Jietai Temple

Yilan has loved lilacs since she was young. The small flowers are modest and unassuming, yet when they bloom, they cover the trees brilliantly like rosy clouds. Most importantly, their fragrance is simply too delightful, sweet and refreshing to the heart. Every April, I look forward to breathing deeply under the lilac trees. Speaking of Beijing's lilacs, there are quite a few planted around the city, but for Yilan, the top choice has to be Jietai Temple! Jietai Temple is one of the oldest royal temples in Beijing, with a history of over 1400 years. It became a place for emperors to visit and enjoy the springtime as early as the Ming and Qing dynasties. Every April, the temple's famous flowers bloom competitively, filling the garden with their fragrance, among which the lilacs are the most renowned. There are more than 1100 lilac bushes planted in Jietai Temple, including over 20 ancient lilacs that are over 200 years old, a rarity in Beijing, making them the city's number one. An ancient poem says: 'The bell tolls, the drumbeat awakens the sleepy. The morning dew on the lilacs is about to drip, the fragrance is so strong it fills the chest.' The reason ancient people preferred to plant lilacs in temples is that the leaves of the lilac are heart-shaped, symbolizing the belief that 'sincerity brings spiritual presence.' Approaching the entrance of Jietai Temple, one can see a huge ancient white lilac stretching out over the red wall, with a blanket of snow-white blossoms blooming unrestrainedly, filling the air with their wonderful scent. Inside the temple, lilacs can be seen everywhere, in white, pink, and purple varieties, with dense clusters of flowers swaying in the breeze. The most significant difference of Jietai Temple's lilacs from others is the sight of many tall lilac trees, these are the historical ancient lilacs, and such tall and lush lilac trees are indeed rare in Beijing. Yilan feels that the season of lilac blossoming in April is the most beautiful time of the year at Jietai Temple. Surrounded by the fragrance of the flowers and the incense from the incense burners, one must visit during this season to empty oneself and quietly walk and look around. One can also enjoy flower viewing and tea drinking under the lilac trees in the Peony Garden, copy scriptures for self-cultivation, and spend a peaceful and serene afternoon. Although there are a bit more tourists compared to other seasons, Jietai Temple is still a quiet place to enjoy the flowers on weekdays, undisturbed for photography, especially recommended in the afternoon when there are fewer people than in the morning, and the sunlight is better for taking photos. Jietai Temple Opening Hours: 8:30-16:30 (Entry stops at 16:00) Ticket Price: 45 yuan Transportation: Drive and navigate to Jietai Temple. Approaching the destination, you will first see Parking Lot 1, followed by Parking Lots 2 and 3. Parking Lot 3 is closest to the main entrance of the scenic area. I am Yilan, a travel-loving photographer, taking you to explore fun and beautiful new ❤ places~

The lilacs are going to bloom soon, and it is recommended to visit Jietai Temple, which was founded during the Sui Dynasty. It is the largest of the three ancient temples in China that were used for the transmission of Buddhist precepts, and it also has many ancient relics and trees. 🚗Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. Parking fee is 10 yuan per car, with no time limit, and parking spaces are not too tight except during peak times on holidays. 💰Admission: 45. 🍛Dining: Many people come to taste the vegetarian meals. There are two sessions at 11:30 and 12:00, costing 20 yuan per person. At 12:30, there is a vegetarian noodle dish, and seats are not very plentiful, so a long queue forms outside in advance. 🏠Accommodation: There are many guesthouses nearby, some with nice environments, and they have their own restaurants, which saves you the trouble of going out to find a place to eat in the morning and evening. You can choose according to your own situation. 🎈Little tip: There will be a chanting ceremony before meals, and during the meal, it is important to not take photos or talk.

Beijing's Jietai Temple is really a splendid place to visit! 🌳 In spring, Jietai Temple is simply a kingdom of ancient lilac trees! Each lilac tree seems like a sprite from the heavens, gently sprinkling its fragrance, intoxicating to those who pass by. Especially the 210-year-old lilac tree, it's like a ceiling-level existence! Standing under it, it's as if one can hear the whispers of history and feel the passage of time. 🏯 The simplicity and grandeur of Jietai Temple are also breathtaking. The first altar, solemn and mysterious, inspires awe. Here, you can feel the profound cultural heritage of Buddhism and appreciate the unique charm of ancient architecture. 📸 Recommended check-in spots: In addition to the ancient lilac trees and the altar, the five hundred Arhats in the side halls of the Jietai Hall are definitely not to be missed! Each Arhat is vividly lifelike, with rich and realistic expressions, as if telling their own stories. Moreover, the two lilac trees at the entrance of the Peony Courtyard are also stunningly beautiful, making them perfect spots for photography! 🚗 Parking tips: Remember to come early! I arrived at 8:40 today, and parking was easy. But if you come at noon, you might have to park on the roadside outside the mountain gate. 🎫 Ticket information: Tickets are 45 yuan, half price for seniors over 60 with ID, and free for Beijing senior cardholders! 🍵 Leisure time: After a round of photos, I highly recommend going to the Peony Courtyard for tea, 128 yuan per pot, with coffee also available. If the Peony Courtyard is full, there is also a place to have tea next to the main entrance at the Bell Pavilion, right by the red wall with the lilac tree, which has its own charm. 🍚 Vegetarian meal experience: At 11 o'clock, I suggest lining up at the Great Vegetarian Hall to eat the first round of vegetarian meals. The vegetarian meal costs 20 yuan per person, and before eating, you will listen to the chanting of scriptures, which gives a strong sense of ritual. It's really a nice experience. However, please note that you cannot take photos of the vegetarian meal! 🌸 Overall, Jietai Temple is truly a place that lives up to the beauty of spring! It has the beauty of ancient lilac trees, the solemnity of the quaint altar, the mystery of the five hundred Arhats, and the leisure of the Peony Courtyard. Come and check in here, and make your spring journey even more wonderful!

Jietai is one of the oldest temples near Beijing. Constructed more than 1,400 years ago, it is an important Buddhist temple. Jietai also is known as the Ordination Altar Temple because it’s where monks and nuns achieved their highest status. Located about 22 miles outside of Beijing, Jietai is affiliated with the Lu Sect of Buddhism and is the largest ordination temple in China. There are a number of halls devoted to Buddhist deities. Check out the vegetation, including five ancient pine trees and the 1,000 lilac trees that offer a fragrant, splendiferous scene in the spring. Lying just to the west of Beijing, Jietai Temple only takes 45 minutes to get to from the center of the capital. Simply hop on a subway to Pingguoyan Station; from here, it is just a short bus ride away on line 948. As these don’t depart all too frequently, you may find it quicker to take a taxi to Jietai Temple, which lies just across the Yongding River. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer