Biyun Temple

Ah❗️Beijing's autumn is just too amazing😍 The most beautiful limited edition color palette of the year is now live✨ Every snap feels like a blockbuster shot📸 The most breathtaking sight is still the maple leaves by the Great Wall🍁 The fiery red maple leaves covering the mountains blend perfectly with the ancient wall Like a flowing oil painting🎨 🌈 Four major maple leaf viewing spots: 1️⃣ Juyongguan Great Wall 📍 Address: Nankou Town, Changping District 🌟 Feature: The perfect combination of maple leaves + ancient Great Wall ⏰ Recommended time: Late October to early November 2⃣️ Mutianyu Great Wall 📍 Address: Bohai Town, Huairou District 🌟 Feature: Beautifully staggered red leaf forests 🎫 Ticket: 40-60 RMB 3⃣️ Badaling Red Leaf Ridge 📍 Address: Badaling Town, Yanqing District 🌟 Feature: The most popular spot in Beijing for red leaf viewing 🚗 Recommended to drive or join a one-day tour 4⃣️ Xiangshan Red Leaf Festival 📍 Address: 40 Maimaijie, Xiangshan, Haidian District 🌟 Special sight: 100,000 sumac trees forming a red cloud 📸 Photo spot: The red walls of Biyunsi Temple with red leaves 💡 Tips: ✅ Best maple viewing season: Mid-October to early November ✅ Outfit suggestion: White/cream-colored clothes look best in photos ✅ Photography tips: The light is softest in the morning and at dusk I have to say, Beijing’s autumn is truly top-level romance💕 Promise me! Let’s set off this weekend, okay?🙋‍♀️

In stark contrast to the bustling popularity of Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills) This nearby lesser-known temple not only has few visitors and beautiful scenery but also features several stunning and photogenic century-old ginkgo trees This scenery lasts until around mid-November Hurry up Catch the tail end of autumn If you want to take a shot without people, just wait for three to five minutes, and you’ll always get a photo you like There aren’t many ginkgo trees in the courtyard, but almost all of them are large trees At this time of year, the whole tree’s leaves, when touched by sunlight, shine golden Together with the temple’s green tiles and red walls, it’s incredibly beautiful Biyun Temple was originally built in 1331 during the Yuan Dynasty and was expanded by Emperor Qianlong in 1748 forming its current scale There are few tourists here, without the noise of Xiangshan Spending a moment in Biyun Temple you can feel a sense of tranquility and peace

Biyun Temple is small, and the route is designed just right, with basically no climbing, making the whole trip easy and not tiring. As soon as we entered, we started the "mission mode" based on the prompts on the phone 👇 From the main gate, we walked straight to the main hall, with puzzles to solve and clues to find at every point. Like searching for hidden floral patterns, finding clues about the Arhats, using AR scanning to unlock special effects... The kids were excitedly shouting "ahhh" all the way, fully immersed in the game storyline. That feeling of playing while walking, learning while exploring, was really refreshing~ 🎮 Don’t underestimate this little game; the whole storyline is quite detailed. At each new location, there’s a voice explanation introducing the ancient architecture and Buddha statues. The kids can understand and are interested, and parents can also casually share some historical knowledge. We played for almost two hours, with interactive features like "mission check-ins" and "level-up rewards," so it was never boring. The best part! There aren’t many people here, no queues, no noise. Walking and stopping under the shade of trees with the autumn breeze on your face is especially comfortable 🍃 🎟 Ticket: 10 RMB/person 🕰 Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours 🎫 Optional combo ticket: Biyun Temple + Xiangshan 15 RMB/person (if you have enough time, you can visit both) 📍 Location: Biyun Temple, Xiangshan Road, Haidian District, Beijing Tips 👇 ✅ It’s better to come early; there are fewer people in the morning and the lighting is better for photos ✅ Kids aged 6 and above can really enjoy it; younger kids can only watch the AR animations with you

