Beijing Hongluo Temple Scenic Area is located at the southern foot of Hongluo Mountain, Yanqi Lake Town, Huairou District, Beijing. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and one of the long-standing and influential Buddhist temples in northern China, known as "the first ancient temple in northern Beijing". The total area of the scenic area is 800 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. It is famous for its four-season landscapes of "enjoying flowers in spring, avoiding summer heat in summer, viewing leaves in autumn, and admiring the three friends of cold weather in winter". Hongluo Temple was first built in the fourth year of Xiankang in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (338 AD) and has a history of more than 1,600 years. Most of the existing buildings were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties, mainly including the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Three Saints Hall, and Thousand-Handed Guanyin Hall, with a total construction area of about 14,000 square meters. The scenic area is renowned for its profound Buddhist culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and unique "Three Wonders of Hongluo" (Imperial Bamboo Grove, Male and Female Ginkgoes, Wisteria Attached to Pine), and is a comprehensive scenic area integrating religious culture, ecological sightseeing, and leisure vacations.
History and Culture
The history of Hongluo Temple can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It was built under the supervision of Fotu Deng, a disciple of the Western Region monk Fotu Cheng, and was initially named "Daming Temple". During the Northern Wei Dynasty, the scale of the temple gradually expanded and became one of the Buddhist holy places in northern China. In the Tang Dynasty, the Indian monk Amoghavajra once propagated Esoteric Buddhism here, making Hongluo Temple one of the ancestral halls of Esoteric Buddhism.
During the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty, the temple underwent large-scale renovations. Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty bestowed upon it the name "Huguo Zifu Chan Temple". However, due to the widespread legend of the Red Snail Fairy in the temple, it was still commonly known among the people as "Hongluo Temple" (Red Snail Temple). In the Qing Dynasty, Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong visited the temple many times, allocated funds for its repair, and granted imperial inscriptions and plaques, bringing Hongluo Temple to its heyday. At that time, there were hundreds of monks in the temple, and the incense offerings were extremely prosperous.
As an important carrier of Buddhist culture, Hongluo Temple inherits both the Chan and Esoteric traditions of Han Buddhism. The temple preserves a large number of cultural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Buddha statues, inscriptions, and sutras. In addition, the architectural layout of the temple strictly follows Buddhist regulations, reflecting the integration of ancient Chinese architecture and religious culture, and has extremely high historical and artistic value.
Main Attractions
Main Temple Area of Hongluo Temple
The main temple area of Hongluo Temple is the core area of the scenic spot, with buildings such as the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Three Saints Hall, and Thousand-Handed Guanyin Hall distributed along the central axis. The Mountain Gate is a single-eave gable roof with three bays in width, and the door lintel hangs the plaque "Huguo Zifu Chan Temple", which was erected in the Qing Dynasty. The Heavenly King Hall enshrines Maitreya Buddha, Wei Tuo Bodhisattva, and the Four Heavenly Kings, with vivid statues. The Main Hall is the largest building in the temple, 15 meters high with five bays in width. It enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha, with statues of the Eighteen Arhats on both sides, all of which are precious clay sculptures from the Ming Dynasty. The Three Saints Hall and the Thousand-Handed Guanyin Hall enshrine the Western Three Saints and the Thousand-Handed Guanyin respectively, with strong incense.
Imperial Bamboo Grove
The Imperial Bamboo Grove is located on the left side of the Mountain Gate and is one of the "Three Wonders of Hongluo". It covers an area of about 6,000 square meters and has nearly 2,000 moso bamboos. It is said that this bamboo grove was planted by Zen Master Yunshan in the Yuan Dynasty, and later named "Imperial Bamboo Grove" by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty during his visit. The bamboo grove is dense and tall, evergreen all year round. There are stone paths and rest pavilions in the grove. Walking through it, with the breeze blowing and the rustling of bamboo leaves, it is a good place for quiet relaxation. There is also a "Sweet Dew Spring" in the bamboo grove, with clear and sweet spring water that never dries up.
Male and Female Ginkgoes
The male and female ginkgoes are located in front of the Main Hall and are the second of the "Three Wonders of Hongluo", with a history of more than 1,100 years. The male tree is 20 meters high, with a chest diameter of 1.1 meters and a crown width of 25 meters; the female tree is 18 meters high, with a chest diameter of 0.9 meters and a crown width of 20 meters. The two trees stand opposite each other east and west, with luxuriant branches and leaves. Every autumn, the golden leaves cover the ground, presenting a spectacular scene. It is said that these two ginkgoes were planted in the Tang Dynasty. Because the female tree bears fruit without falling flowers and the male tree blooms without bearing fruit, they are regarded as "husband and wife trees", symbolizing a happy marriage, attracting many tourists to pray for blessings.
