Fayuan Temple, Beijing - brown temple
1 / 10

Fayuan Temple Beijing

4.5
·43 reviews·, China

Beijing's oldest Buddhist temple, offering a serene escape with ancient architecture, tranquil courtyards, and historical relics.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Fayuan Temple, Beijing - brown temple

Fayuan Temple Beijing

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Beijing's oldest Buddhist temple, offering a serene escape with ancient architecture, tranquil courtyards, and historical relics.

4.5
(43 reviews)

"Discover the tranquility of Beijing's oldest temple, a peaceful sanctuary steeped in history and beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Download Offline Maps

Ensure you can navigate even without constant internet. :iphone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Courtyards

Ancient Courtyards

Central Courtyard

Discover tranquil spaces adorned with lush greenery and vibrant red walls, offering a peaceful escape.

Instagram
Bell and Drum Towers

Bell and Drum Towers

Temple Grounds

Admire the historical architecture of these iconic structures, integral to temple life and ceremonies.

Instagram
Bronze Lion Sculptures

Bronze Lion Sculptures

Temple Entrance

Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the guardian lion statues, symbols of power and protection.

Instagram
Lotus Bowl

Lotus Bowl

Courtyard

A serene sight of lotuses floating in a bowl, embodying tranquility and Buddhist symbolism.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Fayuan Temple

Fayuan Temple is Beijing's oldest, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. To experience its serene atmosphere and avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Instagram

Navigating Beijing's Public Transport

Getting to Fayuan Temple is straightforward with Beijing's efficient subway system. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or using an eSIM for seamless navigation and booking transport via apps like Alipay. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Caught in a Sudden Rain in the Forbidden City ☔️ #beijing #china #chinatravel #chinatrip #chinatrips #chinatrip🇨🇳 #beijingtrip #beijingtravel #beijingtraveler #beijingtravelguide #北京英文导游 #北京英文导游小陈 #北京...
@tourguidechenbeijing
19.4K likes • 418.5K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Download Offline Maps

Ensure you can navigate even without constant internet. :iphone:

#chinatravel #fyp #China #travel #tour #views #chinese #guide #beijing
@nanachinatour
9.2K likes • 118.2K views
「法源寺」 北京が首都になる何百年前の唐にもう存在した、北京最古のお寺です。 とても静かな、緑と赤い壁もいっぱいある心地のいい空間です。 . . . #法源寺 #お寺 #悯忠寺 #北京 #教子胡同 #beijing #peking #buddhisttemple #chinatravel
_veux_plus_de_vacances
192 likes • 0 views

Respect the Serenity

This is an active place of worship, so maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. :pray:

Visit Early for Photos

Capture the temple's beauty with fewer people around. :camerawithflash:

OLDEST BUDHIST FAYUAN TEMPLE BEIJING The Fayuan Temple (Chinese: 法源寺; pinyin: Fǎyuán Sì), situated in the southwest quarter of central Beijing, is one of the city’s oldest and most renowned Buddhist...
gautamnegi001
135 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Download Offline Maps

Ensure you can navigate even without constant internet. :iphone:

Respect the Serenity

This is an active place of worship, so maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. :pray:

Visit Early for Photos

Capture the temple's beauty with fewer people around. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(43 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Fayuan Temple is praised for its historical significance as Beijing's oldest Buddhist site and its serene, beautiful atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the tranquil courtyards and traditional architecture, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Some find it a bit small, but its historical depth and aesthetic appeal make it a worthwhile visit.

"One of the best and most important temples in Beijing. An excellent place to meditate."

Micheal Harding

"I give one star hoping no more tourists come here to disturb the tranquility of the temple. Can't believe near center of Beijing city, there is such a peaceful and calming temple where young monks are studying inside. Tourists, don't come. There is nothing to see here."

Phil Ye

"Interesting temple with a genuine, lived-in vibe. Beware of the early closing time and come before 3 pm."

Zhang Ziruo

What People Like

Oldest Buddhist temple
Peaceful atmosphere
Beautiful courtyards

What People Dislike

Can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fayuan Temple is accessible via Beijing's subway system. Take subway Line 4 to Xuanwumen Station and then it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride. Alternatively, several bus lines also stop nearby. TikTok

Yes, it's located in the southwest quarter of central Beijing. Using a navigation app on your phone with a local SIM or eSIM will make it straightforward. Instagram

The subway is highly recommended for its efficiency and affordability. For longer distances or when carrying luggage, consider ride-sharing apps or taxis. TikTok

Line 4 to Xuanwumen Station is a common choice. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the temple. TikTok

