[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhihua Temple (Updated Mar)

Visiting Beijing in March? Don't miss the cascading pear blossoms at Zhihua Temple, arguably the most stunning display in the city. In front of Zhihua Hall stand two ancient pear trees, over 500 years old, which erupt into a waterfall of blossoms in mid-to-late March. Recommended photo spots: Capture the blossoms and the eaves from below in front of the hall; frame the blossoms with the main hall and window shadows from the front of the Cangjing Hall (Sutra Repository Hall); capture the "rain" of pear blossoms from the west side of the hall on a breezy day; and find a modern-ancient juxtaposition from the east side of the hall. Note: Expect queues after the blossoms bloom. Arrive at 8:30 am for portrait photography. Tickets are CNY 20. The temple is closed on Mondays, and the first 300 visitors on Wednesdays enter free. Choose a suitable mode of transport and embark on this spring blossom viewing journey.

When the spring breeze blows in March, the pear blossoms in Zhihua Temple quietly bloom! 🌸 In this vibrant season, how can you miss the poetic and picturesque pear blossom fairyland in Beijing's Zhihua Temple? 📸 As soon as you step into Zhihua Temple, you will be deeply attracted by the snow-white pear blossoms! 🌳 They hang lightly on the branches, like a group of dancing elves. Each flower exudes a faint fragrance, pure and intoxicating. 🌼 Especially when the breeze blows and the petals fall gently, at that moment, it seems that the whole world is quiet, leaving only me and this dreamlike sea of flowers. 🍃 And do you know? Against the backdrop of pear blossoms, the ancient buildings of Zhihua Temple appear more solemn and mysterious! 🏯 Blue bricks and gray tiles, carved beams and painted buildings, with the swaying pear blossoms, every detail is full of classical charm. 🖼️ Imagine wearing a Hanfu, holding a round fan, and walking under the pear trees. Do you feel like you have traveled back to ancient times and become the fairy in the painting? 👗 Don't forget to bring your camera or phone to capture this tranquility and beauty, it will definitely be the most eye-catching presence in your social media! Here are some tips! 📝 Best viewing time: Early morning or dusk, with soft light and fewer people. Dressing suggestion: Light-colored Hanfu is more suitable, complementing the purity of pear blossoms.

|Flowering Date & Flight Location|Don’t miss it. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Zhihua Temple has reopened, and it's well worth a visit! The revolving sutra cabinet in the Sutra Hall is exquisite, with three-dimensional wood carvings and a breathtaking caisson ceiling. The painted statues in the Tathagata Hall are brightly colored and graceful, and the rear hall of the Zhihua Hall has Ming Dynasty murals. You can also listen to Beijing music that has been passed down for nearly a thousand years, with 20-minute light music sessions in the morning and afternoon. The afternoon session starts at 3 pm, so don't miss it. Don't miss the daily volunteer guide's explanation either. Gather at the gate at 2 pm, and follow them to learn more about the history of the most complete Ming Dynasty temple in Beijing. It's worth the trip.

Zhihua Temple There is an ancient building complex from the Ming Dynasty in Lumichang Hutong, not far from the East Second Ring Road in Beijing. It is Zhihua Temple, which is now also the Beijing Cultural and Museum Exchange Center. This ancient building complex with a history of 580 years currently only retains the central building on the north-south central axis. From south to north, there are five courtyards: the Mountain Gate, Zhihua Gate, Zhihua Hall, Wanfo Pavilion, Dabei Hall, and Wanfa Hall. There are three main attractions here: one is the ancient building complex that is different from the Qing Dynasty, the second is the wooden carved caisson in the Tibetan Hall, and the third is the unique Beijing music of Zhihua Temple. At the gate of Zhihua Temple, there is a pair of stone lions that are not easy to see. The shape and carving art of the stone lions and the Tathagata Hall and Wanfo Pavilion in the fourth courtyard all have distinct Ming Dynasty architectural features. If you want to fully understand the characteristics of the ancient buildings in the courtyard, you can pay attention to the two free lectures in the museum every morning and afternoon. You can also get an introduction at the bell tower to learn about the distribution of key booths. The ancient building complex of Zhihua Temple gathers traditional cultural and artistic masterpieces such as statues, carvings, and paintings. There were originally three caissons, but unfortunately only one remains in the Tibetan Hall. The statues in the Tathagata Hall and the Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion are also very exquisite and worth careful appreciation. When visiting Zhihua Temple, you must not miss "listening to the ethereal and mysterious Beijing music". Sitting in the Zhihua Hall and enjoying the Buddhist disciples playing ancient music is a truly wonderful feeling. Performance times are 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. In Zhihua Temple, some exhibitions are held indoors, while others are held outdoors. If you get a brief introduction, you can follow the instructions to get a more complete understanding of the past and present of Zhihua Temple. Warm Tips Ticket price is 20 yuan/person. Every Wednesday, the first 200 visitors and minors who make group reservations during the open day can visit for free; college students and graduate students can enjoy a half-price discount with their student ID cards; the elderly, disabled people, active conscripted soldiers, primary and secondary school students, and Beijing's bravery honor winners can visit for free with relevant certificates. Transportation route Take bus No. 142, 44 (inner ring), 200 (inner ring), or 58 and get off at Yabao Road. Take bus No. 24 or 63 and get off at Lumichang Station. Walk north from the south entrance of Xiaopaifang Hutong, and turn left when you see Lumichang Hutong.

