Jietai Temple

Jietai Temple located in the western hills of Beijing is renowned for its magnificent ordination platform which is considered one of the three great ordination platforms in China along with those at Guoqing Temple in Zhejiang and Kaiyuan Temple in Fujian The temple was first built during the Sui Dynasty 581618 AD and has been expanded and renovated throughout subsequent dynasties particularly during the Tang and Ming periods The temples name Jietai literally means Ordination Platform referring to the sacred platform where Buddhist monks receive their full ordination The temple complex features traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture with multiple halls courtyards and ancient pine trees some of which are over 1000 years old The main attractions include the Mahavira Hall the Ordination Platform Hall and numerous stone steles and inscriptions that document the temples long history The surrounding natural environment with its pine forests and mountain scenery adds to the temples serene atmosphere making it both a religious site and a scenic destination