Wisteria Attached to Pine
Wisteria Attached to Pine is the third of the "Three Wonders of Hongluo", located in the courtyard in front of the Three Saints Hall, consisting of a thousand-year-old flat-topped pine and two wisteria plants twining around it. The flat-topped pine is about 6 meters high, with a umbrella-like crown and a history of more than a thousand years; the wisteria has a diameter of about 30 centimeters, clinging to the pine tree. Every late spring and early summer, purple flowers bloom, covering the entire crown, forming a unique landscape of "pine as the skeleton, wisteria as the clothing". This rare natural phenomenon of "wisteria attached to pine" is known as "a unique wonder in China" and is one of the iconic landscapes of Hongluo Temple.
Hongluo Mountain
Hongluo Mountain is the natural background of the scenic spot, with the main peak at an altitude of 814 meters, named because its shape resembles a red conch shell. The mountain is densely wooded, with various trees such as Chinese pine, cypress, and oak, and wild animals such as roe deer and hares inhabit here. There are multiple hiking trails in the mountains, with a total length of about 5 kilometers, along which you can enjoy attractions such as Guanyin Temple and Holy Spring. After reaching the top, you can overlook the entire scenic area and the scenery of Huairou urban area, with a broad view.
Guanyin Temple
Guanyin Temple is located halfway up Hongluo Mountain, first built in the Liao Dynasty, and the existing buildings were rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, covering an area of about 800 square meters. The temple enshrines a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, which is 3.6 meters high and carved from white marble with exquisite craftsmanship. Guanyin Temple is surrounded by green trees, with a quiet environment. In front of the temple, there is a "Holy Water Spring" with clear spring water, which is said to be able to eliminate disasters and pray for blessings, attracting many tourists to stop and drink.
Food
Huairou Chestnut Feast
Huairou Chestnut Feast is a characteristic food around the scenic area, using local specialty Huairou chestnuts as the main ingredient. Huairou chestnuts are plump and high in sugar, and are a national geographical indication product. The chestnut feast includes dishes such as chestnut braised chicken, chestnut braised pork, and chestnut porridge. Among them, chestnut braised chicken uses free-range local chickens stewed with chestnuts, with tender chicken, sweet chestnuts, and a unique flavor. It is available in farmyards near the scenic area, with an average consumption of about 70-90 yuan per person, and is best tasted when chestnuts are ripe in autumn.
Hongluo Vegetarian Feast
Hongluo Vegetarian Feast is a characteristic catering in Hongluo Temple, following the Buddhist vegetarian tradition, using soy products, vegetables, and fungi as raw materials to make imitation meat dishes. Representative dishes include "vegetarian fried eel shreds" (imitated with shiitake mushrooms), "Arhat feast" (a platter of various mushrooms and vegetables), and "vegetarian ham" (made of soy products), with a light and elegant taste and vivid shapes. The vegetarian canteen is located east of the Main Hall, with an average consumption of about 50-80 yuan per person, which satisfies the taste buds and fits Buddhist culture, making it a good place to experience Zen-style dining.
Grilled Rainbow Trout
Grilled Rainbow Trout is a well-known food in Huairou area, available in many restaurants near Yanqi Lake around the scenic area. It uses rainbow trout farmed in local reservoirs, grilled over charcoal fire, brushed with secret sauce on the surface, with a crispy outer skin and tender meat. A rainbow trout weighs about 1.2-1.5 catties, priced at 60-80 yuan, and can be eaten with lettuce and thin pancakes, suitable for tourists who like fresh and fragrant flavors.
Mountain Wild Vegetable Dumplings
Mountain Wild Vegetable Dumplings are traditional pasta in local farmhouses, made with cornmeal as the wrapper, wrapped with fillings made of wild vegetables such as shepherd's purse and amaranth, and eaten after steaming. They have a soft texture, with the fragrance of wild vegetables, and are nutritious and healthy. They are sold in farmyards around the scenic area, about 3-5 yuan each, and when eaten with millet porridge, they have a strong local flavor.
Tickets
The ticket price is 54 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "红螺寺景区" to get the latest news or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are adjusted according to the season: the peak season is from April 1 to October 31 every year, with opening hours from 8:00 to 17:00 (admission stops at 16:30); the off-season is from November 1 to March 31 of the next year, with opening hours from 8:30 to 16:00 (admission stops at 15:30). The scenic area is open all year round, and the opening hours may be extended on major holidays, subject to official notice. In case of extreme weather such as heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, some hiking trails may be temporarily closed.
Tour Routes
Buddhist Culture Tour Route (about 2.5 hours in total): Enter from the scenic area entrance, first visit the Imperial Bamboo Grove, then visit the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Three Saints Hall, and Thousand-Handed Guanyin Hall along the central axis, enjoy landscapes such as the Male and Female Ginkgoes and Wisteria Attached to Pine, and listen to Buddhist stories and historical legends. Then go to the vegetarian canteen to taste the vegetarian feast, and finally go to the Buddhist supplies distribution office to buy Buddhist items or souvenirs. This route is suitable for tourists interested in religious culture.