Zhihua Temple was built in 1444 during the Ming Dynasty, modeled after the "Seven Halls of the Monastery" of the Tang and Song Dynasties. It was originally the family temple of Wang Zhen, the most favored eunuch of the Ming Emperor Yingzong, and was later named "Zhihua Temple of Gratitude." It is the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty wooden structure in Beijing. The entire temple was originally Wang Zhen's old residence, which he donated to build the temple for his future retirement. In 1928, when the temples in Beiping were registered, Zhihua Temple had "an area of 26 mu and a total of 199 rooms," and "the temple had six bronze statues and 71 clay and wooden statues." The west hall is named after the octagonal revolving bookcase inside. The revolving bookcase is about 4 meters high and octagonal, consisting of a white marble Sumeru base, a wooden eight-sided bookcase, and a Vairocana Buddha sitting on top facing east. In ancient China, the Thousand Character Classic was composed of 1,000 unique Chinese characters, from "heaven and earth" to "yan zai hu ye," and ancient scriptures were often sorted and searched using the Thousand Character Classic. The revolving bookcase in Zhihua Temple starts from the "heaven" character in the upper right corner of the east side and ends with the "dong" character in the lower left corner of the northeast side, with a total of 639 characters, allowing for the storage of 639 scriptures. On the multi-layered lotus throne at the top of the revolving bookcase sits a Vairocana Buddha statue, which is the Dharmakaya Buddha among the Three Bodies of Buddha. The statue has a "wisdom fist seal," a high ushnisha, broad shoulders, a wide face, and full chest muscles, all typical features of the Yongle and Xuande court statues of the Ming Dynasty. The walls of the Hall of the Buddha are decorated with Buddha niches, each containing a small lacquered gold Buddha statue. It is said that there are 9,999 small Buddha statues in the niches and on the beams, and with the Buddha in everyone's heart, there are 10,000 Buddhas, which is why it is called the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Behind the three Buddhas hangs a Ming Dynasty wooden mural, "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings of the Underworld," which is also a rare treasure. There are also many Buddha statues around, which can be admired up close. Every day at 10 am and 3 pm, there is a performance of Zhihua Temple's Jing Music. According to historical records, Jing Music has been passed down orally for over 500 years, with its scores remaining strictly standardized, making it one of the most well-preserved ancient music in China. Each performance lasts about 15-20 minutes, so be sure to time it right.

Zhihua Temple is located at No. 5 Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is a historical complex of Ming Dynasty buildings. It is not only one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty wooden structures in Beijing, but was also among the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units in 1961. Zhihua Temple attracts many visitors with its unique architectural style, rich Buddhist art, and long history. In winter, the red walls and black tiles of Zhihua Temple contrast sharply with the surrounding modern buildings, showcasing its unique charm. Strolling through Zhihua Temple, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere and cultural heritage. The Zhihua Hall, Wanfo Pavilion, and Cang Hall in Zhihua Temple are well-preserved, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and unique style of Ming Dynasty architecture. The Beijing music of Zhihua Temple is a major feature of the temple. This music was introduced to Zhihua Temple from the imperial court and has been passed down and developed in Zhihua Temple for over 580 years. It is now in its 27th generation. The Beijing music of Zhihua Temple has high historical and cultural value. In 2006, it was included in the national intangible cultural heritage protection list. In addition, the murals, Buddha statues, and sculptures in Zhihua Temple also showcase rich Buddhist culture. In the winter sun, Zhihua Temple appears particularly peaceful and serene. Visitors can experience a sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city, as if they have traveled back in time to the Ming Dynasty. Zhihua Temple is not only a tourist attraction, but also a great place to learn about traditional Chinese culture and history. Zhihua Temple offers volunteer guided tours every day at 9:30 am and 1:50 pm. Zhihua Temple offers Beijing music performances every day at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Address: No. 5 Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing Opening hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:00 pm) Closed on Mondays

