- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing

Zhihua Temple (智化寺) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Lumicang Hutong of the Dongcheng District in Beijing. The temple, built in 1443 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is in the "Garan Seven Hall" style of the Tang and Song Dynasties, which refers to a temple complex with seven groups of buildings, including the front gate, Heavenly Kings' hall, Great Buddha hall, drum and bell towers, and side halls.

The temple is the largest wooden architectural complex and the only remaining Buddhist temple with Ming characteristics in Beijing. It is impressive for its extensive use of black roof tiles and the elegant paintings and decorations.

Of all the buildings, the Tathagata Hall is the largest and most exquisite one, housing more than 9,000 Buddha statuettes. The revolving sutra cabinet in the Tibetan Hall, meticulously carved out and well-preserved, is the only one of its kind in Beijing. The temple is also well-known for its ancient court performances and Buddhist music which has been handed down for 28 generations over more than 500 years.

Travel Tips:

1. The best time to visit the temple is from April to October.

2. There are four court and Buddhist music performances every day, three in the morning at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 respectively, and one in the afternoon at 3:00, each lasting for 15 minutes.

- Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

- Admission: 20 yuan

- Tel: 86-10-65135206

- How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 to Chaoyangmen Station, Bus 44, 750, 800 to Yabaolu, or Bus 24, 674 to Lumicang

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