Ecological Leisure Tour Route (about 4 hours in total): After entering the scenic area, first visit the main temple area, then climb the mountain along the Hongluo Mountain trail, pass through Guanyin Temple and Holy Spring, and enjoy the panoramic view after reaching the top. After going down the mountain, go to the Hundred Flowers Garden (a popular place for flower appreciation in spring), and finally go to the slide on the west side of the scenic area to experience the slide (separately charged, 50 yuan per person) to go down the mountain. This route combines cultural and natural landscapes, suitable for tourists with good physical strength.
Parent-Child Leisure Tour Route (about 2 hours in total): Start from the scenic area entrance, visit the Imperial Bamboo Grove and the main buildings of the main temple area, focus on viewing the "Three Wonders of Hongluo" to let children understand natural and cultural knowledge. Then go to the children's playground (located north of the Imperial Bamboo Grove) to play, then rest in the wisteria corridor in the scenic area, and finally taste the local farm food nearby. This route is a relaxed journey, suitable for families with children.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from downtown Beijing, drive along Jingcheng Expressway to Huairou North Exit, then drive north along Jingjia Road for about 10 kilometers, and follow the road signs to reach the scenic area. The whole journey is about 60 kilometers, with a driving time of 1-1.5 hours. The parking fee in the scenic area is 10 yuan per day for small cars and 20 yuan per day for large cars.
- Bus: Take the 916 Express Bus (Dongzhimen - Huairou Bus Station) at Dongzhimen Hub Station, get off at Huairou Bus Station, then transfer to H57 Bus (Huairou Bus Station - Hongluo Temple), which directly reaches the entrance of the scenic area. The interval of 916 Express Bus is 15 minutes, the whole journey is about 1 hour, and the fare is 12 yuan; the interval of H57 Bus is 30 minutes, the whole journey is about 30 minutes, and the fare is 4 yuan.
- Tourist special line: During the peak season (April-October), Dongzhimen Tourism Distribution Center has a direct tourist line to Hongluo Temple, departing at 8:00 every day and returning at 16:00, with a round-trip fare of 80 yuan per person (including tickets), which needs to be booked 1 day in advance.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Male and Female Ginkgoes: With a history of over 1,100 years, the male tree is 20 meters high and the female tree is 18 meters high. They are golden in autumn, being the iconic landscape of Hongluo Temple, symbolizing a happy marriage, and one of the "Three Wonders of Hongluo".
- Wisteria Attached to Pine: Composed of a thousand-year-old flat-topped pine and two wisteria plants, with a wisteria diameter of 30 centimeters. Purple flowers fill the tree in spring, forming the wonder of "wisteria attached to pine", a rare natural landscape in North China, and one of the "Three Wonders of Hongluo".
- Imperial Bamboo Grove: Covering an area of 6,000 square meters with nearly 2,000 moso bamboos, planted in the Yuan Dynasty and named by Emperor Kangxi. The dense and quiet bamboo grove is an ecological highlight of the scenic area, and one of the "Three Wonders of Hongluo".
- Main Hall: 15 meters high with five bays in width, enshrining the Three Buddhas and the Eighteen Arhats, which are precious clay sculptures from the Ming Dynasty. It is the core building of the main temple area of Hongluo Temple, reflecting ancient Buddhist architectural art.
Travel Suggestions
- Best visiting season: Spring (April-May) when wisteria and peonies are in full bloom; autumn (October-November) when ginkgoes are golden and mountains are dyed with colorful leaves, which are the best seasons for visiting; summer for summer resort, winter for enjoying snow scenery and "three friends of cold weather".
- Equipment suggestions: Wear comfortable sports shoes for mountain climbing, carry sun protection products and mosquito repellent in summer, and keep warm in winter; there are many steps in the scenic area, so the elderly and children can prepare light walking sticks.
- Catering suggestions: You can experience the vegetarian feast in the temple's vegetarian canteen, with an average of 50-80 yuan per person; or taste Huairou chestnut feast and grilled rainbow trout in farmyards around the scenic area, with an average of 70-100 yuan per person; the canteens in the scenic area provide simple meals with slightly higher prices.
- Time arrangement: It is recommended to arrive before 9:00 a.m. to avoid the peak crowd; visiting the main temple area takes about 1.5 hours, and round-trip mountain climbing takes about 2 hours, which can be adjusted according to interests.
Matters Needing Attention
- Religious Etiquette: When entering the temple, you must be neatly dressed and not make loud noises; taking photos in front of Buddha statues is prohibited; incense burning must be done in designated areas and follow the guidance of the temple volunteers.
- Safety Tips: Some sections of the hiking trails are steep, and the roads are slippery on rainy days, so you need to walk carefully; children and the elderly must be accompanied by family members and must not leave the trails without permission.
- Ecological Protection: It is forbidden to pick flowers and plants or fruits in the scenic area, and not to litter randomly; smoking and carving around the Imperial Bamboo Grove and ancient trees are prohibited.
- Consumption Tips: The prices of commodities at the religious supplies distribution offices in the scenic area are relatively high, so you can compare prices at different stores; for secondary consumption items such as slides and battery cars, it is advisable to know the prices in advance (the one-way fare for battery cars is 10 yuan per person).
- Others: There are many tourists on weekends during the peak season, so it is recommended to visit at off-peak times.