📍Address: Building 2, Beizhugan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing 🚗Transportation: Shared bikes are convenient 👍️Must-see attraction: A two-entry courtyard hidden among the surrounding residential and office buildings. This courtyard was built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, listed as a cultural relic protection unit in 2016, and redesigned in 2017. The design of Huaixuan follows the traditional symmetrical layout of a courtyard, retaining traditional elements such as the Ruyi Gate, inner and outer shadow walls, and some brick carvings, while incorporating modern design concepts to form a unique style that combines classical and modern elements. The design of Huaixuan is inspired by the Chinese traditional cultural symbol "Chi Yin" and the natural beauty of ginkgo trees and leaves. The entire building is like a reading paradise under the trees in the mountains, with the winding "valley lobby", towering "mountains", and columns like a ginkgo forest, creating a quiet and poetic reading space. Huaixuan is not only an art space but also often hosts various exhibitions and cultural events. 🎟️Tickets: Book on the Huaixuan mini program, free admission 💗Other tips: Close to Shijia Hutong Museum and Zhihua Temple.

🍂 Autumn is a poetic season. In this beautiful season, let's visit Zhihua Temple in Beijing and experience the beauty of the fusion of history and nature. 💫 🌳 Zhihua Temple in Beijing was built in the ninth year of the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty (1444) by Wang Zhen, a eunuch of the Ming Dynasty, who "donated his house to build a temple." This ancient temple has witnessed countless historical changes over the years. 🎞️ 📸 When you enter Zhihua Temple, the first thing you see is the ancient mountain gate. The mountain gate is solemn and majestic, as if telling stories of the past. Passing through the mountain gate, the Zhihua Gate (Tianwang Hall) appears in front of you, and the Buddha statues in the hall are lifelike, making you feel the solemnity and mystery of Buddhism. 🙏 💺 Zhihua Hall is one of the important buildings in the temple. The Ming Dynasty mural "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Preaching" in the hall is 4.7 meters wide and 3.14 meters high, and is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty murals. In the autumn sunlight, the murals are even more colorful, making people marvel at the artistic achievements of the ancients. 🖼️ 🕰️ The revolving bookcase in the Cang Hall is even more exquisite. The octagonal revolving bookcase is more than 4 meters high, with a Sumeru stone base at the bottom, a scripture cabinet in the middle, and a Vairocana hat top. The corners of the stone base are carved with "Eight Heavenly Dragons," the corners of the scripture cabinet are carved with elephants, lions, four dissimilar animals, Bodhisattvas, Heavenly Kings, Weituo, and Vajra, and the top is carved with Garuda, dragons, dragon girls, and Vairocana. In the autumn breeze, the revolving bookcase seems to be telling ancient stories. 🎐 🎶 Zhihua Temple's Beijing music is the only music genre in China's existing ancient music that has been passed down from generation to generation, and is known as the "living fossil of ancient Chinese music." In the tranquility of autumn, listening to this ancient music is like traveling through time and space, back to the past. 🎵 🌾 In autumn, Zhihua Temple is covered with fallen leaves, and the golden leaves cover the ground, adding a touch of tranquility and beauty to the ancient temple. Here, you can feel the weight of history and the poetry of autumn, and let your soul be cleansed. 💕 📍 Address: No. 5 Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. 🚇 Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 or Line 6, get off at Chaoyangmen Station, and walk to the temple. 💰 Ticket: CNY 20.

👍️Must-see: Zhihua Temple, located in Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, is the largest Ming Dynasty wooden building complex in Beijing. Zhihua Temple was built in the eighth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1443) and was the family temple of Wang Zhen, the eunuch of the Ministry of Rites. As a favorite minister of Emperor Yingzong, Wang Zhen held great power in the court, and his family temple was magnificent and grand. Yingzong named it "Baonen Zhihua Zen Temple". Zhihua Temple is the most complete Ming Dynasty wooden building complex in Beijing. 🎟️Highlights: The caisson ceiling of Zhihua Temple was built by imperial order, so the craftsmanship is exquisite and is a masterpiece of ancient architectural wood carving. The caisson ceilings of the Wanfo Pavilion and Zhihua Hall are very spectacular. The coiled clouds, lotus petals, and offerings are set with the "Eight Treasures". Eight dragons are carved around it, and a strong and sturdy dragon is in the center, coiling and hanging its head. Unfortunately, it was stolen and sold by monks in the early 1930s. They are now in the Nelson Museum in the United States and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States. 💗Other tips: The three unique features of Zhihua Temple are Beijing music, the octagonal revolving library in the Tibetan Hall, and the Qianlong version of the "Tripitaka" carved version in the Tathagata Hall.‌‌Zhihua Temple

