Hongluo Temple
Hongluo Temple, established in 378 CE during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, is one of China’s oldest surviving Buddhist temples. Nestled at the foot of Hongluo Mountain in Huairou District, it spans 80,000 square meters and houses over 1,700 ancient trees, including two 1,600-year-old cypresses. Renowned for its red-painted eaves, stone carvings, and serene mountain vistas, the temple attracts pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty.
Historical Overview
- Founding: Built by monk Fotuoceng during the Jin Dynasty, later expanded under Tang Emperor Gaozong (649 CE).
- Cultural Legacy: Served as a royal prayer site during the Liao and Jin dynasties; hosted Japanese Zen masters in the 13th century.
- Modern Era: Designated a National Cultural Relic in 1996; underwent major renovations in 2004.
Structural Layout
The temple is divided into three zones:
- Main Hall Complex: Features the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian), with 18 arhat statues and a 6m-tall golden Buddha.
- Mountain Retreat Area: Includes the Guanyin Pavilion and Red-Walled Monasteries, offering panoramic mountain views.
- Ancient Tree Grove: Home to the "King of Cypresses" (1,600 years old) and a 500-year-old ginkgo tree.
Major Attractions
- Mahavira Hall: The temple’s largest hall, housing three 8m-tall golden Buddhas and intricate ceiling murals.
- Red-Walled Monasteries: A series of Ming Dynasty-era meditation chambers with crimson walls and lotus-shaped windows.
- Hongluo Pool: A heart-shaped pond fed by mountain springs, said to turn red during autumn.
- Ancient Cypress Grove: Walking paths amidst 1,000+-year-old trees, ideal for meditation and photography.
- Guanyin Pavilion: A three-story wooden tower with 108 staircases, offering views of the temple and mountains.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Pilgrimage (2–3 hours):
Entrance → Mahavira Hall → Ancient Cypress Grove → Hongluo Pool → Red-Walled Monasteries.
Highlight: Morning prayers and incense offerings. - Cultural Deep Dive (4–5 hours):
Entrance → Guanyin Pavilion → Mahavira Hall → Ancient Tree Grove → Tea Ceremony Experience (¥50/person).
Add-on: Copy Buddhist sutras at the Sutra Copying Hall. - Nature & Spirituality Tour (Full Day):
Morning: Hike Hongluo Mountain (2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Temple exploration + vegetarian lunch (¥30).
Evening: Sunset meditation at the Red-Walled Monasteries.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account "Hongluo Temple" (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; limited availability during festivals.
- Prices:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥54 (adults), ¥27 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
- By Bus: From Dongzhimen Hub Station, take Bus 866/916 to Huairou, then transfer to Bus H58 to Hongluosi. Special tourist buses depart at 9:00 AM (¥30 one-way).
- By Car: 1-hour drive from Beijing via G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway → S11 Qinghai-Xinjiang Expressway.
- Guided Tours: Half-day tours from Beijing (¥150–200/person, includes transport).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–June (blossoms) and October–November (autumn foliage/ginkgo season).
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; arrive early (8:00 AM opening).
- Essentials:
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees for temple visits).
- Bring bottled water (limited vendors on-site).
- Respect rituals: No photography inside halls; walk clockwise around stupas.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
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Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