💐Hi, everyone! Today I will talk about Beijing's Biyun Temple. There are many famous ancient temples in Beijing, such as Tanzhe Temple, Yonghe Palace, and Hongluo Temple. Biyun Temple is not inferior. It is located in the northern part of Xiangshan Park, Haidian District, Beijing. It was built in the second year of Yuan Zhishun (1331). It was renovated in 2023 and reopened in 2024. 🌸Biyun Temple is built on the mountain, with scattered halls and unique styles. There are many precious cultural relics and exquisite stone carvings here, and the historical and cultural value is extremely high. 🌟During the Yuan Dynasty, the residence of Yelu Chucai's descendants, Yelu Aji, was a temple, and it was initially named Biyun Nunnery. 🎈During the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, the eunuch Yu Jing expanded Biyun Temple and built a tomb for himself behind the temple. Later, he was imprisoned for his crimes and failed to use it as he wished. 🌈During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, Biyun Temple underwent large-scale renovation and expansion. Emperor Qianlong came here many times and left many imperial inscriptions. At this time, Biyun Temple was large in scale and exquisite in architecture, and it became one of the representatives of the royal temples. 💫Biyun Temple also has a deep relationship with Mr. Sun Yat-sen. In 1925, Mr. Sun Yat-sen died in Beijing, and his coffin was temporarily placed in Biyun Temple. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Yiguan Tomb are important places to commemorate the pioneers of the revolution. 🌺Today, Biyun Temple is not only a long-established ancient temple, but also an important cultural heritage and tourist attraction. 💖In terms of architectural style, the overall layout is exquisite. Sit west to east, build according to the mountain, the height difference from the mountain gate to the stone pagoda behind the temple is more than 100 meters, and more than 300 steps are winding among them, making the buildings high and low. Symmetrical layout with the central axis, six courtyards as the main body, courtyards on the south and north sides, solemn and solemn. It also uses a spiral series form, each courtyard is relatively independent and connected to each other. The architectural forms are diverse, the halls have the simple and simple style of the Ming Dynasty, such as the Sakyamuni Hall, the gray tile single eaves square roof; there are also the gorgeous decorations of the Qing Dynasty, such as the Bodhisattva Hall, the gray glazed tile single eaves Xieshan top call big ridge. The Vajra Throne Pagoda is a landmark building, 34.7 meters high, divided into three layers of pagoda base, throne, and pagoda body. The brick and stone structure is covered with tiger skin stone, and the pagoda body is made of Han white jade stone. The four sides are carved with Tibetan Buddhist statues, imitating the construction of the Five Pagoda Temple in Beijing, and the artistic value is high. The pavilion is exquisitely shaped and adds charm to the temple. 💖Recommended attractions: - Pagoda Courtyard: The Vajra Throne Pagoda is magnificent, and the surrounding Han white jade stone archways and pavilions are simple and elegant, making it a good place to take photos and check in. - Arhat Hall: The architectural shape is unique, the Arhat statue is lifelike, and artistic photos can be taken. - Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Yiguan Tomb: solemn and solemn, bearing historical significance, suitable for taking photos for commemoration. - Shuiquan Courtyard: There are rocks, cypresses, trees and flowing springs in the courtyard, forming a beautiful landscape painting. - Ginkgo forest in autumn: The golden ginkgo leaves contrast with the red walls and green tiles of the ancient temple, which is very beautiful, and a random shot is a big movie.

The red walls and black tiles of the ancient temple are dyed a warm golden color by the courtyard full of ginkgo trees! The old tree branches stretch out, with layers of fan-shaped yellow leaves. When the wind blows, the leaves flutter down, covering the bluestone path like scattered fragments of gold✨ The vermilion palace doors reflect the bright yellow leaves, the upturned eaves catch the autumn sun, and light and shadow flicker through the leaf gaps onto the carved beams and painted rafters. Just standing on the steps and taking a photo creates an ancient-style masterpiece with a natural filter! No need to deliberately find an angle; the ginkgo branches at the corners, the palace corners, and the falling golden leaves—all hide the romance of autumn~ When tired from walking, sit in the courtyard, listen to the gentle ringing of copper bells and the rustling of fallen leaves, and watch the ancient buildings and ginkgo trees complement each other. Even the air carries a tranquil Zen spirit. Beijing’s autumn is truly hidden in these story-filled ancient temples...