Beijing Zhihua Temple is located at No. 5 Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is built according to the regulation of the "Garan Seven Halls" of a temple, and it is known as the largest Ming Dynasty wooden structure complex in Beijing. Zhihua Temple was founded in the eighth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1444), originally as the family temple of Wang Zhen, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department. During the reign of Emperor Yingzong, Wang Zhen, as the emperor's favorite courtier, monopolized the power of the court. Although he was a eunuch, he had considerable family wealth, which is why the family temple he built was extremely luxurious and magnificent. As a favored courtier of the emperor, and because Wang Zhen built the temple under the guise of being grateful for the emperor's grace, Emperor Yingzong bestowed the name 'Bao'en Zhihua Zen Temple'. Zhihua Temple is the most completely preserved Ming Dynasty wooden architectural complex in Beijing. Although the buildings in the temple have been repaired many times in later generations, they still retain the regulations from the early Ming Dynasty, especially the caisson ceiling inside the halls, which has significant historical and scientific value and provides an excellent example for the study of Ming Dynasty wooden architecture. Beijing Zhihua Temple, every April, the courtyard is full of blooming pear blossoms, a sea of white, offering a spectacular view that attracts many citizens to visit.

In spring, the pear blossoms, crabapples, and lilacs at Zhihua Temple bloom in white, competing for beauty, making it a great place to enjoy the spring and flowers. ☘️About Zhihua Temple ✨One of the first batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units ✨The family temple established by Wang Zhen during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty, it is the most completely preserved Ming Dynasty wooden structure complex in Beijing ✨The wooden statues in the Rulai Hall and the Wanfo Pavilion, the caisson ceiling and the turning wheel in the Zangdian are artistic masterpieces ☘️The "Three Whites" bloom in succession in front of the main buildings ✨The flowering periods of pear blossoms, lilacs, and crabapples are different, but almost continuous, blooming in succession, allowing for the enjoyment of different scenes at various times ✨Pear Blossoms In late March, two pear trees in front of the Zangdian and Dazhi Hall are in full bloom, with dense flowers and lush branches, presenting a beautiful and photogenic tree shape ✨Lilacs In early April, the white lilacs in front of the Bell Tower bloom, while the purple lilacs in front of the Drum Tower have a different flowering period. The courtyard is filled with a fresh floral fragrance, making it very pleasant to enjoy the flowers, smell the scent, and take photos ✨Crabapples From early to mid-April, three crabapple trees in front of the Zangdian and Dazhi Hall burst into white blossoms, but their location is slightly off-center ☘️Photography ✨Zhihua Temple has a small existing area, with only seven trees of pear blossoms, lilacs, and crabapples, concentrated in the first two courtyards ✨During the peak flowering period, the trees are full of white flowers, which contrast with the red window lattices and blue plaques of the ancient buildings, offering multiple angles for enjoyment and photo opportunities ✨Both small and large scenes can find suitable shooting positions 🎈Address: Inside Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, close to the East Second Ring 📅Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays 🎫Ticket: 20, free for senior card, union card, and Jinxiu Huabei card holders 🚗Transportation: Convenient transportation, bus travel is recommended Bus: 200 meters walk from Yabao Road station Subway: 1200 meters walk from Chaoyangmen station Self-driving can only park on the roadside parking spaces on Jinbao Street, 10r/first hour

April brings a profusion of flowers🌸 to the ancient temples, creating a flowing tapestry of time's secrets and nature's gifts, Step into the millennium-old temples to capture the splendor of spring in full bloom, The red walls and green tiles of the ancient temples, the charm of the old style, have a unique beauty 🌸The Magnolia Event at Wanshou Temple in Beijing🌸 📍: West Third Ring North Road, Haidian 🎫: 20 🚇: Exit C of Wanshou Temple Station on Line 16, turn left after 100 meters to the south. Wanshou Temple, known as the 'Little Forbidden City' of Beijing, is so called because of its resemblance to the Forbidden City. The layout diagram in front of the temple shows that it has a similar 'floor plan' with three routes from left to right, the left for the imperial palace, and behind the central route are gardens and corridors. Those who have visited the Forbidden City can imagine that this layout is almost the same. 📷: About Photography ❤The magnolia trees in the ancient temple are in full bloom, forming a stunning 'magnolia waterfall', with the white petals contrasting sharply against the temple's red walls ❤Choose a good angle from the crowd of flower admirers to directly capture parts of the magnolia and architecture. You can photograph the magnolia and ancient buildings on both sides of the entrance, and the railings of the Wanshou Hall in the southeast for portraits. ❤If you want to take pictures of the buildings after the flowers, it is recommended to capture the intricate eaves and the 'Western Gate' that blends Chinese and Western styles from the Qianlong period. 🌸The Lilac Event at Fayuan Temple in Beijing🌸: 📍: No. 7, Fayuan Temple Front Street, Xicheng District 🎫: Free 🚇: Bus 40, or take the subway at Caishikou Station on Line 7, D Southwest exit The blooming lilacs at Fayuan Temple are fragrant, immersing visitors in a sea of flowers. The temple's pagoda and lilacs complement each other, creating an ancient-style painting, where one can experience the scent of flowers and the essence of Zen. 📷: About Photography ❤The east and west sides of the Mahavira Hall are lush with lilacs, with white blossoms blending into the red walls ❤When photographing flowers, try some backlit angles to give the flowers a three-dimensional effect 🌸The Flower Event at Zhihua Temple in Beijing🌸: 📍: No. 5, Lumi Warehouse Hutong 🎫: 20 🚇: Exit G of Chaoyangmen Subway Station, or take a taxi to Galaxy SOHO, 📷: About Photography ❤The best spots for photographing pear blossoms are in front of the Tibetan shop and Dazhi shop. With such beautiful scenery, there are many visitors, so try to shoot from a low angle as much as possible. ❤In addition to the pear blossoms, there will also be lilacs and crabapple showers. Zhihua Temple also allows for shots of ancient buildings framed with modern architecture. After leaving Zhihua Temple, you can also go to Galaxy SOHO to photograph tulips 📌:tips 1. When visiting ancient temples, please keep quiet and respect the religious atmosphere of the temples. 2. Wear comfortable shoes 3. Be mindful of protecting the environment and do not litter.

