Beijing Jie Tai Temple

Beijing Jie Tai Temple includes Sanxian Hall, Qinafo Hall and Jiuxian Hall. Surrounding these halls are rock formations and ancient ornaments and trees. The most common species are cypress, pine and Japanese pagoda trees. The temple also has a 250-year old lilac bush. Another famous tree is Nine Dragon that looks like a flying dragon as its nine branches twist upwards. Other trees that surround Jietai Temple have been given unique names like Leisure Pine or Zi Zan, Sleeping Dragon or Wo Long, and Embracing Pagoda or Bao Ta. A mysterious tree called Trembling Pine or Hou Dong is said to tremble when only one branch is touched. These ancient trees are top attractions for both domestic and foreign tourists. These trees actually made the temple very popular. These old trees are considered to be protectors of Buddhism. There is a total of 88 national ancient trees preserved all over the temple.

At the Ordination Altar there is a three-story wooden altar in the main hall. There are steps connecting the lower and the upper sections. The finely carved image of Buddha that measures a little less than one hundred feet in height covers a wall in the compound’s northwest section where the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas stands. Visitors can also find a Jin Dynasty stela and a Liao Dynasty stupa. Additionally, there are many stone pillars carved with Buddhist sutra texts that are preserved in almost perfect condition. Ceremonies are conducted at the ordination altar to commemorate the ascension of devotees to monkhood.

Jietai Temple Religious Activities: Lucky tourists can witness religious activities at the temple that are usually held the first and 15th day of every month in the lunar calendar. They call these religious activities Buddhist Days. This has been permitted by the government since 1997.

Outside Jietai Temple: On the other hand, people who are not fond of temples may simply enjoy the beauty of Jietai Temple from the outside. There are abundant mystic natural views and colorful customs. Tourists can take pictures of the smaller hall houses with stunning small wooden altars. They are decorated with dragons.