【Top Travel Guide】The Last Surprise of Late Autumn! Beijing Biyun Temple, a perfect sanctuary for the soul to return to nature🍁🙏 Hello everyone, I am your ultimate travel guide🎒. Today, I will take you to a quiet corner hidden in the western suburbs of Beijing—Biyun Temple🌿. As late autumn gradually fades away, the maple leaves here remain fiery red, and the ancient temple exudes a rich cultural atmosphere in its tranquility, evoking the poetic lines “Clouds think of clothes, flowers think of beauty; spring breeze brushes the railing, dew is thick.” The autumn wind is bleak, yet it brings the most beautiful serenity and reflection. Visiting here, you can not only enjoy the leisurely feeling of “mountains high with clouds rising, waters long with geese not returning,” but also feel a profound sense of calm strength✨. 🌟Why do I highly recommend Biyun Temple? “If life were only as it was at first sight, why would the autumn wind mourn the painted fan?” Autumn at Biyun Temple is exactly that pure and beautiful first impression. It’s not as bustling as the Forbidden City, but more like a quiet old friend, bringing peace to your heart. Here lies the legend of a thousand-year-old temple, serene Zen vibes, and rich autumn colors—a spiritual cleansing🥰. 📝Practical Travel Tips! Best viewing time: Mid-October to early November, especially in the gentle morning sunlight when light and shadow intertwine, breathtakingly beautiful. Transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to “National Library Station,” transfer to the Changping Line to “Longze Station,” then take a taxi or walk 30 minutes to reach the temple. Admission: Free! But donations for incense are encouraged to support temple preservation. Photography tips: The ancient temple, red leaves, bluestone paths, and Zen garden all make excellent backdrops. Use a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots and slow shutter speed to capture flowing water—amazing results!📸 Clothing advice: Bring a light coat as the autumn wind can be chilly; don’t miss the most beautiful morning light. 🌈What else can you experience here? ✨Deep immersion: Sit quietly in the meditation room or by the pond, let your thoughts fly, and cleanse the dust from your soul. ✨Spiritual resonance: Light an incense stick and silently pray, finding your life direction in the heroic spirit of “There will be times when the long wind and waves break through, hoisting the cloud sails to cross the vast sea.” ✨Bonding moments: Bring family and friends to savor the depth and warmth of life together in the ancient temple’s late autumn💖. 🎉Fan perks time! Just leave a comment telling me: “What quiet moment of autumn do you look forward to the most?” or “What does your ideal Zen state look like?” I will randomly select 3 lucky fans to receive an exclusive Biyun Temple travel package! Share your story and let’s find inner peace together this late autumn🌟. As late autumn fades, the mind becomes clearer. “Mountains and rivers seem to block the way, but suddenly a village appears amid willows and flowers.” Let’s use a trip to appreciate the serene beauty of “clouds in the blue sky, water in the bottle.” Remember to like and follow; I will continue to bring more in-depth travel guides about Beijing and across the country!🌏✨