I remember when I was in middle school, I always stayed around Zhihua Temple but never went inside, until the recent years when I started to visit during the blooming of the pear blossoms, and year after year, I saw the number of visitors increasing. 🏠Address: Beijing, Dongcheng District, Lumi Warehouse Hutong 💰Ticket: Book tickets online in advance, 20 yuan per person. The first 200 people on Wednesday are free, but there are many people competing for it, and you can book 5 days in advance. 🕰️Opening Hours: 9:00~17:00 (entry stops at 16:30), closed on Mondays. 🚗Transportation: Self-driving: Parking may be difficult, it's all about luck if there are spaces on the roadside. Subway: Take subway line 2/6 to Chaoyangmen Station, exit G, and walk about less than 1km. Little tip: The pear blossoms are mainly on both sides of the Zhihua Hall inside the courtyard.

Beijing has many lesser-known temples scattered and hidden deep within the hutongs. Although small, these temples contain a universe of their own, and Zhihua Temple is one of them. Zhihua Temple is located at No. 5 Lumicang Hutong in Dongcheng District, Beijing, and was founded in 1444 during the Ming Dynasty. Zhihua Temple is the most intact and largest Ming Dynasty temple existing in Beijing, renowned both at home and abroad for its exquisite ancient architecture, Buddhist art, and the ancient 'Beijing music'. The two pear trees at Zhihua Temple have a long history; their trunks resemble the weathered elders, while their canopies are like huge umbrellas, sheltering people underneath from wind and rain. The blooming pear blossoms adorn the treetops, forming an enormous invincible umbrella. The pear blossoms of Zhihua Temple, paired with the ancient architecture in the courtyard, seem to allow one to hear the sounds of history, to hear those forgotten voices in the river of time. It's a great spot for photography. The pear blossoms of Zhihua Temple, combined with the distant Galaxy SOHO, create another kind of scene. On one side is the ancient and lingering sound, and on the other is modern innovation, astonishing people with how harmoniously unified these scenes are.

📍Beijing Zhihua Temple is located at No. 5 Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, and it's a hidden gem! The courtyard is planted with pear trees, lilacs, and crabapples. Currently, the pear blossoms are in full bloom, attracting crowds of people to take photos📷! 🚇Transportation: Take the subway Line 5 (Dengshikou) → Line 6 (Chaoyangmen), and navigate according to your location~ 🕙Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9:00-17:00), closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. There will be a 15-minute free Jing music performance at 10:00 and 15:00 when open! 📅Best viewing time: The best time to view the pear blossoms is from the end of March to April, around the Qingming Festival! Moreover, crabapples and lilacs will also bloom one after another🌸! 🎫Ticket: 20 yuan (free for those under 16 and over 60~) 📢Tips: Try to go early to queue up, there will be fewer people. Avoid weekends, bring a telephoto lens📷, or bring a small stool or ladder, and you'll be able to capture the beautiful scenery without people!

