Tourism GuideTanzhe Temple
One of Beijings oldest Buddhist temples with over 1700 years of history nestled in the Western Hills
Key Information
Built
307 AD Jin Dynasty
Architectural Style
Traditional Chinese Buddhist
Main Deity
Sakyamuni Buddha
Famous Feature
Ancient Gingko Trees
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn
UNESCO Status
Not Listed
Annual Visitors
Approximately 500000
Temple Area
68000 square meters
Tanzhe Temple also known as the Pool and Mulberry Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Beijing with a history dating back over 1700 years to the Jin Dynasty The temple gets its name from the dragon pool Tanzhe in front and the mulberry trees Zheshu behind the temple complex The temple has served as an important Buddhist center throughout Chinese history and is renowned for its beautiful natural setting in the Western Hills of Beijing The architecture follows traditional Chinese Buddhist temple layout with multiple courtyards halls and pagodas The temple complex covers a vast area and features ancient trees some over 1000 years old creating a serene atmosphere perfect for spiritual contemplation
Things to Do
- Explore the ancient architecture including the Mahavira Hall and Heavenly Kings Hall
- Admire the 1000 year old gingko trees especially beautiful in autumn
- Visit the Dragon Pool and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings
- See the ancient stone steles with inscriptions from various dynasties
- Climb to the pagoda area for panoramic views of the Western Hills
- Participate in Buddhist ceremonies during special festival days
- Enjoy traditional vegetarian meals at the temple restaurant