There are many temples in Beijing, such as Yonghe Temple and Tanzhe Temple. However, recently, compared with Tanzhe Temple, another “highly efficacious” temple in Beijing has gone viral. It is as famous as Yonghe Temple, is known as the “No. 1 Ancient Temple in Northern Beijing,” and attracts an exceptionally large number of worshippers.
This is Hongluo Temple, located in Luzhuang Village, Huairou Town, Huairou District, Beijing, at the southern foot of Hongluo Mountain. With a history of more than 1,700 years, it is an ancient temple known as the “No. 1 Ancient Temple in Northern Beijing.”
Speaking of Hongluo Temple, the four golden characters meaning “Great Temple of Northern Beijing” displayed on the magnificent archway at the foot of the mountain are enough to reveal its long history and profound heritage. Since ancient times, it has been a sacred place in Beijing for praying for blessings.
Introduction to Hongluo Temple
According to historical records, Hongluo Temple was first built in the fourth year of the Xiankang reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD 338) and was originally named "Daming Temple." By the Yuan Dynasty, it had already become an imperial temple. Due to the legend of the Red Snail Fairy, it became popularly known as "Hongluo Temple." Hongluo Temple is one of the largest Buddhist monastic complexes and an important cradle of Buddhism in northern China, enjoying an extremely prestigious status.
Hongluo Temple is a permanent monastery open to monks from all directions. The last two patriarchs of the Chinese Pure Land School both preached and taught Buddhism at Hongluo Temple, and later established Pure Land practice centers at Beijing Hongluo Temple and Putuo Temple in Zhejiang. Hence the well-known saying: “Putuo in the south, Hongluo in the north.”
For a long time, a popular saying in Beijing has been, “Yonghe for men, Hongluo for women.” Devotees come in an endless stream, and the temple is always filled with incense smoke. It is also said to be especially efficacious for praying for love and marriage, children, and academic success.
The entire temple faces south and covers more than one hundred mu. From front to back, it is divided into three main courtyards, featuring the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, and Hall of the Three Saints. Between the main halls stand thousand-year-old ancient trees, along with several side halls, including the Garbhadhatu Hall, Patriarch Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Bodhidharma Hall.
In addition to its temple buildings, Hongluo Temple is also famous for its “Three Unique Sights”: the Imperial Bamboo Forest, the Male and Female Ginkgo Trees, and the Wisteria Climbing Pine. These three wonders are renowned far and wide. In particular, millions of green bamboo stalks and thousands of mu of ancient pine forest surround the entire temple, creating a picturesque scene of “an ancient temple hidden among waves of greenery.”
Main Attractions at Hongluo Temple
Imperial Bamboo Forest
Upon entering Hongluo Temple, you will encounter the “Imperial Bamboo Forest.” This bamboo grove was planted by Chan Master Yunshan during the Yuan Dynasty and has a history of nearly 700 years. Remarkably, it has now grown to nearly one million bamboo plants, all of the distinctive “Jade Inlaid with Gold” variety, creating a truly breathtaking sight.
Two Thousand-Year-Old “Male and Female Ginkgo Trees”
In front of the Mahavira Hall stand two world-famous male and female ginkgo trees. Both are more than 1,100 years old and remain strong and upright. The pair is regarded as a heavenly match and is often described as a pair of thousand-year-old “husband and wife trees.”
Wisteria Climbing Pine
This unique natural sight consists of one flat-topped pine tree intertwined with two wisteria vines. Every May, the wisteria bursts into bloom, filling the air with fragrance.
Hongluo Temple Travel Guide
Admission: RMB 54 (tickets can be purchased on site)
Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00
How to Get to Hongluo Temple
Address: No. 2 Hongluo East Road, north of Huairou District, Beijing
Transportation: Driving is recommended. You can take the Jingcheng Expressway—Huairou Urban Area Exit—Hongyan Road directly to Hongluo Temple; alternatively, take Jingshun Road (National Highway 101)—Huairou Urban Area—then travel north along Qingchun Road for 3 kilometers to reach the temple directly.