I went to Zhizhu Temple because it is one of the first batch of cultural heritage sites in our country, located in a hutong on the East Second Ring, adjacent to Douban Hutong, the old home of 'Abei'. Looking at the map, I really don't understand why a small eunuch family temple would charge me 20 yuan for admission (after all, the Summer Palace is also only 20), but there must be something extraordinary about it to be listed as one of the first batch of national cultural heritage sites. When I went there, I specifically looked for a time with official commentary (2 p.m.), and the guide was very serious and meticulous. My friend and I, both laymen when it comes to history and ancient architecture, listened to the explanation of the three courtyards (out of a total of five, with the last two not open to the public) for a full two and a half hours. The guide unfolded the story from multiple perspectives such as history, architecture, and religion, which was very vivid. Without the commentary, I felt that the twenty-yuan ticket only showed me two yuan's worth. 1 For example, the golden-winged Garuda in the scripture repository, the structural mystery of the Thousand Character Classic prayer wheel; the gilded clay sculptures inside the Tathagata Hall, and the Wu-dian roof and black glazed tiles outside the Tathagata Hall are also worth seeing. There is also a stele without words but bestowed by imperial order (the reason is...) 2 Here you can also see caisson ceilings, but the largest one has already been exiled overseas... 3 There is a Beijing opera performance here (at 3 p.m.), a very unique experience, some intangible cultural heritage that almost drifted and got lost in the torrent of history 4 Because it is close to Galaxy SOHO, there are ancient and modern contrasting photo spots X2. One is inside the scenic area, with the Wanfo Pavilion in the foreground and Galaxy SOHO in the background; the other is outside the scenic area, with the hutong alley in the foreground and SOHO in the background. This time, all photos were taken with a mobile phone (iPhone for the elderly) 5 Spring is coming, and the pear blossoms at Zhizhu Temple are about to bloom, which should be even more beautiful then.

Hey, dear friends, spring is here, do you have plans for an impromptu flower trip? Today, I'm going to take you into the spring of Beijing, to discover those flower-viewing secrets that even the locals don't easily reveal! 🌼🚶‍♀️ 1. Yuyuantan Park, the cherry blossoms here are simply synonymous with romance! Imagine, delicate cherry blossoms falling with the wind, with the Central Television Tower as the backdrop, isn't this a scene straight out of an anime? 🌸🏯 Remember to bring your camera to capture this annual cherry blossom feast! 2. Zhihuasi, the pear blossoms here are in full bloom, as if traveling back to ancient times, each pear blossom tells a story of history. 🏰🌺 Don't forget, there are also Jing music performances here, letting you experience the cultural heritage of the ancient capital amidst the fragrance of flowers. 3. Drum Tower area, not only does it have the magnolias, pear blossoms, lilacs, and crabapples of Yonghegong, but also the tranquil beauty of Yuhe Park. 🏞️🌷 When you're tired, sit down in a nearby shop and enjoy a rich coffee, feeling the leisurely pace of old Beijing. 4. Fayuan Temple, the lilacs of Fayuan Temple are one of the four major floral events in the capital, the sea of lilac flowers here is fragrant and enchanting, making people linger. 🌿💐 Here, you can slow down and feel the tranquility of the flowers and the ancient temple. 5. National Botanical Garden, with nearly 600 hectares of vast land, the botanical garden in spring is an ocean of flowers, with peach blossoms, crabapples, cherry blossoms, pear blossoms... everything you want in spring is here! 🌸🌺 Don't forget to visit the Wofo Temple to see the wintersweet, which has its own unique charm. 6. Jingshan Park, the peonies here are the grand finale of Beijing's spring. 🌹👑 Standing on Wanchun Pavilion, overlooking the entire city of Beijing, you'll find that this city in spring is so gentle and beautiful. Of course, besides these, there are many other places in Beijing worth exploring. For example, the peach blossoms of Shilihe, the spring scenery of Beihai Park, the crabapple stream at the C exit of Wangjing South subway station... each place has its own charm, waiting for you to discover. Alright, that's all for today's share! If you love flowers too, don't hesitate, come to Beijing and experience the language of flowers in this spring with me! 🌸💖 Remember to follow me, Travel Dreamer, to discover more beauty in travel! Don't forget to like and share, see you next time! 👋🌼

