommended. TikTok

To avoid Beijing's notorious traffic, consider traveling during off-peak hours, ideally on a weekday morning. Using the subway for part of your journey can also help bypass road congestion. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Dajue Temple typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes at 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit, especially during holidays. TikTok

Admission to Dajue Temple is generally quite affordable. Expect a small entrance fee, usually around 5-10 RMB. Prices can vary, so it's best to confirm upon arrival. TikTok

Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the temple entrance. Advance booking is usually not necessary unless you are part of a large tour group. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas of Dajue Temple. However, it's advisable to refrain from using flash photography inside the main halls or when photographing religious artifacts. Always be respectful of worshippers. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The ancient ginkgo tree, the intricate Arhat statues, and the temple's traditional architecture offer fantastic photo opportunities. The serene courtyards and pagodas are also very photogenic. TikTok

While peak hours mean more people, you can still capture beautiful shots by focusing on architectural details or waiting for brief moments of quiet. Early mornings are ideal for unobstructed views. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy capturing the temple's historical architecture, the lush greenery, and the spiritual atmosphere. Portrait photography is also popular in the serene settings. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dajue Temple offers a peaceful outing for families looking to escape the city's hustle. While it's not an amusement park, the spacious grounds allow children to explore and burn off energy in a safe environment. The impressive statues and the ancient ginkgo tree can spark curiosity and imagination. Pack snacks and water, as dining options within the temple are limited. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers

For solo travelers or those seeking a spiritual retreat, Dajue Temple is an ideal destination. Its serene atmosphere and historical significance provide a perfect backdrop for meditation, reflection, or simply quiet contemplation. The temple's layout encourages a slow, mindful exploration, allowing you to absorb the peaceful energy. Visiting during off-peak hours will maximize the sense of tranquility and personal space. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Dajue Temple's History

Dajue Temple, meaning 'Great Awakening Temple,' is one of Beijing's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. Founded during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD), it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions throughout the centuries, reflecting the changing dynasties and architectural styles of China. Its strategic location in the western hills made it a favored retreat for royalty and scholars alike. The temple's enduring presence speaks to its importance in the region's spiritual and cultural landscape. TikTok

Over its long history, Dajue Temple has been a center for Buddhist learning and practice. It houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, including exquisite statues and ancient scriptures. The temple's layout follows traditional Chinese temple design, with a series of courtyards leading to the main halls, each designed to evoke a sense of peace and contemplation. The preservation of its ancient structures and natural surroundings contributes to its unique charm. TikTok

Visitors often remark on the temple's tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling city. The presence of ancient trees, particularly the famed thousand-year-old ginkgo, adds to the sense of timelessness. Exploring Dajue Temple offers a journey not just through religious history, but also through the enduring beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and landscape design. TikTok

Experiencing the Serenity: What to Expect

Upon entering Dajue Temple, you'll immediately notice a shift in pace. The air is calmer, and the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chime of bells. The temple complex is spread out, inviting visitors to wander through its various courtyards and halls at their own leisure. Take your time to admire the intricate details of the Buddhist iconography and the serene garden settings. TikTok

The Hall of Heavenly Kings, with its imposing guardian figures, is often the first major sight. Further exploration leads to the Arhat Hall, a highlight for many, where the detailed sculptures of the 500 Arhats are a testament to incredible craftsmanship. Don't miss the ancient ginkgo tree, a venerable landmark that has witnessed centuries of history. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained, offering peaceful spots for reflection and quiet enjoyment. TikTok

Many visitors find Dajue Temple to be a perfect antidote to the fast-paced urban environment. It's a place to slow down, appreciate history, and connect with a sense of spiritual calm. The lack of overwhelming crowds, especially if you visit on a weekday morning, enhances this experience, allowing for a more personal and immersive visit. TikTok

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