Q：How is the basic situation of religious belief in China?
A: China promotes the freedom of religious belief. Religion is as important an aspect of life here as it is anywhere else in the world and belief is permitted as an individual right.
Many religions coexist in relative harmony here, with many Chinese practicing Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity, each respected as independent but equal.
As the capital of a country with many faiths, Beijing has a great variety of sacred sites, reflecting the five religious traditions that can be found across the country.
Q: how about the Buddhism in China?
A: Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy in China; it first arrived during the Han Dynasty and played a central role in Chinese culture and history.
Generally speaking, Buddhism in China can be categorized into Han, Tibetan and Southern Buddhism. Han and Tibetan Buddhism are significant subdivisions; they both preserved important Sanskrit literary works that would otherwise have been lost in Southern Buddhism.
Q: what are the most celebrated Buddhist temples in Beijing?
A: There are numerous Buddhist temples in Beijing, including some that are celebrated.
1. Confucius Temple
Confucius (Kongzi) (551-479 BC), who also bore the names Qiu and Zhongni, is acknowledged as ancient China's greatest thinker and philosopher. Confucianism remains an important aspect of traditional Chinese culture today.
Located at the junction of Ancient Culture and Imperial College streets, the 700-year-old, 22,000 sq.m temple was a sacrificial site for emperors of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Visitors can view the temple's relics from the compound's grand buildings. Among them is the Jinshi Inscription Stele, artefacts relating to the Chinese Imperial Examination System, and what is known as the "13 Scriptures Stele Forest." In 1988, the temple was designated a site under the National Relics Protection Unit.
Address: 13 Guoaijian Jie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 8401 1977
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 10 yuan (for adults), 6 yuan (for old), 3 yuan (for children)
Bus/Subway: 13, 18, 44, 62, 104, 108, 116, 406, 807
2. Temple of Emperors of Successive Dynasties in China
This temple is one of the three imperial temples (Taimiao, Confucius Temple and Emperors' Temple) in Beijing. It was an imperial temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties, used for offering sacrifices to gods and ancestors such as Yanhuang (the godfather of Chinese) and distinctive emperors and heroes in history. It existed only in rural Beijing. The magnificent "Jingdechongsheng" Hall has the same elevation and size as the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City. The huge red wall before the gate is of a type seldom seen in China. The buildings such as Shenchu, Shenku, Zaishengting and Jingting were constructed according to the system of imperial graves. It is simple and mysterious.
3. Jietai Temple
During any visit to China, you will encounter tour guides with tales of ancient trees in temple courtyards. One of the finest examples must be the Jiulong Pine Tree (or Nine-Dragon Pine), found inside Jietai Temple, and said to be over 1,300 years old.
Built during the Tang Dynasty, the temple is a tree lover's delight with the main complex liberally dotted with ancient pines, many of which have their own quirky names.
Address: South of Maanshan, Mentougou District
Tel: +86 10 6980 6611
Opening hours: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Buses/Subway: You 7* at Qianmen or 335 at Fuchengmen or take 931 at Pingguoyuan
4. Yonghegong (Lama Temple)
Yonghegong (Lama Temple) is probably the most prominent and colourful temple in Beijing. At one time it was the official residence of Count Yin Zhen, a Chinese emperor during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). On becoming emperor in 1723, the temple was transformed from green to imperial yellow.
Now a working lamasery, it has three spectacular archways and five main halls, each larger than the last and all featuring courtyards and galleries. Keep an eye out for the 18-metre high Buddha in Wanfu Pavilion.
Address: 12 Yonghe Gong Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6404 4499
Opening hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Bus/Subway: 13, 18, 44, 62, 116, 406, 807