Speaking of Zhihua Temple, we have to mention Wang Zhen, the first generation of autocratic eunuch in the Ming Dynasty, Wang Zhen is one of the four eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty, his life was full of twists and turns and controversy. Wang Zhen was originally an ordinary person, with a family and wife and children, he once participated in the imperial examination but failed. So he took another path, he served as a local education official for a long time, and a small official with no significant achievements could enter the palace to serve. After entering the palace, Wang Zhen quickly stood out, he was loved by Emperor Xuanzong of Ming, and was appointed as the Lang of the East Palace, serving Prince Zhu Qizhen, who later became Emperor Yingzong. After Xuanzong's death, Yingzong ascended the throne, and promoted Wang Zhen to the position of Chief Eunuch of the Ministry of Rites. Wang Zhen had no talent for governing the country, but he was good at intrigue, and harmed countless people during his autocratic period. In 1449, under his instigation, Yingzong personally led an expedition to Mongolia, which led to his capture in the Tumu Crisis, and Wang Zhen also died in the chaos. Zhihua Temple was a private family temple built by Wang Zhen, built in the ninth year of Ming Zhengtong (1444 AD) Although it was a family temple, it was given a name by Emperor Yingzong. "Baoen Zhihua Zen Temple" After Yingzong successfully restored his throne and ascended the throne for the second time, he still remembered Wang Zhen, and built a shrine for him in Zhihua Temple, erected a stele and wrote a biography for him, and also specially granted a copy of the Great Buddhist Sutra and two scripture cabinets. At its peak, Zhihua Temple covered an area of 20,000 square meters, with five courtyards in front and back, divided into east, middle and west routes, it was a prominent large temple in the eastern part of the imperial city. Today's Zhihua Temple, the main buildings on the central axis are basically intact, with four courtyards, it is the largest Ming Dynasty wooden structure group in Beijing, and it is also a pure land of Zen forest that gathers Buddhist arts such as statues, Buddhist scriptures, murals, and music. Zhihua Temple Beijing Music, this is also rare in temples, it originated from the court music of the Tang and Song Dynasties, in 1446, it was introduced into Zhihua Temple from the Ming Dynasty court, and has been passed down from generation to generation according to the method of oral instruction, and has a history of nearly 600 years, and has been passed down for 27 generations without interruption. Zhihua Temple Beijing Music, is the only music in our existing ancient music that has been passed down by generations, it is the best preserved music to date, and is known as the "living fossil of Chinese music". The main feature is that wind instruments are the main instruments, supplemented by cloud gongs, drums, chimes and other percussion instruments, the melody is simple and elegant, deep and melodious, and the traditional Chinese notation method of Gongche notation is used to write music. In 2006, Zhihua Temple Beijing Music, was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list. Address: No. 5, Lumi Warehouse Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing Opening hours: 9:00—17:00 (closed on Monday) Beijing Music Performance Location: Zhihua Hall 10:00—10:20 15:00—15:20

Travel through the long river of history, and encounter the early spring time at Zhihua Temple. This is the largest Ming Dynasty wooden structure complex in the capital, and also one of the treasure spots for viewing pear blossoms in spring. Zhihua Temple, which was founded in the eighth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1443), was originally the family temple of Wang Zhen, the Superintendent of the Imperial Household Eunuchs during the reign of Emperor Yingzong of Ming. The famous 'Tumu Crisis' is closely related to him. Zhihua Temple is not only famous for viewing pear blossoms in spring, but also for the Beijing music that has been passed down since 1446. It has a history of 560 years to date, and is also a national-level intangible cultural heritage. Strolling through the temple, the occasional sound of ancient music, like the melody of history, transcends time and space, immersing one in its charm. The Beijing music of Zhihua Temple retains the old Tang and Song dynasties' system in aspects such as repertoire, musical instruments, modal system, and performance methods. It is the only genre of ancient music in China that has been passed down by generation and remains well-preserved to this day. The characteristic of Zhihua Temple's Beijing music lies in its use of wind instruments as the main instruments. The main instruments include the guanzi, flute, sheng, cloud gong, and drum. Some pieces also require the addition of cymbals and other percussion instruments. Among them, Guanzi: Introduced to the Central Plains from the Western Regions, specifically the Kucha area (now Kuqa County, Xinjiang) over two thousand years ago. Flute: The earliest existing flute is a bone flute unearthed in 1987 at Jiahu village in Wuyang County, Henan Province, which dates back over 8,000 years. Sheng: The earliest musical instrument in the world to use free reeds. Cloud Gong: Appeared in China during the Tang Dynasty and was widely used in court music, religious music, and folk music during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Drum: Can be traced back to 4500 years ago. 👀Tips 🚇Take subway line 2/6 to Chaoyangmen Station and walk there. 🚌Take a bus to Yabao Road/Lumi Warehouse Station and walk there. 🎫Ticket: 20 yuan, union members can scan the code on-site to receive tickets. ⏰Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays) ⏰Beijing music performance times: 10:00-10:20 in the morning, 15:00-15:20 in the afternoon ⏰Suggested visiting time: 1-2 hours The pear blossoms attract more visitors, so it's advisable to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds. 📸Unlike other temples where photography is not allowed, you can take photos freely here. See Beijing from different angles Continuously sharing fun and delicious strategies Listen to the stories of Beijing from the locals !!! Follow 【Walking in Beijing】 More Beijing travel and food strategies to be shared, stay tuned 💗 Zhihua Temple