1. The Historical Context of the Millennium-Old Temple Biyun Temple was originally built in the 2nd year of the Zhishun era of the Yuan Dynasty (1331), initially named Biyun Nunnery. It was expanded during the Ming and Qing dynasties to reach its current scale. It once served as the imperial Zen forest of Emperor Qianlong and was the temporary resting place of Sun Yat-sen’s coffin, embodying both Buddhist culture and revolutionary history. The temple buildings are constructed along the mountain, with six successive courtyards stacked layer upon layer. It houses artistic treasures such as Ming Dynasty clay sculptures and Qing Dynasty coffered ceilings. It also features the nation’s only Royal Arhat Hall (with 508 gilded wooden Arhat statues) and Beijing’s tallest Vajra Throne Pagoda (the site of Sun Yat-sen’s ceremonial tomb). 2. The Autumn-Exclusive Golden Feast Biyun Temple’s autumn scenery is famous for the stunning blend of ginkgo trees and ancient architecture, ranked among Beijing’s top 3 ginkgo viewing spots in autumn. The best viewing period is from early November to the 15th. At this time, the century-old ginkgo trees in front of the Bell and Drum Towers and beside the Mahavira Hall are full of golden leaves, contrasting beautifully with the red walls, dark tiles, and flying eaves, resembling a finely detailed and richly colored painting. Highly recommended spots: • In front of the Bell and Drum Towers: With the Bell Tower as the backdrop and ginkgo trees in the foreground, the golden leaves flutter with the sound of three bell chimes, balancing movement and stillness. • Framed view of the coffered ceiling at the Mahavira Hall: Shoot through the front corridor’s door frame to capture the Ming Dynasty coffered ceiling inside the hall and the ginkgo trees in the courtyard, perfectly blending architectural aesthetics with natural autumn colors. • Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall’s red walls and golden leaves: The red walls serve as a backdrop, with the plaque inscribed by Soong Ching-ling adding a finishing touch, combining solemnity and brilliance. • Light and shadow in the Arhat Hall corridor: Sunlight filters through the wooden lattice windows, casting light on the golden leaves and Arhat statues, full of Zen atmosphere. 3. Immersive Tour Guide 1. Tickets and Opening Hours ◦ Single ticket: 10 RMB per person (peak season April 1 - November 15). Seniors over 60 and students with ID get half price; children under 1.2 meters enter free. ◦ Combo ticket discount: Xiangshan Park ticket (10 RMB) + Biyun Temple (10 RMB) = 20 RMB. Advance reservation available via the official “Xiangshan Park” WeChat public account. ◦ Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (closed every Monday except public holidays). It is recommended to enter before 8 AM to avoid crowds. 2. Transportation ◦ Subway: Take the Western Suburban Line to “Xiangshan Station,” then walk 10 minutes to Xiangshan Park East Gate. After entering, walk straight for 5 minutes to reach the temple. ◦ Bus: Routes 318, 360, 630, 698 go directly to “Xiangshan Park East Gate” stop. ◦ Driving: Navigate to “Xiangshan Park East Gate Parking Lot.” Parking is limited; it is recommended to arrive before 9 AM or park at Shounong Xiangshan Conference Center (10-minute walk). 3. Three Classic Routes ◦ Classic Cultural Route (1.5 hours): Mountain Gate → Heavenly King Hall → Mahavira Hall (Ming Dynasty coffered ceiling) → Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall → Vajra Throne Pagoda → Arhat Hall → Bell and Drum Towers ginkgo photo spot. ◦ Immersive Experience Route (2 hours+): Scan QR code to start online guided tour → listen to ancient architecture music concert → participate in sketching activities → follow cultural guides to hear relic stories → collect stamps to win cultural souvenirs. ◦ Photography Route (Golden Hours): Enter before 8 AM, shoot the southwest corner ginkgo of Mahavira Hall (soft light, fewer people), upward shots of flying eaves at Bell and Drum Towers, framed views in Arhat Hall corridor, and backlit silhouette of Vajra Throne Pagoda. 4. Special Experiences ◦ Ancient Architecture Music Concert: Xiangshan Street regularly hosts traditional Chinese music performances in the dougong brackets, featuring pieces like “Birdsong in the Empty Mountains,” creating resonance between history and nature. ◦ Hanfu Photo Shoot: It is recommended to wear plain-colored clothes or Hanfu to capture moments that transcend time among the red walls and ginkgo trees. The Arhat Hall corridor and the moon gate at Hanbi Studio are especially photogenic. 4. Practical Tips and Nearby Attractions 1. Notes ◦ Xiangshan Park is a first-level fire prevention zone; smoking and open flames are prohibited. ◦ Please be civilized during your visit: do not touch relics or break branches, and keep quiet during music concerts. ◦ Temperatures drop after mid-November; it is advisable to wear windproof jackets and bring non-slip shoes. 2. Nearby Attractions Recommendations ◦ Xiangshan Red Leaf Festival (October 17 - mid-November): Just a wall away from Biyun Temple, you can enjoy nine species of colorful leaf trees along the “East Gate to Biyun Temple horizontal line,” including smoke tree and red maple. ◦ Xiangshan Hotel: A 1-kilometer walk away, its courtyard features two century-old ginkgo trees and water scenery, with no extra ticket required. ◦ Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace: About 5 kilometers from Biyun Temple, accessible via the Western Suburban Line transferring to Subway Line 4, offering a royal garden autumn experience. 3. Food and Refreshments ◦ At the foot of Xiangshan, “Maimaijie” street offers traditional Beijing snacks like fried sauce noodles and sugar fire cakes. ◦ If time permits, visit “Tongheju” near the West Gate of the Summer Palace for Shandong cuisine, or explore modern dining in the Zhongguancun business district. 5. A Dual Gift of History and Nature Autumn at Biyun Temple is not only a visual feast but also a historical echo. When ginkgo leaves fall softly onto the Vajra Throne Pagoda’s Sumeru base, and music penetrates the wooden lattice windows of the Arhat Hall, this ancient temple, with 600 years of heritage, offers every visitor an immersive experience of “bells ringing at Biyun, autumn unspoken.” Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a cultural pilgrim, or a city dweller seeking tranquility, this place fulfills all your autumn imaginations. Tip: Follow the “Red Xiangshan” WeChat public account for the latest schedules of ancient architecture music concerts and relic tours. This autumn, let’s embark on a golden rendezvous across time! 🍂