Yes, ride-sharing apps are widely used in Beijing and can be a convenient option to reach Fayuan Temple, especially if you're coming from a less accessible area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no admission fee to enter Fayuan Temple, making it a great free attraction. However, it's always good to check for any temporary changes or special exhibition fees. Instagram

Fayuan Temple typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current operating hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. Instagram

Visiting on a weekday morning, shortly after opening, is usually the best time to experience Fayuan Temple with fewer visitors and a more peaceful atmosphere. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted inside Fayuan Temple, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash in certain areas. Instagram

Yes, you can get a good sense of Fayuan Temple's historical significance and serene beauty in about 1-2 hours, making it suitable for a shorter visit. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the ancient courtyards with lush greenery, the historic bell and drum towers, the striking bronze lion sculptures at the entrance, and the tranquil lotus bowl. InstagramReddit+1

Fayuan Temple is renowned as Beijing's oldest temple, with origins tracing back to the Tang Dynasty. It's a significant site for Buddhist history in the capital. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The temple's traditional architecture, serene courtyards, and vibrant colors offer many beautiful photo opportunities, especially during the golden hour. Instagram

Expect a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. It's a place of worship, so visitors are encouraged to be quiet and respectful of the monks and other visitors. Instagram

While official guided tours might not always be readily available, you can often find local guides near major attractions in Beijing, or you can explore independently using online resources. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Fayuan Temple itself does not typically have restaurants. However, the surrounding neighborhoods in Beijing offer a wide array of dining options, from local street food to more formal restaurants. TikTok

You'll find a variety of traditional Beijing cuisine, including Peking duck, dumplings, and local snacks. Explore the streets around the temple for authentic culinary experiences. TikTok

Yes, given the temple's Buddhist nature, you can often find vegetarian restaurants or dishes in the vicinity. Look for eateries catering to monks or those advertising vegetarian fare. Reddit

It's a good idea to explore the local eateries around the temple for an authentic taste of Beijing. Be adventurous and try some local specialties! TikTok

Popular dishes include Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles), and various types of dumplings. Don't miss trying the Old Beijing Doughnut if you see it! TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fayuan Temple offers a calm and visually engaging experience for families. While it's a place of worship, the open courtyards provide space for children to move around respectfully. The striking red walls, intricate sculptures, and the peaceful lotus bowl can capture a child's imagination. Instagram

It's a good opportunity to introduce children to Buddhist culture and history in a gentle way. Keep the visit relatively short to maintain their engagement, focusing on the most visually interesting elements. Pack snacks and water, as dining options directly within the temple are limited. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

Fayuan Temple is an excellent choice for budget travelers as it typically offers free admission. This allows you to immerse yourself in history and culture without any cost. Instagram

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding neighborhoods on foot to discover local eateries offering affordable and authentic Beijing cuisine. Utilize the efficient and inexpensive subway system to reach the temple, saving on transportation costs. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Beijing's Oldest Temple

Fayuan Temple, meaning 'Source of the Dharma,' stands as a testament to Beijing's rich history, being the city's oldest Buddhist temple with roots stretching back to the Tang Dynasty. Its enduring presence offers a unique window into centuries of spiritual and architectural evolution. The temple's layout and design reflect traditional Buddhist temple architecture, with serene courtyards, halls, and pagodas. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the temple's peaceful ambiance, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. The lush greenery within its courtyards, coupled with the vibrant red walls and traditional eaves, creates a visually stunning and calming environment. Key features include the imposing bell and drum towers, which historically marked the hours for prayer and ceremonies, and the intricate bronze lion sculptures guarding the entrance, symbolizing protection and power. Instagram+1

Beyond its architectural beauty, Fayuan Temple holds cultural significance as a center for Buddhist practice and learning. The presence of relics and the ongoing spiritual activities contribute to its sacred atmosphere. For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Beijing's cultural heritage and a moment of quiet reflection, Fayuan Temple is an essential stop. Reddit

Photography Tips for Fayuan Temple

Fayuan Temple offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from its grand architectural elements to its subtle details. The interplay of light and shadow within the courtyards, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, can create dramatic and beautiful shots. Focus on capturing the vibrant red walls against the lush green foliage, or the intricate carvings on the temple structures. Instagram

When photographing the bell and drum towers, try different angles to emphasize their scale and historical presence. The bronze lion sculptures at the entrance are also excellent subjects; experiment with close-ups to highlight their detailed craftsmanship. Don't forget to look for smaller, more intimate scenes, such as the serene lotus bowl in the courtyard, which embodies the temple's tranquil spirit. Reddit

Remember to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography. Respectful shooting will enhance your experience and ensure you capture the essence of Fayuan Temple without disturbing its sacred atmosphere. Using a prime lens can help you isolate details and create compelling compositions. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2