Coming to Beijing, the numerous citywalks will never miss the route from Zhihua Temple to Jingshan. Zhihua Temple is the largest Ming Dynasty wooden structure complex in Beijing. Zhihua Temple was built in 1443, originally as the family temple of Wang Zhen, the superintendent of ceremonies. Because he was a favorite of the emperor, the Emperor Yingzong named it "Baoen Zhihua Zen Temple" 🌟Highlights: The Zhihua Temple still retains the Shanmen, Bell and Drum Tower, Zhihua Gate, Zhihua Hall, Wanfo Pavilion and Dabeitang buildings, among which the Zangdian and Rulaidian are most worth visiting. 1⃣️Inside the Zangdian is an octagonal wooden wheel storage, with a gorgeous caisson on top, the Vairocana Buddha sits under the caisson, the bottom is a stone carved Xumi seat, and the middle is an octagonal scripture cabinet made of golden nanmu, 2⃣️Inside the first floor of Zhihua Temple Rulaidian, there are three Buddha statues, namely Shakyamuni, Emperor Shitian, and Brahma. 👌The main picture is Brahma, the clothes of the Buddha statue are super exquisite 📝Note tips: There are free tickets on Wednesdays, and there are also volunteers to reduce the explanation

Zhihua Temple was founded by Wang Zhen, a eunuch of the Ming Dynasty, in the ninth year of Zhengtong (1444), located at No. 5 Liumi Warehouse Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, covering an area of 7000 square meters. In 1992, the Beijing Cultural Exchange Museum was established on the original site of Zhihua Temple, with more than 1500 collections. It is a museum of ancient architectural sites. 🌟Highlights: ——The overall architecture of Zhihua Temple faces south from the north, is a typical Ming Dynasty architecture, with four halls, about 278 meters deep from south to north, and about 45 meters wide from east to west, covering more than 10,000 square meters. It is the most complete existing Ming Dynasty wooden structure architectural group in Beijing. ——Zhihua Temple consists of the mountain gate, bell tower, drum tower, Zhihua gate, Zhihua hall, treasure hall, and Dazhi hall, forming the architectural layout of the 'seven halls of the Jialan'. The overall architecture faces south from the north, and the main buildings such as the mountain gate, Zhihua gate, Zhihua hall, Rulai hall, and Wanfo Pavilion are listed on the central axis. ——The Beijing Cultural Exchange Museum has a rich collection of cultural relics, with more than 1500 pieces. The Ming Dynasty mural behind the Zhihua Hall - 'Dizang Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings of the Underworld', which depicts the Dizang Bodhisattva's Dharma phase, is a masterpiece of the existing Ming Dynasty murals in China. There is still a 'turning wheel treasure' in the treasure hall, which is the oldest turning wheel treasure in Beijing. ——Zhihua Ri originally had two caisson ceilings, one of which is the Zhihua Hall caisson ceiling. The Zhihua Hall caisson ceiling is a flat square with eight buckets, with a complex structure and exquisite craftsmanship, and is a top-notch Ming Dynasty architectural wood carving. It was lost to the United States in the 1930s and is now in the Nelson Art Museum. ——Rulai Hall, also known as Wanfo Pavilion, is a one-story building and is the largest building in Zhihua Temple. The downstairs is dedicated to the main Buddha Shakyamuni, with Brahma and Vajra as attendants; the upstairs is dedicated to Vairocana Buddha, Lushena Buddha, and Shakyamuni Buddha. On the upper and lower two layers of the gable, the Buddha niches are full, with 9,999 small Buddhas inside, and the Wanfo Pavilion is named after it. The top caisson ceiling was lost to the United States in the 1930s and is now in the Philadelphia Museum. 👍Special recommendation: Zhihua Temple Beijing music is a traditional music that was spread in the Beijing area during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was listed as the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. It is mainly played by wind instruments, supplemented by cloud gongs, drums and other percussion instruments. The tune is solemn and elegant, the score is precious and mysterious, the tune card is old and rich, and it is known as the 'living fossil' of ancient Chinese music. Now there is a Beijing music concert in Zhihua Temple every morning and afternoon, starting at ten in the morning and three in the afternoon, each concert lasts about fifteen minutes. 📍Detailed address: North of Dongkou Road, Liumi Warehouse, Dongcheng District 🕙Business hours: Zhihua Temple opening hours: 8:30-16:30 (closed on Monday) 🚉Transportation strategy: ——Take bus 44 inner, 44 outer, 58, 650, special 12 inner, special 12 outer, special 2, night 20 inner, night 20 outer, etc. to 'Yabao Road' station. ——Take bus 24, 674, night 28 to 'Liumi Warehouse' station, walk to the end of Liumi Warehouse Hutong. ——Take the subway line 2 to Chaoyangmen station, walk or ride 700 meters.